Is van life calling you? Or do you wish you were working from a hostel on the beach? Then becoming a digital nomad could be just what you’re looking for.
And you wouldn’t be alone. In the US, 16.9 million people describe themselves as digital nomads, a number that has doubled since 2019. Meanwhile, 72 million US citizens are planning to become digital nomads over the next two to three years, showing the workplace is evolving!
In this guide, we take you through everything from popular nomad destinations to the top 10 digital nomad jobs.
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What is a digital nomad?
Digital nomads are people who travel freely while working remotely. They’ll normally work from their phone, tablet, or laptop and use Wi-Fi in public spaces such as cafes, public libraries, or co-working spaces. This is a lifestyle that lends itself to freelancers and those working in digital roles that don’t require much interaction with others.
For some, this is a lifestyle that’s long-term, perpetually on the road. For others, it’s something they may decide to do for a shorter stint, perhaps over the summer with their family.
Being a digital nomad doesn’t always mean traveling to multiple countries, although many do. You could decide to travel from state to state here in the US or go to one country and travel around while you’re there.
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A lot of digital nomads choose to live in a van or RV, but some choose to stay in one place or live in various hostels, motels, and hotels. Wherever you are and however you decide to be a digital nomad, the main thing is having easy access to a good internet connection.
10 popular digital nomad destinations
Mexico
Americans can fly into Mexico in a matter of hours and travel freely in the country without a visa for up to 180 days.
If you want to stay longer, you can apply for a “Temporary Resident Visa for Remote Workers”. Initially, this visa lets you stay for a year, but you can extend it for up to three years.
In order to apply, you’ll need proof of remote employment or self-employment with a foreign company, a minimum monthly income of $1,620 USD, or a bank account balance of over $27,000, health insurance that’s valid for travel in Mexico, a passport with at least a year of validity, and no criminal record.
Mexico is absolutely set up for digital nomads, with over 200 co-working spaces in Mexico City alone.
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Bali
There’s been a lot of talk about whether the Indonesian Government will create a digital nomad visa that lasts up to five years. Currently, though, we’re restricted to six months.
You can apply for a B211a Business Visa online, at a local Indonesian embassy, or through Citizen Remote. This visa allows 60 days of remote work in Bali, and you can extend it for up to six months. However, if you leave the country during this time, you’ll have to apply again.
Fancy six months in a tropical island paradise? Then Bali should be on your list!
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The USA
With 50 States to discover you could spend a month sunning yourself on the beaches of California, enjoy island life in Hawaii, or meet bears in Alaska – let’s face it the USA has a lot to offer.
Staying in the US means you won’t have to worry about visas, and you’ll never be too far from home.
There’s a whole community of digital nomads living and working across the US that you can find online too!
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Colombia
East coasters this one’s for you! Colombia is in the same time zone as New York throughout the winter (and an hour behind the rest of the year), which means you can avoid burning the midnight oil while working remotely.
Americans are flocking to Medellín for its pleasant year-long climate, modern co-working spaces, and affordable living costs.
You’ll need a digital nomad visa, also known as a “Visa V Nómadas Digitales” which lasts for two years and allows you 180 consecutive days or six months within a year living and working in Colombia.
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Namibia
Fancy pushing yourself out of your comfort zone? Namibia is the first mainland African country to launch a digital nomad visa. If you earn $2,000, a $62 fee can grant you a six-month visa.
You’ll experience unbelievable landscapes, loads of wildlife, reliable internet connectivity, and an excellent road infrastructure for plenty of exploring.
Plus, Namibia borders the Atlantic Ocean, Zambia, Angola, Botswana, and South Africa so it’s a great base for exploring the continent of Africa.
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Portugal
Want to catch waves before and after work? Remote workers who make four times the Portuguese minimum wage are eligible for a digital nomad visa. This means that if you earn more than around $3,350 (€3,040) per month you’ll be able to live and work in Portugal for up to a year. You can even apply for residency, and stay longer.
To support your application, you’re required to have all documents translated into Portuguese, so factor this into your budgeting.
Living costs are cheaper than in the US, especially if you’re in a smaller town or city outside the main tourist season.
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Georgia
Georgia is one of the countries most open to digital nomads. You can stay in Georgia visa-free for 365 days and the cost of living is cheap, with a good apartment in a nice area costing between $250-600 per month.
If you work for more than 183 days, you will have to pay tax (20%) on your earnings, but you can apply for Georgia’s Individual Entrepreneur scheme, which taxes only 1% on your business turnover up to about $155,000.
It’s a welcoming and friendly country, with loads to see and do. With digital nomading a key income stream for the country, you’ll find lots of great co-working spaces too, especially in the capital Tbilisi.
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Barbados
Barbados has some of the best internet speeds in the Caribbean and a slightly lower cost of living than the other islands.
You’ll need to pay $2,000 as an individual or $3,000 as a couple or family to gain a “Barbados Welcome Stamp” that allows you to live and work for 12 months. You’ll also be expected to prove that your earnings meet or exceed $50,000 a year.
Island life means you’ll get to explore nature and spend a lot of your time swimming in the sea!
Malaysia
The De Rantau Nomad Pass went live in 2022, allowing nomads to enter the country for 12 months, with an option to extend for a further 12.
You’ll need to earn $24,000 a year and work in a “digital sphere” such as IT, marketing, or content creation.
As well as the visa, you’ll also get a whole host of other perks such as privileged access to coworking facilities.
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Mauritius
An island in the Indian Ocean? Yes, please! The Premium Travel Visa allows remote workers, travelers, and retirees to enter the country for a year. You won’t be subject to any taxation for the first six months of your stay and the visa is free of charge.
