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Last Updated on June 9, 2025 by Katie
Imagine transforming your daily commute from a crowded subway car to a beachfront café in Bali, or trading your cramped office cubicle for a co-working space overlooking the mountains of Medellín. This isn’t just a daydream – it’s the reality for over 40 million digital nomads worldwide, and you can achieve the same by following these survival tips for new digital nomads.
But behind the Instagram-worthy shots of laptop sessions in exotic locations lies a complex web of practical challenges.
From securing reliable internet connections to navigating visa requirements, successful digital nomads must master a delicate balance of work productivity and travel logistics.
I travelled as a digital nomad for over 4 years and while I love it, my journey came with many struggles.
And from these experiences, I want to pass on what I learned so you can avoid my mistakes, to have a smoother, more productive and fun-filled time.
Take a look at these essential survival tips for new digital nomads.
You might also like:
Career Opportunities for Digital Nomads!
* Get Paid to do Voiceovers from Home – FREE Mini-course Intro to Voiceovers.
* Work at Home as a Transcriptionist – Learn Transcription Skills with Transcribe Anywhere and Open Doors to New Remote Jobs.
* Start Your Own Thriving Proofreading Business – Learn how to get started in this FREE proofreading workshop.
* How to Start a Bookkeeping Business from Home – Free training series from the team at Bookkeepers.com.
Essential Survival Tips for New Digital Nomads
Are you ready to head off on the open road, with your home being where you lay your backpack!?
I get that travel longing as I always had itchy feet when I was younger. I used to think that there must be more to life than just going to the same boring job every day.
And, I found the excitement I craved after booking a one-way ticket to Kuala Lumpur and never looking back.
If you are on this same journey, take a look at these survival tips for new digital nomads.
1. Secure Reliable Internet Access Wherever You Go
A stable internet connection forms the backbone of remote work success.
To maintain consistent connectivity, start by testing internet speeds at potential accommodations using apps like Speedtest or Fast.com.
Keep a backup connection ready through portable WiFi devices such as Starlink or GlocalMe.
Local SIM cards offer cost-effective data plans compared to international roaming.
Working from co-working spaces provides enterprise-grade internet perfect for video calls and file transfers.
Remember to establish a secondary internet solution, like mobile hotspot tethering, to prevent work disruptions if your primary connection fails.
2. Get the Right Digital Nomad Visa
Working on a tourist visa can result in deportation, fines, or bans from re-entry.
Over 50 countries now offer specific visas for remote workers, making it easier to stay legal while working abroad.
Most Digital Nomad Visa Countries in Europe require proof of monthly income (typically €1,000-€5,000), valid health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
Take a look at these other digital nomad visa guides by country:
The application process varies by country but usually includes submitting forms, documentation, and fees through embassies or online portals.
Processing times range from one week to six months, so start your application well before planned travel dates.
3. Choose Accommodations That Suit Your Work and Lifestyle Needs
Picking the right place to stay affects both your work output and daily life.
Look for properties with dedicated workspaces and proven internet reliability through platforms that offer “remote work ready” filters.
Weekly and monthly stays on Airbnb can cut costs by 20-50% and co-living spaces like Nomad Stay come with built-in communities and work facilities.
Before booking, check reviews about Wi-Fi speed and noise levels to prevent work disruptions.
Pick locations near cafes, libraries, and coworking spaces for backup work options when needed.
4. Keep Your Devices Charged and Carry Backup Power Sources
Power outages and limited access to outlets can stop remote work in its tracks.
Pack a high-capacity power bank (20,000+ mAh) to keep your phone charged and recharge laptops multiple times when outlets aren’t available.
Consider a solar charger for outdoor work sessions. Universal travel adapters with multiple USB ports let you charge several devices from one outlet.
Bring a portable surge protector to safeguard electronics in areas with unstable power grids.
5. Use a VPN to Protect Your Online Privacy and Sensitive Data
Remote workers face security risks when using public WiFi networks.
Premium VPN services protect against identity theft and financial fraud through strong encryption and look for VPNs with no-logs policies and kill switches.
