7 tips for digital nomads, by someone who was already living like this before it became fashionable

Life is finally back to normal, but remote work has not lagged behind and is still growing. Companies like Spotify, Twitter, and Salesforce have told employees that they can work remotely forever if they so choose. If you are also from the “remote team”, enjoy the best tips for digital nomads now.

Like these visionary companies, 54% of people said they would prefer to work from home even with the end of the pandemic, according to a 2020 Pew Research survey.

And it doesn’t stop there, more than half of the employees surveyed by PwC, said they want to be remote at least three times a week. Think your job doesn’t allow it yet? Check out the best professions for those who want to live abroad.

To inspire this lifestyle, here are 7 tips from experienced digital nomads for you to fit in with this lifestyle:

1. Spend at least one month in each location
2. Joining a Coworking
3. Use applications to meet new people
4. Taking out nomadic medical insurance
5. Set limits bosses or customers
6. Having multiple debit and credit cards
7. Adopt mental and physical routines

Spend at least one month in each location

While it sounds exciting to cross off all the destinations you’ve always wanted to visit, don’t fall into the trap of rushing from place to place. Believe me, staying at least a month in each destination will add stability to your routine and allow you to experience the places beyond the tourist’s perspective.

“I find it easier to work when I have a certain stability,” said Ashleigh Ramshaw, who is an International Business Coach. The British spend up to six months in one place before moving to a new location. She has spent time living and working in Bali, Costa Rica, and is currently in Mexico.

“While it’s awesome that I can travel wherever I want with my job, it’s important to have a place to call home for a while before moving on to the next place,” she said.

Joining a Coworking

Even if you are introverted, attending a Coworking (or even Co-living) can provide many benefits, including fast Internet connections, a physical workspace, and a community of other individuals who are also working.

Being a digital nomad can feel lonely at times, particularly if you are surrounded by tourists.

“Just because you don’t have to get out of bed is no reason to work from bed,” says Lindsay Maisel, an American industrial designer who has worked in France, Thailand, and Costa Rica. “The commute may be gone, but mentally (and physically) you need to go somewhere else to work.”

Maisel usually sets aside $200-$400 per month in her budget to pay for a coworking space.

Use applications to meet new people

It has never been easier to find like-minded people anywhere in the world because of social media platforms.

Facebook hosts community groups of people who live or work in different cities. In some of these groups, people often post about housing options and social gatherings. These groups can be helpful in understanding daily life in a new place.

Glenn Emery, an American financial analyst at Exploding Kittens, a Los Angeles-based entertainment company, said he used Facebook groups wherever he traveled. “I met people and we ended up sharing hiking trails and talked throughout the tour,” he said. “I still keep in touch with the group through Instagram and Facebook.

Emery, who has worked remotely in Southeast Asia, Mexico and Hawaii, is also an avid user of the apps Tinder and Bumble to meet people for dating and friendship. “I invite people for coffee or a walk and it usually turns into a friendship,” he said.

“It’s great to learn more about a culture or a place from the people who actually live there.”

Taking out nomadic medical insurance

Being locked into a national health insurance contract can cause emotional and financial stress, which is why William Griffin, a sales trainer, advocates that people get “nomad insurance” that usually covers people while traveling outside their home country.

Griffin, who has worked in the United States, India, and Europe, said that his insurance provider of choice is SafetyWing, where he pays about $250 a month and is covered for up to $250,000.

Other insurance providers geared toward long-term travelers include WorldNomads and IntegraGlobal.

Set limits bosses or customers

What will you do when you receive a calendar invitation for 3 a.m. in your time zone?

“There is something really important about closing your computer and walking away from work at the end of the workday,” said Maisel, the industrial designer we quoted earlier.

She advises setting boundaries with customers or managers to set expectations.

“Time zone differences can be crippling to your lifestyle and create restless nights,” said Maisel. “Let your customers or managers know what time you are reasonably willing to take calls or meetings.

“At the same time, it can be a compromise that you have to be willing to make so that you can effectively manage your work while also traveling,” she added.

Having multiple debit and credit cards

Griffin recalls many times forgetting to take his debit card out of an ATM while traveling. “Nothing is worse than losing your bank card abroad,” he said. “I had to learn this the hard way.”

In some countries where cash is prevalent and credit card options are not often available, this can cause a lot of stress.

Griffin now carries at least three different cards to avoid the stress of having to call the banks in the hope that they can resolve the problem quickly.

Adopt mental and physical routines

While traveling and experiencing a new place often draws a lot of initial excitement, being away from your usual routine and community can also be a challenge.

“Running your own business or answering to your boss without having a real place to call home can actually be very isolating,” said Ashleigh Ramshaw. “I personally stay committed to my morning routine, which includes a daily exercise and meditation, to keep my vibration and energy high.”

Did you like the tips but haven’t chosen your destination yet? Get to know the best countries for Brazilians to live in.