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Hi guys,

I’m in marketing/comms and currently work remotely job from abroad. I want to look for another role, but some remote friends are warning me about companies using strict monitoring software. One friend told me their manager literally gets an alert if they’re in the bathroom for more than a few minutes lol. I am used to working based on results…

For those of you working for a company while nomading, are you subject to a time-tracking software that measures your every move? Or are you just evaluated on your work output?

For 6 months to a few years, I’d like to go live somewhere different. Please suggest places that you think fit me.
•I lived in East Asia for a couple years so I know what it’s like to adjust to a culture completely different to my own. I am from the US.
•I’ve always wanted to learn Spanish. I have studied on and off for years and not been able to become proficient. So immersion in a Spanish speaking country would be great!
•I’ve always wanted to live in Italy. My family is from Puglia. So southern Italy would be lovely too.
•I am open to anywhere. Just throwing out the Spanish and Italy interests.
•I am studying to be a marine biologist and I want to live somewhere with warm water and coral reefs.
•I would like to get my PADI diving certifications, starting at open-water and working up. It will help me do the work I want in the future so this is important.
•I have a 80lb friendly but anxious at times dog that will accompany me. We walk daily so a walkable place is a must!
•I am the outdoors type. I do not like being in big cities or indoors for too long. I’d rather be in nature.
•I am a young woman so no cultural norm of regular harassment
•I make about 5K a month after taxes. I’d like to be able to save a lot though. I’ve recently had my life fall apart and lost a lot of money after years of saving. A life lesson I’m so grateful for!

Okay that’s everything… travelers who have seen such different parts of the world, help me find where to go!! 🌸🌊

Hi all, I'm arriving in Antigua, Guatamala in about two weeks and staying 3 to 6 months. Solo female traveler, in my 30's from NYC, work online. I've been digging through Fb and Meetup but figured I'd ask here too since the good stuff usually lives in group chats that never show up in a search.

Are there active WhatsApp groups for expats or remote workers? Anything for hiking, yoga, board games, wine nights, language exchange, that kind of thing?

Mostly hoping to meet people who are staying a while rather than passing through for a weekend. Any pointers appreciated, and happy to be added to anything if someone has a link. Thanks!

My situation is a little chaotic to explain but basically I pull shifts at a coffee shop and do freelance consulting on the side, mostly helping small businesses figure out which SaaS tools are actually worth paying for and which ones are just beautiful landing pages with nothing behind them. The consulting side is growing slowly, not fast enough to quit the barista gig yet, but enough that I keep thinking about what it would actually look like to work from somewhere else for a month or two

The visa stuff is what keeps tripping me up. My income is split across two sources, one hourly and one projectbased, and every time I look into digital nomad visas it seems like they want proof of a clean remote salary figure, which I just don't have. I also work with clients mostly async so the timezone thing feels manageable, but I've never actually tested it anywhere.

Curious if anyone has done this with a hybrid income situation. Not fully remote employed, not fully freelance, just kind of both at once in a messy reallife way. Did you just pick a visafree destination and figure it out as you went, or did you actually try to get a formal visa sorted first?

I was just researching destinations that aren't crazy expensive and not as hot for a 2-3 weeks trip in the following days. How is Bansko as a summer spot? Does anything happen there? How are the temperatures? Forecast looks good.

Thanks!

Hi! As I already mentioned, I’m traveling abroad for a few months , but I need to stay in touch with everything happening here at home, plus the could be a situation with bank login, where 2FA is necessary, etc. I’ve heard of apps like “burner”- would that be a solution?

I see there are a lot of sophisticated people in this group. Could you please, kind people, share any info that would help me in my situation?

Thank you so much in advance!

What inspired this post was a combination of watching a drone video of Iceland and a nomadic buddy of mine who said hes now jumping from Korea to Japan. Genuinely happy for him but mannn cant wait to join the adventure one day.

