These days, everyone has thought about becoming a digital nomad, or they’ve already done it. It is increasingly becoming the go-to way of experiencing freedom while traveling and working. With remote working popularized, it makes complete sense. Even so, there are certain things to remember before taking the leap.
Sure, working at the beach with ocean swim breaks in Costa Rica is tempting. And renting your own apartment in the next state while exploring for a month is a great idea. However, there is a lot to plan for. Digital nomads have inspired many, but here are some things to consider (or avoid) before you become one.
Secure A Remote Job Or Freelance Work
Before anything else, make sure you have a stable source of income that allows for remote work. This could be a full-time remote position with a reputable company, freelance work in fields like writing, design, or programming, or even your own online business or consultancy. It’s essential to have a reliable income stream to sustain the digital nomad lifestyle. Without this, you may find yourself in a difficult financial situation, which can lead to stress and hinder your ability to enjoy your travels.
Research Visa Requirements
Different countries have varying visa policies for digital nomads. Understanding these is vital for your travel plans. Many countries now offer specific digital nomad visas that cater to remote workers, allowing them to stay longer than typical tourist visas. Therefore, it’s essential to research the length of stay allowed on tourist visas and any specific requirements for digital nomad visas. You might also need to consider visa runs if you plan to stay longer in a particular region.
Evaluate Your Finances
Carefully assessing your financial situation is critical in preparing for a digital nomad lifestyle. Create a detailed budget for travel expenses, accommodation, and daily living costs. It’s also wise to build an emergency fund for unexpected situations that may arise while traveling. Consider the cost of living in potential destinations, as this can vary greatly from one place to another. Additionally, factor in currency exchange rates and potential fluctuations. These can impact your overall budget and spending power.
Invest In Reliable Technology
Your work depends heavily on your tech setup, so investing in reliable technology is essential. Consider purchasing a lightweight, durable laptop that can withstand travel. Noise-canceling headphones can help you focus in busy environments, while portable chargers and adapters ensure you stay powered up on the go. A reliable smartphone with hotspot capabilities is also crucial for staying connected and accessing the internet when Wi-Fi is unavailable. Having the right technology can significantly impact your productivity and overall experience as a digital nomad.
Secure Health Insurance
Health coverage is crucial when traveling, especially as a digital nomad. Options include international health insurance plans, travel insurance with medical coverage, and local health insurance in your base country. Without proper health insurance, you could face heavy financial burdens in the event of an illness or injury while abroad. Make sure to thoroughly research your options and choose a plan that meets your needs.
Plan For Taxes
Tax obligations can be complex for digital nomads, and it’s essential to understand your responsibilities. Research tax treaties between your home country and the destinations you plan to visit. Consider hiring an international tax expert who can provide guidance tailored to your situation. Keeping detailed records of your travels and income is also important, as this will help you stay organized and compliant with tax regulations.
Choose Your Destinations Wisely
When selecting locations to visit, consider several factors that can affect your experience. Look at the cost of living, internet reliability and speed, and time zone compatibility with clients or employers. Safety and political stability are also crucial, as you want to ensure you are in a secure environment. Additionally, think about cultural interests and potential language barriers, as these can impact your ability to connect with locals and fully enjoy your surroundings.
Develop A Support System
Building a support system is vital for your well-being as a digital nomad. Connect with other digital nomads through online communities or local meetups. Having friends and acquaintances who understand your lifestyle can provide emotional support and practical advice.
Additionally, consider maintaining connections with family and friends back home, as these relationships can offer stability and comfort during your travels. By taking the time to consider these factors, you can better prepare for the exciting journey ahead as a digital nomad.
Prepare For Cultural Adjustments
Be ready to adapt to new environments by learning basic phrases in local languages. This can help you communicate better and show respect to the locals. Researching cultural norms and etiquette is also important. Understanding how people interact in different cultures can prevent misunderstandings and help you build better relationships. Being open-minded and respectful of local customs will enhance your experience and allow you to immerse yourself in the culture.
Consider Your Long-Term Goals
Think about how the digital nomad lifestyle aligns with your future. This includes considering your career progression and skill development. Ask yourself how this lifestyle can help you grow professionally.
Also, reflect on your personal relationships and family planning. Being a digital nomad can impact your ability to maintain close connections with loved ones. Additionally, think about your financial goals, such as saving for retirement or property ownership. Having a clear vision of how this lifestyle fits into your long-term plans is essential, as it can help you make informed decisions along the way.
