For those of us who have jobs that allow us to, we can stop dreaming of being a digital nomad, and go ahead and actually remote work now. 

It has been a long time in a dark tunnel, but we are finally seeing a bit of light. While we may just be at the beginning stages of treating COVID as an endemic, we can now plan for a better living experience than just staying within the four walls of your home.

Most of us have been trapped at home for most of the past two years. For those of us who have permanently transitioned into full-time work from home – or who have been working from home long before the pandemic started – the idea of remote working overseas can be an attractive one.

If you are allowed to leave your country while the world is cautiously reopening, read this before you run off to the airport yet (trust me, I want to do the same too). 

Here are 10 things to prepare and check before going to the destination of your dreams and living as a digital nomad: 

Check visa requirements 

You may have a country in mind, or you want to “eeny, meeny, miny, moe” your way around the world. Nevertheless, whichever country you decide on, always check the visa requirements. You don’t want to get in trouble with the authorities!

For example, any digital nomad in Bali are familiar with the idea of a visa run. Most tourists are allowed to stay in Bali for a period of 30 days without applying for a visa. Before the 30 days are up, travellers need to exit the island to another country before returning to restart the 30 days all over again.

Get travel insurance

Hospital fees can get hefty if you fall sick in another country – especially if it’s a country where the average salary is higher than yours (which, in my case, is many countries – excuse me while I cry in a corner). Make sure to buy travel insurance for your peace of mind… and your bank account.

 

Check your passport validity 

Image: Unsplash/ Convertkit

After years of not being able to travel, it’s possible that your passport has expired. After dusting the cobwebs off your passport, make sure your passport has enough validity for the length of time you plan to be remote working.

 

Have a functioning, international transaction available credit card 

Money makes people talk and the world goes round. In addition to having enough cash on you – but not too much, you don’t want to lose the money – make sure your credit card can be used overseas.

Tip: check where your nearest ATM is when you land and try to withdraw money to make sure everything is in order.

 

Get a data SIM card


There are multiple ways to get connected to the Internet in most countries, but one of the cheapest is probably to buy a temporary SIM Card with data available to use. This keeps you contactable – especially when you need to answer to clients or your worried family.

Keep soft and physical copies of your passport/ ID

The best thing to do is to never lose your passport in a foreign place. The second best thing to do is to show up prepared when you need to go to the embassy to report your passport loss.

Get a sturdy pair of walking boots or sneakers

Image: Unsplash/ Chloe Martin

Remote working does not mean constant travelling, but you do have the ability to explore different places every weekend. Since you will probably do a lot more walking than usual, investing in a good pair of boots or sneakers can go a long way. 

You can leave a piece of your soul behind in a beauty country, but hopefully you will not leave a sole (or two).

 

Get a fanny pack

Yes, you read that right. Some countries are safe, but a lot are not, especially for single female digital nomads (sad but true). Having a fanny pack of valuables secured to you in plain sight will be a great step in preventing pickpockets. 

Image: Unsplash/ Ksenia Varapaeva

Besides, fanny packs are also fashionable now, instead of just being the cheap nylon ones that they were in the 90s.

 

Thoroughly read reviews of any apartments you plan to rent

While you cannot physically check out any place before arriving at that country, make sure you scour the reviews left behind. If you are planning to remote work, a place with a good work setup will go a long way in helping you to work comfortably.

 

Check the internet quality at your country of choice

Image: Unsplash/ Content Pixie

In addition to checking the reviews, always check how the internet quality is like where you are planning to work. After all, the internet plays an important part in your remote work career.

There is no remote working to be done without the World Wide Web. Remember, it has to be GREAT internet connection.  Don’t lose your job because your employer cannot get in touch with you.

Read: How this struggling entrepreneur pivoted to working remotely during the pandemic

Once you have done all these checks and preparations, you are good to go. Bring a culturally respective attitude, have an open mind, wear masks, practice basic hygiene, stay six feet away from everyone else when possible, and you will have a great time being a digital nomad. Safe travels!