Table of Contents
What is a Digital Nomad?
Have you ever been sat in your office looking out at the overcast sky at around 2pm? You've just had you half an hour lunch break that felt like 5 minutes and you are sat wondering what else is going on the big wide world whilst you spend the majority of your life in this grey office.
Sorry if that hit a little too close to the bone and made you fall off your spinny-chair, but it's good to know that you are not alone in that feeling.
In fact, there are countless people who have ditched the office, swapped the desktop for a laptop and flocked to see what exactly is out there in the big wide world…without even filling out a holiday form.
The Life of a Digital Nomad
A Digital Nomad is not only someone who travels the world, but funds these travels by setting up online businesses and earning money from their laptop.
An awesome example of this is Journal of Nomads if you want to check them out.
Doesn't it sound great?
Imagine typing away on your MacBook on a white sand beach, sipping Margaritas in between each big cash windfall.
The Reality of Life as a Digital Nomad
Ok, ok, so it won't necessarily be like this. Sand isn't great for MacBooks, beaches don't get great WiFi and online money isn't an easy thing to acquire.
You can still have the Margarita, but it will most likely be inside a quiet cafe or co-working space.
However, the appeal of being a Digital Nomad is stepping out of that cafe after finishing your work and having the freedom to set-up your office anywhere.
One of the more popular places is East Asia due to the low cost of living. This allows your online income to stretch a little further. You could be a Digital Nomad in somewhere like New York, but unless you start making a good deal of money online, then your travels may be cut short. If that happens, you may end up back staring out of that office window.
And we don't want that!
Skilled and talented people today don’t have to be confined to one job in one country thanks to the internet and globalization.
The digital world has brought with it a multitude of career options. In our world today, interconnectivity has knocked down the barriers of geographical space and time.
Many people are finding profitable work online.
Digital Nomadism
Back in the days, our parents used to work in one job until they retire…
…but today a 25-year-old has probably already worked three jobs and will be migrating careers even more in the future.
Digital careers, powered by the internet bring freedom to a world of ambitious people who don’t want to be tied down.
And when career options in your country are dwindling, there is now the option to begin freelancing online.
Why People Become Digital Nomads
It is easier now more than ever to attain self-sustenance with digital nomad jobs. Talents and skills that might not be in demand in your current location can make you an income elsewhere in the world.
Online Teaching is a perfect example of this. But we will go into that more later in the article.
If you are getting paid peanuts in one job, you can work for several clients or companies at once on the internet and earn more. And all you need to access the greener pastures is just a wi-fi connection or mobile broadband.
It is a transient lifestyle
It is exciting, and digital careers are rewarding and fulfilling. Those who started living the digital nomad lifestyle early enough now have everything to show off. They have done well by themselves in marketing, online entrepreneurship, teaching, freelancing and working many other types of jobs remotely. Digital nomads explore the world from their living rooms, providing services and earning a pretty penny for it.
How to Become a Digital Nomad
Do you have an education, skills, and experience? Never mind. That is not the question to ask here.
Such belong to the old world with its nerve-wrecking job interviews. The right problem is -are you passionate, are you talented or knowledgeable? There are many digital nomad job opportunities for everyone as long as you are passionate in your field.
Do your homework
Maybe your current company allows people to work from home or any part of the world. You have to research and ask your boss whether remote working is on the table. If yes then it is time for you to backpack as you work.
Lay down mechanisms
Freelancing is easy- you get to decide where you want to work every single day. A freelance writer or an affiliate marketer can work from a cafeteria or on a plane to Honduras. Nevertheless, there are logistics to take care of, such as international calls, or arranging for digital payments.
So How Do You Become a Digital Nomad?
What is the best way to earn money online from your laptop and surf the WiFi waves from routers all over the world?
You simply have to find a way to earn money online so that your income doesn't require you to be physically at a place of work. So here are a list of digital nomad jobs…
Best Digital Nomad Jobs
1. Teaching Online
Teaching online is an appealing freelance opportunity that allows you to interact with students from all over the world and shape their learning right from your laptop.
There are many platforms to teach for including:
There are also opportunities to coach business professionals online with platforms like Excedo.
You can find better-paying work online at any time. The best thing about digital nomad jobs is that you get to work at your convenience. The list of clients is endless from all over the world. All you need is a spirit of determination, an internet connection and probably a cup coffee for late nights due to the time difference. You can find a complete guide for online teaching jobs here:
See Hiring Online Teaching Jobs
2. Freelance Web Design
If you have skills in HTML or Java, you can put your talents to use with WordPress web development. Or if you don't have those skills, you can use something like Skillshare to brush up.
