Methods 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 the right way 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 standard roles embrace net developer, freelance author, or digital assistant.

Listed here 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 fantastic start line in your nomadic way of life.
• Fiverr: Recognized for its gig-based system, Fiverr means that you can create service packages that shoppers should buy. It’s very best for showcasing your particular abilities, akin to graphic design, content material writing, or video modifying.
• LinkedIn: Greater than only a networking web site, LinkedIn contains a devoted job board the place you will discover distant positions throughout industries. LinkedIn means that you can construct your skilled community, which might result in referrals and job provides.
• Toptal: When you’re an skilled skilled in fields like software program growth, design, or finance, Toptal connects you with high-quality shoppers and tasks. It’s a extra selective platform, however the potential for well-paying, long-term gigs makes it value exploring.
• Freelancer: Just like Upwork, Freelancer provides a variety of tasks throughout a number of classes. You may bid on jobs, enter contests, and join with shoppers 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 assist, and tech. It’s a superb useful resource for locating roles which are totally distant, providing flexibility and a worldwide 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 isn’t sufficient. As a freelancer, staying organized is vital. Listed here are some must-have instruments that I depend on:

• NordVPN: NordVPN is a top-tier VPN service that gives safe, personal looking and protects your knowledge from on-line threats.
• Trello: This instrument helps you handle your tasks, duties, and deadlines multi function place. I take advantage of it to maintain observe of every part, from work assignments to non-public journey plans.
• Notion: That is my go-to instrument 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 all the time accessible, regardless of the place I’m.
• Slack – For staying linked 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 instrument for creating displays, social media content material, and advertising supplies. As a freelancer, this helps me preserve an expert edge while not having superior design abilities.
• 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 instrument 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 regardless of the place I’m working from.
• Expensify – Managing funds could be difficult 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 reasonably priced price of dwelling and respectable web entry (Yesim code: KATRIN8414).

• Pocket Wi-Fi – I all the time carry a pocket Wi-Fi machine 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 lots of suppliers now provide 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 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 possibility for staying linked. Right here’s one in every of my favorites so don’t neglect to make use of my code: KATRIN8414 for a great 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 employees and digital nomads. When reserving, all the time test the critiques for web reliability to keep away from surprises.
• Cafés with Web Entry – When you desire a extra relaxed setting, many cafes in standard digital nomad hubs have free Wi-Fi and cozy workspaces. Simply bear in mind to assist the enterprise by ordering meals or drinks whilst you work.

4. Visa and Residency Choices

When you’re planning to remain in another country long-term, journey or medical 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 contemplate:

• Chiang Mai, Thailand: Referred to as a digital nomad hotspot, Chiang Mai provides reasonably priced dwelling, 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 lengthen it at native immigration places of work. For longer stays, think about the Schooling Visa for finding out Thai language.
• Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka combines affordability with a rising distant work tradition. The nation provides 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 regular customer visa with the opportunity of renewal.

Further Assets

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

• Immigration Web sites: All the time discuss with official authorities web sites to get up-to-date visa and residency data.
• World Citizen Options: A useful resource for these contemplating investment-based residency or citizenship choices.

When you plan to remain even longer, think about trying into everlasting residency or citizenship choices within the nation you like. This could make it simpler to cool down whereas having fun with your digital nomad life.

5. Staying Linked and Secure

Being a Filipino digital nomad additionally means staying linked.

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

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

Listed here are the apps I take advantage of to remain linked with my family members and work:

• Viber: Viber is a favourite for Filipinos due to its user-friendly interface and strong options. You may ship free textual content messages, make voice and video calls, and even share photographs and movies. The group chat characteristic is particularly useful for staying in contact with a number of relations or pals directly.
• 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 conserving 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 excellent for sending fast updates, sharing photographs, and even internet hosting group video calls with household again house.
• Zoom: Whereas generally used for work, Zoom can be a superb instrument for internet hosting digital household gatherings or catching up with pals throughout totally different time zones.
• collaborate professionally:
• Slack: Slack is a best choice for staff communication. You may create separate channels for various tasks or shoppers, share recordsdata immediately, and combine it with different productiveness instruments like Google Drive or Trello. It’s excellent for conserving your work organized and your staff on the identical web page.
• Skype: Skype stays a extensively used platform for skilled calls, significantly for formal conferences, interviews, and displays. Its screen-sharing characteristic is particularly helpful for collaborative discussions or walkthroughs.
• Microsoft Groups: For these working with company shoppers or bigger groups, Microsoft Groups is a robust instrument. It combines chat, video conferencing, and doc collaboration in a single platform.
• Google Meet: Built-in with Google Workspace, Google Meet is a dependable instrument for digital conferences. Its ease of use and compatibility with Gmail make it a handy possibility for freelancers and distant employees.

Bonus Tip

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Ultimate Ideas

Beginning a digital nomad journey can really feel a bit scary. However with the fitting digital nomad assets, or some instrument and ability, you’ll be well-prepared to succeed.

Simply bear in mind, being organized and staying linked are key. So seize your laptop computer, pack your luggage, and prepare for a tremendous journey!

Completely happy travels, fellow digital nomads!

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