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What is a Digital Nomad

A digital nomad is someone who works remotely while traveling or living in different locations around the world. We come in all shapes and sizes, some people choose to slow nomad and stay in countries for months, maybe even years before moving on. Some of us love the journey and change location every week or even less. The point being is there isn’t one way to be a digital nomad but we all do share a common passion for travel and a commitment to work as we go. This lifestyle offers flexibility and freedom but there is always advice that you need to take on board to make it work.

Essential Tools & Tech for Working Remotely Around the World

The biggest advice we can give you is, get yourself the right gear and services! Seriously, being a successful global remote worker totally hinges on having the perfect digital toolkit. Good news is, in 2025, these tools have gotten way smarter, specifically designed to handle all those annoying challenges of working across different countries, crazy time zones, and diverse cultures.

So, here are five must-have apps that every remote pro should definitely check out:

1. Surfshark VPN (Security & Access)

Look, if you’re working remotely from anywhere in the world, a reliable VPN is an absolute must-have. Surfshark, for instance, gives you military-grade encryption to keep your data safe, even on public Wi-Fi. Plus, it helps you get around those annoying geo-restrictions that might block your work tools.

With over 3200 servers globally, you’re pretty much guaranteed access to everything you need, no matter where you are. And get this: in 2025, their built-in threat protection has become super helpful for remote workers who find themselves on unsecured networks.

2. Slack (Team Communication)

Slack is still the king when it comes to remote team communication in 2025, and they’ve really stepped up their game with features just for global teams. Now, the platform even has built-in translation, so talking across different languages is super smooth. Plus, their tools for communicating when people aren’t online at the same time have gotten even better for teams spread across different time zones.

Cool new thing: There’s a “Time Zone Buddy” integration that automatically suggests the best times for meetings and translates your messages right when you send them!

3. Notion (Knowledge Management)

Notion has really become a must-have for remote teams. It’s like their central hub for writing down how things work, storing all their important info, and keeping projects on track. Because it’s so flexible, teams can build custom workspaces that become their single source of truth, cutting down on the need for constant real-time chats.

And get this: in 2025, Notion’s AI assistant has made it even better for keeping track of all that company knowledge and pulling it up when you need it. It’s super valuable!

4. Wise (International Banking)

Dealing with money when you’re working remotely from all over the world can be a real headache. But Wise (you might remember them as TransferWise) makes it way easier. They give you these multi-currency accounts, super competitive exchange rates, and even local bank details in different countries.

Plus, get this: in 2025, they’ve hooked up with global tax tools, which makes them even more awesome for remote workers trying to figure out those crazy international tax situations.

5. SafetyWing (Global Health Insurance)

Health insurance that works globally is essential for remote workers. SafetyWing has established itself as the leading provider for digital nomads. They’ve got you covered in over 180 countries! Their Nomad Insurance takes care of you if you get unexpectedly sick or hurt, while their Remote Health plan gives you way more protection, even covering your regular check-ups.

Key Feature: The 2025 plan now includes telemedicine services available 24/7 in 20+ languages.

Advice From Digital Nomads from All Walks of Life

We spoke with digital nomads who were happy to let us know their top advice to working remotely in 2025.

Joachim Badejoh | @joachimbadejoh

Joachim has a great approach here, remember that even though traveling, digital nomads still have to work, and just like in your home country – how you go about this needs to be considered. Having goals and dreams shouldn’t stop just because you’re traveling.

Ensuring you maintain a good work environment is also crucial here and Joachim has it absolutely spot on, finding a work environment that allows you to focus and surrounding yourself with people who have a similar work ethic is great way to maintain a sustainable social life and community.

Nico | @eislenice

While we always advise that you should double check the laws in your home country, Nico has a point here in that – it is always worth looking into the tax laws for non-residents of your home country and see if you even have to keep paying tax there if you dont live there anymore. If you do, there may be a double taxation treaty in place between the country you reside in and your home country.

It is always worth researching where you stand and use any legal tax rules to your advantage as a digital nomad. Tax rules vary based on the country you are from, how long you are out of that country, where you spend most of your time, and how long you spend in a single country in a year. Always do you’re research.

Sandia | @sandiaworldwide

Sandia has a good point here, the beauty of being a digital nomad is that you have the power to change your location at any point. If you find yourself in a situation you are not happy with, you always have the option to change your surroundings. Sometimes, when you have tried to make things work and you just can’t. A switchup of the scenery can be for the best.

Joey | @homeless.digitalnomad

This is a really good point and depends on how adventurous you want to get but Joey raises a great viewpoint with this one. The beauty of travel is that you have many ways to do it. Traveling through rural villages and across the land (remember to check it is safe to do so of course) can be a great way to observe the authentic culture of a country. These are when you get out of the tourist areas and truly see what a country is all about. Some people take comfort in sticking to where other digital nomads go and live, that’s great too but getting out of these areas can give you the true stories you can tell for years to come.