Those that are skilled in coding can undertake complex web designing projects. This is a high-paying digital nomad job with ever-increasing demand.
The secret to getting a break in freelance web design is to build your portfolio website, one you can show to clients. From the site, they will be able to gauge your skills. This is your reference to make it credible and keep updating it all through.
Here is a guide on creating a website.
3. Join a freelancing community
That is how to get started in the freelancing world. There are many platforms for freelancers depending on your field. The platforms link you to client’s who are willing to pay for your services, such as Fiverr.
Here you can take advantage of their existing traffic to advertise your services as a web developer for example.
4. Affiliate Marketing
See the mention of Fiverr above? If you click on it and use the service, this website will earn a commission…this is affiliate marketing.
Digital nomads today can earn good money just marketing products on their social media accounts or blog pages. With affiliate marketing, you work with merchants who give you a link to sell their products.
You work to get as many people as possible to click the link to see the offerings. Some merchants operate on a pay per click while others on pay per action basis. You can also create niche websites to sell affiliate products.
Check out this step-by-step article below on how to make successful affiliate website – the one you're on right now.
5. Blogging
Blogging is one of the best digital nomad jobs. You can blog about anything and everything from space travel to the cats in your home. The best place to start before you score big jobs is your blog site. You only have to write interesting pieces to get recognized and relied upon by clients.
Blogging and affiliate marketing go hand-in-hand. But a reliable monetization from blogging has been from ad revenue. This is when you put adverts on your website to create passive income from your audience interaction with them. Here is an article that shows the potential of ad revenue from blog posts – Monumetric vs Adsense.
For a much bigger list of digital nomad jobs, check out the side hustles page:
Explore The Full List of Side Hustles
Now that we've gone through what a digital nomad is and how they make money, let's take a look at some of the most popular locations for location independent freelancers…
Popular Digital Nomad Locations
1) Berlin, Germany
Lifestyle
The German capital has become a hub for Europe's finest up-and-coming start-ups. Berlin attracts an unorthodox breed of creative people which allows for great networking opportunities…especially in the summer, when a whole heap of digital nomads flock to the city's vibrant surroundings.
Cost of living
For a European city, Berlin's living expenses and food are cheap…which is probably why Berliners have an infectious love for fun! This is notable by the buzz of the city.
Find a Berlin AirBnB & Get $40 DigiNo Discount!
Perks
A great place to set-up shop, and with other European destinations just a short flight away, you are sure to find a great work-life balance. Last minute flight to Spain, anyone?
2) Chiang Mai, Thailand
Lifestyle
Chiang Mai has become popular as a winter location for Digital Nomads. Escape the cold for the Asian sun and as you lock yourself away on your laptop in one of the many cafes and co-working spaces.
Cost of living
The cost of living is incredibly cheap…and when you combine this with the good Wi-Fi, even better weather and friendly locals, it's no wonder that the Thai city has the highest concentration of nomads anywhere in the world.
Perks
When you manage to peel yourself away from your laptop, Thailand has wondrous nature for you to experience, and it is incredibly tourist friendly country, so you should find it easy to get around and explore. Great for a someone at the beginning of their Nomad journey.
And make sure you get yourself some travel insurance before jetting off across the world!
3) Sofia, Bulgaria
Lifestyle
Eastern Europe is on the rise. Sofia is the underdog of this list and is the perfect opportunity for a nomad on the rise to come and build your empire in a creative metropolis that is reinventing itself.
There is also wonderful co-working culture so you won't be short of other creatives to bounce ideas off of.
Sofia is a safe city and beautiful place with helpful locals. You cannot beat the combination of Southern Europe with a touch of the Balkans to provide a great quality of life.
Cost of living
Cheap rent and low cost of dining in restaurants – so that's food and shelter sorted!
Perks
There is a great party culture to blow off some steam after a long day of key-bashing on your MacBook and making the most of the flourishing internet speed.
Or if partying isn't your thing, hit the slopes! Sofia is equipped with some of the most awesome skiing areas in the region such as Bansko.
4) Bali, Indonesia
Lifestyle
The high quality of life and low cost of living in Bali has turned it into somewhat of a haven for globe-trotting entrepreneurs. Its digital nomad community is in a state of growth, so it might be time for you to jump on the wave.
