Starting as a Digital Nomad Made Simple: My Comprehensive Guide

When I moved abroad for the first time (from France to the UK), the digital nomad lifestyle didn’t exist. People were either moving abroad and looking for a job there or travelling the world and working when they weren’t moving around.

A few years later, I started hearing about “location-independent professionals”. More often than not, they were professionals who were living in the same country as their employers or clients but worked from their homes or coworking spaces.  It was the first time that I felt that I wanted to be part of that community. Back in 2011, I thought I coined the term – “Expatrepeneur“. After I discovered that an American guy living in China had used it first but, still, I was still quite proud of my new term. At the time, I was living and working in country #5, Argentina and had just started this blog. I had the concept but I still wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with it.

In recent years the digital nomad lifestyle has become increasingly popular, as more and more people look for ways to break free from the traditional 9-to-5 grind. Being a digital nomad offers the freedom and flexibility to work from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection.

I’ve answered countless times the question – “How can I become a digital nomad?” so I decided to create this guide. But before you embark on this exciting and unconventional journey, it’s important to understand what exactly it means to be a digital nomad. 

 1 – Understanding the Digital Nomad Lifestyle

First thing first – Digital nomad isn’t a job. Digital nomadism is essentially a way of life where individuals embrace location independence and leverage technology to earn a living remotely.

It’s about creating a balance between work and travel and being able to explore new destinations while maintaining a steady income.

Defining Digital Nomadism

At its core, digital nomadism is a lifestyle that allows individuals to have the freedom and flexibility to work from anywhere in the world. This means that digital nomads are not confined to a traditional office space or a single location. Instead, they can choose to work from cafes, co-working spaces, or even from the comfort of their own home. The key is having the ability to connect to the internet and carry out their work remotely.

Imagine waking up in a cosy Airbnb in Bali, with the sound of waves crashing against the shore just outside your window. You grab your laptop, make yourself a cup of coffee, and settle down at a nearby café with a breathtaking view of the ocean. As you start your workday, you can’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the freedom and flexibility that being a digital nomad provides.

But it’s not just about the picturesque locations and the ability to work from anywhere. Digital nomadism is also about the mindset of embracing change and adaptability.

It’s about being able to seamlessly transition from one place to another, adjusting to new time zones, and finding creative solutions to any challenges that may arise along the way.

Pros and Cons of Being a Digital Nomad

Like any other lifestyle, being a digital nomad comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

– Freedom

On the plus side, digital nomads have the freedom to choose their working hours and work from anywhere in the world.

– New People, places, and cultures

They have the opportunity to immerse themselves in different cultures, meet new people, and explore new places.

Imagine spending your mornings working on a project, and then taking a break to explore the local markets, taste exotic cuisines, or hike through breathtaking landscapes. As a digital nomad, you have the luxury of experiencing the world in a way that most people can only dream of.

However, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges that come with this lifestyle.

– Loneliness

Loneliness can be a common struggle for digital nomads, as they may not have a stable community or support system in each new location. It takes effort to build meaningful connections and find a sense of belonging in a constantly changing environment.

– Lack of stability

Another challenge is the lack of stability that comes with constantly moving from one place to another. Digital nomads need to be comfortable with uncertainty and can adapt quickly to new environments. This can be both exciting and overwhelming at times, as it requires a certain level of resilience and resourcefulness.

Before deciding to become a digital nomad, it’s important to weigh these pros and cons. It’s not just about the allure of working from exotic locations, but also about understanding the realities and potential challenges that come with this lifestyle. With the right mindset, preparation, and a willingness to embrace change, the digital nomad lifestyle can be a truly rewarding and fulfilling experience.

 2 – Legal and Logistical Considerations

As a digital nomad, it’s important to be aware of the legal and logistical considerations that come with living and working in different countries.

Here are a few areas to consider:

Understanding Visas and Work Permits

Before travelling to a new country, it’s crucial to understand the visa requirements and work permit regulations for digital nomads. Each country has its own specific rules and regulations, and it’s important to comply with them to avoid any legal issues. Researching and understanding the visa requirements is an essential step in the planning process.

According to this article on CNBC, here’s the top 10 countries for digital nomads in 2024

Health Insurance and Safety Abroad

Once, you know where you’ll be going, it’s essential to consider the travel insurance coverage for all the countries you’ll be visiting. Travel insurance provides crucial protection against unexpected events during your trips. Here’s why it’s important:

1- Medical Emergencies: It covers medical expenses abroad, including sudden illnesses or injuries, ensuring you receive adequate treatment without exorbitant costs.

