Your resource guide to the digital nomad lifestyle

So, You Want to Be a Digital Nomad? Here's What You Need to Know

The idea of working from a beachside cafe in Bali or hopping between European capitals while running your online business sounds like a dream. But becoming a digital nomad is more than just posting travel pics and answering emails with a cocktail in hand. If you're serious about taking your life remote, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from visas and budgeting to finding WiFi and building a sustainable lifestyle abroad.

Step 1: Understand What Being a Digital Nomad Really Means

Being a digital nomad means earning your income remotely while traveling. You’re not a tourist, and you're not permanently relocating—you exist in between. That comes with unique responsibilities: time zones, tax laws, and the constant search for reliable internet. It’s freedom with a strong dose of discipline.

Ask yourself:

  • Can I manage my work without structure?

  • Am I comfortable with uncertainty?

  • What skills or services can I offer remotely?

  • Do I have a stable source of income or savings to get started?

  • Can I stay productive in unfamiliar or distracting environments?

  • How will I maintain my health and wellness while traveling?

  • Am I prepared to handle visa requirements, taxes, and legal logistics?

  • What kind of lifestyle do I actually want while living abroad?

  • How will I stay connected to friends, family, and a support network?

Step 2: How to Pick the Best Country for Your Digital Nomad Lifestyle

Choosing a country for your digital nomad journey isn’t just about visa length or income requirements—it’s about building a life that supports how you work, live, and grow.

Here’s how to choose the right destination:

🧩 Start With Your Lifestyle Priorities

Ask yourself what matters most:

  • Do you want beach life, city life, or mountain views?

  • Are you looking for a vibrant coworking community or peaceful solitude?

  • Is safety, healthcare, or climate a deciding factor?

Knowing what kind of daily life energizes you will help narrow down your options faster than just browsing visa lists.

💸 Understand Your Budget

Some countries are ideal for bootstrapping (like Georgia or Thailand), while others are better for high earners (like Iceland or Singapore). Research average living costs, exchange rates, and housing platforms.

Use tools like Nomad List, Numbeo, or Expatistan to compare costs in real time.

📡 Research Infrastructure & Internet

You’ll need fast, stable internet to thrive. Check average internet speeds, availability of coworking spaces, and mobile data coverage. Bonus: countries with strong infrastructure also tend to offer better healthcare and transit.

🛂 Review Visa Flexibility

Once you’ve narrowed down your ideal lifestyle region, explore which countries make it easy to stay. Look into:

  • Digital nomad visas

  • Tourist visa extensions

  • Remote work allowances

Make sure the visa aligns with your income, citizenship, and travel goals.

👥 Community & Culture

A strong local or expat community makes all the difference. Whether it’s for networking, socializing, or finding support, some destinations (like Lisbon or Medellín) have thriving nomad ecosystems.

Also, consider how open the culture is to foreigners, and whether language will be a barrier.

📌 Pro Tip: Don’t aim for the best country—aim for the best fit for you, right now. You can always move later.

Talk to a Local Immigration Lawyer

Visa requirements can change quickly, and what's posted online may not reflect the latest policies or interpretations. Before submitting your application, it's a good idea to contact a qualified immigration lawyer or visa consultant in the country you're applying to. They can help you understand your options, ensure your paperwork is complete, and prevent costly mistakes that could delay or deny your approval.

Step 3: Set Up Your Remote Work Tech

You’ll need more than just a laptop. Here’s what every digital nomad should consider:

Bonus: A good co-working membership like Croissant or Workfrom helps you find spaces anywhere.

Step 4: Plan for Housing, Healthcare, and Connectivity

While Instagram shows endless sunsets, real nomads need to plan for the essentials—because a broken laptop, no WiFi, or an unexpected medical bill can derail your remote lifestyle fast.

Housing: Flexibility is key. Platforms like Airbnb and Flatio offer short-to-medium term furnished stays. For better deals, many nomads prefer negotiating longer stays directly through local landlords or via Facebook housing groups once on the ground. Coliving spaces (like Outsite or Selina) are also great for building community while easing the logistics of arrival.

