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Top 10 Most Comfortable Mattresses Money Can Buy

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If there’s one job role that most of us would like to have right now, it has got to be a mattress- reviewer. Imagine completing a task just by sleeping! And so when we found out that we will review mattresses, we crossed our fingers. We wanted ‘The Top 10 Most Comfortable Mattress’ assignment to fall on our desks – Our team was the lucky one.

Among the several mattresses that our team tried, only 10 made it to our list. We used professional standards, and of course, gauged how comfortable we slept after a long day of work.

Take note that we included both affordable and high-end mattresses so you have wider options. 

1. Allswell Luxe Hybrid Mattress

This mattress is made of memory foam and innerspring coils. These coils are individually wrapped that can provide maximum support. You won’t be bothered even if your kids or partner move a lot when they sleep. What we love about this mattress is that it cools down your body so it’s perfect most especially during the hotter days. It’s 12 inches tall and ideal for any type of sleeper.

You can have this amazing mattress for $395 for their twin size. All things considered, you are getting more than what you paid for with Allswell Luxe Hybrid Mattress

2. Wave Hybrid Casper Mattress

The Casper Mattress was launched in 2014 and has been making waves up until this very day. Their mattress combines multiple layers of poly foam, memory foam, latex, and coils. It’s quite overwhelming but their intention is to provide comfort, support, and relief.

We tried it for ourselves and noticed how our backs were evenly distributed. It works perfectly for people finding relief. However, we do not recommend this for stomach sleepers.

Be prepared to spend a lot on Casper Mattress. You can bring this home for $1,346 for the twin size. It’s not the most practical choice, but if you want superior quality, then go ahead and buy one right now. 

3. 360 p6 Smart Bed

Since smart homes are already becoming popular, getting a smart bed might not be a bad idea after all. Their technology monitors your body’s movements and it will adjust the mattress accordingly. 

This 11-inch mattress has gel-infused foams that are beneficial to reduce body heat. The smart bed’s app is available for both Android and Apple users. 

360 p6 Smart Bed has different sizes available from twin XL to California King. It’s best for people suffering from chronic pains. However, since the mattress is expensive, you might want to think twice – or even thrice, if it is worth it.

As it uses advanced technology, you can have your own 360 p6 Smart Bed Twin XL for $1,899. 

4. Leesa Hybrid Mattress

This brand is high on their social responsibility as for every 10 mattresses they sell, they donate one mattress to a non-profit organization. But there is more to love than their big hearts. For one, it uses a cooling Avena foam which makes our sleep even better. It also has excellent edge support that allows you to maximize the entire area of your bed when you sleep.

Although we have to admit, the weight of the mattress is too much even for two people. So if you plan to install it in your home, make sure you are fully decided where you want to have it

Get your own Twin Size Leesa Hybrid Mattress for $849.

5. Birch Mattress

If you are looking for a comfortable, flame-retardant, and eco-friendly mattress, Birch is your best choice. They use all-natural materials such as wool fibers, natural latex, and organic cotton. We recommend the mattress for stomach and back sleepers. But if you share your bed with someone who moves a lot, we believe this isn’t the best option. 

If you buy from them, 1% of the sale will go straight to the National Forest Foundation. Their twin mattress is available for $1,049. 

6. Plank Mattress

With this mattress, you have two firmness options, and all you have to do is to flip it. We don’t suggest buying this bed if you are light or 125 lbs and below. Motion isolation wise, this has performed well and is a good choice if you share your bed. According to experts, the foam will last for around 8 years, but this depends on how you use it.

We love that this mattress has a more affordable price of $699 for the twin size. 

7. Nectar Mattress

This mattress uses different layers of gel quilting foam, memory foam, and base foam. We highly recommend this for stomach sleepers. Since it is quite firm, those who are heavy might find this the perfect mattress. Wait for it to fully expand first and based on experience, you have to wait for more than 24 hours.

The company goes an extra mile by allowing their customers to try the mattress for 365 days before fully committing. Free cover replacement is also available. So it isn’t just great mattresses that you’d get from them, they also have outstanding customer service.

It’s one of the most comfortable mattresses on our list with a price of $399 for the twin size. 

