In the past, entrepreneurs and freelancers remained anchored to a desk, now offices can be anywhere in the world. Digital nomads have proven, with the help of the Internet, that they can accomplish their work goals while traveling the world. This lifestyle helps them to have a broader perspective on their projects.
After the pandemic, many governments worldwide understood the opportunities of remote work. Visa programs for digital nomads are already present in different parts of the world and others are being created. This gives many nomads the opportunity to stay for longer, legally, without restrictions and with benefits.
Until a few years ago, many traveling on tourist visas could only stay for the time established for such purposes — in many cases less than 90 days. However, the change of status helps them to open bank accounts, rent apartments, be identified within the country and, in some cases, be exempt from paying taxes, although this doesn’t apply in all countries.
Working in your dream place: easy or complicated?
Each chosen city can be completely different. Every traveler has a wide variety of options, from large technological cities to small towns near the beach. However, the location must meet the basic requirements of travelers, related to the work they do.
A digital nomad can’t live just anywhere in the world. One of the primary requirements is a good internet connection, and unfortunately not all towns offer a decent service.
Visa benefits can help with contracting services, including internet, which helps those who want to stay in one place for a long period of time. But many cities also offer shared workspaces, recreational activities, coffee shops with free WiFi and event halls.
The cost of living will depend on the destination. There are cities with more expensive amenities, apartment rentals and food. Others can be a real bargain for a foreigner who is used to being paid in a strong currency. Digital nomads usually analyze their expenses before choosing a place to live. For longer stays, they tend to opt for cities with a wider range of cheaper rentals.
Work or pleasure?
Many people have a picture in their head of what it means to be a digital nomad: a person sitting on the shores of a beach, probably with a laptop next to a piña colada. Contrary to what people might imagine, digital nomads must work in order to continue the traveling lifestyle they desire.
However, work doesn’t have to detract from pleasure. Digital nomads often add a budget and leisure schedule where they go sightseeing and enjoy their free time. In addition, the ability to constantly change their residence allows them to avoid extreme temperatures, which means they can enjoy more outdoors.
Work combines with pleasure, digital nomads can fulfill their bucket list of places they want to visit, while still generating money. It’s not just a vacation, both planes — work and pleasure — overlap, so people who assume this lifestyle must be good at organizing their tasks and time.
Digital nomads according to the data
The countries that are standing out for receiving many digital nomads are Indonesia, Portugal, Georgia, Thailand, Mexico, Bermuda, Hungary, Estonia, Malta, Germany and Bulgaria.
According to trabajarporelmundo.org, many digital nomads are web developers, virtual assistants, editors, graphic designers, writers, photographers, teachers, translators, computer scientists, consultants, owners of an online store or are remote workers for a company.
To keep up with the pace of life, 36% of digital nomads freelance for various companies, 33% are owners of their own business and 21% are regular remote workers for a company, according to data from Passport-photo.online.
Many digital nomads insist that their lifestyle is not necessarily expensive. They need to organize their expenses and choose locations according to their monthly budget. According to Passport Photo, the average main expense for a digital nomad is $1600 per month, divided into $1000 for housing, $211 for transportation and $409 for food.
Similarly, the website highlights that nomads tend to stay in 3-4 countries on average. 44% of these people are millennials, 97% received the vaccine against Covid, and a fact that stands out: 85% of digital nomads are satisfied or very satisfied with their work.
Despite all the positive aspects, digital nomads can also be affected by loneliness, uncertainty, possible financial difficulties, inability to disconnect from work, maintaining motivation and concern about saving for retirement.
Images: David Espina and Austin Distel