You can be a digital nomad and live in Croatia paying just $600 a month in rent
Even as we slowly work our way out of the pandemic and resume normal activities, there are certain behaviors that took hold in the last 18 months that won't go away. Remote employment is one particular aspect of life during the pandemic that seems to have been become something that many workers enjoy and don't want to see end.
Croatia is making a push to attract those types of remote workers, entrepreneurs and work-from-anywhere professionals by building a village for digital nomads. The Digital Nomad Valley Zadar is located about 30 minutes from the ancient port city of Zadar, and it opens on Oct. 10 with a host of facilities designed to appeal to workers with a certain sense of wanderlust.
The Valley, as some call it, is curated for digital nomads interested in short- or long-term stays. It contains a variety of living spaces, from studio apartments to two- and three-bedroom apartments that can be rented for as little as two weeks, or as long as you want to stay. If you prefer a bit more isolation, there is also a campsite where you can rent space to park a camper.
Related: 7 reasons you should take advantage of Malta's new remote work program
A big part of the appeal of The Valley is its affordable rental prices. Prices start at $150 a week for a minimum two-week stay for a private bedroom inside a shared unit. That comes to $600 for four weeks, which is substantially less than the average monthly rent for apartments across most of Europe.
If you prefer more privacy or if you're married, getting your own place could run as low as $287 per week, depending on the size of the apartment and length of stay. Prices include access to an exclusive co-working space, free Wi-Fi and access to events organized by the village.
Croatia embraced flexible work situations and remote workers early on in the pandemic as work-from-home became the norm. As workers across several industries realize the benefits of working remotely, Croatia is one of many countries looking to attract them, using flexibility as a hook. That's why the Village offers a wide range of stay options. Whether you're looking for a short-term change of scenery or looking for a place to spend extended time in, Zadar is an appealing option.
Related: Why the Workcation is a hot travel trend
"Zadar is one of the most progressive cities in Croatia with many students and young people, so it's a very good mixture of history and innovation," Mario Mrksa, CEO of grabAhome, the company behind the Village, told Yahoo! Life. It's also home to a bustling nightlife and restaurant scene.
The nickname "The Valley" was selected, Mrksa says, because it suggests entrepreneurship.
You can find more details about Croatia's digital nomad village here.
In case you have not visited Croatia before, you can fly from Newark (EWR) and Philadelphia (PHL) to Dubrovnik (SPU) via Croatia Airlines with a connection to Zadar Airport (ZAD). You can also fly on other carriers, including Delta, United, Turkish Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Air France, Alitalia, KLM and Lufthansa.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.