How to choose a coliving: a checklist before you book

A great coliving makes a month abroad feel easy. A poor fit makes it feel long. Run through this list before you send a request.

Internet and power

• Is the Wi-Fi speed stated, and is it fibre or a mobile router?
• Is there a backup connection for when the main line drops?
• Does the router (or the whole house) stay on during power cuts?

Workspace

• Are there real desks and chairs, or just the dining table?
• Is there a quiet room or call booth for meetings?
• Are there quiet hours, and do people respect them?

Your room

• Private or shared? With its own bathroom?
• Air conditioning or fans? On the coast this matters more than you think.
• Is the room near the kitchen, the road or the pool?

Community and vibe

• How many people live there, and for how long do they usually stay?
• Is it social, with dinners and trips, or quiet and focused? Neither is better; pick what suits your work.
• Who’s staying when you plan to arrive?

Location

• How far is the beach, the town centre or the nearest café you’d actually work from?
• Will you need a scooter or tuk-tuks to get around?
• Is it the right season? The south and west coasts are best from about November to April; the east coast from about May to October.

Money

• What’s included: utilities, cleaning, linen, breakfast, activities?
• Is there a deposit, and what’s the cancellation policy?
• What’s the minimum stay, and is there a discount for longer?

Reviews

Read the most recent ones and look for specifics: Wi-Fi reliability, cleanliness, how the host handles problems, and whether people stayed longer than planned.

Before you fly

Check the entry and visa requirements for your nationality, especially for longer stays, and get travel insurance that covers remote work and activities like surfing.

Found a place that ticks the boxes? Send a request with your dates and a line about what you do. Hosts love knowing who’s coming.