Time-Zones

Let’s be real, trying to manage work when your team is scattered across multiple time zones is one of the toughest parts of working remotely around the globe. In fact, a 2025 survey by Buffer found that a huge 67% of remote workers said time zone differences were their biggest headache when it came to collaborating.

But don’t sweat it! Here are three smart ways to tackle that challenge:

1. Implement Asynchronous-First Communication

Shifting from synchronous to asynchronous communication is essential when working across time zones. This approach prioritizes documentation and thoughtful communication over immediate responses.

“We’ve completely redesigned our workflow to be async-first. Our team spans 14 time zones, so we document everything meticulously and use video recordings instead of meetings whenever possible. This has actually improved our decision-making quality since people have time to think before responding.”

– Maria Chen, Engineering Director at Doist

Real-world example: Automattic, the company behind WordPress, has over 2,000 employees across 90 countries with no requirement for synchronous work hours. They use P2 (their internal blog platform) to document decisions, updates, and discussions, allowing team members to catch up when they start their workday.

2. Establish Overlap Windows

Even though working on your own time (asynchronous) should be the main way to go, having some overlap where everyone’s online at the same time is actually super helpful. It’s great for just connecting with your team and tackling those really tough problems that need a real-time chat.

The trick is to make sure that no one person (or time zone!) gets stuck with all the weird hours. Share the inconvenience around a bit!

Overlap Window Best Practices:

• Limit overlap requirements to 2-3 hours per day maximum
• Rotate meeting times to share the burden of early/late calls
• Use tools like World Time Buddy to find optimal meeting times
• Document all synchronous discussions for team members who couldn’t attend

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Want a real-world example? Take Buffer. They’ve got this cool system where their teams spread across the Americas, Europe, and Africa have a four-hour window where everyone’s expected to be online and ready to collaborate. They use that specific time for chats and discussions that really need real-time back-and-forth, leaving all their other work to be done whenever it suits people.

3. Create Clear Time Zone Protocols

When you’ve got global teams, setting clear rules about time zones right from the start just makes everything smoother. It cuts down on a ton of confusion and keeps things from getting messy.

Essential Time Zone Protocols:

• Always reference times in UTC first, then local time
• Include time zone converters in meeting invites
• Maintain an updated team calendar showing working hours
• Set clear expectations for response times

Tools for Time Zone Management:

• Every Time Zone – Visual time zone comparison
• Timezone.io – Team member location tracker
• Calendly – Scheduling across time zones
• Cuckoo – Time zone-aware team timer

Take GitLab, for example. They’ve got a massive team, over 1,500 people spread across more than 65 countries! To keep everyone on the same page, they’ve got this awesome guide to async communication right in their public handbook. Basically, they’d rather write things down than have a meeting, and they even use Slack’s scheduling feature so no one gets pinged when they’re off the clock.

Legal & Tax Considerations for Working Remotely Around the World

Alright, let’s get real about one of the biggest headaches with working remotely from another country: all the legal and tax stuff. It’s probably the trickiest part of the whole global remote work thing.

In fact, a 2025 survey by Remote.com found that a whopping 73% of digital nomads are actually worried about keeping up with local rules. So, here are three super important things you need to keep in mind:

1. Visa and Immigration Requirements

Even if your company is back home, working from another country usually means you’ll still need the right kind of visa. Can’t just show up on a tourist visa and start clocking in!

Best Digital Nomad Visa Options in 2025:

• Estonia – 1-year digital nomad visa with minimum income requirement of €3,504/month
• Portugal – 2-year remote work visa with minimum income of €600/month
• Costa Rica – 1-year Rentista visa for self-employed individuals
• Dubai (UAE) – 1-year virtual working program requiring €5,000/month income
• Japan – 6-month digital nomad visa with 10+ million JPY annual income requirement
• Canada – 6-month digital nomad program as part of Tech Talent Strategy

Just a friendly reminder: Tourist visas are usually a no-go for any kind of work, even if you’re just typing on your laptop remotely. If you get caught working on one, you could be looking at fines, getting kicked out of the country, and even banned from coming back later. Not worth the risk!

2. Tax Obligations and Residency Rules

Figuring out where you ‘officially’ owe taxes (your ‘tax residency’) is different everywhere you go. And sometimes, you might even owe taxes in more than one place!

Common Tax Pitfalls for Remote Workers:

• Triggering tax residency by staying too long in one country (often 183+ days)
• Failing to report worldwide income to your home country
• Missing foreign bank account reporting requirements
• Not understanding tax treaties between countries
• Creating “permanent establishment” issues for your employer

Ever thought about how tricky things get when you’re working remotely in a different country, especially with stuff like social security? Take the European Union, for example. They’ve got these super complicated rules (like EU Regulation 883/2004, if you want to get specific). This would be something to look into if you wanted to be a digital nomad in Spain for example.

Basically, it often means that even if your boss is in one country, you might have to pay into the social security system of the country you’re actually sitting in while you work. It’s a real head-scratcher!

