fbpx Skip to main content
Digital Nomad

How To Become A Digital Nomad In 2023 [Guide To Freedom]

By January 16, 2023February 14th, 2023No Comments

How To Become A digital nomad 2023

You are reading this because you are tired of the rat race, confined to your 9-5 day job and not having enough time for yourself.`

Are you ready to escape the matrix? Do you remember what it’s like to be free?

Imagine being able to travel the world and work from anywhere.

If so, you may be wondering how to become a digital nomad.

While it’s not always easy, it is definitely possible!

In this blog post, we will discuss digital nomadism and how you can become a digital nomad yourself.

We’ll also provide some tips on making this lifestyle work for you!

So if you’re ready to see the world and get out of the rat race, keep reading!

What Is A Digital Nomad?

Digital nomads are the fearless globetrotters of the modern workplace.

With little more than a laptop or smartphone and an internet connection, this intrepid breed of remote workers can travel anywhere from South East Asia to Scandinavia while still staying productive in their jobs, all without missing out on life’s grand adventures.

Digital nomads are skilled professionals who embrace the concepts of remote work, digital communication, and collaboration to live a life on their own terms.

They come from all walks of life from creatives, entrepreneurs, freelancers, project managers, and tech wizards alike, and use technology to stay connected even when traveling the world.

What Do Digital Nomads Do?

Digital nomads are individuals who are able to work remotely and travel frequently, often while running their own businesses or working as freelancers.

A huge perk of the digital nomad lifestyle is location independence. Some digital nomads work from one location and others travel the world working remotely in other countries.

They have technology such as laptops, smartphones, and internet access to work remotely and stay connected to clients, colleagues, and others.

Life in the nomadic lifestyle depends on many factors like what you are doing so the meaning of the term digital nomad can be broken down into two subgroups.

Digital Nomadic Workers

People who are on the path to becoming digital nomads and many other digital nomads who already do work remotely fall into this category.

Usually, when you are a worker and you are working for an actual company, you may be in temporary housing / co-working spaces in different locations or strictly in one location.

These types of nomads typically do work like:

  • Working on projects for clients or employers remotely, such as writing, programming, or consulting.
  • Virtual assistance and customer service.
  • Freelance jobs on websites such as Upwork / Fiverr.
  • Travel Agent/consulting services.

Digital Nomad Entrepreneurs

Digital nomad entrepreneurs are people who have the entrepreneur mindset and skill set and are on the path to becoming digital nomads while working from their computers and setting their schedules all while traveling the world.

These types of nomads typically do work like:

  • Business startup & development
  • Freelance writing, editing, and content creation
  • Graphic design and web development
  • Consulting and coaching
  • Online tutoring and teaching
  • Digital marketing, and social media management

For this type of remote work, you will have to take a few months time to invest in yourself in your skill set to be able to do so.

Once one of your projects becomes successful you can learn the skills to rapidly create a brand and scale new online businesses with ease while building a team behind each project to run the day-to-day operations.

This is kind of the holy grail we would say of the digital nomadic lifestyle.

Not only will you be able to build a self-sustaining online business for yourself but also travel the world and meet like-minded people while creating remote work job opportunities for other aspiring digital nomads.

Depending if you are doing remote work for a company or freelancing work for yourself or the combination of both a gig economy income and income from a job 1099 or W2 would dictate how much you will travel.

The main thing is about this lifestyle is freedom financially and logistically.

Is the Digital Nomad Lifestyle Right For Me?

The life of a digital nomad is not for everyone.

Many digital nomads tend to show off how glamorous their lifestyle is by gloating about their low-hour work week and posting to social media about working in foreign country coffee shops abroad.

But there are many pros & cons to the digital nomad lifestyle.

Benefits Of A Digital Nomadic Lifestyle

There are many benefits to becoming a digital nomad. Some of the benefits include

  • Freedom – Flexibility, and freedom in terms of location, allowing individuals to travel and live in different places while working remotely
  • Savings – Cost savings from not having to pay for a traditional office space or commute.
  • Balance – The ability to create a work-life balance that suits an individual’s needs, such as being able to take care of family or pursue personal interests.
  • Networking -The opportunity to meet and collaborate with other like-minded individuals from around the world.
  • New experience – The ability to experience new cultures and ways of life.

