Digital Nomad - Remote work in various countries

[bjcheung77]

Hmm, anyone here living the digital nomad lifestyle? Life/Work balance seems to be the thing now with remote work, there are some countries (just a small list here) that offer a few options, it's like going on a vacation and working at the same time... Wouldn't it be nice for a life, school, work, etc where you can also travel the entire year or two?

Link: 14 BEST Countries for Digital Nomads (2023'S TOP DESTINATIONS) (thebrokebackpacker.com)

[Avidreader]

In the case for Mexico for non Mexican citizens, it is important for people to keep their eyes open about the new proposed law (hasn’t passed so far but anything can happen since presidential electrions are coming).

Mexico has been cracking on nomad visa dodgers. Before the pandemic, they would turn a blind eye on Americans crossing the Belizean border for a weekend trip every 6 months (they were cracking down on South American passport holders but they now do this with everyone).

Plenty of Americans and Canadians have gotten deported from Mexico City in the past year for not declaring a digital nomad visa status before their first 6 month tourism permit ended. Furthermore, I believe they are getting more stringent with visitors that give vibes they are not tourists.

The new law proposes a monthly tax depending on the USD salary caps to curb gentrification in Mexico City and Quintana Roo. Nomads making 6 figure salaries in the US might be red lined from renting property in certain neighborhoods. This law hasn’t passed, but with elections coming and the gentrified areas a highly coveted voting bloc, it would be a good idea to stay up to date and be compliant to new laws. As far as I know, this law does not affect Mexican citizens nor FM3 visa holders.

[LevelUP]

Broke Backpacker quote: For many moons, I traveled the world on $10 a day, living rough, picking up random jobs, hitchhiking, Couchsurfing… It was an incredible experience.

I would say forget all that living rough stuff. You can travel to lots of countries for $2000 a month.

Affordable countries to visit are Central/South America, Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe, where you can visit Romania and say hi to Andrew Tate.

[rachel83az]

Not entirely sure how it is now that they've joined the Eurozone, but Croatia was lovely and cost considerably less than $2k/mo. there. As long as you weren't going out partying every night or whatever.

[Tswede]

We have lived this lifestyle to a degree. Mexico, Central America, Europe, the Balkans and traveled the US in our RV through 34 states. We love it, but life/aging parents and kids needing different structure and social life has us back more right now.

Croatia is amazing. We got stuck in a blizzard in our cars on our first night there, all 5 of us across two cars in a tiny welcoming town that was not expecting 300 stranded travelers, but handled it with grace. That was wild (and the weather was very atypical for croatia). I would do an extended stay in Croatia again, as would my wife and family. Amazing people, culture, food, views, geography and history. Costs were very reasonable for just about everything, but especially food and rent.

Typically I continue to work US hours, but in Europe that works really well because I can get up in the morning and go see the sights, have breakfast or brunch out, go shopping and run errands. Then I can be online by 1-2pm European time to start my day with the US based team's schedule. I work through dinner time most nights, but I get to explore in daytime.

[vetvso]

I currently work and live in Penang Malaysia. I have done this across Asia, and parts of Europe since 2003. It is much easier now with Internet advancements, and being able to take classes online. Your standard of living dictates how you live, and currency valuations also help allot.

[bjcheung77]

Georgetown (the other name for Penang)... I've been there twice! Nice area of Malaysia... I think Indonesia/Malaysia are my top pics, Vietnam/Philippines are right there too... *sigh*, gonna have to save up some cash flow and travel next year!

[vetvso]

Georgetown (the other name for Penang)... I've been there twice!  Nice area of Malaysia...  I think Indonesia/Malaysia are my top pics, Vietnam/Philippines are right there too... *sigh*, gonna have to save up some cash flow and travel next year!

So far things are still economical here. However inflation is running high, and one day may impact me. On another note, good degrees are cheaper here, and except for a few executive MBAs, they are much less than in the USA.

[Messdiener]

Georgetown (the other name for Penang)... I've been there twice!  Nice area of Malaysia...  I think Indonesia/Malaysia are my top pics, Vietnam/Philippines are right there too... *sigh*, gonna have to save up some cash flow and travel next year!

So far things are still economical here. However inflation is running high, and one day may impact me. On another note, good degrees are cheaper here, and except for a few executive MBAs, they are much less than in the USA.

Tell us more about these Malaysian degrees! After all, that's what we're all here for.

[bjcheung77]

Yes, please share, I love it when people tell about their experiences. In the meantime, people interested in specific countries may search the forum for Malaysia, India, or whatever other countries that interest you. There are some threads, even for graduate studies, you'll find at least some... If need be, you can always sign up for the sister board too.