How to Become a Digital Nomad in 2024 (2024)

Who here hasn't dreamed of, or at least thought about once or twice, the possibility to work and live where you want? I think everybody has at least a few times, right?

Working as a digital nomad is an exciting lifestyle to live. The idea that you can work from anywhere globally, as long as you have a stable internet connection and a laptop, sounds like a dream to many. You'll be happy to know that this dream is actually attainable with the right planning.

Generally speaking, a digital nomad is someone who works remotely, giving them the freedom to live anywhere in the world. This term can be applied to anyone who has an online job that allows them to work remotely. Hence, it's not a specific job title like accountant or content writer. They’re not tied to one place, and they can work from anywhere as long as they have wifi.

Read more: Expat vs. Digital Nomad: Which is Right for you?

Being a digital nomad comes with quite a few perks. Here are some of the most notable:

• Location independence: you'll have the freedom of working from anywhere and can travel in between destinations
• Opportunities to meet new people: especially if you stay in hostels or coliving spaces
• Exposure to different cultures: every destination means new food, music, people, and heritage to learn about
• Affordability: possibility of saving more money in a place with a more affordable cost of living than the US

However, you should consider a few things before you quit your job and book the first flight out of town – becoming a digital nomad is no easy feat.

Some potential challenges of living abroad as a digital nomad include:

• No guaranteed, stable income: with the digital nomad lifestyle (and often with freelancing in general), you may experience uncertainty in your work and pay.
• Difficulty navigating visas: visa processes vary from country to country. Some popular digital nomad countries have easy online applications, while others require you to apply at the local consulate in your home country.
• Tax complications: we encourage international individuals to read up on IRS tax laws and consult a tax professional concerning earning their income outside of the US.
• It can sometimes be lonely: you may feel like you're missing out on things back home that are happening with friends and family. It can also be difficult not having coworkers you can see in person.
• It’s hard work: planning out your travels, handling work logistics, and even learning a new language can be challenging (but well worth it!).

• Self-discipline
• Organization
• Excellent written & verbal communication skills
• Marketing & sales skills
• Ability to budget and manage finances
• Knowledge of popular software (Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace)

Suppose you don’t have skills that can potentially be turned into freelance earnings. In that case, another option is to invest in yourself by taking an online course on Skillshare, Udemy, or FutureLearn and then use those skills for lucrative remote work possibilities.

Use what you already know and promote yourself with confidence! Are you a people person? Do you know everyone in the world? Maybe look into becoming a social media manager! Or perhaps the thought of coding gives you hives. Whatever your skill set may be, focus on that and really hone in on what makes YOU unique and sellable.

As a freelance digital nomad, it’s essential to have a portfolio. Some sites to use are Squarespace and Wix, which allow you to create professional-looking websites where potential clients can see your skills and experience. If you don’t have anything to put on your site yet, create your own projects, such as logos or graphics that represent the type of work you would be excited to work on with future clients.

These platforms help build a website, and they're relatively inexpensive. A good portfolio website will show off your best work, be optimized for SEO (search engine optimization), and include an "about me" page that tells potential clients why they should hire you (this is where you'll want to have testimonials).

Once you’ve got the right skill set and mindset to become a successful digital nomad, remote workers have tons of opportunities to create their own business or find jobs on websites like Remote OK, and We Work Remotely.

There are also global freelancer job boards like Upwork, where you can find freelance writing gigs, and Fiverr, where you can find graphic design gigs. On the Go Overseas job board, you can find online teaching and other jobs abroad!

It takes time to build relationships with other companies and people involved within your industry — so the earlier you start, the better. Reach out to other professionals in the digital nomad space or your specific industry. If you’re a freelance creative, note different publications that might be a good fit for your work. It’s worth considering joining a professional association if available for your industry.

If there's someone prominent or influential in your industry that could help boost your career even further, try reaching out! Attending webinars or in-person workshops in your industry is an excellent way to network while learning how to accelerate your skills and gain industry knowledge.

Also, don't forget to ask clients or colleagues for referrals or recommendations when you’ve finished working for or with them! This helps your future clients have a testimonial for your previous work. You can showcase these glowing reviews on your website.

