Living as a digital nomad is all about the allure and intrigue. The excitement of exploration and career-building meets just enough challenge to keep things interesting for the free-spirited. Even with the enticing benefits of the digital nomad lifestyle, many individuals find that switching their home base so frequently is as burdensome as it is thrilling.
Some nomads point to expiring visas, a once-in-a-lifetime event, or chasing warmer weather as their reasons for relocation. Others may just need a change of pace. Whatever the catalyst for moving to a new city or location, making the transition isn’t always easy. From discovering a social life to securing affordable housing and reliable internet, foreign cities provide a change of scenery and a load of learning experiences.
Although many prefer the open-ended, more spontaneous lifestyle often associated with living as a digital nomad, moving to a foreign city presents some obstacles you need to address head-on. Here are some transitional tips that will allow you to adjust to your new locale without unnecessary stress and headaches.
1. Plan Ahead a Little…
I’ve never been a planner. Planning puts constraints on things, which goes against the very idea of exploratory traveling, living as a digital nomad, and my laissez-faire attitude. However, I will say that moving to a new city with at least a tiny idea of where you want to live and what you want to do makes life easier in many ways.
If you have at least a loose outline of a plan, you are not blindsided by the massive differences or subtle nuances of your newfound home, nor do you struggle to find out which neighborhood works best for your interests and tastes. You don’t have to go overboard when you plan. A few web or social media searches should get you on the right track. Some objectives to highlight in your search include:
- SIM card and internet providers and costs
- Typical housing costs for particular areas of the city
- Options for where to stay while searching for an apartment
- A few legendary or iconic restaurants, venues, etc. to pique your interest in the city
- Expat groups with members who can lend some advice on where to stay, what to do, and other tidbits
If you’re a more conscientious or conservative traveler, this list may stretch a few more bullet points, but don’t overthink it. To needlessly strategize and stress before you arrive over aspects you can’t change will only lead to a downward spiral of unhappiness. More importantly, it will ruin the fun and anticipation of moving to a new area and starting the next chapter of your digital nomad story.
So plan, but relax. It will make everything about your transition much less hectic.
2. Find Temporary or Semi-Permanent Housing for Living as a Digital Nomad
Housing is one of the trickiest parts of moving to a new city as a digital nomad because everyone’s idea of comfort varies. Essentially, you have a handful of choices that depend on the local housing market, your budget, and how much you want to assimilate into the local culture. These options include:
- Hotels
- Hostels
- Online marketplaces (ex Airbnb, HomeAway)
- Apartments
Hotels
Hotels are the most expensive lodging option of the bunch, but they offer some distinct benefits. Typically, you can live in an exciting area of the city with daily breakfast and housekeeping. You’ll also enjoy extra amenities such as a gym, pool, or sauna. When you factor in the price of utilities, furnishings, and other expenses, the convenience and price point of a hotel is appealing. For some remote workers, hotels are not always cost-effective. However, if you harness the power of negotiation and understand the advantages of a hotel (no deposit, all bills paid, etc.), hotel living has its draw.
Hostels
Hostels are a toss-up. They are low cost, but with that cheaper price tag can come a myriad of horrifying details and life-long stories. Conversely, some hostels can be a nice surprise, complete with friendly staff and modest yet comfortable rooms. Above all, make sure to do your homework concerning hostels.
I’ve worked plenty in the dining areas or lobbies of hostels as I travel, and I’ve learned a few things over the years. If you are not diligent in reading reviews or studying up on what type of clientele each establishment serves, you may find yourself amid a 24/7 party or dorm-style accommodation that has its own set of problems.
Online Marketplaces
Online marketplaces have become the preferred accommodation option for many individuals living as a digital nomad. Without having to plop down a deposit or worry about looking for long-term accommodation, these websites provide convenience and a homeyness you won’t find anywhere else.
Apartments
If you are planning on living somewhere as a digital nomad longer than a month, I strongly suggest finding an apartment. While leasing terms make finding an apartment for less than six months almost impossible in the U.S., the rest of the world seems keen to let you stay for less time without any hassles.
In places like Asia, finding a short-term (one to six months) apartment is straightforward. Other locations such as Europe, Australia, and New Zealand may require a search for a roommate or sublet, but the money you save is well worth the added effort. You never know, you also might find a life-long friend.