8. Beautyrest Black

Beautyrest Black uses luxury and high-end foams and quality spring support systems. In fact, they use one of the longest-lasting coils in the industry. It’s no wonder that a lot of celebrities endorse the mattress.

The mattress is pretty firm and we would rate it as 8 out of 10 (10 being the rock). But remember, most people would rather choose a 6 or 7.5 in terms of firmness. Thus, this is good if you are a stomach sleeper.

However, even with such loud marketing, we feel that some of the mattresses that we’ve reviewed here fared better. If you are all about fashion, then this should do you good. 

If you want to splurge on your mattress, the Beautyrest Black’s price starts at $1,999. 

9. Titan

Here’s another hybrid mattress that’s ideal for heavier people. It is made for sleepers who weigh more than 200 lbs. With high-density foams and outstanding springs, this mattress provides durability and comfort at the same time.

We did some tests on motion isolation and it passed our standards. Even if you are sharing your bed with a toddler, you can still get that good amount of sleep. And on hot nights, Titan’s technology will cool you down.

You can have your own Titan mattress for $699. This is cheaper than most of the mattresses here. But we assure you that in terms of quality and performance, Titan could go a long way and deserves a spot in The Top 10 Most Comfortable Mattress list. 

10. Brooklyn Aurora

The last mattress on our list is Brooklyn Aurora. It offers 3 levels of firmness to accommodate whatever type of sleeper you are. It uses eco-friendly foams and you can try it out for 120 days. The standard is just 100 so they are a bit generous to give you an additional 20 days. 

When we first touched the mattress, we already knew that it can improve your body’s temperature as you sleep. The only disadvantage we noticed was that it can be a bit bouncy. But of course, we understand that some people would prefer a bouncy mattress.

If this sounds right for you, the twin size bed can be yours for $999. 

Conclusion

It was such an amazing experience to review different mattresses. Some of our team members have already placed their orders after trying out the best ones. But among all the mattresses that we’ve tried, the one that won us over is  Allswell Luxe Hybrid Mattress. It’s not because they offer more affordable options. We also based it on the materials, the benefits, and the after-service. 

Judging ‘The Top 10 Most Comfortable Mattress’ relies on different factors. You have to consider your weight, sleeper type, and the budget, among many others. It is subjective and what is good for us might be different from yours.  

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Lifestyle

Lesbian Bars Were Dying. Now They’re Making a Comeback

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lesbian bars

The buzz on the headlines these past few years makes it impossible not to notice: “Only 21 lesbian bars remain in America,” or “The rise and fall of America’s lesbian bars,” and “Why lesbian bars are disappearing.”

The once-thriving niche of lesbian bars has indeed dwindled. The ones that remain have become clandestine tourist destinations littered around the heartland. These last bastions of the lesbian community are now few and far between.

However, we see a glimmer of hope with recent developments. It could be that grassroots campaigns are poised to save lesbian bars from the brink.

Let’s back up a little.

The origin of lesbian bars

lesbian bars
“In Bed the Kiss,” an 1892 painting by Toulouse Lautrec

If you’re a fan of Moulin Rouge (or French history, I guess), you might know a bit about the inception of the modern lesbian bar. Artist Toulouse Lautrec often chronicled the lesbian nightlife in turn-of-the-century France. Bars like Le Rat Mort were owned and frequented by lesbians.

This phenomenon spread to other areas of high society in the early 20th century. In Weimar Germany, lesbian entrepreneur Elsa Conrad owned multiple such bars. Bars for women were a rarity in the US at the time, but the upper-crust Cafe des Beaux-Arts, which operated in New York from 1911 to 1921, is cited as an early example.

Prohibition and its aftermath

lesbian bars
Two Minnesota bootleggers, 1921, via Minnesota History Center

When we talk about the modern history of lesbian bars, the clock usually starts after Prohibition’s repeal in 1933. Bars like Roselle Inn in Chicago and Mona’s in San Francisco opened shortly thereafter.

It’s worth noting, however, that lesbian bars truly started to pop up during Prohibition. Where women had previously been legally discouraged from drinking, the total prohibition of alcohol was ironically an expanding force. Women could drink freely in speakeasies, and even own them.