Healthcare: Travel insurance isn’t optional—it’s essential. Digital nomad-focused providers like SafetyWing offer global coverage including emergency care, while Allianz or IMG provide more comprehensive plans. Some countries require proof of insurance to grant a visa, so check local requirements. It’s also smart to have access to telemedicine apps in case you’re somewhere remote.

Connectivity: Internet is your lifeline. Always check WiFi speed before booking accommodation—tools like SpeedTest or Airbnb WiFi screenshots help. Bring a portable WiFi device like Skyroam or Solis for mobile access, and consider global eSIM providers like Airalo or Holafly to stay online without swapping SIMs in every country. If you’re working with tight deadlines, consider tethering from your phone as a backup.

Pro Tip: Have at least two forms of internet—home WiFi and mobile data—available at all times, especially before big meetings or launches.

Step 5: Budget Wisely and Diversify Your Income

The cost of living varies dramatically from Chiang Mai to Paris. Research local prices, currency exchange, and plan for the unexpected. Living abroad often means dealing with hidden fees, currency fluctuations, and shifting visa requirements, so your financial setup needs to be flexible and resilient.

Monthly Budget Tips:

  • Accommodations: 30–40%

  • Food & transport: 20–30%

  • Savings & taxes: 20–30%

  • Tools & subscriptions: 5–10%

Diversify Your Income

One of the best ways to stay financially stable as a digital nomad is to build multiple income streams. Relying on a single client or employer can be risky when you’re dealing with timezone differences, payment delays, or sudden market changes. Many nomads combine freelance gigs, part-time remote jobs, affiliate earnings, digital products, and consulting.

If you want a deeper dive into building online income, the book "Multiple Streams of Income" by Robert G. Allen is a must-read. It breaks down different passive and active income strategies with clarity and structure—making it a great starting point for anyone looking to build financial independence while working remotely.

For inspiration and practical examples, check out our article: 11 Online Business Ideas for Digital Nomads: What Works & What Doesn’t.

Whether you're just getting started or want to grow your existing income, diversifying is key to long-term sustainability.

Step 6: Make It Sustainable

This lifestyle isn’t a vacation—it’s a long-term commitment to living and working on your own terms. To make it truly sustainable, you’ll need more than WiFi and wanderlust.

Build repeatable routines: Create a flexible daily or weekly schedule that allows time for deep work, exploration, rest, and personal development. Establish a "home base" rhythm wherever you land, even if it's just for a few weeks.

Handle taxes and legal compliance: Tax laws vary greatly between countries, and staying compliant is key to avoiding penalties. Consider using tools like TaxDome or hiring an international accountant. Don’t forget to track expenses and keep copies of your visa documents and income statements.

Protect your mental health: Travel fatigue and loneliness are real. Stay grounded by practicing mindfulness, staying physically active, and maintaining virtual (or in-person) connections with family and friends. Journaling or joining online therapy sessions can help regulate your mindset while in transition. Try using a guided journal or something playful like the Rise and Grind Adult Coloring Book to unwind and creatively recharge.

Find and contribute to community: Join digital nomad groups through platforms like Nomad List, Facebook, Meetup, and coworking spaces. These aren’t just for socializing—they’re hubs for advice, collaboration, and staying motivated.

Respect local culture and environment: Learn a few key phrases in the local language, be mindful of local customs, and support local businesses. Ethical travel builds goodwill, enriches your experience, and contributes to a more inclusive global lifestyle.

And finally, remember: freedom without structure can lead to burnout. Balance your ambition with rest, and design a rhythm that supports your goals, health, and sense of purpose.

✅ Ready to Go?

Becoming a digital nomad isn’t easy, but it is absolutely worth it. It’s a lifestyle that challenges and rewards you every single day. There will be learning curves, logistical hurdles, and lonely moments—but also unforgettable mornings, global friendships, and deep personal growth.

Start slow. Learn as you go. And build a system that works for your version of freedom. No two nomad paths look alike, and that’s the beauty of it.

📥 Download our Digital Nomad Starter Kit for checklists, visa tips, and gear recommendations.

Still have questions? Head to the blog or drop a comment—we’re here to help you roam smarter and live bolder.

how to become a digital nomad
how to become a digital nomad