What is a digital nomad?
Unlike sedentary people, these digital nomads 2.0 are people who choose an itinerant lifestyle and have the means of financing their trips through online activity. All they need is a computer or laptop and proper Internet, so they can work from anywhere they wish and live in exotic settings, depending on their desires for adventure.
Most digital nomads are self-employed, but some are employed by companies and are able to work remotely. Digital nomadism is not just a job; it is instead an actual state of mind and a different way of life. In fact, digital nomadism means enjoying greater freedom, flexibility and mobility.
What are the benefits of being a digital nomad?
If you like to travel the globe, meet new people, discover new cultures and sublime landscapes, and if you want to live with other expatriates and take the time to understand the places you visit for several weeks or months, digital nomadism is the ideal option.
However, this doesn't mean vacation. Digital nomads work while traveling, which is clearly different from tourists. This lifestyle can turn out to be a great alternative to the traditional way of moving abroad for work. Besides, nowadays, it is extremely simple to get the tools to work from anywhere in the world, whether on Koh Tao beach in Thailand, on the Panamanian border in the Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica, or in the Peruvian Andes. Just take your laptop and make sure to have a good internet connection.
Your wildest dreams can come true if you dare to accept professional assignments in your new workplace at your own pace, depending on your wishes, whether in the middle of nature or in a megalopolis with a welcoming living and working environment. Digital nomadism is a great way to experience different lifestyles.
Besides, it's not compulsory to have a fat bank balance to become a digital nomad. Some countries, especially in South America, Asia, including Indonesia, are much more affordable. This means that digital nomads can expect a pleasant lifestyle along with a greater purchasing power than in industrialized countries. As a digital nomad, you will also have very different expenditure items from those you would have had while staying in France.
What jobs to become a digital nomad?
Jobs that can be done remotely and that are compatible with the digital nomad lifestyle are increasing every year, which is a definite advantage for anyone who wants to live the experience. Digital nomadism relates to digital jobs such as web design, web writing, programming, website creation, photography, community management, training, graphic design, e-commerce, translation, customer service, coaching, virtual assistance, and many more. These jobs can be easily done from any location and allow workers to manage their activities independently.
To become a digital nomad, all you need to do is have the right mindset, develop your skills, and above all, be comfortable with new technologies.
How to choose your status
There are different ways to become a digital nomad:
Full-remote worker
Some companies allow their employees to work 100% remotely, whether they are in France or anywhere in the world. Obviously, it all depends on your initial profession, so you have to make sure that your job is compatible with remote work. Some companies have permanently embraced the remote work concept, offering a more flexible way of working without any constraints regarding the workplace.
Freelancer
If you prefer to work as a freelancer, you can still set up your own business. There are different options: micro-companies, sole proprietorship, and many others. It all depends on the nature of your activity and your business' turnover. Nevertheless, most digital nomads choose to be micro-entrepreneurs. Indeed, there are many benefits to being a micro-entrepreneur, such as straightforward management in terms of administration and accounting, a relatively low rate of social security contributions, as well as tax relief, especially at the start of your activity. However, you might not be able to deduct your expenses and the investments made. You will also have to pay tax and other contributions depending on your turnover and not your actual profits.
Wage portage
Some freelance workers choose wage portage to combine the flexibility of freelance work while preserving their job security.
Which are the best countries for digital nomads?
Today, in an interconnected world, people are moving, and so are businesses and career opportunities. A number of countries are particularly well suited to this way of life.
Thailand is one of the most popular expat destinations, especially for its heavenly beaches, but also for its lower cost of living compared to other countries such as France or the United States. Besides, the country has a very friendly atmosphere, and many coworking spaces are constantly developing there.
Mexico is another magnificent country with large cities where you can work and enjoy a pleasant setting and a very low cost of living. La Playa del Carmen's resort has a major asset: an extremely fast internet connection, ideal for making video calls and working online.
Canada is also popular with digital nomads. In fact, the country is considered one of the world's greatest technology hubs. The internet connection is excellent, and there are many coworking spaces to choose from. Besides, Canada is a land of immigrants, so you will definitely come across many expats.
Australia is ideal for those who are looking to discover the vastness of its territory and the diversity of its landscapes. The living standards are very high, but so are the salaries, and you will find many coworking spaces abound. Besides, Melbourne has recently been ranked by the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) as the "world's most livable city".
Bali is another dream destination, thanks to its breathtaking landscapes. It is even known as the international capital of digital nomads. With many coworking spaces, a low cost of living, and a lot of leisure and outdoor activities to enjoy in your free time, Bali guarantees a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The rise of the "Gig economy" now allows digital nomads to carry out their activity from anywhere on Earth. Some "nomad friendly" countries, such as Barbados, the Cayman Islands, Mexico, Mauritius and Costa Rica, even encourage e-workers to settle for a few months in their territory by granting a digital nomad visa. With this visa, digital nomads can stay, on average, for one year instead of the 30 to 90 days authorized under a traditional tourist visa. This rise in the number of foreign digital nomads is definitely an asset for economies worldwide.