The lesbian bars that sprang up after Prohibition were the offspring of the lesbian speakeasies that came before, such as Eve’s Hangout, which was shut down after a 1926 police raid.

The golden age of lesbian bars

lesbian bars
Lesbian patrons at the Green Door in North Hollywood, 1955, via June Mazer Lesbian Archives

Lesbian bars and communities continued to grow, aided by the growth of cities and economic prosperity that followed World War II. Bars of this era still faced plenty of threats. Gay activity was still criminalized, organized crime was eager to capitalize, and internal debates split the community in twain.

In the ‘50s, de facto segregation and economic inequality kept many Black lesbians out of major lesbian bars. So did rigid attitudes about lesbian coupling built around butch/femme (or stud/femme) binaries.

Gay rights!

lesbian bars
Members of the Daughters of Bilitis circa 1956, via Malinda Lo

The first lesbian political organization, the Daughters of Bilitis, was formed in 1955. This was an early motion in the broader LGBTQ+ rights movement, which shone a national spotlight on lesbian and gay communities.

As the movement grew throughout the ‘60s, so did identification with/interest in lesbianism. As lesbian feminism developed in the ‘70s, lesbian bars became activist spaces in addition to social ones. By the ‘80s, there were over 200 lesbian bars nationwide.

There’s just one problem, and it’s a problem that emerges any time social spaces become political ones: politics create conflict. Divisions bubbled over who should and shouldn’t be included in lesbian spaces, from trans women to straight “political lesbians.” This fed into the damaging notion that “lesbian” itself was an exclusionary term.

The slow, painful fall

lesbian bars
Homer Simpson at a lesbian bar, from The Simpsons episode “Fear of Flying”

These divisions persisted, but lesbian bars remained fairly prevalent throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s. New movements led to new expansions. The Combahee River Collective helped open doors for lesbians of color. The community was ravaged by the AIDS crisis, but activism on that front helped bring the broader LGBT community together. By the mid-’90s, the Lesbian Avengers were bringing lesbian issues to the forefront of the community.

So, what did kill the lesbian bar? 9/11? The recession? Is it somehow Ellen’s fault?

The truth is, there was no one incident that sent lesbian bars into freefall. The more society as a whole accepted lesbians, the more patronage for these tight-knit neighborhood bars dwindled.

Meanwhile, over the course of the ‘00s, people kind of stopped meeting each other in person. The social role that lesbian bars once played could now be fulfilled much more accessibly by online forums, and later social media.

Statistics show that interest in the “lesbian” label itself may have declined in the ‘00s and ‘10s as well. Post-lesbian discourse has tended to frame the label as too exclusive. While the broader LGBTQ+ community experienced substantial growth in the 21st century, the lesbian community didn’t share in the majority of those gains.

The ravages of COVID-19

lesbian bars
Image Credit: Mufid Majnun on Pexels

Articles about the dramatic decline in lesbian bars started to pop up in the late ‘10s. In 2019, it was estimated that only 15 such bars remained; in fact, there were 21. A string of closings occurred throughout the 2010s as business dwindled and rents increased.

When COVID hit, activists like Erica Rose and Elina Street sounded the alarm. Rose and Street initiated the Lesbian Bar Project, a fundraising campaign aimed at preserving the remaining bars.

Lincoln, NE’s Panic Bar closed in November 2020. In Philly, Toasted Walnut shuttered in February 2021. Even as the Lesbian Bar Project and other campaigns shone a national light on the issue, it seemed like the institution was quickly becoming a thing of the past.

But wait, there’s more?

lesbian bars
Image Credit: Lenovo Storyhub

A confluence of factors led to increasingly dire conditions for the country’s remaining lesbian bars. Pandemic-era restrictions were the final straw for many. But then, something shifted.

See, the pandemic may have kept us apart from each other, but it also reminded us how much we miss sharing a space. As restrictions were lifted, grassroots movements started to form dedicated to providing new, in-person social spaces for lesbians.

The lesbian bar revival

lesbian bars
Via Doc Marie’s on Instagram

As the tireless work of the Lesbian Bar Project kept the remaining bars afloat, social groups and pop-ups started to form across the country. Lesbian Social Detroit. SHELiFE in Miami. Sip City Mixer here in Philly.

