Remote workers are increasingly leveraging their jobs to allow them to work and live in tourist hotspots, and countries around the world are scrambling to attract the growing class of remote workers known as “digital nomads”.

A new survey by identity verification solutions provider Regula identified the ten most common activities for digital nomads in locations including Germany, Mexico, Spain, the UAE, the UK and the US. Respondents were asked to highlight the activities which are the most challenging.

This resulted in a comparative ranking of countries where businesses encounter difficulties in accommodating workers with foreign identity documents.

The best and worst countries for digital nomads

Digital nomads expressed the most frustration when interacting with organisations offering services in the US. This is perhaps surprising as the US was the most visited country by digital nomads as of March 2023.

The most painful verification processes for nomads in the US are when crossing the border (21% of respondents), checking into a hotel (19%), renting accommodation (19%), activating a new mobile phone or SIM card (17%) and securing a rental car (14%).

Germany stands out as a beacon of efficiency for digital nomads. It offers seamless verification processes during critical steps, including applying for a visa, boarding a flight and checking into a hotel.

The remote working era has impacted global industries, and hotel businesses that do not follow the digital nomadic trend may lose the high-value consumer segment they represent.