In today’s modern and digital generation, you can now work anywhere worldwide. With this, you can be a digital nomad. Are you new to nomadic living? This post will help you.
As a digital nomad, you can learn about various cultures, view beautiful places and work where and when you want. You have freedom as a digital nomad. Do you want to become a digital nomad? Read more.
Digital nomad defined
A digital nomad is a remote worker who travels to different places regularly. They use modern technology to work in hotels, coffee shops, libraries, or co-working spaces with a WiFi-connected smartphone or laptop anywhere across the globe.
There are different types of digital nomads. Some travel in their country through RV or campervan. Some on sailboats, working for various ports. It is common that a digital nomad would rent Airbnb apartments or stay in backpacker hostels while traveling from country to country.
Tips to be a digital nomad
Do you plan to be a digital nomad? You can consider the following tips:
How to make money as a digital nomad
Before you proceed to a nomadic living, you should determine how to make money online. You can work for other businesses remotely; you can have an online-based business or be an entrepreneur. Some of the digital nomad jobs you can choose from include:
- Customer Service
- Blogging
- Freelance Writers
- YouTuber
- SEO Agency Work
- Marketing
- Consulting
- Virtual Assistants
- Bookkeeping
- Making Online Courses
- Language Education
- Amazon Selling
- Website Designers
- Software DeveloperVirtual Assistant
These are some examples, but there are more job options for nomadic living. You can choose one according to your passion and skills.
Where to go
Many digital nomads travel using tourist visas. Technically, a tourist visa holder should not work. So, if the immigration asks what you’re going to do, say that you’re a tourist. You can say that you work in marketing while traveling on vacation if the officials ask about your job.
Work visas for digital nomads
You can apply for special remote work visas if you’re a digital nomad. Some places include Barbados, Estonia, Georgia, Croatia, and Bermuda.
Top destinations for a digital nomad
Most digital nomads congregate in specific ‘hub’ countries due to decent internet access, low cost of living, and the ability to renew tourist visas repeatedly. Some of the top digital nomad destinations include:
- Indonesia
- Thailand
- Mexico
- Colombia
- Hungary
- Portugal
- Spain
Meanwhile, you can still be a digital nomad even if you’re not living in a foreign country. You can be a digital nomad in your own country. The key is location independence. It means that you’re free to move without lots of obstacles.
Nomadic life logistics
Starting your business
It is advisable to begin as a sole-proprietor to make things easy. As you start earning income regularly, you can change it to an LLC.
Digital nomads taxes
In America, a digital nomad needs to pay taxes even if they live overseas. Well, it is not true for some countries. You can choose digital nomad-friendly countries such as Singapore to lower your tax bill. If you’re serious about your digital nomad living, you can hire a professional accountant who is an expert in working with those who live overseas.
Staying connected
As a digital nomad, you need to stay connected. So, you should work in an area with fast WiFi. You can also use a VPN, especially in countries where the internet is censored. You should choose the best VPN for a digital nomad to have a hassle-free working experience.
Banking for digital nomads
As a digital nomad, it can be challenging for you to budget your money as you travel. For example, you should learn how to get paid as you live overseas. There are some instances where your cards are canceled if you use them in foreign countries. It is a good idea to choose a Wise Account or a PayPal account.
How to receive packages & mail
If you want to receive packages and mail while moving around quickly, you can sign up for a virtual mail service. It can offer you a physical address to send essential mail.
Digital nomads insurance
Accidents are possible, and it can be tricky if you don’t have insurance. Fortunately, there are good health insurance choices for digital nomads. Among these are World Nomads and Safety Wing.
Getting around
As you go to your destination, you can get around through different transportations. Most countries have taxi services, trains, buses, and public transportation.
Finding accommodation
There are many reliable websites where you can find short-term accommodation.
Emergency backup plans
As you travel overseas, you should have an emergency fund. So, you can have money in times of emergency.
Meeting new friends
Being a digital nomad can be lonely. However, there are some ways to make friends. There are expat communities in each country, so you can have the chance to meet new friends.
Creating the digital nomad leap
Saving money
You should save money before beginning your nomadic living. If you have a current daily work, you can spend less and find an extra job for side income.
Get rid of your things
You can prefer minimalism and begin listing your crap on eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. You can keep sentimental things like essential papers, photos, and more.
A little dose of reality
Keep in mind that nomadic living also comes with several challenges. You can travel and make money online as digital nomads, but not all can succeed. So, you should be ready for these challenges.
Dealing with criticism
Being a digital nomad can be challenging, especially if you don’t get support from your family and friends. Some will not understand your purpose. Well, the best way is to ignore the critics and focus on what you want. You can also tell them that you’re taking a Sabbatical for an experiment.
Conclusion
Being a digital nomad comes with responsibilities. It also requires dedication, patience, and hard work. Most of the digital nomads work with tourist visas which can be illegal for some countries. Meanwhile, you can work from a laptop and not steal local jobs, so it can be hard to enforce.
