So you want to work online abroad and become a Digital Nomad. What is a digital nomad you ask, and what do you consider when becoming one and starting to work online abroad.
Well, Digital nomads are remote workers looking for a freedom, free from the shackles of being tied to one place whilst working online. They use modern technology to work from coffee shops, hotels, work space hubs or libraries with a laptop or smartphone connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi. potentially from anywhere in the world. A Digital Nomad may travel from country to country, laptop in hand on a regular basis.
There are many types of digital nomads. The image and perception that you may have of a Digital Nomad is someone on an exotic tropical beach, a Pino-Colada in one hand, a laptop in the other, whilst they check a few emails before spending the day tootling around dusty villages on a clapped out moped. However, there are many different types. Some people travel around their own country, maybe by campervan or public transport. Have you ever passed a coffee shop in your town and seen a cohort of individuals feverishly tapping away at laptops? Some live on boats, working from different ports of call. Others stay in backpack hostels or rent Airbnb or VRBO apartments while flying from country to country.
So, the idea of a becoming a Digital Nomad is beginning to appeal to you and you think, ok let’s go, I fancy a spell sitting on a beach doing a bit of work. Well hold fire for a moment as there are some things that you might want to consider.
Can I make becoming a Digital Nomad Work? Some of the considerations
Where are you currently in Life?
The first question you need to ask is where am I currently? (job, home life, commitments etc). Do you have family, children (particularly young ones of school age) Have you recently bought a ‘Lockdown Pet’ or perhaps have ageing or God forbid sick relatives you care for? All of these are key consideration factors before you start packing your bags.
The above may point to the fact that the image (and probable demographic) of Digital Nomads is one of young mid 20’s travelling the world and working as they go from the laptops in their backpack. Some may view this from the outside as these workers are merely substituting the traditional ‘GAP Year’ experience for one of ‘I am a Digital Nomad’
However, there is a growing trend of individuals who may have grown up children, are able to rent their property out on a long term let (say for a year) whilst they embrace this lifestyle, safe in the knowledge that they have a secure base to return to, and use the digital working to pay for their experience. For example, the opportunities that Passive Income Streams can earn for you means at time of writing $1,500 or £1,200 per month in a location such as Bali goes an awful long way. By comparison, what would that sum of income get you in accommodation, living costs, social costs in say New York, or London?
Work Type and Right to Work
Most Digital Nomads are Working Illegally!
There, I have made the statement. Most Digital nomads will be working whilst on a tourist visa. It is a big No-No to work on a tourist visa. If you wish to work in any other country you are supposed to go through the correct channels of obtaining the correct permits (anyone tried to get a work visa for Australia?). Work Visas and permits check that you are not taking away jobs from local people. The view of Digital Nomads is that they are only working from a laptop and not taking away any jobs from the locals. The big challenge is that other countries do not fully understand what a Digital Nomad is. However, some countries are beginning to wake up to this new(ish) phenomenon and are offering visas for Digital Nomads.
Some countries offering a remote working style visa:
· Croatia. Split is a fabulous place to visit as is Dubrovnik
· Georgia
· Estonia
· Bermuda
· Barbados
The Internet
Let’s face it, the type of work you are doing as a Digital Nomad is online based. (The clue is in the title Del!) Digital nomads can only work when there is fast & reliable internet connection. Good WiFi is essential. Luckily you can find decent internet connections in many places around the world now. The first checkpoint you need to carry out for any future work destination is: How fast is the WiFi?
You can download and use an App called SpeedTest. It is worth having to check connection speeds.
Further, in the west we take the Internet for granted. However, the internet is blocked and heavily censored in many parts of the world. It is therefore vital to ensure you can access the websites you need before you go. Plus, Online security is a major factor in today’s world. This is especially so if your type of online work has any ‘customer type’ data. For example, if you set up an E-Commerce store, your customers will provide their details for product fulfilment. It’s therefore important to download a good VPN (virtual private network) before you leave and make sure the security functions are adequate for purpose.