Cost of living in Bali
$1000 a month can see you living well in Bali. This cost ultimately depends on where you lay your hat on the island, but I'm sure you'll agree it is an incredibly affordable price – especially considering all of the perks…
Perks
There are plenty of co-working spaces with super-fast internet for all you work needs.
And on your days off, you can explore through the lush natural terrain with glorious sights aided by tropical weather. You can hike and surf or even kickback in a spa.
The holistic vibe of the place is rife in both Ubud and Canggu also, so health-nuts and yogis will be sure to find their own personal zen in Indonesia.
5) Buenos Aires, Argentina
Lifestyle
Buenos Aires is a popular location with its flourishing culture. Expect it to be busy between the months of October and April in the city's cafes and co-working spaces.
Cost of living
Argentina attracts hordes of digital nomads with its affordable costs of living.
Perks
Tuck in to a mouth-watering steak to fuel you for an evening of scintillating tango.
Palermo valley seems to be where the internet startup scene is really taking off!
6) Southern Thai Islands, Koh Phangan and Koh Lanta
Lifestyle
Koh Phangan (East coast) and Koh Lanta (West Coast) are rife with co-working spaces. However, these spaces stand-out as they are set amongst tropical gardens and white sand beaches…and the internet speed is as hot as the weather!
Cost of living
The cost of living in the southern Thai islands is ultimately dependent on the season, but in general they are low.
Perks
Koh Lanta is home to fantastic white beaches, incredible diving spots and friendly vibe throughout the community.
Koh Phangan is all about that relaxed vibe, entrepreneurial scene and infamous nightlife.
You can also find a classroom English teaching opportunities in Thailand with a teaching certificate if you fancy a longer stay.
You can keep fit on both of the stunning islands with plenty of yoga, crossfit and the fresh fruits of nature.
7) Ho Chi Minh City (Formerly Saigon), Vietnam
Lifestyle
The great weather and frequent use of the English language has helped Vietnam experience a rapid increase in tourism – yet Ho Chi Minh City still remains a top pic for location independent workers.
Cost of living
The internet speeds are soaring in Ho Chi Minh City…but that doesn't mean the prices are! The affordable cost of living and great networking and business opportunities makes this city a winner.
Perks
High season business booms in Chiang Mai are also felt in Ho Chi Minh City!
The networking opportunities are a real bonus with digital nomad communities hosting regular meet-ups in the Vietnamese city.
8) Medellín, Colombia
Lifestyle
Medellín is new on to the illustrious list of must-live Digital Nomad locations. Colombia is regarded as one of the more creative countries in South America, which explains the current rise in its digital scene.
With this digital innovation, comes a reform in reputation for the once capital of cocaine. The Colombian city is now a safer place with an expansive digital nomad community – basking in the stability of the internet and quality of the working spaces of course!
Cost of living
The cost of living is affordable, the temperature is warm and locals are friendly. You don't have to break the bank to live amongst vibrancy!
Perks
Medellín's size should ensure that you don't get lost in your new home. However there are plenty of pass-times for you to get lost in, such as outdoor activities and awesome nightlife venues.
9) Lisbon, Portugal
Lifestyle
Lisbon is fiercely becoming one of the best online teacher capitals in Europe. Fast internet speeds keep the travelling entrepreneurs ticking, and unique co-working spaces allow for inspirational levels of productivity and a flux of networking opportunities.
Cost of living
Despite Lisbon being a Western capital, the cost of living is still affordable, with good deals on housing available.
Perks
Lisbon is rich in tradition as well as modern bohemia. You can explore through the hidden paths of the cosmopolitan streets, witness a stunning sunset shining across the city or join the buzz of the nightlife in the world-class bars and restaurants.
10) San Diego, USA
Lifestyle
San Diego is essentially the ‘final boss' of digital nomad destinations. It is perfect for escaping the soaring prices of San Francisco, yet still being exposed to the infamous entrepreneurial and creative vibe of California.
You can also expose yourself to the best rated weather in the USA, with sunny weather across summer and winter. This is sure to put a spring in your step as you collaborate with other high-flying entrepreneurs in co-working spaces.
Cost of living
It is much more affordable than San Francisco, but we are obviously no longer in the pricing territories of Chiang Mai or Bali, so not ideal for beginner traveling nomads
Perks
Surf spots for all skill levels, along with awesome beaches and thriving bars, San Diego is somewhat of a paradise for a hard-working online teachers on their days off.
