What is a digital nomad, and what do they do?

Whether you’re in a full-time job, self-employed, or a freelancer, are you someone who enjoys travelling? Why not combine the two? This is where you become a digital nomad. Digital nomads can work virtually from different locations around the world.

But this can sometimes be confusing; what exactly is a digital nomad? In this article, we explore more about the digital nomad lifestyle, if you need a visa, the best destinations, and how you can make money as a digital nomad.

What is a digital nomad?

A digital nomad is a remote worker who uses technology to work from anywhere and enjoys travelling to different locations. They embrace an independent lifestyle, which allows them to travel and work remotely. Many digital nomads choose to live this lifestyle by using digital nomad visas.

Digital nomads also usually share their experiences on social media to highlight how they work from various locations, whether a cosy café or co-working space. With a range of digital nomad jobs, this has become increasingly popular.

The Difference Between Digital Nomadism and Freelancing

Freelancing is a way of work where you offer services independently rather than being an employee of a company. You are able to work from anywhere, but many decide to stay in one place - this could your home or a local café. You would have control over your clients, workload, and schedule.

On the other hand, as we briefly explained in the last section, digital nomadism is a lifestyle that combines remote work and travel. However, digital nomads can be more than freelancers, they can also be remote employees or business owners. 

The key difference is that digital nomads move between locations while working online, often navigating visa requirements, time zone differences, and varying internet access.

What is the digital nomad lifestyle?

The digital nomad lifestyle is a locally independent way of living with other remote workers who use technology with digital nomad jobs remotely anywhere in the world. This lifestyle is supported by visas, which allow digital nomads to stay long-term through the application process.

For many, the lifestyle means that you can enjoy freedom whilst securing necessities like health insurance and a residence permit. Social media also plays a big part in sharing experiences about digital nomad jobs, remote work, and their mission to combine work and travel with flexibility. 

How can digital nomads work remotely? 

Whether advertised directly as a digital nomad job or just remotely, you can use technology and digital tools to remain productive. As long as the place you’re staying has good internet, cloud-based technology, video conferencing, and project management tools, this enables you to stay connected. Just ensure that this works in the country you’re working in.

Additionally, as a digital nomad, you’re able to share your experiences, the pros and cons and how you’re scaling your freelance business through working remotely. This could inspire people to explore their way of life.

If you’re someone who works remotely or wanting to get started as a digital nomad, here are some of the tools that you could use:

Do digital nomads need to get a visa?

Digital nomads often do need to secure a visa, especially if they plan to live and work remotely in a particular country for an extended period. Many countries have introduced digital nomads, or remote work visas, that allow you to live and work inside their borders.

To be able to get these long-term visas, you may need to demonstrate a steady income, obtain health insurance, and even provide proof of remote work—whether this is for your freelance business or not. However, if you are only visiting for a short-term tourist visa, you might not be able to work legally.

Destinations for digital nomads

As you may have already realised, when you become a digital nomad, the travel opportunities are almost endless. With each country offering their culture, climate, and infrastructure, you can be supported as you adapt to their lifestyle. Here are a few destinations where you could travel to as a digital nomad:

United States

While the United States is a popular destination for digital nomads, you can't currently travel there on a specific digital nomad visa, and there is no current possibility for a visa application. 

Whilst, indeed, you can't get a visa, nomads can still work remotely from various cities and regions, but they may need to rely on traditional tourist visas and ensure they adhere to the visa regulations, especially regarding the type of work permitted.

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda are among the most popular places in digital nomad tourism. The country offers a dedicated digital nomad visa that allows remote workers to live and work for an extended period.

With its tropical climate, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture, it provides a backdrop for those looking to combine work with leisure—so now you don't have to change your background on Zoom!

Costa Rica

Costa Rica has also become a hotspot for digital nomads thanks to its renowned 'pura vida' lifestyle, lush landscapes, and robust communities, which you can easily join. Not only do you get the backdrop, but this is one of the ways to ensure you're not alone whilst travelling. 

The country also offers you a digital nomad visa, making it easier for remote workers to reside long-term while enjoying the benefits of its warm climate and diverse natural beauty.

South Africa

Now moving continents, moving to Africa, South Africa to be more specific, this is one of the most dynamic environments that you can travel to as a digital nomad. With the max of cities and attractions, you can switch up the scenery. 

Although the visa process is different from the other locations, remote workers can explore South Africa whilst experiencing the richness of the country. In addition, as you explore the country, you can also work with clients in Central Europe as the time zones align—one of the benefits of being a digital nomad.

United Arab Emirates

With continuous growth in the country, the United Arab Emirates, particularly cities like Dubai, has embraced the digital nomad life by offering remote work visas.

This allows you to experience a bustling urban environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure, luxury amenities, and a diverse expat community, making it a prime destination for those looking to balance work and adventure.

Digital Nomad Considerations

As you’re deciding whether the digital nomad lifestyle is for you, keep several factors in mind that ensure a smooth transition to being independent. Here are some considerations when you’re becoming a digital nomad:

Health Insurance

Probably one of the most important factors as a digital nomad is getting comprehensive health insurance that will keep you covered internationally. Since you would be moving countries, it’s crucial to have a policy that offers worldwide coverage. 

You can get digital nomad insurance from companies such as Axa or the Post Office in the UK; however, you can also get it from Safety Wing, a company that focuses on insurance for digital nomads and remote teams.

However, it is important to remember that you make sure your health insurance plan meets the specific requirements of your chosen destination, as some countries may require proof of insurance when applying for a digital nomad or remote work visa.

Jobs for Digital Nomads

As a digital nomad who enjoys travelling, you'll typically have the flexibility to work in a variety of fields, as long as you’ve put your skills in your freelancer CV. Common jobs whilst working as a digital nomad may include:

As a digital nomad, you may find success by leveraging social media to build your brand and connect with clients or employers. As a freelancer or digital nomad running your own business, ensuring a stable and reliable source of income is essential for maintaining the digital nomad lifestyle.

How much do digital nomads make?

The earnings of being a digital nomad can vary widely depending on the nature of your work, experience, and industry. Many digital nomads work in fields such as IT, marketing, design, and consulting, while others earn their living through freelancing or remote positions for established companies. As a result, some may earn a modest income while others command six-figure salaries.

A key point to remember is that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer—your digital nomad income depends largely on the digital nomad jobs you take on, your skill set, and the market demand for your expertise.

For instance, a freelance web developer might earn anywhere from £30,000 to over £100,000 per year, whereas a remote marketing consultant could have a different earning range based on their client base and project scope.

Digital nomadism vs freelancing

When choosing between digital nomadism and freelancing, this depends on your lifestyle preferences and career goals. While freelancing provides the flexibility to work independently, it doesn't necessarily mean you have to travel. On the other hand, as a digital nomad, you embrace the ability to travel between countries while working remotely.

The best choice comes down to how much you value stability versus adventure. If you prefer a consistent work environment and minimal logistical challenges, freelancing from a fixed location might be ideal. 

However, if you’re excited about exploring new destinations while working remotely, digital nomadism could be the perfect fit—especially as nomadism is more popular than ever, so there are more potential opportunities.