10 Steps to Becoming a Digital Nomad 2024

Wondering how to start a new experience as a digital nomad in 2024? For many digital nomads-to-be around the world, it is almost certain that making the first move is the hardest. That’s why it is crucial to research extensively beforehand and make the right preparations.

To help you get going, this guide by Pacific Prime offers 10 key steps to follow that will help you realize your goal of becoming a true digital nomad in 2024.

Step 1 – Figure Out Your Source of Income

If you are serious about becoming a digital nomad then make no mistake – you’ll need a solid flow of income to sustain your life as a digital nomad. In general, a service-based job or an online business are two ways you’ll be able to earn and generate an income.

Considerations for Service-based Jobs

Digital nomads often start with service-based jobs and then expand to creating an online business to add to their income stream. To begin with, it is worth listing all your skills and the services you could provide, and sharpening them so that you can establish solid offerings.

Being a digital nomad requires more than just having the skillset for your role. It demands exceptional remote working skills – managing tasks while hitting deadlines, syncing with your team across time zones, communicating the work you’ve done with your boss, and so much more.

Here is a list of jobs that are best suited for digital nomads to start strategizing and career transition, in case you are struggling to decide on your next field of interest:

• Digital marketing
• Tutoring
• Graphic design
• Content creation
• Videography
• Web development and coding
• Translation
• Copywriting
• Social media marketing
• Consulting
• Project management
• Software development

The above list goes on. The key takeaway message here is to audit your skills and determine which ones offer the best scope in helping you earn a steady income while giving you a fulfilling experience at the same time.

Considerations for Running an Online Business

The advent of the internet has yielded many opportunities for people to build some of the most satisfying streams of income. The many success stories range from personal blogs of travel and food influencers to global tech and e-commerce companies such as Amazon.

Some online business ideas for digital nomads include but are not limited to:

• Personal blog
• Online courses
• E-Commerce store
• Publishing content and media
• Bookkeeping

Depending on your abilities and preparation, starting an online business can be done from the get-go. However, if you are new to being a digital nomad, then we encourage you to continue working on service-based jobs to build up your experience and connections.

Note: Digital nomads are encouraged to follow the trends happening around the world, especially the impact of cybercrime on online business. Due to the nature of online businesses, there is also a risk of cybercrime that digital nomads are encouraged to invest time and money protecting against.

As the online business grows it is worth seeking business solutions such as cyber insurance. For further reading, visit Pacific Prime’s insurance solutions page.

Step 2 – Evaluate and Enhance Your Skills

Now that you have decided on the skills that you have or can develop, you’ll need to enhance them further. Look at ways to refine and improve them so that you can stand out among the crowd and get offered work, such as taking a short online course.

In addition to your skills, you are encouraged to take your personal development seriously and invest the time to improve yourself. Becoming a digital nomad requires the development of the right mentality to cope with difficulties along the way, and to overcome any bumps and hurdles that may get in your way.

Step 3 – Create a Portfolio Showcasing Your Skills and Achievements

To become a successful digital nomad, you’ll need to have a portfolio of work to show clients when they request to see it. A well-written portfolio can help convince potential clients that you are right for the available task or role.

Through Your Own Website or Social Media Platforms

Social media channels are undoubtedly one of the best gateways to reaching out to potential clients when starting your journey as a digital nomad.

During the early stage of your preparation, you can create a website or use social media to share your work. Using platforms such as Instagram and LinkedIn are great for promoting the work you do. You can also use them to generate interest and high engagement.

Step 4 – Develop and Expand Your Social Network

While you are still in employment, use your spare time to network with potential clients and research more about their needs and budgets. You must understand the market and clients you want to offer your services to inside-out before you rush out to do so.

More often than not, many digital nomad starters leave their employment in dramatic fashion, only to be stuck with no work or income after thinking they have already planned well. So before you jump the gun, build connections via social media channels, freelance websites, or digital nomad groups.

Some key websites include Upwork, Flexjobs, Fiverr, and more. Your ultimate goal is to cultivate positive relationships across different channels so that you can immerse yourself and showcase your portfolio.

Step 5 – Break Down Your Finances

Now that you have a strong foundation of skills and services to offer, as well as a growing connection of prospective clients, it’s time to make preparations so that your digital nomad life is as free and flexible as you hope it to be.

Eliminating Your Debt and Unnecessary Expenses

Money is the backbone of all digital nomads. Be your own financial advisor or engage with a professional financial advisor who can help you reduce your debt (if any) to a manageable level. You could also seek suggestions on reducing potentially unnecessary expenses that you don’t realize.

Becoming a digital nomad means moving away and being anywhere you want, so the last thing you want is to be told that you have recurring expenses or due debt to be paid off. This can hinder your experience of becoming a digital nomad and hold you back from traveling freely.