Take advantage of San Francisco and Mexico being in close proximity…and why not pay a visit to Silicon valley for some real entrepreneurial inspiration if you wish to build upon your online income!
Now you've seen how to make an income, as well as popular locations, it's time to figure out what to pack…
Digital Nomad Tools (Digital Nomad Packing List)
As a traveling digital nomad, there are many tools that can make your experience more convenient. Here are a variety of tools that we believe every digital nomad should have on their packing list. They range from tech gadgets, travel hacks as well as financial tools.
1) Dual Sim Adaptor
When you buy a new sim card abroad, it could be frustrating not being able to access your old sim card. With a dual sim adaptor, you are able to actively use two sim cards and save the cost of buying a second phone and take advantage of two different mobile plans as required.
2) Osprey Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack
Having a lightweight backpack that is capable of carrying as much carry-on items as you usually travel with is essential to a traveling teacher. With comfortable sleeves for a laptop and tablet, the Farpoint 40 Travel Backpack can handle everything you throw into it!
It also fits into most airplane carry-on compartments and provides adequate protection to your belongings.
3) Wise Borderless Account
Controlling your finances is important when you travel abroad. This account allows you to get convenient access to your funds from more than 30 countries globally. You can get paid in any continent and spend via a debit card in the local currency. Click below to read the full guide:
4) Travel towel
Travel towels are great because they are compact, super absorbent and dry much faster than regular towels. They fit comfortable into a digital nomad’s luggage and are easy to wash and maintain.
5) Travel Insurance
Protection from flight cancellations, lost baggage, accidents and emergencies are some of the benefits of having travel insurance when you travel. Some travel insurance companies also assist with emergency cash if you ever get stranded abroad.
You can read about other examples of coverage by clicking the image below:
6) Battery Pack Case
Never run out of power with a battery pack case. These come handy to keep your mobile devices running during long flights and transits to rural areas. Once they are charged to capacity, battery pack cases can last up to a full day and keep you online in cases of emergencies or power outages.
7) MacBook Air
MacBook Airs provide premium computing power and excellent battery life that any digital nomad can depend on. Enjoy fast booting and up to 12 hours of work without needing to charge it. It is excellent for high quality video streams, document processing, teaching online and for being thin and light enough for your travel bag. It is in fact listed as one of the best laptops for teaching online and a good laptop to use for many online side hustles.
8) AirBnB
Use the AirBnB app on your phone and always find great places to stay on the move. This is the best way to find a quiet space to teach online with Cambly, PalFish and Amazing Talker, or perform other side hustles from home.
9) Kiwi
Use the Kiwi app to find cheap flights to your next destination. Clearly save your boarding passes on the app for quick check-ins at the airport and take advantage of the Kiwi guarantee to find you replacement flights if delays cause you to miss your connecting flight.
10) Fingertip Toothbrush
Maintain your dental hygiene without increasing your luggage with a fingertip toothbrush. These brushes are easy to use, comfortable, durable and easy to clean before storing. The case can also contain a small tube of toothpaste to allow you travel conveniently and light as the job requires.
11) Huel
Staying healthy whilst traveling around can be tough. So a good thing to take along could be a meal replacement shake that packs in all your needed macros and nutrients like Huel. Perfect for long journeys when you need a quick and healthy hunger fix.
12) Revolut
Revolut offers everyday banking globally without having to worry about fees or money transfer restrictions. You also receive instant notifications when you send or receive payments. Revolut also provides a debit card that you can use anywhere globally at local exchange rates.
You can get grab your free Revolut card by following these steps:
Steps to claim free card
- Click this link
- Insert mobile number
- Follow text message URL to download Revolut on the Google Play or Apple App Stores via the link
- Open an account (takes 30 seconds)
- Top up £10/€10
- Select and order Free Card [Standard Delivery]
- Verify your identity (Tap more -> Profile -> Verify identity)
This means your Revolut card will be ready to use as soon as you've got it.
*This process currently only works for those who do not have Revolut currently.
Final thoughts from this Digital Nomad guide…
In this guide we have explained what a digital nomad is, how to earn an online income, what destination digital nomads like to visit and what helpful tools will help you on your nomad journey.
The lifestyle is not for everyone, however, earning an online income doesn't mean you have to suddenly go galavanting across the world. Maybe you just want some extra income in your life that doesn't involve you leaving your home. If that's the case then becoming an online teacher could be right for you. View hiring online teaching platforms by clicking below:
Osprey Farpoint 40 Review (The Digital Nomad Backpack)