According to a study by MBO Partners, in 2023, there were 17.3 million American digital nomads, representing a 2% increase from the previous year. Nomadlist, which continuously updates its database of registered paid users who self-identify as digital nomads, estimated in September 2024 that there are more than 77 million digital nomads worldwide, coming from various countries.
The digital nomad lifestyle is gaining popularity, and it’s easy to see why. Thanks to modern technology, many jobs no longer require us to be physically present in an office every weekday. This opens up countless irresistible possibilities, including traveling around the world while still earning an income.
We don’t blame you if you’re considering becoming a digital nomad. There’s a huge, beautiful world to see. However, there are several important factors to consider, which we’ll explore today.
1. Choosing a destination
We’ve all seen the captivating photos of digital nomads working happily on beaches while sipping cocktails. However, in reality, there are several important factors to consider beyond just aesthetics when choosing your destination.
First, when planning a nomadic lifestyle, you need to ask yourself whether traveling and working in a specific country is legal for you. Do you require a visa? How long will you have to wait to be allowed into a country? Keep in mind that the visa application process can sometimes take months.
Additionally, consider the safety of your chosen country. Life can be brutal. If you’re a single woman, an LGBTQ+ individual, or a person of color, certain destinations might be outright dangerous, even if they look pretty in photos. Crime rates, costs of living, and the ability to find a place to live as a foreigner – these are the tedious aspects of life that influencers don’t like to talk about, but they’re crucial to consider when choosing a destination as a digital nomad.
2. Staying connected
As a digital nomad, you’ll probably want to keep in touch with your loved ones back at home, but how? The availability of reliable Wi-Fi and good cellular signals can vary greatly depending on your location. It’s an important factor to consider before you go because you certainly don’t want to find yourself stranded in a foreign place with no internet access.
If you want to stay connected at all times, we recommend using eSIM apps, which offer a wide range of internet plans for numerous countries. For example, an eSIM USA plan is an affordable mobile plan that allows you to access the internet in the United States while avoiding costly roaming charges from your home mobile operator. It works like that in most countries and is available through the eSIM app. You won’t need to purchase or switch physical SIM cards – it’s fully digital. All you need is an eSIM-compatible device.
3. Working out the legal factors
Before going anywhere, you must consider all legal aspects related to your travel and work. Depending on your nationality and destination, you’ll likely need a valid passport. Additionally, you’re no longer considered a tourist if you plan to work in a foreign country. Many countries require you to apply for a work visa or a digital nomad visa in such a situation. It’s also crucial to familiarize yourself with the tax policies of both your home country and the country you plan to visit.
These topics can be complex and require thorough research, so be sure to address them well before your departure. Also, remember that legal requirements can vary depending on whether you are self-employed or working remotely as an employee.
4. Staying healthy
Most influencers don’t bother discussing their health as digital nomads because social media isn’t real life, and we don’t go there to learn about the boring reality. But the reality can’t be escaped, and as a digital nomad in a foreign place, you need to take care of your health, both physical and mental. Before embarking on your journey, you need to research how healthcare works in your chosen destination, which includes understanding the local bureaucracy and answering questions such as:
- Are healthcare services paid for, and what are the costs?
- If you require prescribed medication, will you be able to obtain it?
- Are popular, non-restricted, over-the-counter drugs from your home country also available in your destination?
- How easy will finding an English-speaking doctor in a non-English-speaking country be?
Ideally, you should seek answers to these questions before you leave. Additionally, remember that traveling and staying in new environments can be mentally taxing, so don’t forget to focus on your mental health, too.
5. Finding like-minded individuals
Contrary to popular belief, a digital nomad doesn’t spend their days lounging on a white beach with a laptop and never feeling sad. This lifestyle can be quite challenging, often resembling that of an expat, and many expats will attest that one of the most challenging aspects of moving to a new country is loneliness.
While you may find yourself in some stunning locations as a digital nomad, it’s easy to feel isolated in a crowd, especially if you’re traveling solo. That’s why it’s very important to maintain human connections wherever you go. Ideally, you could connect with other nomads or expats before leaving your home country. Social media platforms like Facebook and Reddit can be invaluable resources for helping foreigners in various countries connect with one another. Other experienced nomads can also help you to understand local laws and customs.