2 -Trip Cancellation/Interruption: Protects your investment in case you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to unexpected events like illness, natural disasters, or other emergencies.

3 – Lost Luggage or Belongings: Helps reimburse for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage, passports, or personal items during your travels.

4 – Emergency Evacuation: Offers assistance in emergency evacuations due to medical reasons or natural disasters, ensuring safe transport to adequate medical facilities.

5 – Travel Delays: Provides coverage for unexpected delays, offering reimbursement for additional expenses like accommodation or meals.

6 – Personal Liability: This covers legal expenses and damages in case you accidentally cause injury to someone or damage property while travelling.

Some countries will require medical cover but some don’t. Don’t take the risk of entering a country without proper medical coverage and travel insurance.

It’s important to have comprehensive digital nomad health insurance coverage that extends to the countries you plan to visit. I recommend Nomad Insurance (by SafetyWing)  for its great flexibility. With coverage in 185 countries, it automatically extends your policy monthly, reducing the risk of accidental gaps in coverage. Plus, you don’t have to pre-share your list of destinations, making it ideal for spontaneous changes in plans, which as digital nomads happen frequently.

Additionally, research the safety protocols and potential risks of each destination to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Remember the chaos that was the Covid-19 lockdown? Don’t let your lack of health insurance coverage ruin your travel plans. 

3 – Preparing for the Digital Nomad Life

Before leaping into the digital nomad lifestyle, it’s crucial to prepare both mentally and practically.

Here are a few key areas to focus on:

Embracing the digital nomad life is an exciting and liberating decision. However, it requires careful preparation to ensure a smooth transition into this unconventional way of living.

Essential Skills for a Digital Nomad

To thrive as a digital nomad, certain skills can be extremely beneficial. These include effective communication, self-discipline, time management, and adaptability. It’s important to develop these skills, as they will play a crucial role in your success as a digital nomad.

– Effective communication

Effective communication is essential for maintaining relationships with clients, colleagues, and fellow digital nomads. As we navigate different time zones and work remotely, clear and concise communication becomes even more important. Nowadays, there are so many tools and software that will make communication easy. Developing strong communication skills will help you build trust and establish a professional reputation.

– Self-discipline

Self-discipline is another key skill that we must cultivate. Without the structure of a traditional office environment, it’s easy to become distracted or procrastinate. By practising self-discipline, setting goals, and creating a routine, you can stay focused and productive, even in ever-changing environments.

– Time management

Time management is crucial for digital nomads as we often juggle multiple projects and deadlines. With the freedom to work from anywhere, it’s important to prioritize tasks, set realistic goals, and manage your time effectively. By mastering time management, you can maintain a healthy work-life balance and avoid burnout. Platforms like Asana, Monday and Trello (there are so many more) can really help you stay on top of everything.

– Adaptability

We are the Monarchs of Adaptability. Living a nomadic lifestyle means constantly adapting to new cultures, environments, and working conditions. Being open-minded, flexible, and willing to embrace change will allow you to navigate challenges and make the most of your digital nomad experience. 

4 – Financial Planning for Nomadic Living

Another critical aspect of preparing for the digital nomad life is financial planning. As a digital nomad, you will be responsible for your income and expenses. It’s important to have a solid understanding of your financial situation, create a budget, and have a plan for generating a sustainable income while on the move.

– Understand your financial situation

Before embarking on your digital nomad journey, take the time to assess your financial situation. Calculate your current income, savings, and expenses to determine how much money you will need to sustain your desired lifestyle. Consider factors such as accommodation, transportation, food, healthcare, and any other expenses specific to your situation.

– Create a budget

Creating a budget is essential for managing your finances as a digital nomad. Outline your monthly income and allocate funds for different categories, such as housing, transportation, food, and leisure activities. By tracking your expenses and sticking to your budget, you can ensure that your finances remain stable and avoid any unnecessary financial stress.

– Generate regular income

Generating a sustainable income while on the move is a key consideration for digital nomads. Explore different remote work opportunities, freelancing platforms, or entrepreneurial ventures that align with your skills and interests. Diversifying your income sources can provide stability and flexibility, allowing you to adapt to changing circumstances and maintain a steady cash flow.

Embrace the opportunities that come with being a digital nomad and embark on a fulfilling journey of exploration and personal growth.