Some countries restrict VPN usage, so research local regulations before arrival. Always use a VPN connection for banking and financial transactions.
Choose VPNs with split tunnelling to maintain fast speeds while staying secure.
A reliable VPN also helps access services from your home country that might be blocked abroad.
6. Plan Your Work and Travel Schedule in Advance
One of the best survival tips for new digital nomads is to plan your work and travel schedule.
This helps you to get your work done, so you have money to survive while still enjoying your surroundings.
Google Calendar or Notion make it simple to map out work duties alongside travel plans. Tools like World Time Buddy prevent meeting mix-ups across time zones.
Move between locations during lighter work periods to reduce stress. Add buffer days before key deadlines to handle travel delays or internet issues.
Many successful digital nomad jobs let you maintain regular “office hours” even while travelling to maintain productivity.
Project management tools like Asana or Trello help track tasks as you change locations.
This structured approach lets you meet work commitments while having time to experience new places.
7. Backup Files Both in the Cloud and on External Drives
Losing work due to device failure or theft can derail your remote career.
Set up automatic syncing with cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox to protect your digital assets – these services make your files accessible across all devices.
Carry a compact external SSD for physical backups. Services like Backblaze provide continuous cloud backup protection.
Store critical documents in password-protected cloud storage and keep your devices charged to maintain regular backups.
Test your restore process monthly to confirm backups work properly.
8. Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance by Setting Clear Boundaries
Remote work often blurs the lines between professional and personal time.
Create physical separation by designating specific work areas in your living space. Put away laptops and work equipment during off-hours to mentally disconnect.
Set fixed working hours and communicate them to clients and colleagues. Use time blocking to focus during work periods and prevent task spillover into personal time.
Apps like RescueTime can track productivity and remind you to take breaks.
Remember to schedule local activities and exploration time – it’s why you chose to become a digital nomad in the first place!
9. Connect with Locals and Fellow Travellers for Networking and Support
Working remotely can feel isolating without a strong social network.
Join digital nomad communities and Facebook groups to meet other remote workers.
Local meetups through apps like Bumble BFF and CouchSurfing help you connect with both travellers and residents.
Attend language exchange events to improve your communication skills while making friends. Many co-working spaces host regular networking events specifically for remote professionals.
Local volunteering opportunities provide meaningful ways to engage with communities while building lasting relationships.
10. Join Coworking Spaces for Productivity and Community
Coworking spaces give remote workers a structured environment with reliable internet and office amenities.
Global networks like Nomad Stays offer details on the best coworking digital nomad spaces around the world.
Find local spaces through platforms like Coworker.com or ask in digital nomad Facebook groups.
Many locations include meeting rooms, printing services, and kitchen facilities. The social aspect helps combat isolation – regular events and shared lunches make it easy to meet other professionals.
Look for spaces that match your work style, whether you need quiet focus areas or open collaborative zones.
Some accommodations partner with nearby coworking spaces to offer guest discounts.
11. Manage Your Finances and Create a Budget
Multi-currency accounts like Wise and Revolut help remote workers handle international transactions with minimal fees.
Track daily spending across currencies using specialised apps like Travel Spend to maintain budget control.
Choose credit cards that skip foreign transaction fees to save money over time. Set up automatic payments for recurring bills to avoid missed deadlines while travelling.
Research tax requirements in the countries you visit to stay compliant.
Plan extra funds for transition periods between locations when costs typically increase. Local bank accounts can reduce ATM fees and simplify payments in longer-term destinations.
12. Pack Light but Smart with Essential Gear and Minimal Clothing
Smart packing makes frequent travel much easier. Start with work essentials: laptop, portable monitor, wireless mouse/keyboard, and noise-cancelling headphones.
A laptop stand helps maintain good posture while working from different locations.
Pick clothing that works across multiple climates – quick-dry fabrics and items you can layer.
Pack 4-5 neutral pieces that mix and match easily and use packing cubes to keep clothes organised and compressed.
Store important documents in a waterproof holder. Use refillable travel containers for toiletries to minimise weight and waste.
