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date icon October 22, 2024

How to become a digital nomad?

CEO & Founder at CodeOp

Not long ago, the idea of being a true digital nomad while still earning a living seemed like a far-fetched dream. Thanks to the rapid advancement of various technologies and companies adopting remote work systems, this once unattainable dream is now a reality for millions around the globe.

According to Intuition.com, the number of employees working remotely before the pandemic was 30%, compared to 48% now.

If you find these numbers inspiring, today’s blog will answer all your questions on the digital nomad lifestyle– from whether or not it is the right choice for you to how you can get started.

What defines a Digital Nomad?

In simple words, a digital nomad is a person who leverages technology to work remotely while travelling the world– be it a freelancer, a full-time employee or even an entrepreneur.

Digital nomads come from different backgrounds, but they mostly revolve around tech. When I say tech, I mean some common core tech roles such as software developer, data analyst and cyber security expert. The non-tech roles have great options, too– online teacher, freelance writer, translator, graphic designer, etc.

Pros of being a Digital Nomad

Like any other lifestyle, being a digital nomad comes with its own set of advantages & challenges.

And it’s extremely important to weigh both its pros and cons. To help you make a better choice, let’s have a look at some of them:

1. Flexibility

Probably the most appealing one, the biggest draw of being a digital nomad is the freedom.

The flexibility extends beyond just location. You often have the freedom to set your own work hours so you can work when you’re the most productive.

You get to choose your workspace– to give you an idea, you can work from cafés, some co-working spaces or even a beach (depending on Wi-Fi availability, of course.)

2. Adventure

For many, the opportunity to travel and experience new cultures is the primary appeal of becoming a digital nomad. But it’s not just ‘travel’, you get to live in different parts of the world. And different regions mean learning new languages, trying new cuisines, meeting new people– every day is a new adventure.

When done right, this lifestyle can lead to an enviable work-life balance. For some, moving to a new destination means starting fresh and giving many things a new chance. A part of this is somewhat a con, which we’ll discuss briefly.

3. Financial Perks

One of the biggest perks is earning in a strong currency while living in countries with a lower cost. For example, imagine earning a US salary while living in Thailand or Vietnam. Your money can go much further, and you can enjoy a higher standard of living or save more.

Depending on your home country and how you structure your work, you can take advantage of certain tax benefits. Some countries offer special visas for digital nomads with tax incentives.

Cons of being a Digital Nomad

Yes, there are cons too. Just like everything in life.

1. Isolation

While the digital nomad lifestyle isn’t inherently isolating for everyone—especially for introverts or those who thrive on solitude—it does get lonely for many.

Oftentimes, nomads lose touch with friends and even family back home. Building lasting relationships can be challenging when you’re always on the move. You might miss family gatherings, friends’ weddings, or just the comfort of familiar faces.

Moving to a new place means starting from level zero– you must have the same conversations again. Moreover, working remotely often means less face-to-face interaction with colleagues. Those water cooler conversations and after-work drinks?– they’re harder to come by in the digital nomad world.

Some nomads combat this isolation by staying in co-living spaces or attending networking events, but it’s still challenging for many.

2. Never-Ending Planning

As tempting as the move seems, the reality of digital nomad life usually involves a constant cycle of planning and preparation.

You’re always thinking of new destinations to hit, sorting out the legalities, and finding a place to live in your new country while probably working on an important project for your job.

This perpetual forward-thinking can be exhausting. You’re rarely fully present in your current location because part of your mind is always focused on the next destination.

Questions like “Where will I go next?”, “How long can I stay?” and “Will I be able to work effectively there?” might become a constant backdrop to your daily life.

3. Constantly Moving

Continuous travel and adjusting to new places isn’t as romantic as it seems. One example of its most immediate effects is on sleep quality.

The frequent changes in mattress quality can disrupt your rest pattern. This is similar to the effect that a Time Zone change has on your overall health. Also, each new location will have you searching its transportation systems, service spots, and subway routes, all of which you might eventually need to learn.

The pressure to make the most of each location can also be overwhelming. You might feel guilty if you’re not constantly exploring or experiencing new things, leading to a fear of missing out (FOMO) that can be hard to shake.

A Digital Nomad’s Setup: Essential Gadgets & Equipment

Your ability to work efficiently from anywhere worldwide depends largely on the tools you carry. This would be your utility belt if you were Batman.

A Digital Nomads Setup

And the biggest rule about the utility belt is not to have everything but to find the right balance between what’s needed the most and your overall load. It’s also important to have multi-purpose equipment.

With that in mind, it’s a good idea to regularly assess your load and donate or sell the items that aren’t pulling their weight in your nomadic lifestyle.

Here’s a brief breakdown of the equipment needed to get you started.

1. Laptop

Your laptop will be your mobile office, so choose wisely. Try aiming for a balance between portability & performance. Ultrabooks like the Macbook Air or a Lenovo ThinkPad are popular choices.