5 – Choosing Your Digital Nomad Career

One of the key decisions you will have to make as a digital nomad is embracing professional activities that allow for remote work.

How to get started

First, it’s very important to be very clear on your existing skills, your experience and your interest or passion. Once you’ve put those on paper, let’s find your sweet spot.

I first heard about this concept in one of Natalie Sisson’s blog posts. Her blog – The Suitcase Entrepreneur – was my bible when I started online in 2010. She described the sweet spot as “the intersection between what you love to do, what you are good at and what people will pay for”.

In the same way that you listed your skills, experience and passion earlier, create a list of the things that you love doing, the things that you’re good at and the things that people would pay you to do.

This is an exercise that I have done time and time again. Over time, your list will change and that’s why it’s always good to go back to it and pick something else until you find your sweet spot.

Since making my first $ online (through affiliate marketing – I cover that in my ebook), I’ve done so many different activities that allowed me to earn money. Some were more succesful than others and some totally failed but you’ll never know unless you try it yourself.

Nowadays, I have the freedom to choose my clients/projects, choose when to take on new projects and travel with my family.

I decided to share my experience by writing this guide where I cover 15 tried and tested strategies for earning as a digital nomad in 2024.

This eBook will be your roadmap to working online—a compilation of actionable tips, tried-and-tested strategies, and insights from a seasoned nomad to help you monetize your skills and embark on a fulfilling journey as a digital entrepreneur.

Of course, these are just a few examples, and countless other careers can be pursued remotely, depending on your sweet spot. The key is finding an activity that aligns with your skills and interests and offers the flexibility to work from anywhere. For this check out my “Finding your Niche” guide.

If you’re considering a more traditional approach, here’s a list of 10 websites for remote work opportunities 🚀

⚡️ Pangian – https://pangian.com
⚡️ WeWorkRemotely – https://lnkd.in/dTwbuTCt
⚡️ ARC – https://arc.dev
⚡️ Remotive – Remote Jobs – https://remotive.com
⚡️ JustRemote – https://justremote.co/
⚡️ AngelList – https://angel.co/
⚡️ Jobspresso – https://jobspresso.co/
⚡️ DailyRemote – https://dailyremote.com/
⚡️ Working Nomads – https://lnkd.in/dJKgGBTx
⚡️ RemoteLeaf – https://remoteleaf.com/

Building a Remote Work Portfolio

As I mentioned in the ebook, regardless of the career path you choose, building a strong portfolio is essential for success as a digital nomad. A remote work portfolio showcases your skills and expertise to potential clients or employers and helps you stand out in a competitive market. It’s important to continually develop your portfolio by taking on freelance projects, gaining new skills, and staying updated with industry trends.

As well as building your portfolio, it’s important to get testimonials from past clients, colleagues and other professionals with whom you had professional interactions. the first place to gather these recommendations is your LinkedIn profile but you can also use the space on your Upwork profile or any other job platform that has the option to include clients’ testimonials.

Check out my article on creating a WordPress blog to showcase your portfolio and share client testimonials.

6 – Living the Digital Nomad Lifestyle

Once you’ve prepared for the digital nomad life and chosen a career that allows for remote work, it’s time to embark on the journey of living the digital nomad lifestyle. Here are a few considerations:

Finding Accommodation and Co-working Spaces

One of the key aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle is finding suitable accommodation and co-working spaces. Research the destinations you plan to visit and explore the various options available, such as rental apartments, co-living spaces, or even house-sitting opportunities. Additionally, find co-working spaces that offer a productive work environment with reliable internet connections.

Balancing Work and Travel

Lastly, finding a balance between work and travel is essential for a successful digital nomad lifestyle. It’s important to establish a routine that allows for productivity while still being able to explore and enjoy the destinations you’re in.

Remember, the beauty of being a digital nomad is the ability to work from anywhere, so take advantage of the flexibility and make the most of your travels. Digital Nomads experience burnout as well. Make sure to take care of yourself and seek the assistance of a professional if you’re not feeling well (another good reason to have good health insurance coverage wherever you are in the world).

In conclusion, becoming a digital nomad can be an exciting and rewarding lifestyle choice. By understanding the essence of digital nomadism, preparing yourself both mentally and practically, choosing a suitable career path, and considering the legal and logistical aspects, you’ll be well on your way to embracing the digital nomad lifestyle. So, pack your bags, grab your laptop, and get ready to embark on this incredible adventure!