When I was about to start my digital nomad journey, I naively thought all I needed was a laptop, a passport, some clothes, and an appetite for pad Thai.
Boy, was I wrong. You need a lot more tech than a working laptop and a stable internet connection, at least if you want to work securely and effectively.
Having the right tech can make all the difference, from keeping yourself safe on public Wi-Fi to managing your finances across time zones. Here’s a rundown of must-have tech tools for a smooth and secure digital nomad lifestyle.
Virtual Private Networks: For Safety and Global Access
I admit: I didn’t bother with VPNs until a few months in. (Honestly, I didn’t even know how they worked.) That was until I couldn’t watch Bake Off from the Philippines.
I thought I was doomed, unable to watch my favourite show after a stressful week. Little did I know that all I needed was a VPN with UK servers.
A VPN is a program that disguises your internet connection to make it appear you’re browsing from a different geographical location. In effect, it allows you to access geo-blocked content, whether it be TV series or live events.
Perhaps more importantly, this also makes your internet connection much safer. Since it masks your connection, it provides another layer of encryption, making it far more challenging for hackers to steal your data. This is CRUCIAL for digital nomads who routinely use public Wi-Fi.
E-SIMs: Your Passport to Global Connectivity
Another game changer: eSIMs. As a digital version of the good ol’ plastic SIM card, an eSIM is embedded into your phone and is programmable for different carriers.
The flexibility is an absolute godsend. Just top up, switch plans, or install a new eSIM in case you need one. You’ll no longer need to fumble through language barriers to buy a physical SIM from a local store whenever you’re in a new country. Just need to download a mobile plan via your carrier’s app. It’s like roaming, but without the extortionate bills. Usually.
I’ve personally used Airalo and Saily, but honestly, any reputable carrier will do. Just check the airline you’re interested in for the best deals, and if they’re available in the countries you plan to go to.
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