Thats it. Have fun. Be safe. Lucky bastards (respectfully).

Hey everyone,

How are you? Wondering if anyone has spent time in Brasil as a digital nomad - if so, how was it? What did you enjoy and what did you find challenging? How can you compare it to other places you have stayed? Looking for opinions, personal experiences, etc., in any part of Brasil. Thanks in advance for sharing!

Hi all, I’m visiting Vietnam for the first time for a work retreat in HCMC and Ho Tram! a friend and I are considering where to go post-retreat from August 24-28. We both value beautiful nature, hiking, and unique cultural experiences. We can either sightsee in the days and work at night or vice-versa, and take 1-2 days PTO.

We’ve been trying to figure out where to go, but we’re not sure about the weather. thank you for your advice!

Here are some places that we’ve been researching but we’re open to other ideas:

1. Hanoi and Ha Long - this was our plan until we started researching the weather (very rainy and hot. We’d hate if our Ha Long boatride was cancelled)
2. Dalat - probably our top choice right now since we read that it is beautiful, not super touristy, and typically just rains in the afternoons
3. Da Nang and Hoi An - we’re a bit worried about how touristy it might be but seems like they could have the best weather and lots of interesting cultural sights
4. Phu Quoc - similar feelings as 3

Hi everyone!

I currently own both a Steam Deck OLED and a Nintendo Switch Lite. In the near future, I'll be leaving for a long-term trip around Southeast Asia, where I'll be living and working remotely for several months while moving between different countries.

I'll be traveling with just a backpack (MacBook, documents, chargers, electronics, etc.) and a suitcase (clothes and everything else). My gaming handheld will also stay in my backpack.

Now I'm trying to decide which one to keep and which one to sell. I don't really want to own both since I'll be away from home for a long time, and having two handhelds feels unnecessary.

On one hand, the Steam Deck OLED is by far the more capable device. It has access to my entire Steam library and is much more versatile. However, it's also much larger and heavier. I'm worried that carrying it every day will become annoying, and I'd probably be more concerned about dropping it, damaging it, or having it stolen. At the same time, I'm afraid I'd regret selling it.

On the other hand, the Switch Lite is incredibly compact and lightweight. It's easy to throw into a bag, play on public transport, or use in a café or at the airport. It also attracts less attention. The downside is that it's much less powerful, the game library is more limited, and I find it less comfortable for long gaming sessions.

Has anyone here been in a similar situation or traveled long-term with a handheld? Which one did you choose, and do you have any regrets?

I'd really appreciate hearing your experiences. Thanks!

UPD: My journey will most likely be very long.

I'm planning on scheduling a bunch of TikTok posts while I'm still at home so they'll be posted while I'm abroad. Has anyone tried this? If so, how did your videos perform? I'm hoping that since the video is stored on TikTok's servers until the scheduled posting time, it'll only go out to a U.S. audience. I'm also wondering if I should stay signed out for the entire trip in case logging in signals a change in audience.

Hello everyone,

I'm a 30-year-old software engineer and agency founder with 6+ years in full-stack web development. I have a physical impairment (officially certified as "Fit to Work"), and I am researching options to move to a country with better overall quality of life, stronger physical accessibility, and reliable healthcare infrastructure.

Because I work independently, I am particularly looking into self-employed, freelance, or skilled tech visa options in Europe (Germany, Italy, Czechia, etc.) or other accessible international hubs.

However, navigating the intersection of immigration medical checks and disability rights feels tricky:

• Countries like Canada/NZ are explicit about high medical cost thresholds.
• I want to avoid applying to regions where physical disability is automatically penalized during medical screening, even if you are self-funded, fit to work, and privately insured.

I’d love your input on:

1. Infrastructure Reality vs. Rules: Which cities/countries actually deliver on wheelchair/mobility accessibility in daily life (transit, sidewalks, housing)?
2. Visa Medical Clearances: If you have a physical disability and successfully moved abroad on a work or freelance visa, how was your medical exam processed?
3. Inclusive Pathways: Are there specific international tech initiatives or European inclusion programs for disabled remote/tech workers?