A high-quality daypack serves as both a laptop bag and a day-trip carrier.
13. Understand Local Customs, Laws, and Safety Tips at Each Destination
Another one of the best survival tips for new digital nomads is to check government travel advisories before heading to a new location.
Save local emergency numbers and embassy contacts in your phone and use apps like Google Translate to help with basic communication when language barriers arise.
Learn simple greetings in the local language to show respect and check appropriate clothing standards for different settings – what works in one country might work in another.
Research common local scams and typical transportation costs to avoid tourist traps.
Use apps like GeoSure to check neighbourhood safety scores in unfamiliar cities and write down the address of your accommodation in the local language to show taxi drivers.
14. Have Health and Travel Insurance That Suits Frequent Travel
Medical costs abroad can quickly become expensive without proper coverage.
Look for global health insurance plans made for long-term travellers through providers like SafetyWing or World Nomads.
These policies should include emergency evacuation and repatriation services.
Check that your plan offers direct billing with hospitals to avoid paying large sums upfront and keep digital copies of insurance cards and policy documents in cloud storage for quick access.
Many countries you will travel in require specific minimum coverage amounts, so verify requirements before applying.
Consider extra protection for expensive work equipment beyond standard travel insurance limits.
15. Leverage Loyalty Programs and Deals to Save Money on Travel
Join airline alliance programs like Star Alliance, OneWorld, or SkyTeam to collect points across multiple carriers.
Credit cards with travel perks offer bonus points on travel spending and welcome rewards.
Hotel programs give benefits like free WiFi and late checkout – helpful for remote workers.
Watch for deals through services like Nomad Stays and book mid-week arrivals for better rates than weekend check-ins.
Travel during shoulder season (just before or after peak times) to find good weather with lower prices. Most booking sites offer extra discounts through loyalty tiers.
16. Stay Adaptable and Open-Minded to Handle Challenges and Changes
Life as a digital nomad brings constant change, so it helps to be open-minded and adaptable.
Build flexibility into your plans and keep backup options ready for common issues like internet outages, flight changes, or booking problems.
Create a personal guide for handling different scenarios – from lost passports to banking troubles and write down key contacts, steps to take, and lessons learned from past challenges.
Stay open to different cultural approaches and local customs – what works in one country might not work in another.
Connect with experienced nomads who can share tips for managing transitions and maintaining stability while moving between locations.
And remember, things will go wrong, and that’s ok. View setbacks as chances to build problem-solving skills rather than roadblocks.
Simple routines like morning meditation or exercise help maintain consistency across changing environments and will help to keep your mental health in check.
17. Learn New Skills While Travelling
Working remotely while travelling creates unique chances to build new abilities.
Take local cooking classes to learn authentic recipes and food preparation methods, and join community groups for hands-on cultural experiences like traditional crafts or music.
Online platforms like Coursera, Skillshare and LinkedIn Learning let you study anywhere.
Take a look at these free online courses that might interest you:
Document your travels through photography, writing, or video – these skills can grow into side businesses like your own travel blog or YouTube channel.
Many successful remote workers turn their travel experiences into additional income streams through content creation and sharing their knowledge with others who want to work while travelling.
Final Thoughts on Survival Tips for New Digital Nomads
Those are the best survival tips for new digital nomads that I wish I had known about before my first travel/work adventure!
The key to long-term success as a digital nomad isn’t just about having the right tools or perfect destinations – it’s about creating sustainable systems that work for your unique situation.
By implementing these essential tips, you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges while maximising the incredible opportunities that come with location-independent work.
Remember, becoming a successful digital nomad is a marathon, not a sprint. Take time to develop your routine, stay flexible in your approach, and always prioritise your work-life balance.
With proper planning and the right mindset, you can build a fulfilling career while exploring the world on your own terms.
Summary
17 Essential Survival Tips for New Digital Nomads: Travel, Work & Thrive!
Description
17 Essential Survival Tips for New Digital Nomads: Travel, Work & Thrive!
Author
Katie Lamb
Remote Work Rebels
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remoteworkrebels.com (Article Sourced Website)
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