Downfalls of being a digital nomad

There are some downfalls digital nomads face including:

  • Lack of a consistent social network or community can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.1
  • Tax implications, individuals may run into tax implications and should look up IRS tax laws as well as consult with a professional about earning income in different countries
  • Troubles in maintaining a consistent work schedule or routine.
  • Problems in finding suitable and affordable accommodation.
  • Limited access to certain resources or services that may be taken for granted in a more traditional work setting.
  • Difficulty in separating work and personal life, as the line between the two may become blurred.
  • Finding and maintaining a stable internet connection which is crucial for remote work.
  • Problems in obtaining proper work visas and working permits if the digital nomad plans to stay in a country for a long period.
  • Some difficulty in finding co-working spaces and a professional working environment.
  • Finding health insurance and access to healthcare in case of emergencies.
  • Difficulty in finding a balance between work and travel, and the need to find a way to finance the traveling.

How To Make Money As A Digital Nomad

Ready to abandon the 9-5 corporate world and experience life as a digital nomad?

With remote work on the rise, an abundance of moneymaking opportunities exist so you can travel while still earning a comfortable income.

It’s time to take that leap!

Getting started in digital marketing can be challenging at first. These steps are often taken by digital nomads to make their first dollar.

Working remotely or becoming an entrepreneur: two paths to achieving financial freedom and success.

Choosing one could be life-changing!

Digital Nomad Job Examples

Here are some job examples digital nomads can get into and even start today!

There is so much more that can be done as a digital nomad but these would be the most common ones.

Remote Workers & Entrepreneur Resource

As a digital nomad, earning an income is definitely one of the biggest challenges you’ll face.

Everyone has different talents and preferences when it comes to choosing which path to take in order for them to gain financial stability over time, so make sure that your decision aligns with what best suits your own abilities!

Here are some book & website resources to get you on the right track.

Websites

Books

  • The 100 Dollar Startup – Chris Guillebeau has discovered a world of entrepreneurs that have achieved success without spending their life savings. Through interviews with 50 people, Chris uncovered stories from those who used only $100 to turn small dreams into flourishing businesses.
  • The 4- Hour Work Week – Tim Ferriss shows that you don’t have to work endless hours for success, with the right strategies, working less could mean earning more. His advice on how to start and manage a successful business will help future entrepreneurs reap big rewards from their small investments of time.

Steps To Becoming a Digital Nomad

If you want to be a successful digital nomad in 2023, start by taking an honest look at your current skills.

Identify which ones are most valuable on the market and devise a plan for how best to enhance them – take courses or find mentors who can teach you about their trade.

With ambition and dedication, it’s possible to reach new heights as a global professional!

Step 1 Identify Your Skills

Some non-negotiable skills you must acquire that are essential and most digital nomads tend to have are:

  • They are organized
  • Self-starter and disciplined
  • Excellent verbal and written communication
  • Financially literacy
  • marketing & sales skills.
  • Social media fluents
  • More advanced A.I Technologies.

Step 2 Choose your digital nomad path

Becoming a successful digital nomad involves more than just finding ways to generate income remotely.

With every great opportunity comes plenty of important supplemental steps – like searching for reliable wifi, registering your business across multiple states, and staying up-to-date with communication technologies.

You’ll need to factor in the logistics of physical mail delivery, banking services abroad & travel health insurance coverage while on the go, not to mention coming up with stable living arrangements!

All these considerations are essential when looking into this exciting new lifestyle choice.

For this, we are going to go over the steps of a digital nomadic entrepreneur.

Let’s start.

Starting an Online Business business

Have you ever dreamed of starting a business that would make your dreams come true?

Before launching, it’s important to ensure everything is set up properly. We recommend taking a straightforward approach by becoming a sole proprietor first and then transitioning into an LLC for additional taxation & legal benefits down the line.

With Ownr, this process can be completed from any computer in minutes making achieving success more attainable than ever before.

Register and Manage Your Business | Ownr

Register, incorporate, create legal agreements, manage employees, and more—all in one place.

Register and Manage Your Business | Ownr
Try Ownr
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Taxes For Digital Nomads

As a digital nomad, it can be tricky to determine how you should pay your taxes.

For US citizens living abroad, the responsibility remains despite other countries around the world offering tax relief in such situations.

Make sure you stay informed about filing requirements for both yourself and any business endeavors.

For the adventurous and resourceful worker, there is a special exemption, the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion.

By spending most of your year abroad & paying taxes to another country, you can avoid up to $100K worth of US taxation.

So if you are serious about embracing the digital nomad lifestyle, don’t forget to hire a savvy accountant who understands the intricacies of running your business from afar.

