Experiencing the digital nomad way of life can be exhilarating and liberating while being able to work from a distance. Nomads have the capability to access mobile hotspots like cell phones or Wi-Fi from the cafes they visit, however before embarking on their journey they should also factor in other important information. It is wise to look into the internet connection speed, cost of living information and wage rates of the country they are visiting; these can vary due to their disparate economic structures, therefore doing research beforehand is essential.
Digital nomad essentials for success in Europe
To ensure your success as a digital nomad while life and working in Europe, there are some must-haves you need to have.
First and foremost, it is essential to possess a laptop with high-end capabilities to accommodate your work requirements.
You will also require a dependable internet connection, as many countries in Europe have periodic difficulties in signal.
It’s important to have an agreeable spot to work from – could be a shared office space or somewhere like a cafe.
Having a travel insurance policy to safeguard you from any unforeseen medical expenditures can be beneficial.
It is advantageous to keep some reserve money accessible in case of any unexpected situations. By adhering to these straightforward ideas, you can prepare yourself for success as a digital migrant in Europe.
There are important factors that you should take into consideration when choosing your destination:
Fast internet access connection
If you’re doing your job from home, having fast internet access is essential if you want to keep up a nomadic lifestyle. Selecting a location with speedy internet access is beneficial because it will make your work space more convenient.
Safety
When picking a location to visit, safety should be taken into consideration in order to make sure it is safe. One should opt for a secure location to inhabit; nevertheless, certain economic conditions may need to be taken into account when relocating.
If you’re a female who is traveling independently, it is recommended that you look into the safety of the region for women prior to visiting so that you will be relaxed when you reach your destination. Making sure that a certain nation is accepting of your sexual orientation, traditions, and beliefs is wise. Investigate the level of criminal activity at the place you are visiting.
Coworking spaces
Coworking areas are terrific opportunities to connect with other freelancers in the area. You are not alone in your endeavor of working remotely in the city; you will encounter other remote workers and be able to compare notes. It would be beneficial for you to look into the city you are visiting; it’s potentially possible that there are coworking spaces there that can increase the efficiency of your work.
Language
The selection of a travel destination should take into consideration the language spoken in that location; whether it be English or another language. If you didn’t pay attention to the language being used, you’d be surprised if you felt excluded from conversations often.
Roaming workers who use digital media to do their job leave their home country, explore multiple nations across the globe, and encounter different languages and cultures. They need to comprehend that residing in an unfamiliar nation brings a considerable challenge in terms of the lifestyle.
Easy and open banking system.
When deciding on what city to visit as a digital nomad, another factor to think about is important. It is essential to recognize that it is simple to establish a bank account, handle transfers, and accept payments at the place you selected.
Social / Nightlife
If you’re into partying, make sure to research the quality of bars and nightclubs in whatever location you’re going to visit. It lightens the burden of the digital nomad’s lifestyle and makes them feel safe and secure in the area.
Activities & Attractions
Digital nomads should contemplate choosing a spot to work that has lots of things to do. Things digital nomads do to unwind while taking a break from labor include swimming and hiking in lovely surroundings, exploring art galleries, admiring the remarkable architecture of the town, participating in guided hikes, and going on daytime excursions close by.
Cost of Living
The expense of living should be taken into account when a digital nomad is selecting a city to visit. First, you need to evaluate the cost and get an estimate of lodging costs. If you need to keep to a financial plan, the most economical place to live and work is somewhere with low expenses.
Hardware
If you primarily utilize basic applications, such as Excel, email, and the web, then the MacBook Air is a great bargain and an added plus – it’s lightweight.
For those requiring more computing power in activities like video editing, audio production, web design, and coding, a MacBook Pro is the better, costlier alternative. The Pro is heavier and bulkier than the Air. But the plus side of it is the improved monitor (which helps reduce eye fatigue) and a lot more capability. MacBook Pro models also come with 15’’ screens. If you are looking for a way to increase your viewing area, this is an excellent choice.
Cloud Storage
Despite any misgivings you might have regarding internet security or dubious businesses like Dropbox, cloud storage is the optimum way to keep your important papers safe while you’re away from home. Having your laptop stolen is an unfortunate experience, but how will you manage without all the data that was stored on it?
Documents of importance should be situated in a protected environment with a secure password to allow access no matter the location. Anything worth keeping should live in the cloud. In the event of a calamity, you can recommence work instantly. Store your travel and individual records electronically in case of an unforeseen circumstance.
Be conscious that these tools generally function without any hiccups with both desktop and mobile gadgets; though, they can take up considerable space on your computer’s hard drive. Consult the manual to know how to prevent this.
If you are familiar with Google Docs, then the storage options provided by Google Drive would be a logical decision. Google Drive is efficient in managing your spreadsheets, documents, and other programs stored in the cloud.
Save Your Eyes
One of the biggest dangers to our well-being is the impact of changing time zones and extended hours at our computers causing sleeping issues and lack of rest. If that declaration seems exaggerated and you are unconvinced, take a look at Why We Sleep.
The solution is to use Screen-glare reducing glasses. Staying up late and exposing yourself to the blue light from your electronics will damage the quality of your sleep. Adapting to a new time zone can be especially daunting.
The spectacles are weightless, economical, and can create a huge impact.