If you've ever heard the expression, "you're the average of the five people you spend the most time around," – this step will be a tremendous first-hand example. Joining groups with like-minded people, whether online or in person, will help inspire you to pursue your goal of becoming a digital nomad.

Not only will a community of nomads push you to become one yourself, but making connections and friendships within these groups can be beneficial in finding your community when you're traveling and working abroad.

There are great community-based digital nomad sites like Work Wanderers and amazingly supportive Facebook groups such as Nomadbase and Digital Nomads Around The World.

Don't forget to check out co-working spaces like Selina when you arrive at your location as well – they tend to be filled with other remote workers and travelers!

While many people have the idea that traveling around the world while working from their laptops is glamorous, the truth can be far from it. In fact, you'll leave 90% of the stuff you own behind.

If that's not a factor that'll deter you and you're ready to commit, you'll need to minimize the amount of stuff you own. However be warned: ridding yourself of all of your worldly possessions can be highly therapeutic and, for many nomads, addicting. For things that are impossible to part with, look into getting a storage unit - that is if you're willing to pay the monthly fee.

Like any big move, building safety-net savings before leaping is good. This doesn't need to be a substantial lump sum. Be wary of postponing the start of your digital nomad life by waiting to feel fully prepared. But having savings to sustain yourself from three to six months without work is a solid start. This will ensure any emergencies or unexpected expenses that may come up during your trip (e.g., medical bills, flight delays, or cancellations).

Regardless of where you go and how crazy your work schedule is, you need an idea of how much money is required to survive while on the road and what steps should be taken to build up savings.

You will need a location that works with the amount of income you’re making, so consider your job and its prospects for growth. Adopt a budget-minded mindset before you hit the road. If you pick a major city with a meager salary, it won't be sustainable in the long run. The most important thing is to choose an affordable place.

Next, consider the quality of living in each place you’re interested in. Fast internet connection is a usual necessity for many digital nomads. Some prefer a more social atmosphere, while others look for a location that ranks well in safety. What makes sense for someone else might not make sense for you, so don't feel pressured into anything that doesn’t fit your lifestyle goals or budget.

Luckily, there are many destinations worldwide with a lower cost of living than in the US. Often times these locations have excellent transportation systems and infrastructure, making it easier to afford a nomadic lifestyle by saving money on gas and car payments.

An excellent resource to check out to help you determine the best locations to suit your budget and income is NomadsList.com.

Read more: 10 Best Countries for Digital Nomads - Grab Your Visa and Go!

Next on the checklist is getting travelers' insurance. You want to make sure you have health insurance, travel insurance, life insurance, and if you’re going to be driving a car around, some sort of car insurance. Depending on where you go, there may not be certain types of coverage available in your country.

It's essential to consider which insurances you'll want to sign up for. There are different types of insurance to consider, too. For example, many countries require health insurance if you visit for an extended period. Top-rated travel medical insurance for digital nomads includes SafetyWing, World Nomads, and IMG Global.

You’ll need to know how to get paid when working remotely. Bank transfers, Payoneer, PayPal, and Wise, are the most common payment methods. Most of these options allow you to withdraw your funds easily — though some will charge you more than others.

A business bank account is also essential for doing business online. It's easy to open one up with most banks, and it will give you better benefits than a personal bank account.
Get yourself a business credit card as well—they often offer more rewards than regular credit cards, allowing you to earn miles and points that can be used toward free travel or other perks down the road.

• Passport: be sure to have at least a 6-month validity on your passport.
• Any necessary visas or travel permits: for visiting your intended country/countries
• Driver’s license: you will use this as a form of identification once you arrive in your new country. If you plan on driving while abroad, consider obtaining an international driver’s permit before you set off on your adventure.
• Social security card
• Medical records: to help expedite any potential medical procedures needed while abroad
• Insurance documents: including health, flight coverage, and other areas you deem relevant to your personal situation.

Digital nomads are changing the world around them in incredible ways by injecting creativity, empathy, and new skills into evolving industries. Be prepared for challenges if you decide to join the ranks of location-independent workers but know that your hard work will be worth it.

If you have been hesitant about taking your work overseas, now is a great time to make it happen! You can even search for your dream job abroad by exploring our global job board.

Not ready to launch your digital nomad career? Consider teaching, studying, or interning abroad to get your feet wet!