These groups coordinate regular events that go beyond the narrow scope of a bar: picnics, beach parties, sporting events. At the same time, they reflect a growing, vibrant, and (contrary to the popular stereotype) inclusive lesbian community nationwide.

As You Are in DC began as a pop-up series, but has now set up a permanent home. The Sports Bra, the first women’s sports bar, is now open in Portland, where another lesbian bar (Doc Marie’s) is opening just this week.

You can thank Lesbian Bar Project for their tireless work keeping remaining lesbian bars alive. You can also thank the internet which, once thought a detriment to the lesbian label, has now invited a new generation of lesbians to flourish.

Looking ahead, more of these pop-ups are trying to set up brick-and-mortar locations. Dave’s Lesbian Bar in Queens is fundraising at its monthly events; so is Hot Donna’s in LA.

Thanks to a renewed focus on community organizing and mutual aid, things are finally looking up for the humble lesbian bar.

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Lifestyle

The 10 Best Gifts for Coffee Lovers

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two coffee cups

Coffee enthusiasts come in all shapes and sizes. Data in the U.S. alone shows that coffee consumption remains high. A 2024 report shows about 73 percent of Americans drink coffee daily.  There’s something for everyone, from cappuccino lovers and bean enthusiasts to those craving a quick, affordable caffeine fix. Whether you’re shopping for a friend, partner, or your own home coffee bar, you’re bound to find something great from our list!

1. Airscape Coffee Canister

Airscape Coffee Canister

Photo Credit: Amazon

Airtight canisters are best for storing coffee to maintain its quality. If your loved one appreciates the quality of their coffee, the Airscape coffee canister is an excellent choice.

Made from food-grade stainless steel, the airtight canister is durable and stylish. The patented inner plunger lid with a two-way valve forces excess oxygen out of the canister and locks out excess humidity. Plus, it is available in various sizes. It’s perfect for storing coffee, as well as other dry goods like tea, sugar, flour, and spices. 

The Airscape Coffee Canister is available in medium and large sizes and six colors. 

2. Cuisinart GK-1 Digital Gooseneck Kettle

Cuisinart GK-1 Digital Gooseneck Kettle

Photo Credit: Amazon

This is our top pick for electric gooseneck kettles. Its precise, angled spout is perfect for making pour-over coffee, perhaps with the Kalita Wave Dripper or the Chemex. Its technical details are fine-tuned: The temperature control is adjustable by five-degree increments, and its rounded handle is easy to maneuver. It has a matte black finish, so it doesn’t pick up fingerprints like stainless steel. And with its shapely design and small footprint, it looks lovely sitting on a kitchen counter.

3. Hario V60 Dripper

Hario V60 Dripper

Photo Credit: Amazon

Brewing with a pour-over is a beloved ritual for coffee lovers. The Hario V60 Ceramic Dripper is one of the most affordable and reliable options and is my favorite.

The ceramic model costs $26.53, but there are also copper, glass, stainless steel, and plastic versions. The affordable filters ensure a clean and delicious brew. While the V60 requires some skill and precision, it’s not too difficult to master. The process encourages mindfulness, making each cup worth the effort.

4. Workhorse Grinder

Workhorse Grinder

Photo Credit: NY Times 

The lightweight Timemore Chestnut C2 Manual Coffee Grinder is our favorite model under $100. Our testers appreciated its impressively smooth and speedy grinding action. The handle comes off, so this grinder is easy to store or travel with—excellent for outdoorsy coffee devotees who don’t want to sacrifice fresh grounds. They can dial in the coarseness and chop through about three tablespoons of coffee at a time.

5.  Moka Express – Squid Game 

Moka Express - Squid Game

Photo Credit: Bialetti

Bialetti and Netflix team up to launch a unique, brightly colored Capsule Collection that celebrates the popularity of the Korean series Squid Game. The vibrant, playful colors, geometric details, and “Game Over” writing enhance the iconic coffee maker, making it an essential companion throughout the game to achieve victory and win the prize.

So, what are you waiting for? Surprise your friend who’s crazy about Squid Game with the limited-edition Moka Express coffee maker.