3. Learn How to Travel Like a Local
Moving to a new city fuels a need to cut your transportation costs. From the London Underground to the elevated train in Chicago, traveling like a local lets you settle into the culture and allows you to experience what life is like as a resident. In most instances, public transportation is cheaper and makes more sense than buying a vehicle, while also undercutting taxis and rideshare apps.
However, not every type of transportation option or local transit is the best way to get around. For example, I would never recommend new residents of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City buy a motorbike and start riding around the city. The lack of road rules and the death-wish style driving by locals is enough to give you a heart attack, especially if you have limited experience behind the handlebars. But that’s just one example.
Traveling like a local is the ideal way to explore a city and culture when you’re living as a digital nomad. Not only can you save a few bucks, but you can discover what makes public transportation a magical part of most major cities.
4. Explore the City…Slowly
While learning to travel like a local is an integral part of exploration, don’t forget to slow down. Shrugging off the hectic pace of city life in favor of a snail’s pace is an ideal method to soak in every moment and get a comprehensive understanding of your new city.
To do this, I highly recommend walking everywhere for the first couple of weeks you are in the city. The trek on foot from Point A to Point B opens up another world that mere visitors never get to see. Not only can you appreciate the subtleties of your adopted home, but you can also enjoy the photo-ops, people watching, and other aspects that make the place unique.
Most digital nomads have a hectic travel schedule that limits their experience to only a few weeks in a single place. With work on the side, this fast traveling isn’t only inefficient, it’s exhausting.
Slow down, open your eyes, and soak in your surroundings. Only in this way are you truly able to experience the digital nomad lifestyle as it should be.
5. Open a Local Bank Account
A dreadful aspect of digital nomadism is learning how to manage currency and finances when you moving to a new city. Even with a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card and an ATM card with low fees, you are still squandering money if you need to use a debit card or take out cash. The solution is to open a local bank account, which is far easier than you may think.
Some countries don’t allow foreigners to open bank accounts without a proper business visa, but more Westernized nations make this quick and easy. Banks are always eager to take your money if you have the documentation to show you are in the country for a specified amount of time. If you are unsure of local regulations, call the bank to see what they permit.
In both New Zealand and Australia, I was able to open a bank account with a state-issued ID, passport, and a piece of mail. The mail was the trickiest part, but if you manage to make friends with a local or work your magic at the front desk of a hostel, this is easier than you might think. Armed with a local debit card, you can circumnavigate fees and other inconveniences of having bank accounts in the U.S. only.
6. Find a Coworking Space or Similar Offering
Some digital nomads already have enough work to take up most of their time. But if you are looking to spread your proverbial wings and expand your business as a freelancer or professional when moving to a new city, coworking spaces reign supreme. At these establishments, you can meet like-minded individuals who are in the same industry, or even better, people who need your skills.
Coworking spaces span a wide range of clientele and prices, so you may want to check out free trials or open houses to gauge your likelihood of success and belonging. If you can’t find a spot that caters to your profession and personality, all is not lost. Online coworking spaces are becoming more and more popular. Thanks to smaller monthly fees and a connected network of remote workers and freelancers around the globe, you’re always in good company.
7. Network
If you’re just not cut out for coworking spaces or it does not fit your budget, don’t fret. Networking opportunities are everywhere, even when you move to a new city. With a click of the mouse and a few keystrokes, you can find expat clubs, digital nomad groups, and other meetups. Within a few weeks of going to a new city in Australia, New Zealand, and Vietnam, I was able to find locals and foreigners with the same zest for entrepreneurship, freelancing, and remote work.
8. Get Into a Routine
You are not a tourist anymore. Remember that. If there is one thing that might prohibit your professional and financial success, it’s getting caught in the trap of being a permanent traveler. Your budget suffers, you have trouble getting work done, and you fall short of personal and professional goals. It’s always fun to explore a new place, but this isn’t just a stop. It’s your new home. Develop a routine, and adhere to it. Your body, mind, and bank account will thank you.
Regardless of whether you’re moving to a sprawling metroplex or a quiet, beachside town, these transitional tips should enable you to settle into your surroundings without any hiccups. The only thing left for you to do is enjoy your adopted home.
Do you have additional advice on moving to a new city as a digital nomad? Connect with Virtual Vocations on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn to tell us. We’d love to hear from you!
iStock Photo Credit: anyaberkut
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