Most companies have historically resisted the idea of working remotely. However, with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, many have changed this line of thinking. By allowing their employees to work from home, businesses have managed to stay afloat. They’ve also discovered that remote work is a viable option for the future.
As more and more traditional offices transition to a work from home approach, growth in the use of technology has skyrocketed. Companies have had to adapt to survive and, as a result, video conferencing, global data SIM cards and messenger apps have become popular.
Digital Nomad Visas
A handful of other countries have noticed the potential for having this type of foreign visitor on their shores. Some states and territories have introduced a special visa for digital nomads to facilitate this new trend of remote working. There have also been some destinations with tax incentives in place to allow foreign nationals to stay for longer periods of time.
They need to help boost their economies at a time when the tourism industry is suffering. Working remotely is the goal for both the digital nomad as well as these territories.
Here are a few destinations offering visas for digital nomads and remote workers:
- Antigua & Barbuda
- Barbados
- Bermuda
- Cayman Islands
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Czech Republic
- Dubai
- Estonia
- Georgia (a country between Europe and Asia, not the US state!)
- Germany
- Iceland
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Norway
- Portugal
- Spain
Each of these locations has their own requirements for securing and maintaining the visa, so be sure to do your research before applying!
Top-notch Wi-Fi is Non-Negotiable
If you’re working on the road, squaring away your Wi-Fi situation is a vital first step. You can’t rely on Wi-Fi from coffee shops or libraries. Many businesses have closed or are operating at different hours. Some are not permitting dine-in altogether.
Make it a point to check with your hotel or Airbnb that the internet is speedy and reliable. Don’t hesitate to ask for proof. Like a screenshot from an internet speed test. Confirm that Wi-Fi won’t be a limiting factor while on your travels.
POND mobile offers global roaming services that make buying a SIM card for overseas travel easy and very affordable. Getting the best global travel SIM card for your smartphone is essential for digital nomads!
What to Expect Once Travel Completely Opens Back Up
Even though COVID hasn’t eased up quite yet, it’s important to remember this situation is temporary. And once things look better, the digital nomad workforce will be back and stronger than before. The desire to travel has only been magnified during this waiting period.
Digital nomad living will soon be mainstream, attractive, and attainable for most remote workers worldwide. Tourism may not be doing well now, but the future of travel is bright. Travelers will be able to choose a different path – of distributed work and global living.
The International Roaming Freedom Lovers
Digital nomads love freedom, so it’s important to take advantage of it. If you’re choosing this life, start cutting the cord. And don’t be afraid to let clients know when you’ll be offline. Charge your computer until it’s at 100%, then unplug. Once it dies, close the screen and enjoy where you are.
The best part of being a remote worker is the opportunity it offers to connect with other human beings–worldwide.
