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

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 methods to grow to be a digital nomad. Listed here 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 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 lots of assets for a Filipino distant employee that may show you how to discover job alternatives or on-line enterprise.

Some fashionable roles embrace internet developer, freelance author, or digital assistant.

Listed here 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 way of life.
• Upwork: A worldwide platform the place yow will discover freelance jobs in numerous 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 a fantastic start line on your nomadic way of life.
• Fiverr: Recognized for its gig-based system, Fiverr means that you can create service packages that purchasers should purchase. It’s best for showcasing your particular expertise, comparable to graphic design, content material writing, or video enhancing.
• LinkedIn: Greater than only a networking website, LinkedIn contains a devoted job board the place yow will discover distant positions throughout industries. LinkedIn means that you can construct your skilled community, which may result in referrals and job presents.
• Toptal: In the event you’re an skilled skilled in fields like software program improvement, design, or finance, Toptal connects you with high-quality purchasers 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 presents a variety of tasks throughout a number of classes. You’ll be able to bid on jobs, enter contests, and join with purchasers worldwide. It’s a fantastic 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 absolutely distant, providing flexibility and a world 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 searching and protects your knowledge from on-line threats.
• Trello: This device helps you handle your tasks, duties, and deadlines multi functional place. I take advantage of it to maintain observe of the whole lot, from work assignments to non-public journey plans.
• Notion: That is my go-to device for note-taking, creating to-do lists, and storing all my journey information.
• Google Drive: Cloud storage is important. I retailer all my necessary paperwork right here, so that they’re at all times accessible, irrespective of the place I’m.
• Slack – For staying related with purchasers, 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 device 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 device 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 consumer 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 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

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

Southeast Asia is a well-liked hub due to its inexpensive value of dwelling and first rate web entry (Yesim code: KATRIN8414).

• Pocket Wi-Fi – I at all times 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 inexpensive, 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 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 choice for staying related. Right here’s one in all my favorites so don’t neglect to make use of my code: KATRIN8414 for 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, at all times verify the opinions for web reliability to keep away from surprises.
• Cafés with Web Entry – In the event you choose a extra relaxed setting, many cafes in fashionable 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

In the event you’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 here are some nice locations for Filipinos to think about:

• Chiang Mai, Thailand: Often known as a digital nomad hotspot, Chiang Mai presents inexpensive dwelling, 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 prolong it at native immigration workplaces. For longer stays, contemplate the Schooling Visa for finding out Thai language.
• Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka combines affordability with a rising distant work tradition. The nation presents a Vacationer ETA (Digital Journey Authorization) that may be prolonged, making it a fantastic 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 possibly can apply for a Hong Kong Working Vacation Visa (if eligible) or a normal customer visa with the potential of renewal.

Extra Sources

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

• Immigration Web sites: At all times check with 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.

In the event you plan to remain even longer, contemplate trying into everlasting residency or citizenship choices within the nation you’re keen on. This will make it simpler to quiet down whereas having fun with your digital nomad life.

5. Staying Linked 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 retaining in contact with our household and associates.

Additionally, I at all times make certain 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 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 function is particularly useful for staying in contact with a number of relations or associates directly.
• WhatsApp: Widespread 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 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 house.
• Zoom: Whereas generally used for work, Zoom can also be a wonderful device 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’ll be able to create separate channels for various tasks or purchasers, share information immediately, and combine it with different productiveness instruments like Google Drive or Trello. It’s good for retaining 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 function is particularly helpful for collaborative discussions or walkthroughs.
• Microsoft Groups: For these working with company purchasers or bigger groups, Microsoft Groups is a strong device. It combines chat, video conferencing, and doc collaboration in a single platform.
• Google Meet: Built-in with Google Workspace, Google Meet is a dependable device for digital conferences. Its ease of use and compatibility with Gmail make it a handy choice for freelancers and distant staff.

Bonus Tip

In the event you want a secure and inexpensive place to retailer your baggage whereas exploring a brand new metropolis—particularly if in case you have just some hours earlier than your subsequent flight—Nannybag presents safe baggage storage choices which are 2x cheaper than most practice stations, out there 24/7.

Ultimate Ideas

Beginning a digital nomad journey can really feel a bit scary. However with the appropriate digital nomad assets, or some device 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!

Comfortable travels, fellow digital nomads!

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