I’m sure we’ve all seen the many scroll-stopping videos on TikTok or Instagram of lucky people working by the beach or outside a cozy, hidden cafe in a tourist-packed city and felt a pang of envy. The allure of the digital nomad lifestyle is very much real — especially if you’ve been working in an office all these years.
Let’s be honest, who wouldn’t rather be answering work emails at a beachside cafe in Bali? Or maybe taking calls from your picturesque apartment in Santorini?
Working from literally anywhere is one of the best perks of working remotely. But while the digital nomad lifestyle is now more achievable than ever, it isn’t one you can or should dive into willy-nilly.
So before you start packing your bags and booking a flight, let’s go over some crucial questions you need to answer to start your digital nomad lifestyle right.
Do I Meet The Visa Or Work Requirements?
Surprise, you can’t just show up in another country and start working! Okay, I know it sounds so obvious when you put it that way. Still, some people overlook this little detail. After all, powerful passports allow tourists to travel visa-free and stay for up to 90 days in some countries.
The thing is, you’re technically not allowed to work in another country on a tourist visa. You need a work permit or visa for that—and these can be difficult to get, depending on where you plan to go.
The good news? More countries are rolling out dedicated “digital nomad visas” for freelancers and remote workers. These are generally more flexible, allow for extended stays, and may even offer extra perks like tax exemptions or even having your family with you.
Make sure to research your digital nomad visa options thoroughly. Different visas have different requirements, including minimum income and remote work experience.
Can I Afford The Cost Of Living Overseas?
One thing that really draws remote workers to become digital nomads is the supposed savings and affordability it offers. In some places, you can stretch $5 from just one cup of coffee to an entire meal.
But while some things might be cheaper, others might cost you more. Additionally, being a digital nomad comes with its own unique set of expenses. Think coworking space costs, local travel fare, Airbnb rentals, international health, insurance, emergency flight ticket funds—and, of course, foreign transaction fees!
So, before making the move to your dream workstation destination, see how long you can sustain yourself there. Take your current monthly expenses and convert them to the local currency to see how far they can get you. Better yet, add 20% more for unexpected costs, so you have more leeway in case of emergencies.
Am I Willing To Be A Stranger In A New City?
Being the new guy or girl anywhere isn’t easy. If you’re not ready to get out of your comfort zone, you might have a hard time in a new city. If you’re the introvert type, ask yourself if you’re ready to push past the discomfort and make friends. You must be ready to go out, explore, and meet new people.
Building a social network from scratch requires effort—especially when you’re also focused on maintaining your work performance. It’s hard but necessary. Living abroad can get lonely really fast if you don’t have a community you can lean on.
Thankfully, you’re never really alone, even as a digital nomad! There are thriving communities of remote workers in cities worldwide. You can join online groups before even flying there, so you already have a few friendly faces to meet for coffee.
What Are My Healthcare Options?
Your current health insurance likely won’t follow you around the world. So, what are your healthcare options? More importantly, how much would the available options cost you?
These are two crucial questions you need to answer before starting your digital nomad journey. You need to figure out how or where to access routine healthcare and emergency medical services.
Before you start traveling, you can either invest in an international health insurance policy or build up an emergency health fund. Either way, you need to know the average cost of care in your destination.
Thankfully, the cost and quality of healthcare abroad are generally excellent. In most cases, it might actually be one of the best perks of a digital nomad lifestyle (especially if you’re from the U.S.!).
Am I Ready For The Culture Shock?
Being a stranger in a new city is one thing—being a stranger to a whole culture and country is another. Before making the big move and diving into the digital nomad lifestyle, you need to ask yourself if you’re really ready to take that plunge.
Yes, living abroad can be fun and exciting, but it’s also challenging. I’m not just talking about the different languages or food. I’m talking about having a completely different “normal” than what others around you consider.
Culture shock isn’t always with the big things, too. Sometimes, the little stuff can hit you harder: people going around in flip-flops, everything closing down in the middle of the day, or even cappuccino not being an acceptable drink outside of breakfast.
Make sure you’re ready for your worldview and routines to be rocked—and that you can adapt and survive! Your success will depend heavily on how well-prepared you are to handle the changes.
And remember: it’s also easier to be a digital nomad if you already have a stable remote job, not looking for one while adapting to a new culture and lifestyle. If you want to travel and work around the world, make sure you crush it in your home office first. Having a track record of remote work excellence will be your strongest asset as a digital nomad.