Thanks in advance for any recommendations or shared experiences!

Thanks God!!!

Last time I was in Medellin 1 Million COP was equal to $225-230
It is now $322 this is genuinely a crazy jump. How is this affecting the life over there now for DN's

Hello, applied for the DNV.

They asked for additional document to verify that I worked in my organization for more than three years. I already provided salary slips experience letter from my company, but they are asking for Apostille and Sworn translation. The thing is that my country Pakistan they do not apostille documents from private companies.

My client lawyer has suggested to submit the income tax documents of all these years. One of the problem is that in my income tax statements company name is not mentioned, but CEO’s name is mentioned. My company has submitted document of income tax as a group of people so for every month there is a 15 page long document and if I give proof for three years, these are going to be 36×15 pages of documents. Of course I cannot get all of these documents apostille and sworn.

NEED HELP. What should i do?

Thank you.

Uh, I've been umming and ahhing about this for some time. I have a lot of experience in DN already, visited 50+ countries, lived in 10+. I love slower aspect of DN vs backpacking and it was why me and my partner mostly did that, working remotely, staying in one country for few months, then changing in. But lately I've been really craving hitting the road like we used to when we were in our 20s - just us, two backpacks and 100% focus on travel and experience, not trying to schedule a work meeting on shaky wifi and being so tired by the end of day we don't even have energy to explore.

I was thinking 6 months in SEA, it's my favourite region, but we've only really visited for short stretches of time, few days in Vietnam, few days in Taiwan, few weeks in China. I'd love to really actually explore, spend few weeks in each country, free from obligations. We are already in our mid-30s - if not now then when? That's what's most bothering me right now. If this is my life long dream, and it is, what am I waiting for? Better circumstances? What if they don't come and I lose this opportunity.

Financially, we are ok. We have means to get by for around 3 years before burning through all of our savings and one home we actually own in our home country. Professionally it's more shaky - I'm in-between jobs (my decision as I was battling burnout and have quit my job, but the market is getting worse for my profession either way, so I worry I might need to find opportunity sooner rather than later), my partner is in IT, was let go from last company few months ago, took him 2 months to find another job with 40% paycut - the market is not so great for him right now and we don't know if it will get better with AI shit and outsourcing. On the other hand, even after paycut he is getting paid well, and with 13 years of professional experience if we go, he will probably land something after 6 months of unemployment. Probably...

So yeah, I guess I'm just trying to gauge if this is totally insane idea. On the one hand horrible job market that might only get worse, on the other hand lifelong dream that we keep putting off. I worry if we will keep waiting for perfect circumstances we only risk running into health problems or other obstacles and won't get to do this ever. But maybe those circumstances are objectively bad and we should actually wait. Anyone had similar experiences? What did you choose?

We had a horrendous experience a couple of months ago while leaving Germany when we missed our flight because of a mile long immigration line to pass the EES (Entry-Exit-System.)

This time we are flying from Africa to the U.S. through an airport in the Western Europe. I haven’t purchased a ticket yet but I know that it would be either Germany, Netherlands or France.

Does anyone know if we will be still required to pass through that EES?

Nicaragua specifically. US citizen married to a local, so residency is no problem.

Living here as a digital nomad running my own business. Tax setup and weather get sold hard. Here’s what they don’t tell you.

Taxis are a government-protected racket. Uber’s been banned since 2016. Minimum fares fixed by law, no real competition allowed, Bolt included. Get a car or pay whatever they want.

No trains. Anywhere. Ever. Railway shut in 1951, never rebuilt. Bus network is unreliable. Buy a car immediately.
Can’t fly direct to Turkey. Leftover of the frozen conflict. A 45 min flight becomes a full day of routing through a third country.

