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Digital Nomad Destination: Before You Go

Medium 20 items · 1 hour
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testuser Published 2 weeks ago

A practical pre-departure checklist for remote workers preparing to relocate or spend time abroad. It helps digital nomads handle visas, insurance, connectivity, client communication, and secure tech so you can work smoothly from a new destination.

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  1. Check visa and work permit requirements — Confirm whether remote work is allowed, required visa type, processing time, and application steps.
  2. Confirm passport validity and make copies — Ensure 6+ months validity; upload encrypted copies to cloud and carry a physical copy.
  3. Review tax residency and reporting obligations — Check if your stay triggers tax residency, double-taxation treaties, or filing requirements.
  4. Arrange international health insurance that covers remote work — Include medical evacuation, local treatment, and telemedicine in your policy.
  5. Research accommodation with reliable WiFi and workspace — Check recent guest reviews for speed, latency, and photos of the workspace.
  6. Book flexible or refundable accommodation options — Prefer weekly bookings or free cancellation to adjust plans if connectivity or location is poor.
  7. Test backup internet options (mobile hotspot, local ISP) — Plan for portable hotspot, tethering limits, and a backup ISP if primary WiFi fails.
  8. Purchase a local SIM or international data plan — Confirm coverage, tethering support, and how to top up while abroad.
  9. Set up a VPN for secure browsing — Protect connections on public networks and access region-restricted services safely.
  10. Choose a VPN provider and plan — Pick a reputable no-logs provider with servers near clients and multi-device support.
  11. Install and test VPN on laptop and phone — Verify connections, run a DNS leak test, and confirm acceptable speed before travel.
  12. Research local co-working spaces and memberships — Compare day-pass cost, hours, internet speed, and community fit for your schedule.
  13. Check time zone overlap and set working hours — Block client-friendly hours in your calendar and add local timezone to meetings.
  14. Notify clients and team of travel dates and availability — Share timezone, preferred contact methods, and any planned offline periods.
  15. Update banking and payment access — Notify banks, enable international transactions, and set up backup payment apps.
  16. Pack essential tech gear and backups — Include laptop, chargers, spare cables, external SSD, and a power bank.
  17. Arrange power adapters and surge protection — Bring correct plug adapters and a small travel surge protector or USB charger.
  18. Secure important documents in cloud and encrypt backups — Use encrypted cloud storage and a password manager for credentials and keys.
  19. Prepare emergency contacts and embassy info — Save local emergency numbers, nearest embassy, and trusted on-ground contacts.
  20. Check vaccinations and local health advisories — Confirm routine and destination-specific shots; carry documentation if required.
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