Ergonomic Aid
Invest in a NEXSTAND or Roost Stand to help prevent any issues with your neck, back, energy levels, muscle discrepancies, and any issues caused by repetitive strain injuries.
These ergonomic laptop stands are game-changers. They operate by raising your laptop to a height so it is level with your eyes, preventing the need to bend to use it. The NEXSTAND sells for less than $50. Believe me, putting some money into this now will save you a lot in physiotherapy costs down the road.
Travel Insurance
If you’re not looking to take unnecessary risks on your trips, travel insurance should be a must-have for your journey. It has already been made known that airlifting via helicopter, repatriation, and hospital accommodations for an extended period are all expensive. In order for you to pay for any medical expenses abroad on your own, your digital nomad projects must be incredibly successful.
It is especially important to get medical insurance if you are planning to go to the USA. Going there without coverage could end up costing you more than anything else.
Communications
We recommend the following online communication tools.
- Zoom (free + paid) – A video conferencing tool that offers webinars, collaboration, chat, and voice calling
- Viber (free) – Voice, chat, video.
- FaceTime (iOS only) – Voice and video
- Signal – secure, encrypted, non-tracking. 100% free
- Telegram – like Signal, but better known, Telegram is free and offers voice communication for people worried about privacy.
- A local SIM card. Easier if you have two phonesor if you are travelling in Europe where you can use the same SIM card in multiple countries.
Becoming A Nomad
Every blogger who is a digital nomad appears to have published an article regarding working remotely while going to different places. There must be a huge number of writings about how to become a digital nomad. I anticipate that by 2022 and in the years ahead, there will be a rapid output of new posts due to people adapting to the virtual working environment. Once travel is a possibility once more, the amount of digital nomads across the globe will surge. There has been an incredible surge in the abundance of tutorials, courses, and directories covering the subject of becoming a digital nomad.
Becoming a digital nomad is simple. But not easy.
Here’s the simple bit:
- Have a regular income
- Travel while continuing to generate your income.
It is possible for anyone to travel and make an income at the same time, thus allowing them to become a digital nomad. Of course, there are caveats:
- Not everyone has the freedom to travel. Visa restrictions, physical limitations, and other factors mean that some people will never be able to work online and travel.
- Working for yourself or working on your own business is different from working for an employer when it comes to remote work. This could potentially make a huge difference in how you travel, and in some cases how much money you make.
Keep In Mind
- Working overseas comes with legal implications. I must point out that you should be paying tax wherever you work, even if you’re working online. There are some exceptions to this and in practice, few digital nomads have the resources to start paying taxes to every jurisdiction they pass through. But as a general rule, if you spend longer than six months in any state, you become a tax resident by default. At that stage, it’s not a choice. Get legal advice on paying your taxes overseasbefore they return to bite you in the a$$.
- A handful of countries offer “digital nomad visas”, but in general, you’ll be visiting every country as a tourist. Make sure you put that on your immigration forms.
- Travelling without health insuranceis like flying a plane with barely enough fuel. At some stage, it will all come crashing down in an expensive and life-threatening mess.
- Expect delays and wasted time. You will not be as efficient as you normally are (in your settled life) if you keep moving all the time. Many nomads recommend 1-2 months in each location. This helps you get into a working rhythm and gives you plenty of time to explore.
- If you’re looking for some countries to explore as a first-time digital nomad or location independent entrepreneur, try any of the following:
- Bansko or Sofia in Bulgaria
- Playa del Carmen, Mexico City, or Puerto Vallarta in Mexico
- Tbilisi, Georgia
- Bangkok and Chang Mai in Thailand
- Budapest, Hungary
- Lisbon, Porto, or Madeira in Portugal
- Athens or Thessaloniki in Greece
- Medellin Colombia.
- Kiev or Lviv in Ukraine
Barcelona, Spain for Digital Nomads
Barcelona is an amazing city which makes the ideal destination for digital nomads! This immense city possesses plenty of advantages for the person who works remotely when visiting. It is located directly on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea. You can spend your evenings at La Barceloneta, sampling sangria after a day of work.
The city is full of shared workspaces and Internet cafes. It is important not to overlook the wonderful tapas cafés and the amazing nightlife that can be found there.
You can get around the city quickly and easily using the public transportation system consisting of buses and the metro. Exploring the Gothic Quarter is an enjoyable experience, with a feel like traveling back in time to the Middle Ages.
Barcelona might not be a great destination if you’re looking to save money as a digital nomad, especially when it comes to rent.
Thessaloniki, Greece for Digital Nomads
Thessaloniki is the premier metropolis in Greece, with its central hilly location steeped in thousands of years of history. The Chalkidiki peninsula and the beaches near it are exceptionally good.
Thessaloniki has gained praise for its superior standard of living, dependable web access, and reasonable cost, so it was labeled as a prime spot for digital nomads to call home. Everyone aspires to inhabit a desirable and ancient city in the Mediterranean region with delicious cuisine, welcoming locals, and a stunning landscape.
Those visiting Thessaloniki can expect to have fast, effective internet with speeds of 15 Mbps, enjoy low expenses, and feel secure in the city. There are lots of attractive cafes in Thessaloniki which are perfect for working in the evening as well as Coho’s collective workspace.
They have great accessibility and are easily navigable due to the absence of visa requirements compared to other countries in Europe. Traveling in either the well-known Rhodes or the magnificent Santorini is very convenient.
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