The lift of a digital nomad allows you the chance to see the world and do so in a financially independent manner. So, what do you need to do so?
Establish A Location
The first step to becoming a digital nomad is to find that perfect location for your needs. Though you may want to travel the world and explore different localities, it is best to allow yourself a few weeks of rest before moving to a new location. Ideally, digital nomads have a base for their operations.
Think About Climate
Romanticizing a certain location may bring pain if you’re not really considering the implications of living in a certain climate. For example, you may wish to live in a sunny place with warm temperatures, but is it really conducive to your work? Are you able to rent accommodations that will make you comfortable enough for productivity? Renting a place with an air conditioning system can add to your living costs, while it is also crucial to consider the potential for upcoming inclement weather such as hurricanes or monsoons.
You can build a website in Thailand or write your next thriller novel in South Africa, just don’t forget to think about the weather! It will open up more opportunities for you and make change an easier part of the process.
Good Internet Connection
The freedom that a digital nomad lifestyle offers is contingent upon finding the right location with a solid Internet connection. The location you choose to establish yourself out of should have a solid Internet connection as you cannot meet client deadlines without it, always carry a portable power bank so that you can stay connected. Popular destinations are fairly equipped with modern amenities, but more rural areas will have problems with Wi-Fi networks.
Considering Living Costs
Many people want to take on the digital nomad lifestyle, but it can be tough to earn a living when you’re first starting out. Consider moving to a location in Southeast Asia where living costs are more affordable on a tight budget. If you have incoming work from a European or an American client, living in Asia where overhead costs are more affordable will help you stretch your budget further.
Bali is a great example of a popular destination for first-time nomads. Though living costs were once highly affordable, an influx of foreign nomads has made the costs of living slightly higher than average. It’s a smart move to choose a location that is not yet too popular with digital nomads.
Check Visa Regulations
As you’ll do a lot of traveling, it is crucial to understand what your future country has set forth in terms of visa regulations. All countries are different, but many have a cap on the amount of time you can live in a place on a visa. Ultimately, it comes down to considering how hard it is to extend your visa should you look to stay longer than projected.
Building A Community
Having a community that you can rely on can make your digital nomad lifestyle feel more fulfilling. Some will want to live in an area where there’s a community of expats they can relate to and share stories with. Of course, some nomads prefer a wholly authentic experience wherein they discover the local culture on their own with very minimal involvement from expats. In either scenario, it truly pays to have a group of people you can turn to for help understanding the local culture.
There may also be co-working opportunities at your chosen location. This could be a great way to expand your horizons while meeting other people and growing an online business.
Being a digital nomad offers you a sense of freedom with very few restrictions. If you find that your so-called ideal location isn’t working out, it’s okay to move on and try another place! Everyone is different, and what may suit the lifestyle choices of one person may not work for you. The world is vast and there are truly so many fantastic opportunities to broaden your horizons and to gather unique experiences you can recount to friends and family. Think of being a digital nomad as a lifestyle choice rather than going on a holiday because it will make tough choices easier to accept. From having a great Internet connection to working together with local residents, you can find plenty of resources online to help you adjust.