A long battery life is another important factor to check for; 8+ hours is a good number. The rest of the specs will also depend on what your role calls for. For example, graphic designers might need a laptop with faster performance than a virtual assistant.

2. Smartphone

This can’t be pushed enough– having a reliable smartphone should be your priority. It is what keeps you connected for most of your journeys. Some digital nomads prefer keeping both their local SIM & their home number running on the same phone.

This calls for a smartphone that offers Dual SIM capability. You might also want a decent camera to capture all the memories and potentially create content. Besides that, a long battery life is also an important factor for phones.

3. Portable Charger (or Powerbank)

Although you’ll always try to keep your devices powered up for long travel days, carrying a power bank or a portable charger for safety would never hurt.

Aim for at least 20,000mAh to charge your laptop and phone multiple times. To support different devices, look for a versatile product with different USB ports– USB-A, USB-C and potentially even AC output. Also, look for models that offer the ‘Quick Charge’ Feature.

4. Universal Power Adapter

This is a common problem that any traveller, nomad or not, might face in a different country. There are many great options– go for one with an all-in-one design.

Although many of these universal power adapters claim to cover over 220 countries, an adapter covering 150 countries would work just fine. Look for one with multiple USB ports & a surge protector– the latter is needed to safeguard your devices from voltage fluctuations.

5. ANC Headphones

A good pair of noise-cancelling headphones is a must for creating a personal workspace practically anywhere. Over-ear typically offers better noise cancellation, while the in-ear ones are more portable. As for battery life, 20+ hours of playback time should suffice. Most remote job roles also need you to connect via online meetings or calls– a good-quality microphone is essential.

Planning your Digital Nomad Journey

1. Selecting your destinations

While personal preferences play a role, there’s much more to consider about a place. Here is a breakdown of some major factors to help you with your decision-making process:

A. Choosing Safe, Women- and LGBTQ-Friendly Locations

While the digital nomad lifestyle offers flexibility and adventure, it’s crucial to prioritize safety, especially when traveling to new and unfamiliar places.

According to Nomad List and Expats in Wonderland, some of the most women and LGBTQ+-friendly locations for digital nomads include Amsterdam (Netherlands), Barcelona (Spain), Toronto (Canada), and Lisbon (Portugal).

Before traveling, research the laws regarding LGBTQ+ rights and women’s safety in your destination. While some countries are LGBTQ+-friendly, others have strict laws or cultural norms that can make travel more challenging.

Many cities with large digital nomad communities host meetups and events for women and LGBTQ+ travelers.

These can be great opportunities to make connections, find safe spaces, and enjoy your journey while feeling part of a supportive community.

B. Cost of Living

This covers a bunch of things. The final cost of living can differ from person to person, depending on their budget & preferences. For example, some enjoy eating out more often than cooking at home. For a clearer picture, take a look at this list:

  • Accommodation: Research the area’s average prices for short-term rentals and co-living spaces.
  • Food Expenses: Consider both eating out & monthly grocery costs.
  • Transportation: Look into public transit options and their costs.
  • Entertainment: Factor in costs for activities and socializing.
  • Workspaces: If you plan to use coworking spaces, include their membership fees in your budget.

Also, consider how your money might go further in some places than others. Southeast Asia and parts of Eastern Europe are popular for their affordability.

C. Internet Reliability: Check online websites for average internet speeds in different locations & country rankings. Speedtest Global Index & Nomads List are two such sites.

Besides researching the basic availability of fibre optic networks and 4G/5G coverage, look into your possible backup options– this includes the cost of portable Wi-Fi devices or local SIM cards. For a quick look, here is a list of the top 15 countries with the fastest internet speeds, as investigated by Cable.co.uk.

RankCountryRegionMean Download Speed (Mbps)
1IcelandWestern Eur.279.55
2JerseyWestern Eur.273.51
3MacaoAsia234.74
4LiechtensteinWestern Eur.222.98
5DenmarkWestern Eur.210.51
6AndorraWestern Eur.199.89
7NetherlandsWestern Eur.188.49
8GibraltarWestern Eur.180.91
9FranceWestern Eur.176.97
10MonacoWestern Eur.173.79
11South KoreaAsia172.53
12United StatesNorth America161.97
13SwitzerlandWestern Eur.161.88
14UruguaySouth America156.99
15SwedenWestern Eur.156.42

D. Time Zones: If you’re someone with existing clients, consider how the time zone difference will affect your communication. Some nomads prefer to be ahead of their clients’ time zones to get a head start on work, while others prefer to be behind for a more relaxed morning routine. For those working with teams or partners, find a balance that allows for some overlap in working hours.

E. Visa Friendliness: Ease of entry is another important factor– some countries offer visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival for many nationalities. You may also look for countries offering digital nomad visas or other long-stay options. And if you do plan to stay long-term, research the feasibility and legality of visa runs in neighboring countries.

