How you can Get Began as a Filipino Digital Nomad: Instruments and Assets

So you’re new right here? And also you’re dreaming of getting that digital nomad life-style? It’s thrilling, however getting began can really feel a bit overwhelming.

Don’t fear! I’ve been there. And on this final information, I’ll present you the best way to grow to be a digital nomad. Listed here are vital instruments and sources that helped me start and made me who I’m as a Filipino distant employee!

1. The First Step: Setting Up Your Distant Work

Earlier than you hit the street, the very first thing you want is a distant job. It’s not all neck pillows, water bottles and journey journals in spite of everything!

There are various sources for a Filipino distant employee that may aid you discover job alternatives or on-line enterprise.

Some well-liked roles embody internet developer, freelance author, or digital assistant.

Listed here are some platforms I’ve used:

• Flexjobs: FlexJobs is a number one platform that provides curated, scam-free distant, hybrid, and versatile job alternatives to assist people discover work that matches their life-style.
• Upwork: A worldwide platform the place you could find freelance jobs in several fields like graphic designer or social media supervisor.
• OnlineJobs.ph: A platform only for Filipinos! Yow will discover full-time or part-time work right here, and it’s an awesome start line in your nomadic life-style.
• Fiverr: Recognized for its gig-based system, Fiverr lets you create service packages that shoppers should purchase. It’s preferrred for showcasing your particular abilities, akin to graphic design, content material writing, or video modifying.
• LinkedIn: Greater than only a networking website, LinkedIn includes a devoted job board the place you could find distant positions throughout industries. LinkedIn lets you construct your skilled community, which may result in referrals and job affords.
• Toptal: Should you’re an skilled skilled in fields like software program growth, design, or finance, Toptal connects you with high-quality shoppers and tasks. It’s a extra selective platform, however the potential for well-paying, long-term gigs makes it price exploring.
• Freelancer: Just like Upwork, Freelancer affords a variety of tasks throughout a number of classes. You’ll be able to bid on jobs, enter contests, and join with shoppers worldwide. It’s an awesome platform for constructing expertise and securing constant work.
• We Work Remotely: Specializing in distant positions, this platform options jobs in design, advertising and marketing, buyer assist, and tech. It’s a wonderful useful resource for locating roles which can be totally distant, providing flexibility and a worldwide consumer base.

When you land your distant job, you’re already one step nearer to beginning your digital nomad journey.

2. Digital Nomad Instruments to Keep Productive

Getting one of many digital nomad jobs shouldn’t be sufficient. As a freelancer, staying organized is essential. Listed here are some must-have instruments that I depend on:

• NordVPN: NordVPN is a top-tier VPN service that gives safe, non-public looking and protects your information from on-line threats.
• Trello: This instrument helps you handle your tasks, duties, and deadlines multi function place. I take advantage of it to maintain observe of the whole lot, from work assignments to private journey plans.
• Notion: That is my go-to instrument for note-taking, creating to-do lists, and storing all my journey information.
• Google Drive: Cloud storage is crucial. I retailer all my vital paperwork right here, so that they’re all the time accessible, regardless of the place I’m.
• Slack – For staying related with shoppers, distant groups, or collaborators, Slack is a game-changer. It streamlines communication and permits file sharing, making it simpler to work throughout time zones.
• Canva – A user-friendly design instrument for creating displays, social media content material, and advertising and marketing supplies. As a freelancer, this helps me keep an expert edge with no need superior design abilities.
• Clockify – Time administration is essential when working remotely. I take advantage of Clockify to trace how a lot time I spend on tasks, serving to me keep environment friendly and keep away from burnout.
• Grammarly – Whether or not it’s emails, proposals, or weblog posts, Grammarly ensures my writing is polished {and professional}. It’s a useful instrument for anybody whose work depends on clear communication.
• NordVPN – A VPN is non-negotiable for digital nomads. NordVPN secures my web connection, defending delicate information when utilizing public Wi-Fi in cafes or coworking areas.
• Zoom – Important for digital conferences and consumer calls, Zoom ensures I can keep skilled relationships regardless of the place I’m working from.
• Expensify – Managing funds could be tough on the go. Expensify helps me observe bills, handle receipts, and even simplify tax preparation.

These instruments have grow to be my digital Swiss Military knife, serving to me handle work seamlessly, whether or not I’m in Metro Manila, El Nido, or exploring the seashores of Sri Lanka.

3. Dependable Web is a Should

Except for the 4-hour workweek plan or schedule, one other one of many greatest challenges for any nomadic life-style worker is discovering dependable web connection. 

Southeast Asia is a well-liked hub due to its reasonably priced value of residing and respectable web entry (Yesim code: KATRIN8414).