6. East Fork Ceramic Mug

East Fork Ceramic Mug

Photo Credit: East Fork Pottery

This sturdy, thoughtfully crafted ceramic mug has been my morning companion for a couple of years now, and I couldn’t love it any more than I already do. It went through a phase of viral popularity a while back, but they’re easier to find now. You might have to hop between the available colors, though, because they still do sell out.

The mug is made from robust ceramic that feels sturdy. It has a gently sloping grip big enough for most hands and feels smooth and balanced when you pick it up. Warmed by fresh coffee, the glaze kind of soothes your palm. It’s magical.

7. Instant Pot Milk Frother

Instant Pot Milk Frother

Photo Credit: Instant Pot

Here’s another gift suggestion: The Instant Pot Milk Frother swiftly heats milk for lattes or creamy macchiatos with a spout designed for latte art. This versatile frother can also produce hot milk, which is made of two types: hot milk foam and trendy cold foam.

8. Snow Peak Ti-Double 450 Anodize Mug

Snow Peak Ti-Double 450 Anodize Mug

Photo Credit: Snow Peak

This gift is perfect for friends or loved ones who enjoy camping adventures. Japanese outfitter Snow Peak offers a dizzying array of high-end outdoor apparel that’s popular with bougie car campers and dirtbag climbers alike. Still, the titanium cookware that first propelled the brand’s popularity in the U.S. remains the jewel in its crown.

Enter the Snow Peak Ti-Double 450 mug, which packs timeless style and durability into a double-walled mug that weighs only 115 grams. A pair of foldable handles welded onto the exterior provide extra protection from scalding hot liquids and a new selection of colors.

9. Ratio Six Coffee Maker

Ratio Six Coffee Maker

Photo Credit: Ratio

The Ratio Six Coffee Maker is the best SCA-certified option. It’s a dream machine for any pour-over enthusiast! 

Crafted from durable materials like stainless steel and borosilicate glass, the Ratio Six is visually appealing and incredibly well-made. Its insulated carafe keeps coffee hot for up to an hour after brewing. Moreover, the filter basket features a heat shield to maintain the coffee’s temperature at around 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93 degrees Celsius) during brewing. The heat shield and the professional-quality spray head ensure even and consistent extraction every time.

10. Coffeeness Very Own Espresso Blend

Coffeeness Very Own Espresso Blend

Photo Credit: Amazon

Last but not the least, good coffee is the easiest gift to get for any coffee aficionado. This premium blend of direct-trade Brazilian coffee beans produces rich, bold, and complex espresso that’s ideal straight or paired with milk. Featuring notes of chocolate and hazelnut, our Espresso Blend is particularly low in acidity, making it easy on the stomach.

Conclusion

Our curated list is just a portion of unlimited gift ideas for your coffee-loving pal. From stylish storage solutions and precise brewing tools to unique and thoughtful gifts, you’ll find everything you need to satisfy your coffee cravings and those of your loved ones. So, explore our recommendations and discover the perfect additions to your coffee routine. Cheers to the perfect brew!

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Lifestyle

Digital Nomads Flock To These 10 Amazing Tax-Free Cities

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woman lounging on the sofa

The rise of remote work has paved the way for many to gain freedom to live and work from anywhere in the world. But for many work-from-home advocates, the right destination can also mean gaining financial benefits aside from having their dream lifestyle. This is where tax-free cities for digital nomads come in. Maximize your earnings, reduce business expenses, and enjoy a high-quality lifestyle when you relocate to the ten best tax-free cities:

The Benefits of Living in a Tax-Free City

If you are a digital nomad looking for a change of scenery, you’ll get the following benefits when you move to these destinations:

  • Tax Savings: For entrepreneurs and remote workers, you’ll save on taxes when you move to any of the cities included in this list. Without paying income taxes, you can keep more of your earnings.
  • Business-Friendly Incentives: Many tax-free cities offer favorable corporate policies, residency programs, and economic incentives. Not only will you have the opportunity to work in a setting that suits your lifestyle, but you’ll also reap financial benefits.
  • Improved Financial Freedom: Lower tax burdens offer greater financial flexibility. This enables you to enjoy a higher standard of living, travel for leisure, and invest in your future without excessive government deductions. 