Although some visas can come through in as little as 48 hours, many are waiting up to eight weeks.
You’ll get to experience white sandy beaches, amazing history, and breathtaking lagoons on this picturesque and vibrant island.
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Things to consider before becoming a digital nomad
Your job
It may sound silly but if your job isn’t one that can be done online then digital nomading is not for you.
If you decide you’re going to change your career so you can become a digital nomad, test it out first so that you can guarantee a regular income and know it’s a job you actually want to do.
The timezone
Even if you’ve got a job that is online, make sure you can mix up your hours. In some cases, digital nomads will work in US time while overseas so they might do things before they start their working day. However, this can be exhausting and is definitely not everyone’s preference. If you need to be online for certain hours during the day, make sure you stay in a time zone that allows you to do this.
Money
Yep, you’ll need to be financially stable in order to do this. Not only do most visas expect evidence of income or savings you also need to make sure you have money in the bank in case something goes wrong.
Travel insurance
Speaking of things going wrong, make sure you take out comprehensive travel insurance so that if the worst happens, you’re covered. You might need to take out special insurance to cover you living and working in a country rather than just traveling.
Personal safety
Spend time researching your destination so that you can stay safe. As part of this, try meeting other digital nomads and asking them for recommendations. They might be able to advise on particular neighborhoods that are safer than others.
Accommodation
There are a few options here, and honestly it depends on how long you plan to stay in a country. Some nomads might rent a van, which gives them the freedom to move around at a whim. However, you’d need to make sure you have the correct driver’s license and you know whether there’s a right to roam, or you need to book into campsites. Some people might actually find it more cost-effective to buy a van and resell it at the end of the trip.
For more of a backpacking experience, you could choose to live in a hostel, and would probably want to book at least a few weeks for when you first arrive. If you’re feeling more boujie, you could of course land at a hotel.
If you’re planning to stay in one place long term then an Airbnb or renting directly from a landlord will probably work out most comfortable and cost-effective, especially if you’re traveling in a group.
Visas
The list of destinations is in no way extensive, so make sure you know exactly what visa you need and that you’ve sorted it well ahead of time. You don’t want to put your plans on hold while waiting for a visa!
The top 10 jobs for digital nomads
Copywriter
Average salary: $69,510
This is a great job for remote workers. Often you’ll be working relatively independently fulfilling briefs in your own time. You’ll need to be creative, have excellent spelling and grammar skills, and have a good understanding of SEO.
This is a role that lends itself to self-employment too. A lot of copywriters work on a freelance basis for a number of different clients and customers and bill on a per-day or per-project basis.
Content manager
Average salary: $58,489
Content managers look after all things digital content. This could include social media, blog content, and things like video and audio too. You’ll need a solid background in marketing as well as some more specific skills such as video and audio editing.
A lot of digital nomads with big social media followings, actually work as content creators, being paid by brands for adverts and partnerships. You’d need to have a following before you start your journey as a #DigitalNomad to meet most visa requirements though.
UX designer
Average salary: $84,283
UX is all about the user experience of customers on digital products such as apps and websites. You’ll need a solid foundation in design and a good understanding of coding and how websites work.
Because UX is a skill in demand, you’ll find a lot of employers who are willing to accept remote workers, however, you’ll definitely need to make meetings in a US timezone!
Journalist
Average salary: $64,338
Journalism is a career that really lends itself to working on the go. Your travels can form the basis of your niche. This could be local reporting and politics, travel guides, or food writing.
A lot of local news outlets will want you to be office-based, whereas the national press may be open to your specific niche. Otherwise, you could go freelance, where you’ll pitch stories to news outlets and write about what you want.
TEFL teacher
Average salary: $59,720 in the US, but variable dependent on location
A lot of digital nomads turn to teaching as a way to travel. TEFL is teaching English as a foreign language and is in demand in a lot of non-English speaking countries in Asia and Central and South America in particular. Most schools will welcome you with a salary and food and board, meaning you won’t need to think about accommodation.
If being school-based isn’t for you, you could get a TEFL role that’s completely online, normally working 1:1 with students from all over the globe.
Computer programmer
Average salary: $93,929
Computer programming is a job that’s always in demand. You’ll need to know your Java from your HTML and normally have a qualification in order to get your foot on the ladder.
Once established, you can usually find plenty of remote opportunities at digital-first companies or could decide to go self-employed.
Graphic designer
Average salary: $60,248
Graphic designers need to have an eye for detail and know their way around design programs. It’s another profession that lends itself to flexibility as often you won’t be working with a big team.
You will however need a good computer and fast internet in order to do this remotely, as a lot of the files you work on and produce are big.
Tutor
Average salary: $53,863
Whether you majored in math at college or have experience as a writer, there are plenty of opportunities to tutor students at various stages of their education.
Although some roles are permanent and full-time, a lot of tutoring happens on a self-employed basis, so you’ll need to be able to sell yourself as particularly knowledgeable in your specialist subject.
Online customer service
Average salary: $36,752
Ever been on a website and seen a chat box pop up? The people you speak to, when they’re not a bot, are online customer services. The great thing about this is that a lot of sites are looking for global coverage so being in a different timezone could be a huge advantage.
You’ll need a computer, be a great communicator, and be willing to learn what you need to know in order to support a business’s customers.
Virtual assistant
Average salary: $60,387
Virtual assistants can work on anything from helping businesses with their finances to diary management to general administration to social media management and scheduling.
It’s a great role that tends to come with plenty of flexibility, especially if you’re self-employed, and is ideal for anyone who loves a bit of variety in their day-to-day life.
Read more: 10 remote and beautiful jobs for those who want to get lost