Tips on how to 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 how one can grow to be a digital nomad. Listed below are essential instruments and assets 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 lots of assets for a Filipino distant employee that may enable you to discover job alternatives or on-line enterprise.

Some common roles embrace net developer, freelance author, or digital assistant.

Listed below are some platforms I’ve used:

• 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! You will discover full-time or part-time work right here, and it’s an awesome start line to your nomadic life-style.
• Fiverr: Identified for its gig-based system, Fiverr permits you to create service packages that shoppers can buy. It’s supreme for showcasing your particular expertise, comparable to graphic design, content material writing, or video modifying.
• LinkedIn: Greater than only a networking website, LinkedIn encompasses a devoted job board the place you could find distant positions throughout industries. LinkedIn permits you to construct your skilled community, which may result in referrals and job provides.
• Toptal: For those who’re an skilled skilled in fields like software program improvement, 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 value exploring.
• Freelancer: Just like Upwork, Freelancer provides a variety of tasks throughout a number of classes. You may 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, buyer help, and tech. It’s a superb useful resource for locating roles which are absolutely distant, providing flexibility and a worldwide shopper 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 just isn’t sufficient. As a freelancer, staying organized is vital. Listed below are some must-have instruments that I depend on:

• Trello: This instrument helps you handle your tasks, duties, and deadlines multi functional place. I take advantage of it to maintain monitor of every little thing, from work assignments to non-public 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 important. I retailer all my essential paperwork right here, so that they’re all the time accessible, regardless of the place I’m.
• Slack – For staying linked 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 shows, social media content material, and advertising supplies. As a freelancer, this helps me preserve knowledgeable edge while not having superior design expertise.
• 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 shopper calls, Zoom ensures I can preserve skilled relationships regardless of the place I’m working from.
• Expensify – Managing funds could be difficult on the go. Expensify helps me monitor 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

Other than the 4-hour workweek plan or schedule, one other one of many largest 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 dwelling and first rate web entry (Yesim code: KATRIN8414).

• Pocket Wi-Fi – I all the time carry a pocket Wi-Fi system 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 plenty of suppliers now provide reasonably priced, travel-friendly plans.
• Co-working Areas – Cities like Chiang Mai, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Metro Manila are recognized for his or her wonderful co-working areas geared up 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 possibility for staying linked. Right here’s considered one of my favorites so don’t overlook to make use of my code: KATRIN8414 for a very good low cost!
• Excessive-Velocity Web Suppliers – Some lodging, particularly in bigger cities, now provide packages with high-speed web, catering to the rising group of distant staff and digital nomads. When reserving, all the time verify the opinions for web reliability to keep away from surprises.
• Cafés with Web Entry – For those who choose a extra relaxed setting, many cafes in common digital nomad hubs have free Wi-Fi and cozy workspaces. Simply bear in mind to help the enterprise by ordering meals or drinks whilst you work.

4. Visa and Residency Choices

For those who’re planning to remain in another country long-term, journey or medical health insurance isn’t sufficient to have. Try visa choices for a digital nomad.

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

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

• Chiang Mai, Thailand: Often known as a digital nomad hotspot, Chiang Mai provides reasonably priced dwelling, wonderful co-working areas, and a visa system that’s comparatively simple to navigate. You can begin with a Vacationer Visa (Single-Entry or A number of-Entry) and prolong it at native immigration places of work. For longer stays, contemplate the Training Visa for learning Thai language.
• Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka combines affordability with a rising distant work tradition. The nation provides 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 regular customer visa with the potential for renewal.

Extra Assets

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

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

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

5. Staying Related and Secure

Being a Filipino digital nomad additionally means staying linked.

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

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

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

• Viber: Viber is a favourite for Filipinos due to its user-friendly interface and sturdy options. You may ship free textual content messages, make voice and video calls, and even share pictures and movies. The group chat characteristic is very useful for staying in contact with a number of relations or associates without delay.
• WhatsApp: In style 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 holding your private updates safe.
• Fb Messenger: Many Filipinos depend on Fb Messenger as a result of it’s extensively used and integrates seamlessly with Fb. It’s excellent for sending fast updates, sharing pictures, and even internet hosting group video calls with household again dwelling.
• Zoom: Whereas generally used for work, Zoom can be a superb instrument for internet hosting digital household gatherings or catching up with associates throughout completely different time zones.
• collaborate professionally:
• Slack: Slack is a best choice for crew communication. You may 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 holding your work organized and your crew on the identical web page.
• Skype: Skype stays a extensively used platform for skilled calls, significantly for formal conferences, interviews, and shows. Its screen-sharing characteristic is very useful for collaborative discussions or walkthroughs.
• Microsoft Groups: For these working with company shoppers or bigger groups, Microsoft Groups is a strong 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 possibility for freelancers and distant staff.

Becoming a member of Digital Nomad Communities

Staying linked additionally means participating with different digital nomads who can share suggestions, recommendation, and even potential job leads. Platforms like Nomad Listing and Reddit provide vibrant communities the place you may join with like-minded people. For Filipinos, teams like Pinoy Digital Nomads on Fb present an area to share experiences and help one another.

By leveraging these instruments, you may make sure you’re by no means too removed from the individuals who matter most whereas staying environment friendly and linked in your skilled life. Communication is the guts of a profitable digital nomad journey, holding you grounded and supported wherever your travels take you.

Remaining Ideas

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

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

Blissful travels, fellow digital nomads!

FAQ