In recent years, and especially since the pandemic, the demand for remote jobs has been steadily growing. And while for some, ‘remote’ equals the comfort of a home office, others take it to the next level, daring to work from anywhere in the world. Many of the latter are known as ‘digital nomads’, who are location-independent professionals, either employed or freelancing or running their own business (or all of the above), who earn their living while travelling. According to some estimations, there are over 35 million digital nomads in the world. In this piece, we’re exploring how to become a digital nomad and make the best of the nomad lifestyle.
Know what you want
The very first question to ask yourself before heading off on exciting nomad adventures is what it is that you want from your destination. Is it a laidback atmosphere of an exotic beach? Or the hustle and bustle of the city? Or the serene solitude of the mountains? Once you get your answers, think of the drawbacks. For example, if you see your ideal nomad life on a tropical island, keep in mind that connectivity may be disappointing, and you will have to spend a fortune on plane tickets. If it is a city, the points for cultural life might be high, but so is the rent.
Follow immigration formalities
Once you have short-listed several dream destinations around the globe, it’s time to see more specifically how to become a digital nomad. Do your research and learn as much as you can about the visa requirements. Whether you need a visa, what rights it gives and what is prohibited, for how long you can stay, how much the application fees are, etc.
Usually, digital nomads stay in the country on a tourist visa which does not allow them to work; the case is a legal grey area since, technically, they do not work locally. However, a growing number of countries have recognised the importance of the digital nomad lifestyle today and launched special visa regimes for professionals who earn their (higher) income from foreign clients and employers. Examples include Croatia, Estonia, Portugal, Barbados, and the Dominican Republic, among others. The visa conditions vary from country to country, so make sure you do your homework before starting out on your next nomad adventure.
Plan your trips
A digital nomad life equals travel, which in most cases means that you need to book your tickets and accommodation. Doing it in advance will not only save you money and ensure some peace of mind but also help with your visa proceedings: immigration authorities often don’t share your fascination with the nomad lifestyle and want to see your ticket back home or to the next destination as well as a valid address where you will be staying.
Stay connected
Researching accommodation in advance will also help you find places with a reliable internet connection, which to digital nomads is as vital as air. In addition, it is always a good idea not to go Wi-Fi only and ensure you have mobile data access, so see if your operator offers international data plans or if you can buy a local SIM card. Otherwise, roaming charges can surprise you, and not in a good way.
No need to tell you how important equipment is for digital nomads. But it is useless if you cannot plug it in because the socket or the local voltage is different from what you need. Therefore, make sure you carry travel adapters and a transformer with you. Things like extra cables and multi-plugs can come in handy, too, as can powerbanks, but if you are going to board a plane at some point, check the limitations for those with the airline.
Find a representative
However excited you may be about your upcoming nomad adventures at far-off places, there are some arrangements to make at home before your departure. For example, you might still receive important letters by physical mail to your address or need to interact with your bank or authorities. Find a reliable someone who could represent you while you are away enjoying your digital nomad life. Maybe even sign a power of attorney for them, just to be on the safe side in case of emergency.
Clarify your professional status
However free-spirited and careless the digital nomad lifestyle may seem, it would be wise to sort out serious matters such as your legal and tax statuses. Do you need to officially register as self-employed, or do you have to open a company? Where do you pay taxes, and how do you avoid paying twice, both at home and in the country of your residence? Such issues must not be shaken off as minor unless you are ready to face hefty fines and even legal proceedings from the state.
Be smart with money
A major part of digital nomad living is managing your finances on a global scale, which means dealing with multiple currencies in different jurisdictions. Here are some practical digital nomad tips. If you plan to settle in a country for a longer period, try opening an account with a local bank. Learn the nuances of currency exchange in cash and cashless transactions. And finally, invest some time into researching available fintech options. For example, if you often need to send money back home, then take advantage of international money transfer services that do not require opening a bank account, offer favourable rates and are easy to use even for those who are not particularly tech-savvy.
One such service is Profee, which allows you to send money from a bank card issued in Europe to over 55 destinations. It operates both as an iOS/Android app and a website, www.profee.com. To send money for the first time, you only need to register with your phone number, and for those needing to transfer larger amounts, there is a very fast and simple verification procedure.
With Profee, you can expect to get a very favourable currency rate on any given money transfer, thanks to the state-of-the-art in-house system that monitors the market 24/7. Moreover, there are no hidden fees or charges with the service, and you always know the exact amount your recipient gets. If it sounds too good to be true, just get the app and see how to be a digital nomad the smart way.
Take care of your health
Becoming a digital nomad does not make you invincible to accidents and emergencies. So, get yourself a reliable insurance plan (in fact, it might be one of the requirements for your visa). There are companies that offer international plans created specifically to suit the nomad living circumstances; alternatively, check what insurance options are available in the country you are planning to visit.
If you depend on any kind of prescription or over-the-counter medications, make sure that, first, they are allowed in your destination(s), and second, you stock up enough to last you the whole period of your trip. Besides, a proper first aid kit is a must-have item in any digital nomad guide. And do not forget about the healthcare apps for your smartphone, which may be of use wherever you are.
Learn languages
One of the bonuses of adopting a digital nomad lifestyle is expanding your language skills. Learning some essential words and phrases in the local language not only can lead to exciting nomad adventures but also be useful in an emergency. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to practise with native speakers and make new friends.
Have fun!
Work is, of course, a sacred cow for digital nomads, but don’t forget that nomad living is more than that. It is about seeing new places, learning new things, and making friends from different cultures. Among useful digital nomad tips is joining a co-working space, many of which can today be found even in relatively remote areas, such as Iceland. Plus, there, you have access to various useful facilities, such as a printer and networking events.
Of course, in the end, everybody creates their own way of how to be a digital nomad. Some are always on the move trying to cover as many places as they can; others prefer the “slow” approach and stay in one place for months. Some work remotely with the same employer, while others find inspiration for their own business. But for each and everyone, becoming a digital nomad is certainly a life-changing experience.