Prepare For Loneliness And Burnout
The remote work lifestyle can be challenging, and developing strategies for combating loneliness is vital. Make an effort to connect with other travelers or locals to build a sense of community. Practice self-care by taking time for yourself and engaging in activities that bring you joy.
Setting boundaries between work and leisure is crucial to avoid burnout. Consider scheduling regular breaks and downtime to recharge. Additionally, think about periodic stays in one location to allow yourself to settle and relax. This can help you maintain a healthy balance between work and personal time.
Have A Backup Plan
Always be prepared for the unexpected by keeping some savings in your home country. This financial cushion can provide peace of mind in case of emergencies. Maintaining a “home base” or knowing where you could return to if needed is also wise. This gives you a sense of security while you explore new places. Additionally, have a plan for if you decide the nomadic lifestyle isn’t for you.
Choose your location wisely
There are so many places in the world that the idea of choosing a place to be a digital nomad is dizzying. The trick is choosing based not only on your travel preferences but also the environments you enjoy working in. i.e., if you enjoy quiet, peaceful environments then maybe Playa del Carmen isn’t going to be for you with it being in constant party mode. Likewise, if you prefer to have an abundance of green, natural spaces then busy cityscapes such as London might not entice you.
Considering what will allow you to flourish in your work, social, and personal lives will help you a lot. Other things to consider are your budget, the typical internet speeds, the abundance of cafes to work in, and the culture. At Travel Noire, we would strongly recommend considering whether you’re welcome by the community. Digital nomad presence can often lead to rising prices for locals and a range of over consequences. Earlier this year, Mexico City was the latest location to express frustration at the influx of digital nomads.
Budding nomads should also consider how the environment will interfere with their health, body, and mind. This could be about preparing for living in higher altitudes or in overly humid environments (and the effects this could have on your laptop/equipment). Lots of research should guide you accordingly!
'Paradise’ comes with its complications
On that note, yes, paradise is not always the best option when you’re working abroad. Some digital nomads have warned that too much beachside working has caused the sea salt in the air to damage their laptops, others have mentioned that regular power outages interfere with their work calls. And then there are those who simply cannot lift themselves off the beach and get into work mode. Living in beautiful tropical environments takes more work than expected. Much can go wrong in an environment not technically designed for work, keep this in mind when booking your digital nomad adventures in the paradisiacal parts of the world.
Related: Traveler Story: Little Corn Island, A Perfect Off-Grid Getaway In Nicaragua
Digital nomad visas
There are a range of digital nomad visas that allow for newbie and long-term digital nomads to sustain their lifestyles with more stability. Digital nomad visas typically require remote workers to earn a certain salary and to commit to the country for a set amount of time.
Related: Thailand Offering 10-Year Visa, Low Taxes For Digital Nomads
Maybe it's a workcation-vibe?
The question remains, are you after that digital nomad lifestyle or a chance to uproot from office life for a while? Knowing the difference between wanting a break and reevaluating the way you live and work is absolutely key. There is certainly less hassle with workcations (in the long-term) which attracts many. Workcations are ideal if you have never traveled long-term and wish to dip your toes in (to, say, the warm Indian Ocean while temporarily living in Seychelles).
Digital nomadic living, however, is about being in constant transit or at least, being invested in newness. Those looking for a new way of experiencing time/location independence tend to jump into digital nomad living.
Related: Advice From A Black Expat: How To Strike The Right Balance On Your Workcation
The thing about advice
The thing about asking for advice before relocating is…it may not truly apply to your personal experience of a country. Of course, it may be helpful to know what to expect when ‘becoming a digital nomad in X city’, especially if it is a place you’ve never traveled to before. But is it crucial?
Seeking advice is always wise but take it lightly. Someone’s advice should never dictate your opinion of a city. You’ll never really know until you’re walking the streets and feeling it out for yourself.
Related: 8 Tips I Learned About Language Learning From Other Multi-Lingual Travelers
Don’t spend all your time behind screens
This is your friendly reminder to not travel to a whole other country and live behind screens. Surely the best thing about being a digital nomad is the daily opportunity to live in beautiful countries—this is no time to spend 10 hours on your laptop, ignoring the world. Be sure to explore your surroundings, try new things, and make new memories.
Related: Traveler Story: The Highs And Lows Of Nomadic Living