• Pocket Wi-Fi – I all the time carry a pocket Wi-Fi gadget as a backup, particularly once I’m in distant areas or island hopping in locations like El Nido or Palawan. It’s a lifesaver when native connections are spotty, and lots of suppliers now provide reasonably priced, travel-friendly plans.
• Co-working Areas – Cities like Chiang Mai, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Metro Manila are identified for his or her wonderful co-working areas outfitted with quick and dependable Wi-Fi. These areas additionally provide alternatives to community with fellow digital nomads and distant professionals.
• Yesim – Native pay as you go SIM playing cards are one other nice choice for staying related. Right here’s considered one of my favorites so don’t neglect to make use of my code: KATRIN8414 for a superb low cost!
• Excessive-Pace Web Suppliers – Some lodging, particularly in bigger cities, now provide packages with high-speed web, catering to the rising neighborhood of distant employees and digital nomads. When reserving, all the time test the opinions for web reliability to keep away from surprises.
• Cafés with Web Entry – Should you favor a extra relaxed setting, many cafes in well-liked digital nomad hubs have free Wi-Fi and comfy workspaces. Simply bear in mind to assist the enterprise by ordering meals or drinks whilst you work.

4. Visa and Residency Choices

Should you’re planning to remain out of the country long-term, journey or medical insurance isn’t sufficient to have. Try visa choices for a digital nomad.

Many nations provide a digital nomad visa or vacationer visa with extensions for any distant employee.

Listed here are some nice locations for Filipinos to think about:

• Chiang Mai, Thailand: Often known as a digital nomad hotspot, Chiang Mai affords reasonably priced residing, wonderful co-working areas, and a visa system that’s comparatively straightforward to navigate. You can begin with a Vacationer Visa (Single-Entry or A number of-Entry) and lengthen it at native immigration places of work. For longer stays, contemplate the Training Visa for finding out Thai language.
• Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka combines affordability with a rising distant work tradition. The nation affords a Vacationer ETA (Digital Journey Authorization) that may be prolonged, making it an awesome alternative for digital nomads.
• Hong Kong: A vibrant and bustling metropolis, Hong Kong is ideal for digital nomads who thrive in city environments. Whereas there’s no particular digital nomad visa but, you may apply for a Hong Kong Working Vacation Visa (if eligible) or a normal customer visa with the potential for renewal.

Further Assets

Listed here are some useful hyperlinks to discover visa and residency choices:

• Immigration Web sites: All the time seek advice from official authorities web sites to get up-to-date visa and residency info.
• World Citizen Options: A useful resource for these contemplating investment-based residency or citizenship choices.

Should you plan to remain even longer, contemplate trying into everlasting residency or citizenship choices within the nation you like. This may make it simpler to calm down whereas having fun with your digital nomad life.

5. Staying Linked and Protected

Being a Filipino digital nomad additionally means staying related.

And belief me, it doesn’t simply imply the same old Fb teams, weblog posts and digital nomad communities. It additionally means conserving in contact with our household and buddies.

Additionally, I all the time make sure that to have journey insurance coverage for security, particularly throughout lengthy journeys overseas.

Listed here are the apps I take advantage of to remain related with my family members and work:

• Viber: Viber is a favourite for Filipinos due to its user-friendly interface and sturdy options. You’ll be able to ship free textual content messages, make voice and video calls, and even share images and movies. The group chat function is very useful for staying in contact with a number of relations or buddies without delay.
• WhatsApp: Standard worldwide, WhatsApp is a flexible app for texting, voice messages, and video calls. Its end-to-end encryption ensures your conversations stay non-public, which is a bonus for conserving your private updates safe.
• Fb Messenger: Many Filipinos depend on Fb Messenger as a result of it’s broadly used and integrates seamlessly with Fb. It’s excellent for sending fast updates, sharing images, and even internet hosting group video calls with household again residence.
• Zoom: Whereas generally used for work, Zoom can be a wonderful instrument for internet hosting digital household gatherings or catching up with buddies throughout totally different time zones.
• collaborate professionally:
• Slack: Slack is a best choice for group communication. You’ll be able to create separate channels for various tasks or shoppers, share recordsdata immediately, and combine it with different productiveness instruments like Google Drive or Trello. It’s excellent for conserving your work organized and your group on the identical web page.
• Skype: Skype stays a broadly used platform for skilled calls, notably for formal conferences, interviews, and displays. Its screen-sharing function is very useful for collaborative discussions or walkthroughs.
• Microsoft Groups: For these working with company shoppers or bigger groups, Microsoft Groups is a robust instrument. It combines chat, video conferencing, and doc collaboration in a single platform.
• Google Meet: Built-in with Google Workspace, Google Meet is a dependable instrument for digital conferences. Its ease of use and compatibility with Gmail make it a handy choice for freelancers and distant employees.

Bonus Tip

Should you want a protected and reasonably priced place to retailer your baggage whereas exploring a brand new metropolis—particularly in case you have only a few hours earlier than your subsequent flight—Nannybag affords safe baggage storage choices which can be 2x cheaper than most prepare stations, out there 24/7.

Ultimate Ideas

Beginning a digital nomad journey can really feel a bit scary. However with the correct digital nomad sources, or some instrument and ability, you’ll be well-prepared to succeed.

Simply bear in mind, being organized and staying related are key. So seize your laptop computer, pack your luggage, and prepare for an incredible journey!

Joyful travels, fellow digital nomads!

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