This will save you tons of time and future headaches from foreign countries’ tax implications.

Banking for Digital Nomads

For anyone wanting to explore the world, financial management can significantly enhance or detract from your adventures.

From canceled credit cards when abroad to dealing with local currencies and banking systems, managing money on the go brings its own unique set of challenges, a test that must be passed if you are really serious about taking off.

Wise Account and Payoneer offer cost-effective solutions outside the US & UK, but there’s nothing like having a travel credit card handy.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred has it all no foreign transaction fees with car rental insurance thrown in for good measure!

And that low annual fee? That just unlocks your ticket to free flights by collecting points and miles as you go.

Staying Connected as a Digital Nomad.

Being location independent has a few challenges associated with it such as staying connected to the internet.

Working remotely is one of the most exciting opportunities in this day and age; however, it can also be incredibly challenging.

Finding a good internet connection while on your travels to keep up productivity levels isn’t always easy but luckily digital nomads have access to reliable connections from many locations across the globe now.

So whether you’re looking for an invitation to a hotel or Airbnb, all digital professionals know that fast WiFi should top their priority list.

Maximizing security and connection speed is critical for global travelers, so downloading the SpeedTest App can help take your online setup to the next level.

And while you’re at it, check out my guide on international cell phone plans these are essential in making sure contact with friends & family back home remains unhindered.

Virtual numbers from providers like Google Voice or MySudo offer another layer of protection, they allow users access to a 2FA-enabled US number which helps safeguard their data.

Finally don’t forget about Signal: an ultra-secure messaging app that’s far safer than popular networks such as Facebook or WhatsApp.

Picking A VPN For Security

Don’t let censors limit your access to the world wide web. To ensure you can enjoy all sites, both abroad and at home, try downloading a secure VPN like Proton VPN – it even comes with an app for iPhones!

Take a look at all of the best VPN services of 2023.

Now stay connected without any worries or restrictions.

How To Receive Mail And Packages.

Staying connected is easier than ever.

With a virtual mail service like Earth Class Mail, you can access your important correspondence from anywhere in the world with just one address and have it forwarded to any destination imaginable.

No more worrying about missing out on essential documents when life’s adventures take over your digital nomad endeavors.

There are many virtual mailbox services out there that may better fit your specific needs.

Insurance for Digital Nomads

Accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere, and are you prepared?

If not, it could mean a world of financial and legal trouble.

Thankfully there are SafetyWing and World Nomads – two essential insurance options that digital nomads should be aware of.

From firsthand experience, we are here to vouch for their services!

There are plenty more insurance options out there for digital nomads but these are just a few that are well-known. See more options here.

Navigating Around.

Once you alight at your destination, there’s a wide range of transportation options available.

Unlike in the US where public transport may be limited or unreliable to access, many foreign countries boast exemplary networks from buses and trains to taxi services.

However, if you’re after greater convenience and cost-effectiveness, then download a ridesharing app such as Uber or Lyft – they’re available in over 100 countries worldwide.

This is honestly how many digital nomads get around in most countries.

What’s more, is that these services often have promotions running which can help you save money on your journey.

Lodging Resource.

  • Airbnb.com – Digital nomads seeking respite from the everyday hustle and bustle of life can now rent an apartment in their local area for short-term stays. No need to scroll through endless classifieds making renting a place is as simple as ever.
  • Booking.com – Looking for somewhere to stay while on a short trip? Look no further I’ve found the perfect hotel and hostel search engine that is both simple and efficient.

Digital nomad communities.

While embracing the digital nomad lifestyle can feel isolating, there are ways to combat those lonely moments.

Make the most of your experience abroad and meet other like-minded adventurers.

Get involved in local activities, join international language classes or take a look at MeetUp.com and Couchsurfing.

Whatever way you choose to explore, there are vibrant communities scattered around the world ready for you to discover.

So don’t miss out on valuable opportunities for connection with Global Digital Nomad Network and Digital Nomads Around The World.

An emergency Backup plan is required.

When you hit the road abroad, it’s smart to have an emergency fund tucked away for any “just in case” scenarios.

Anything in life can arise, that being family issues to personal issues or dilemmas.

All these possibilities necessitate having enough money on hand so that if needed you could jet back home and settle into secure accommodation while waiting things out even without income.

So make sure to keep my guide handy as a useful travel safety resource!

It’s wise to set aside an emergency fund of between $5k-10k.

