Find out 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 way of life? 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 you can develop into a digital nomad. Listed below are essential 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 highway, 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 various sources for a Filipino distant employee that may make it easier to discover job alternatives or on-line enterprise.

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

Listed below 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 way of life.
• Upwork: A worldwide platform the place you will discover freelance jobs in several fields like graphic designer or social media supervisor.
• OnlineJobs.ph: A platform only for Filipinos! You’ll find full-time or part-time work right here, and it’s a terrific place to begin in your nomadic way of life.
• Fiverr: Recognized for its gig-based system, Fiverr permits you to create service packages that shoppers can buy. It’s best for showcasing your particular abilities, similar to graphic design, content material writing, or video enhancing.
• LinkedIn: Greater than only a networking web site, LinkedIn contains a devoted job board the place you will discover distant positions throughout industries. LinkedIn permits you to construct your skilled community, which may result in referrals and job gives.
• Toptal: If you happen to’re an skilled skilled in fields like software program growth, design, or finance, Toptal connects you with high-quality shoppers and initiatives. It’s a extra selective platform, however the potential for well-paying, long-term gigs makes it value exploring.
• Freelancer: Much like Upwork, Freelancer gives a variety of initiatives 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, buyer help, and tech. It’s a wonderful useful resource for locating roles which are totally 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, personal searching and protects your knowledge from on-line threats.
• Trello: This software helps you handle your initiatives, duties, and deadlines multi function place. I exploit it to maintain observe of the whole lot, from work assignments to non-public journey plans.
• Notion: That is my go-to software for note-taking, creating to-do lists, and storing all my journey information.
• Google Drive: Cloud storage is crucial. I retailer all my essential paperwork right here, in order that they’re all the time accessible, irrespective 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 software for creating shows, social media content material, and advertising supplies. As a freelancer, this helps me keep an expert edge while not having superior design abilities.
• Clockify – Time administration is essential when working remotely. I exploit Clockify to trace how a lot time I spend on initiatives, 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 software for anybody whose work depends on clear communication.
• NordVPN – A VPN is non-negotiable for digital nomads. NordVPN secures my web connection, defending delicate knowledge when utilizing public Wi-Fi in cafes or coworking areas.
• Zoom – Important for digital conferences and shopper calls, Zoom ensures I can keep skilled relationships irrespective of the place I’m working from.
• Expensify – Managing funds might 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

Other than the 4-hour workweek plan or schedule, one other one of many largest challenges for any nomadic way of life 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 machine 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 plenty of suppliers now supply 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 supply 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 very good low cost!
• Excessive-Pace Web Suppliers – Some lodging, particularly in bigger cities, now supply packages with high-speed web, catering to the rising neighborhood of distant employees and digital nomads. When reserving, all the time verify the evaluations for web reliability to keep away from surprises.
• Cafés with Web Entry – If you happen to 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 help the enterprise by ordering meals or drinks when you work.

4. Visa and Residency Choices

If you happen to’re planning to remain in another country long-term, journey or medical insurance isn’t sufficient to have. Take a look at visa choices for a digital nomad.

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

Listed below are some nice locations for Filipinos to contemplate:

• Chiang Mai, Thailand: Often called a digital nomad hotspot, Chiang Mai gives reasonably priced residing, glorious 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 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 gives a Vacationer ETA (Digital Journey Authorization) that may be prolonged, making it a terrific selection 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 possibly can apply for a Hong Kong Working Vacation Visa (if eligible) or a normal customer visa with the potential for renewal.

Further Assets

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

• Immigration Web sites: All the time consult 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.

If you happen to plan to remain even longer, take into account wanting 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 related.

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

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

Listed below are the apps I exploit to remain related 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 pictures and movies. The group chat characteristic is very useful for staying in contact with a number of relations or associates without delay.
• WhatsApp: Fashionable worldwide, WhatsApp is a flexible app for texting, voice messages, and video calls. Its end-to-end encryption ensures your conversations stay personal, which is a bonus for maintaining 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 good for sending fast updates, sharing pictures, and even internet hosting group video calls with household again residence.
• Zoom: Whereas generally used for work, Zoom can be a wonderful software 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 workforce communication. You’ll be able to create separate channels for various initiatives or shoppers, share information immediately, and combine it with different productiveness instruments like Google Drive or Trello. It’s good for maintaining your work organized and your workforce on the identical web page.
• Skype: Skype stays a extensively used platform for skilled calls, notably 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 software. It combines chat, video conferencing, and doc collaboration in a single platform.
• Google Meet: Built-in with Google Workspace, Google Meet is a dependable software for digital conferences. Its ease of use and compatibility with Gmail make it a handy choice for freelancers and distant employees.

Bonus Tip

If you happen to want a protected and reasonably priced place to retailer your baggage whereas exploring a brand new metropolis—particularly when you’ve got just some hours earlier than your subsequent flight—Nannybag gives safe baggage storage choices which are 2x cheaper than most practice stations, obtainable 24/7.

Last Ideas

Beginning a digital nomad journey can really feel a bit scary. However with the correct digital nomad sources, or some software 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 baggage, and prepare for an incredible journey!

Blissful travels, fellow digital nomads!

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