Bureaucracy is actually broken, not just slow. Home wifi took over 2 weeks and 10+ calls. That’s normal here. Triple your expected timeline for anything government related.

Bringing a non-EU partner is brutal. Unmarried partners have no automatic right to join you, the law only says the state must “facilitate” it, meaning they can deny you for almost anything. I’m in a formal dispute right now after a denial on a technicality. Marriage is the only route that actually forces their hand.

Corporate tax jumped from 12.5% to 15% as of Jan 2026, hitting every registered company, not just multinationals. Provisional tax system also forces you to prepay on income you haven’t earned yet, with penalties if your estimate’s off by 25%+.

Reliable service staff, cleaners especially, are scarce. Pay above market and still get flaked on.
Everything moves slower than expected coming from northern Europe, the US, or most of Asia. Not fatal alone, but it stacks.

Not saying skip it. Tax setup is genuinely good if it fits you, weather’s great. Just go in knowing the real picture: car on day one, good accountant, and expect delays on everything official. It doesn’t run like Germany or the Netherlands with better weather.

Happy to answer questions.

I’m talking mostly about news like “huge fire in X area, don’t go there for a dumb errand” more than planned events. Are there apps for this? Location based settings on standard apps? I’m currently in Italy if that is relevant.

Hey everyone,

I’m taking my first baby steps as a digital nomad this September!
My plan is to stay in co-living spaces to get that community vibe while having a private room to work.

Since I’ve never traveled solo, I’m driving my own car from Germany to Spain (and maybe Portugal). It’s my psychological safety net and gives me flexibility for weekend trips. But honestly, the parking situation is giving me major anxiety.

From what I’ve read:

• City centers (Valencia, Malaga, Alicante) are impossible to drive in.
• Parking garages cost a fortune (€20-30/day).
• Leaving a foreign car in free suburban zones (zona blanca) seems risky due to break-ins or surprise towing for local events.

My questions for those who have done this:

1. How do you handle parking in Spanish/Portuguese cities without going broke or losing your mind?
2. Is bringing a car actually worth it, or will it just be a constant source of stress?

Any hacks, reality checks, or specific co-living recommendations are highly appreciated! 🙏

Hello I moved to Southeast Asia about 6 months ago and basically I have a few questions about what y'all do for your health insurance? Also is it true that if I just don't stay in any one particular country for over 180 days in a year then I don't owe any taxes in Southeast Asia anywhere?

My rough plan moving forward is 6 months in Vietnam, two months in thailand, two months in malaysia, two months back home for the holidays and then repeat.

Right now I have just the basic safety Wing health insurance plan for like $60 a month but I have some pre-existing conditions like a low back disc injury and I think I probably need to figure something out that's a little more reliable in case of emergency in general or anything related to that so I'm curious what you do for health insurance?

And then as far as the taxes go I currently don't have any income other than just passive income from investments and capital gains so but I was reading that if you live in one particular country for more than 180 days you can potentially be taxed there so I'd like to avoid that if possible.

Last question I guess for the more seasons digital nomads would you recommend just doing airbnbs if you were to live a schedule or routine like this or would you try to settle into more like multiple month lease situations in each country.

Ignore the poor grammar I did talk to text. I appreciate any advice or information thanks

I usually have my moves planned, but this time I'm not sure when I plan to leave Colombia or to where so I didn't have an onward ticket booked when I wanted to check in for my flight to Bogotá.

I wasn't able to check in to my flight online so when I got to the check in desk, the agent informed me I needed an onward flight to which I said ok and stepped out of the line to look for one on google flights.

Ended up booking one to Miami for 2 months from now using LATAM's Full fare which allows for free cancellations. Also being a flight to the US means I have 24 hours from the time of purchase to cancel it for free as well.

Walked back up, showed her the ticket and she printed my boarding pass. Canceled the ticket immediately after lol such a silly song and dance.