F. Climate and Weather: If you’re not a fan of monsoons or freezing winters, research the region’s climate & plan your destinations accordingly. Be aware of any natural disasters the location is prone to– hurricane seasons, earthquake risks etc. You can also consider whether you’re more productive in warm or cool climates.

Among all this, don’t forget why you’re doing this! Pick places that align with your hobbies. Besides the above factors, having a network of like-minded people can make a huge difference. Some cities have thriving digital nomad scenes with coworking spaces and meetups.

Ultimately, there’s no perfect destination – each place will have pros and cons. The beauty of being a digital nomad is that you can always move on if a place isn’t working out. Start with a shortlist of destinations that tick most of your boxes, and be open to surprises.

2. Visa Options

Nobody wants visa headaches– which is why many nomads try to find places to stay long-term without jumping through too many hoops. To get you started, we have included a short guide on Visa options right below:

A. Tourist Visa

Many digital nomads start their journey using tourist visas, which are typically easier to obtain and usually allow stays ranging from 30 to 90 days, depending on the country.

However, it’s important to note that working on a tourist visa, even remotely for a foreign company, is often technically illegal.

B. Digital Nomad Visa

Several countries have introduced specific visas for remote workers in response to the growing digital nomad trend. Nations like Estonia, Croatia, and Barbados now offer digital nomad visas, allowing stays of 6 months to 2 years. These visas often require proof of income, health insurance, and sometimes background checks.

C. Freelance Visa

For those planning longer stays, some countries like Germany and the Czech Republic offer freelance or self-employment visas. However, these usually involve more paperwork and may require registering a local business entity.

D. Working Holiday Visa

Young travellers (typically under 30 or 35) from specific countries may also consider working holiday visas, which allow work and travel for up to 1-2 years in participating countries. This can be an excellent option for those starting their digital nomad journey.

Now that you’re aware of some common visa options, here is a quick look at some insightful information on the top ten countries by Visa Guide’s Digital Nomad Visa Index.

RankCountryTaxes (in %)Internet Speed (mbps)Min. Income (€)
1Spain152482140
2Argentina01112500
3Romania02603300
4UAE02565000
5Croatia01092540
6Portugal202053548
7Uruguay0177None
8Malta01882700
9Norway221862977
10Andorra10170None

3. Taxes

Taxes can be a headache even when you’re not globe-trotting. As a nomad, you might need to pay taxes in your home country, the countries you visit, or both. The silver lining in all of this? Many countries have tax treaties to help you avoid paying double taxes.

It’s worth doing some digging to see if these apply to you. But chatting with an international tax expert is often a smart move. It might cost you a bit upfront, but it could save you a ton of hassle (and potentially money).

4. Health Insurance & Precautions

Getting International Health Insurance is crucial for digital nomads. Many countries require proof of health coverage for visa applications, and having comprehensive insurance can protect you from potentially exorbitant medical costs abroad.

Look for plans specifically designed for digital nomads or long-term travellers, which typically offer:

  • Coverage in multiple countries
  • Telemedicine services
  • Emergency evacuation
  • Flexibility to adjust coverage as you move

My personal favourites are WorldNomads and SafetyWing.

Vaccinations: Check the CDC or WHO websites for required vaccinations for your destinations. Consider getting common vaccinations like Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, & Yellow Fever and record your vaccinations (International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis).

Routine Check-ups: Get a general health check and discuss your travel plans with your doctor. Besides that, get a thorough dental check-up before long-term travel, and if you’re someone with prescription glasses, bring extra contacts or glasses.

First-Aid: Pack common essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and personal medications. Add destination-specific need items like altitude sickness medication or strong insect repellent.

5. Safety Tips

Some key points to keep in mind:

  1. When researching your destinations, talk to other nomads about their experiences. Your peace of mind is worth it. Consult government travel advisories and expat forums for current safety information.
  2. Stay informed about current events and potential safety issues.
  3. Whether staying in hotels or short-term rentals, prioritize properties with good security measures (like 24/7 reception or secure entries.) Also, research the safety of the neighbourhood, especially for late-night returns.
  4. Dress modestly and according to local customs to avoid unwanted attention.
  5. Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks to protect your digital assets.
  6. Ensure someone back home has your itinerary and copies of important documents. Add ICE (In Case of Emergency) contacts to your phone’s lock screen.
  7. Keep emergency contacts handy. This includes local emergency numbers, your insurance provider’s hotline, and your country’s embassy information.
  8. Research safe routes & times & only use well-known taxi companies or ride-sharing apps. If renting a car or scooter, ensure you know local traffic laws and have proper insurance.
  9. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in unfamiliar areas or at night.
  10. Consider registering with your home country’s embassy when staying in a foreign country for an extended period. Know the location and contact details of your country’s nearest embassy or consulate.
Author: Katrina Walker
CEO & Founder of CodeOp,
An International Tech School for Women, Trans and Nonbinary People
Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, I relocated to South Europe in 2016 to explore the growing tech scene from a data science perspective. After working as a data scientist in both the public...
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