3. Employment Law and Contractor Status

Working remotely internationally often involves understanding different employment classifications and protections.

Employee vs. Contractor Considerations:

• Many companies convert international remote workers to contractor status
• This may affect benefits, job security, and tax obligations
• Some countries have strict tests for contractor classification
• Misclassification can result in penalties for both parties

Employer of Record (EOR) Solutions:

• Companies like “Remote” and “Deel” provide legal employment
• Handle local compliance, payroll, and benefits
• Allow maintaining employee status while working abroad
• Typically charge 15-20% of salary as service fee

Region-specific example: In Latin American countries like Brazil and Mexico, labor laws strongly favor employees and make termination costly. Companies often use EOR services to navigate these complex regulations while still accessing local talent.

“The legal landscape for remote work is evolving rapidly. What was compliant last year may not be this year. We recommend quarterly compliance reviews for globally distributed teams.”

– Tania Goodman, Global Mobility Lawyer

Pro Tip: Always consult with tax and immigration professionals familiar with both your home country and destination country regulations. General advice online cannot account for your specific situation.

Work-Life Balance While Working Remotely Around the World

Working remotely, especially across different time zones, makes setting healthy boundaries super tough. In fact, a 2025 Microsoft Workplace Index found that remote folks are 53% more likely to work past normal hours than those in the office.

Here are four easy ways to protect your well-being:

1. Create Physical and Digital Boundaries

When your home is your office and you’re working across time zones, intentional boundaries become essential.

Physical Workspace Strategies:

• Designate a specific work area, even in small spaces
• Invest in proper ergonomic equipment (adjustable chair, laptop stand)
• Use visual cues to signal “work mode” to yourself and others
• Consider co-working spaces for separation when possible

Digital Boundary Techniques:

• Set up separate work and personal profiles on devices
• Use different browsers for work and personal tasks
• Configure notification schedules in communication apps
• Implement app blockers during non-work hours

2. Implement Time Blocking for Focus and Recovery

When you manage your time smartly, you stay on top of your game without totally burning yourself out.

Effective Time Blocking Template:

• Deep Work Blocks (90-120 minutes) – Schedule 2-3 per day for focused work
• Communication Windows (60-90 minutes) – Dedicated time for emails and messages
• Recovery Periods (30 minutes) – Short breaks between deep work sessions
• Movement Sessions (15-30 minutes) – Physical activity to reset mentally
• Hard Stops – Non-negotiable end times to your workday

Tool recommendation: Use Pomofocus for Pomodoro technique time blocking or Clockify for more detailed time tracking.

3. Prioritize Physical and Mental Wellbeing

Remote work can be physically and mentally taxing, especially when adapting to new environments.

Physical Health Strategies:

• Schedule movement breaks every 50-60 minutes
• Invest in portable ergonomic accessories for travel
• Maintain consistent sleep schedule despite time zone changes
• Stay hydrated and plan healthy meals in advance

Mental Health Practices:

• Build a consistent morning routine regardless of location
• Practice digital detox periods (especially weekends)
• Use mindfulness apps like Headspace or Calm
• Connect with local communities to combat isolation

4. Communicate Boundaries Clearly with Teams and Clients

Setting expectations with colleagues is essential for sustainable remote work.

“The most effective remote workers I know are also the best at communicating their boundaries. They’re responsive during their working hours but completely offline during personal time. This clarity actually increases trust with their teams.”

— Chase Warrington, Head of Remote at Doist

Boundary Communication Template:

“I’m currently working from [Location] in the [Time Zone] time zone. My working hours are [Start Time] to [End Time] local time, which is [Start Time] to [End Time] in your time zone. For urgent matters outside these hours, please [preferred emergency contact method]. I check messages [frequency] and aim to respond within [timeframe].” Add this information to your email signature, Slack profile, and team documentation to reinforce your boundaries consistently.

Final Thoughts for Working Remotely Around the World

Working remotely from anywhere in the world by 2025 is pretty awesome, giving you tons of freedom and chances you’ve never had. But to pull it off right, you gotta be smart about it. You’ll want to get set up with the right digital tools to keep things secure, stay productive, and handle your money easily. Plus, you’ll need to nail asynchronous communication and time zone juggling so you can work well with folks all over. Getting good at cultural intelligence is a biggie too, helping you build solid relationships across borders. And don’t forget to keep an eye on legal and tax stuff to avoid any headaches, and definitely set clear boundaries to keep your work and personal life balanced.

Looking ahead, there are some cool things happening with global remote work, like more countries offering digital nomad visas and the rise of “workation” programs that mix travel with workspace. On the flip side, there are challenges to watch out for, like changing tax rules for remote workers and more competition for those sweet remote-friendly places to stay. Basically, to really crush it as a global remote worker, you’ll need a good mix of tech savvy and just being adaptable. The ability to adapt to different cultures, an understanding of the rules, and strong self-management skills.

Advice for Working Remotely Around The World FAQs