Manage Your Money and Banking Abroad
You need to manage your money when working abroad so what do you do? You more than likely will not be paid in bundles of loose cash. Also, you may be in a Digital Work space hub in say Bali, but your work may be for a UK, or USA based company.
There are various banks that offer overseas and global access facilities via Debit Cards, Pre-Pay Cards etc. Also, it is worth having a travel credit card as well as the PayPal account option as well.
Check how easy it is to have cards replaced/cancelled etc for the country you are visiting. If you have ever lost/misplaced/had stolen a credit or bank card in your own country you may have experienced the challenges and process of cancelling and having re-issued a replacement card. When you work abroad these frustrations can be magnified. Does the operator speak your language? Are you liable for any funds withdrawn on your account? Where does the new credit card get sent to? etc.
Some cards and options can give you perks and benefits when you use them for example: No or low transaction fees, points, Insurance cover (check level) car hire options, air miles. A few examples of accounts:
1. PayPal
2. Chase
3. Wise
Digital Nomad Insurance
Sadly, it’s a fact of life. Accidents happen, and without insurance, depending on the country you’re in, you could literally be up the proverbial creek without a paddle. Digital Nomad insurance is a speciality branch and your normal travel insurance you hold will not cover you. Luckily there are some good health insurance options out there for digital nomads.
Companies such as SafetyWing are worth a look. Check out their Digital Nomad Insurance Here, that has Global Coverage in 180 Countries, a simple claims process and 24/7 Human support, Vital when things go wrong!
Where to Go, Popular Destinations for Digital Nomads
Certain “hub” countries have emerged as a focal point for Digital Nomads due to a combination of low-cost living, decent internet access, and the ability to renew tourist visas repeatedly.
Below are some of the most common ones.
· Spain
· Portugal
· Hungary
· Thailand
· Indonesia
· Mexico
And Bali, is fast emerging as a major Digital Nomad Hub.
The Challenges
Whilst the ability to jump on a plane, sit on a beach and work from anywhere could be seen as a dream, like all life choices, there are both pros and cons to this kind of lifestyle. Some of the challenges are:
· You always appear to be agitated about working out the next place to go, the logistics (place to stay, Internet connection, banking, insurance etc) and as such remember…
· Travelling is not all it’s cracked up to be. Ultimately this is work, not holiday. My own experience of corporate business travel is that the novelty soon wears off. Even with downtime. Crazy early morning starts to meet connecting flights etc. Try sitting alone in another hotel empty restaurant. You look like ‘Billy no Mates’
· Loneliness cannot be underestimated. Do you make friends easily? Do your new friends have the same outlook as you? Or are you now embroiled in a party style atmosphere with people of a different demographic? You really need to balance your working life and social life here.
· Missing friends and family back home. Missing important social occasions such as key birthdays or weddings.
· You never feel that you are putting down roots. See first point.
· No or restricted privacy. Imagine sharing a noisy hostel or work space hub when you need to complete and upload an important piece by a deadline
· Your output and work can suffer
However, all that said working in another part of the world can be a wonderful experience, oh and let’s not forget you don’t need to travel overseas to experience the Digital Nomad lifestyle. Never has the phrase ‘people never see enough of their own country’ been so true. Why not look closer to home?
Some of the lifestyle benefits may be:
· The big one is to have your own schedule and work the hours that suit you. For example, are you night owl, or a morning person? Set your schedule to suit you.
· Choice to work and live where you want
· The cost of living may be lower.
· Make great memories, make new friends, and experience places, cultures, and languages that you otherwise would not have exposure to.
· Get away from people you don’t like!
· Seasonality. Fed up with the winter weather, then head for the sun
So, to sum up, as the recent pandemic has shown, and as new world unrest and global recessions set in more and more individuals are looking at alternative ways in achieving a balanced lifestyle. Becoming Digital Nomads is a serious option consideration for many. By embracing this opportunity and with more and more Global Companies seeking remote workers the time for change has never been so good. Work where you want. Work when you want. Explore and experience new cultures and places, and balance your life. Have you considered a change? Could you embrace this work life balance shift?