As we have already told you here at UBE, digital nomadism is a lifestyle that is on the rise and continues to gain new followers. Thanks to the Internet, anyone with a laptop, Wi-Fi connection, and remote work can earn money the way they prefer; wherever and whenever they want. If you are also thinking of abandoning traditional work models, we have created a complete guide on how to be a digital nomad.
Here are the main things you need to know about being a digital nomad:
How to be a digital nomad: first steps
1. find your skill set
Whatever skills or knowledge you have, know that it is possible to use them remotely. Some, like IT, marketing, or graphic design, for example, are easier to do anywhere. Other skills may be more difficult to practice remotely. But it is possible! In the pandemic period even medicine was adapted to the virtual.
A good way to start is to do some in-depth research on job postings and freelance websites to find out what clients are looking for. In this way, you can work your way toward offering the right services.
2. Choose your first location
To be a digital nomad, it is important to choose well the places you will visit. Running a remote business on an island with unstable internet connectivity, for example, is not a good idea. Just like living in Paris as a tourist on a freelancer’s budget will probably leave you broke.
In addition, it is also important to consider your legal right to reside and work in a country. With this new way of working in mind, many countries offer digital nomad visas or remote work permits.
Budget, legal rights, internet connectivity, and ease of living should all be factors considered to contribute to your decision. No place will be perfect, but if budget and cost of living are more important to you, consider these:
- Mexico
- Georgia
- Romania
- Vietnam
- Thailand
- Cambodia
- Estonia
Want the best of both worlds? These beautiful places are not the most economical, but they are modern and relatively inexpensive:
- Czech Republic
- Croatia
- Portugal
- Colombia
Here at UBE we have also told you which are the best cities for digital nomads, according to the most experienced travelers on NomadList.
3. Start doing freelance work
Once you have determined what you are good at, start by doing small freelance jobs. In the beginning you may not get paid enough to afford the life of a digital nomad, but you will definitely add a lot of experience to get new clients.
Once you have created a portfolio, experience and reputation, you can start your own business. Most digital nomads prefer to have multiple income streams (or part-time jobs) in order to get paid better. So remember not to accept only very large jobs.
4. Find a community
The best part of being a digital nomad is finding new communities of like-minded people. Being part of a community is not only good for business, but also for your well-being! And working remotely should not stop anyone from having new relationships.
Socializing will not only make you happier, but can also connect you with potential customers. As a digital nomad, this can be a crucial part of your success. Check out coworking spaces, cafes with good Wi-Fi, and meet-up events to find your community and meet like-minded people. So are websites and forums for digital nomads and groups on social networks, for example.
How to be a digital nomad: what you need to have
Essential skills to be a digital nomad
Flexibility
Being willing to change your plans will come in handy at countless times, both for simple reasons such as a Wi-Fi connection, and for larger reasons such as bad lodging or a delayed flight. Therefore, developing flexibility is essential for any digital nomad.
Marketing
Marketing is the career of many digital nomads, however, even if it is not yours, it is important to know how to promote your work. You will probably be your own boss, so you will be in charge of getting clients, expanding your business, and making enough money to continue living as a digital nomad.
If you need help getting the word out about your business and you don’t do very well with marketing, you can always enlist the help of a good marketing agency to boost your business.
Development
Being a digital nomad means that there is probably no guaranteed monthly payment and also no boss to turn to. In addition, you are in a totally new country with different customs and rules. Resourcefulness will get you through difficult situations more smoothly.
Equipment needed to be a digital nomad
Notebook
A quality notebook is crucial to the life of a digital nomad. The notebook is the main work equipment for people on the road, so it is worth investing in a good computer to accompany you on your journey.
Smartphone
We don’t even need to say it, do we? A smartphone is essential for staying in touch with family and friends, interacting with clients, updating demands when you don’t have your laptop handy, navigating new places, checking the news/weather, watching Netflix on long trips, taking pictures, scrolling through social media feeds, and so on.
Portable Wi-Fi
While not always necessary, having a portable Wi-Fi device can be a lifesaver when you have work to do and are traveling somewhere with limited or poor quality public Wi-Fi.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
VPNs protect your computer data from theft when using public and shared Wi-Fi networks. However, they are vital for digital nomads for another reason: they allow you to surf popular sites that can only be accessed in your country. Also, if you are in countries such as Vietnam or China, certain sites such as Facebook and Gmail/Google cannot be accessed without a VPN.
Digital Nomad Health Insurance
For digital nomads and remote workers, who continuously move countries, it is not easy to find good health insurance coverage. But it is essential, after all, just imagine having to pay a hospital bill in a more expensive currency than your own?
These were our top tips on how to be a digital nomad. Here at UBE we talk a lot about this subject, because we believe that digital nomadism is the future for many people. So, if you like this subject, keep following us so you don’t miss any tips!