Top 10 Amazing Tax-Free Cities for Digital Nomads

1. Dubai, UAE

Photo Credit: Aleksandar Pasaric on Pexels

Emerging as one of the most attractive destinations for digital nomads, Dubai has a zero personal income tax policy and a thriving business environment. As part of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai offers a state-of-the-art infrastructure, fast internet, and a well-connected global hub with flights to the world’s major cities. The city’s Virtual Working Program grants digital nomads a one-year residency visa that lets them live in Dubai while working for an overseas company.

2. Bermuda

Famous for its stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters, the British Territory of Bermuda makes working remotely even better as it doesn’t impose income taxes. Its digital nomad visa has no income requirement but will ask to see your financial status. This is to prove that you can support yourself on the island without having a job there. It also allows foreign workers to live and work for up to one year. The abundance of outdoor activities, reliable internet, and plenty of co-working spaces provide an excellent balance of work and play.

3. Croatia

An increasingly popular destination for digital nomads, Croatia is a favorite destination for digital nomads. While it isn’t entirely tax-free, its tax policies and dedicated digital nomad visa exempt you from income tax on foreign-earned income. Remote workers who qualify for this country’s Digital Nomad Residence Permit can enjoy this benefit. In addition, Croatia’s low cost of living allows you to enjoy a Mediterranean lifestyle while working remotely.

4. Antigua and Barbuda

Photo Credit: Julia Volk on Pexels

A beautiful Caribbean nation, Antigua and Barbuda offers zero personal income tax for digital nomads. This twin-island nation has stunning beaches, warm weather, and a welcoming expat community that makes it an ideal place if you’re looking to embrace the island life. It introduced the Nomad Digital Residence (NDR) visa to attract more remote workers. This allows you to live and work for up to two years without paying local income taxes.

5. Panama

Thanks to its territorial tax system, Panama is now a popular destination for digital nomads and entrepreneurs looking to enjoy foreign-earned income that isn’t taxed. Its various visa options include the Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers, which lets you live and work for up to 18 months. It requires proof of employment or self-employment with a minimum income of $36,000. This nation offers modern infrastructure, high-speed internet, and an active expat community.

6. Grenada

Earning the moniker “Spice Isle” of the Caribbean, Grenada offers zero personal income tax for digital nomads. It has business-friendly policies, breath-taking landscapes, and a relaxed lifestyle, ideal for remote workers looking for financial and individual freedom. In lieu of a dedicated digital nomad visa, you can take advantage of its long-stay visa options or explore its Citizenship by Investment Program, which gives you the chance to obtain permanent residency.

7. Montserrat

Another tax-free Caribbean hideaway, Montserrat, is a favorite of many digital nomads thanks to its zero personal income tax. Its lush landscape, volcanic scenery, and friendly local community offer superb work-life balance away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its digital nomad visa, the Montserrat Remote Work Stamp, lets you live and work in Montserrat for up to 12 months. All you need to do is provide proof of employment with an annual income of at least $70,000.

8. Barbados

Photo Credit: Blue Ox Studio on Pexels

Having positioned itself as a top destination for remote workers, Barbados offers zero personal income tax by introducing its Barbados Welcome Stamp. This visa lets you live and work in Barbados for up to 12 months, making it an excellent option for those looking for financial and lifestyle benefits. To qualify for the Welcome Stamp, you must earn at least $50,000 annually and provide proof of remote employment or self-employment. Its hassle-free application process lets you enjoy the duty-free import of personal belongings and many other benefits.

9. Anguilla

A dream destination for many digital nomads, Anguilla is another tax-free Caribbean paradise. It offers no personal income, capital gains, or corporate tax for individuals. It introduced the Work From Anguilla program to attract more location-independent professionals. This grants them a 12-month remote work visa and access to high-speed internet, modern infrastructure, and a relaxed, safe environment. Its pristine beaches, low population density, and welcoming community make it the perfect place for productivity and leisure.

10. Uruguay

Another South American hub for digital nomads, Uruguay offers a territorial tax system that does not impose a tax on foreign-earned income. In addition to letting you enjoy a stable and high-quality lifestyle, Uruguay provides a five-year tax holiday on foreign income, an appealing offer for long-term stays. Uruguay’s excellent infrastructure, reliable internet, and active expat community let you establish legal residency via the country’s Straightforward Residency Program.

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