This will give you peace of mind in knowing that all your travel expenses are covered should the unexpected arise!

Step 3 Where To Go

The world is your playground at this point. Go where that offers you the most opportunities, or somewhere you can relax and focus and work.

The choice is yours.

Digital nomad visas

Despite the increasing visibility of digital nomads around the world, many countries are still unsure how to classify us in their laws.

We must often travel under tourist visas which is a legal grey area as technically we’re not supposed to ‘work’ on these permits.

But that doesn’t mean our freelance lifestyle robs local workers of opportunities digital nomading is something wholly separate and shouldn’t be confused with taking jobs away from locals when it comes down to immigration checks.

To save confusion for all parties involved, we just say “tourist” instead.

For the digital nomad looking for a change of scenery, there are some forward-thinking countries making it easier to move their base.

Offering remote work visas that you can apply for without having to commit long-term these destinations may just be perfect if you’re ready for an adventure. A few examples include:

  • Estonia
  • Georgia
  • Barbados
  • Bermuda
  • Croatia

Remote professionals are increasingly finding their way to global destinations that feature a compelling combination of affordability, digital connectivity, and flexible visa regulations.

Long-term stays in bustling hubs like Playa del Carmen can offer countless benefits for anyone looking to experience the nomadic lifestyle.

Research your possible locations on this website today, who knows? You may just find yourself living around the world tomorrow.

Here are some more popular destinations for nomads:

  • Colombia
  • Thailand
  • Portugal
  • Indonesia

How You Travel

Not all digital travel constantly while working, some digital prefer using RV / Camper homes.

Personally, I am saving up for a new Unity trailer to travel to the united states and work from my laptop. Oh, and I will put this website logo on the side of the trailer for sure.

The digital nomad lifestyle has increasingly become more popular and captures the freedom of mobility with RVs or converted vans that make it easy to explore new places.

With this flexibility, you can fully embrace a free-wheeling journey!

Step 4: Take A Chance, Take A Risk.

Joining the digital nomad lifestyle is a huge leap and lifestyle change. It’s good to get started by making a foolproof plan for yourself.

Saving Money.

Ready to take off and see the world?

Traveling can be a rewarding experience, but it’s not free.

To make sure you have adequate funds for an unforgettable trip, consider taking steps like downsizing your lifestyle or earning side income from additional work opportunities in order to build up savings before embarking on your journey of discovery.

Before leaving to experience digital nomadism, consider your financial comfort and stability.

Establish a solid side hustle or build up savings so that you can enjoy the nomadic lifestyle without worrying about running out of money while abroad.

For help in creating this plan before heading off on your journey, check out our resources designed with aspiring travelers like yourself in mind.

  • [Article 1]
  • [Article 2]

Minimalizing

Give yourself a unique new experience and start the journey to minimalistic living.

Let go of your material possessions easily by listing them on Craigslist, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace it is sure to be therapeutic.

Forget all of your worries as you find liberation in decluttering: once you get started parting with things that no longer serve a purpose for you, it will become addicting.

Cut back on the clutter of everyday life and open up to a minimalist lifestyle.

Entrust special memories with family members or rent out just enough storage for important documents, photos, and heirloom you name it.

With this newfound freedom comes a new way of living free from material possessions that allows you to truly appreciate what matters most.

FAQ – Digital Nomad Questions.

How much do Digital nomads make?

The income of digital nomads can vary widely depending on factors such as their profession, experience, and location.

Some digital nomads make a full-time income from their online business or remote job, while others may earn a part-time or supplementary income.

It’s also important to note that the cost of living can vary greatly depending on location, which can impact the overall financial situation of digital nomads.

Some digital nomads make a high salary and save up a lot of money while traveling, others may struggle with the costs of maintaining a location-independent lifestyle.

What Do Noamds Need?

Digital nomads require a top-tier tech to stay connected with clients and colleagues, their success depends on the performance of a reliable laptop and internet connection.

A speedy device combined with an efficient network is what keeps them operating at peak productivity levels!

Wrapping Up.

If you’re tired of the rat race and want to see the world, digital nomadism might be for you! It’s not always easy, but it is possible to become a digital nomad.

In this blog post, we discussed what digital nomadism is and how you can become a digital nomad yourself.

We also provided some tips on making this lifestyle work for you.

So if you’re interested in escaping the matrix and getting out of the 9-5 grind, download our ebook today!

Close Menu

All rights reserved Agassi Group.