Making a Budget

Creating a realistic budget and sticking to it is foundational for digital nomads. You are encouraged to identify fixed and variable monthly expenses so that you can establish a fairly accurate budget. As a digital nomad, you’ll be taking the following expenses into account:

• Rent for accommodation
• Transportation costs
• Food and beverage costs
• Disposable toiletry costs
• Travel and health insurance
• Costs for gadgets and devices for work
• Internet data & mobile phone costs
• Miscellaneous costs such as entertainment and subscriptions
• Clothing costs

Step 6 – Keeping the Transition Process Smooth and Easy

Whether or not you enjoy your employment, the best way is to leave on a good note and with the right intentions. Employers will understand, and being honest and confident about what you want will most likely be looked upon positively.

Give your employer enough time to find a replacement, at least a month before leaving. If you prefer to give them more notice, then making them aware a few months before can make the transition for both parties as smooth as possible.

Your colleagues and employer may also embrace the idea of you starting on a digital nomad path. They can also give you tips, contacts, and sources to help you make the best of starts. Keep in contact too in case they can help you issue references, recommendations, and deal with paperwork, etc.

If you are requesting to work as a digital nomad with your current employer, research how working remotely would be effective in the specific context of your job and performance, and put together a detailed plan for your remote work arrangement to facilitate both parties.

Step 7 – Preparing Your Travel Documents

While abroad, no other items are more important than your travel documents. Ensure your ID and passport are stored in a safe and secure location. You can opt for an additional layer of protection by securing travel insurance to cover the cost of lost or stolen valuables, should the worst happen.

Your passport and ID card are mandatory for visa application as you work across borders. Please make sure your passport has at least 6 months before expiry, and has enough blank pages for the issued visa sticker and entry stamps at immigration.

Other travel considerations include visas and whether you need a work permit to do the job in the country. For instance, in some countries like Thailand, it is illegal to work without a work permit. Looking into these details can help avoid issues when entering the country of your choice.

Another aspect of working abroad is the process of taxation and whether or not you have to pay taxes. Be sure to look into the finer details and establish what the requirements are. Please note that the tax considerations apply both to the host as well as the home country.

Step 8 – Learn and Decide Your Location

If you have ever traveled to other regions or countries, you’ll understand that there will be cultural differences and certain things you should and shouldn’t do. Advanced research on how the culture in the target location differs from yours streamlines the adaptation process.

Pacific Prime’s country pages have compiled the history, background, and healthcare system of a wide range of countries that you may find yourself interested in. Feel free to check out your ideal location(s), learn about the country, and be mentally prepared for the upcoming change.

Step 9 – Simplify Your Lifestyle

You’ll thank yourself for keeping to the bare essentials as you move around with your luggage. Ask yourself what you cannot live a productive and comfortable life without. Multifunctional items such as functional sportswear may save you considerable luggage space.

You never know what happens next: political unrest, job loss, emergency health issues. Each of these reasons may require a quick move to another location. Declutter and optimize, and make sure you are digitally and physically free to focus on what matters most – your work and interaction with the world.

Step 10 – Prioritize Your Physical and Mental Health

Health Check-ups

Before moving away from home and crossing any border to embark on your digital nomad journey, you are encouraged to get a health check-up that indicates your current health and well-being.

If you are diagnosed with any medical issues, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention as soon as possible in your home country. Getting treated for a medical condition during your time abroad can end up costly and hinder your plans going forward as a digital nomad.

Note: Digital nomads moving through different countries should research their healthcare system beforehand and options for foreigners to receive healthcare.

Most countries have reciprocal health agreements like the UK, New Zealand, and Australia; and for countries without these agreements, it is encouraged to secure a suitable international health insurance plan.

International Health Insurance Plans for Digital Nomads

International health insurance plans guarantee that you will have access to the best medical treatment options available no matter where you are in the world. They can cover specific activities like various sports, offer direct billing, and be tailored to your needs.

Here is a quick overview of what’s in an international health insurance plan, and questions to ask your advisor when shopping around for one.

For further reading:

• Factors influencing international health insurance premiums for expats
• Things to look for in international health insurance for expats
• Pacific Prime Quiz: How well do you know international health insurance?

Pacific Prime Is Here to Support Your Nomadic Lifestyle

With over 20 years of experience helping travelers and expats, including digital nomads, we are proud to offer global health insurance coverage in all our operating locations. Check out the following regions to learn more about your next location as a digital nomad.

• Asia
• Middle East
• Europe
• Americas
• Africa
• Australasia

For more information, feel free to contact us today for impartial advice and a free quotation!

• Author
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Eric Chung

Content Creator at Pacific Prime

Eric is an experienced content writer specializing in writing creative copies of marketing materials including social media posts, advertisements, landing pages, and video scripts.

Since joining Pacific Prime, Eric was exposed to a new world of insurance. Having learned about insurance products extensively, he has taken joy and satisfaction in helping individuals and businesses manage risks and protect themselves against financial loss through the power of words.

Although born and raised in Hong Kong, he spent a quarter of his life living and studying in the UK. He believes his multicultural experience is a great asset in understanding the needs and wants of expats and globe-trotters.

Eric’s strengths lie in his strong research, analytical, and communication skills, obtained through his BA in Linguistics from the University of York and MSc in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Bristol.

Outside of work, he enjoys some me-time gaming and reading on his own, occasionally going absolutely mental on a night out with friends.

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