The way 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 easy methods to develop into a digital nomad. Listed below are necessary 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 any case!

There are numerous assets for a Filipino distant employee that may make it easier to discover job alternatives or on-line enterprise.

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

Listed below are some platforms I’ve used:

• Flexjobs: FlexJobs is a number one platform that gives curated, scam-free distant, hybrid, and versatile job alternatives to assist people discover work that matches their life-style.
• Upwork: A world platform the place yow will discover 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 a terrific place to begin on your nomadic life-style.
• Fiverr: Identified for its gig-based system, Fiverr lets you create service packages that shoppers should buy. It’s best for showcasing your particular expertise, reminiscent of graphic design, content material writing, or video enhancing.
• LinkedIn: Greater than only a networking web site, LinkedIn incorporates a devoted job board the place yow will discover distant positions throughout industries. LinkedIn lets you construct your skilled community, which may result in referrals and job affords.
• 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 price exploring.
• Freelancer: Much 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 a terrific 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 help, and tech. It’s a wonderful useful resource for locating roles which can be absolutely distant, providing flexibility and a world 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 is just not sufficient. As a freelancer, staying organized is vital. Listed below are some must-have instruments that I depend on:

• NordVPN: NordVPN is a top-tier VPN service that gives safe, non-public searching and protects your information from on-line threats.
• Trello: This instrument helps you handle your tasks, duties, and deadlines multi function place. I exploit it to maintain observe of every little thing, 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 data.
• Google Drive: Cloud storage is important. I retailer all my necessary paperwork right here, so that they’re all the time accessible, irrespective 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 displays, social media content material, and advertising and marketing supplies. As a freelancer, this helps me preserve an expert edge with no need superior design expertise.
• Clockify – Time administration is essential when working remotely. I exploit 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 irrespective of the place I’m working from.
• Expensify – Managing funds will be tough on the go. Expensify helps me observe bills, handle receipts, and even simplify tax preparation.

These instruments have develop into 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

Apart from 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 price of dwelling and respectable web entry (Yesim code: KATRIN8414).

• Pocket Wi-Fi – I all the time carry a pocket Wi-Fi system as a backup, particularly after 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 recognized for his or her glorious 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 possibility for staying linked. Right here’s one among my favorites so don’t neglect to make use of my code: KATRIN8414 for a great 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 staff and digital nomads. When reserving, all the time examine the critiques for web reliability to keep away from surprises.
• Cafés with Web Entry – For those who desire a extra relaxed setting, many cafes in standard digital nomad hubs have free Wi-Fi and comfy 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 abroad long-term, journey or medical 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 called a digital nomad hotspot, Chiang Mai affords reasonably priced dwelling, glorious 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, take into account 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 a terrific 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’ll be able to apply for a Hong Kong Working Vacation Visa (if eligible) or a typical customer visa with the opportunity of renewal.

Extra Assets

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

• Immigration Web sites: At all times seek advice from official authorities web sites to get up-to-date visa and residency data.
• International Citizen Options: A useful resource for these contemplating investment-based residency or citizenship choices.

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

5. Staying Related and Protected

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 retaining 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 below are the apps I exploit to remain linked with my family members and work:

• Viber: Viber is a favourite for Filipinos due to its user-friendly interface and strong 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 characteristic is very useful for staying in contact with a number of relations or buddies without delay.
• WhatsApp: Well-liked 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 retaining 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 house.
• Zoom: Whereas generally used for work, Zoom can also 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 staff communication. You’ll be able to create separate channels for various tasks or shoppers, share information immediately, and combine it with different productiveness instruments like Google Drive or Trello. It’s excellent for retaining your work organized and your staff on the identical web page.
• Skype: Skype stays a broadly used platform for skilled calls, significantly for formal conferences, interviews, and displays. Its screen-sharing characteristic is very helpful 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 possibility for freelancers and distant staff.

Bonus Tip

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

Remaining Ideas

Beginning a digital nomad journey can really feel a bit scary. However with the fitting digital nomad assets, or some instrument and talent, 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 a tremendous journey!

Completely happy travels, fellow digital nomads!

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