Looking to become a digital nomad? Here’s what you’ll need

It’s understandable to feel anxious about becoming a digital nomad. The lure of travelling the world, laptop in hand, while earning back home is understandable – but behind the romantic vision of working on the go, there’s a reality of bureaucracy, preparation, and potential stress.

On top of all of that, you’re not guaranteed a warm welcome in every environment. Amid wider protests in Spain against mass tourism, the mood has soured on visiting digital nomads. Some Spanish coffee shops have even banned digital nomads from working at their laptops in their establishments.

Tensions may be rising in Spain, but becoming a digital nomad elsewhere is by no means off the cards. After all, Italy recently introduced its new digital nomad visa in April 2024, while Thailand has relaxed its own visa rules.

It’s important to know how to become a digital nomad, but it’s equally crucial to know what you need to bring on your travels. The digital nomad lifestyle can be exciting, but it can quickly turn sour if you don’t prepare. So to help you out, we’ve listed the top essentials to tick off your digital nomad checklist.

Important travel docs

Being a digital nomad isn’t the same as going on vacation. Aside from your passport, completed API and boarding pass, there are a few other loops you have to jump through. Here are the main ones you need:

• Visa: This is an official document that will allow you to enter a foreign country. When choosing a country to travel to, it’s important to research its visa requirements and apply in advance. See our guide to every country offering a digital nomad visa, for more.
• ID card: While your passport is an accepted form of ID, you should also take a government-issued identity card, such as a driver’s licence or national ID card. These might be needed for certain activities, or just as a backup form of identification.
• Travel insurance: Research and choose a travel insurance plan that covers you for medical emergencies, flight cancellations and lost or stolen belongings. Keep both digital and physical copies of this to avoid the risk of them getting lost.
• Health documents: As well as your normal insurance, you should also keep a record of your health documents, such as vaccinations, medical history and any prescribed medicine. It’s also worth packing a mini first aid kit for minor emergencies.
  

The right tech gear

The first thing that might come to mind is a laptop or smartphone, but these alone are just the tip of the iceberg of a successful digital nomad’s tech gear. The must-have gadgets for your travels are:

• Lightweight laptop: MacBooks are best known for being lightweight, but if that’s out of your budget, consider other options like the Lenovo Ideapad or the Asus Zenbook. If you don’t need to run software and rely on web apps, then a Chromebook can be a low-cost, lightweight option, too. Whatever you choose, just make sure you’re not left lugging around a heavy laptop as you travel from place to place.
• Compatible smartphone: This doesn’t have to be the most expensive iPhone – you just have to ensure that your phone is compatible with international SIM cards and has the right network bands for the countries you visit. A decent camera is always good too, for when you want to update your Instagram page to create a little envy among friends and family back home.
• Universal plug adapters: There’s nothing worse than not being able to charge your devices because you don’t have the right plug. To avoid this hassle, you should buy a universal plug adapter, as this will allow you to charge up wherever you go.
• Portable chargers / power banks: When you’re out and about, it can be difficult to find a charging spot for your devices. That’s why power banks are useful as they let you charge on the go. However, be mindful of what power bank you purchase, as it’s important to choose one that has a good battery life itself.
• Portable WiFi hotspot: Imagine you find a nice cafe, you’re sat by the window, settled with a coffee and ready to start work. But as you boot up your laptop, you discover that the cafe doesn’t offer public WiFi. Portable hotspots are the answer to these woes, as they allow you to create a secure internet connection, making it easier to work remotely while on the move.
• Noise-cancelling headphones: Distractions can be a true irritation when you’re trying to get your work done. To block out the noise, invest in a decent pair of noise-cancelling headphones, whether you want to listen to your favourite music, join a remote video call, or shut off the noise completely.
• Storage devices/software: Losing your work is the last thing you want to happen. Therefore, you should make sure you have something to back up your files, such as an external hard drive or, better still, cloud storage service. This will ensure you can access your files at all times, even if your devices get lost, damaged or stolen.
  

Packing necessities

You won’t be able to cram everything into a single suitcase (and if you do, it’ll weigh a ton). You need to pack carefully, ensure you have enough room for everything and keep your items safe. Here’s what you should consider:

• Decent-sized backpack: Choose a compact and lightweight backpack that can carry your everyday essentials, such as your laptop, chargers, documents and other travel essentials.
• Large backpack/suitcase: Even for short trips, you’ll need enough room for your non-work items, such as toiletries and clothes. You should also opt for expandable compartments for extra suitcase room, or compression straps to adjust your backpack size.
• Packing cubes: Clothes can take up a lot of space in a suitcase or backpack, especially thick jumpers or jeans, so packing cubes and compression bags are a blessing for keeping your clothes organised and maximising space. Packing cubes can help to separate your clothes from other belongings, while compression bags can reduce the bulk of your clothes.
• Travel locks: The safety of your personal items is crucial. To ensure extra security, you can invest in a travel lock for your bag or suitcase. Make sure the one you choose is approved by the Transport Security Administration (TSA), just in case airport security needs to open your luggage.
• Dry bag: Electricity and water don’t mix, so you must keep your devices from getting wet to avoid any damage or repair costs. A dry bag is a life-saver for this, as it protects electronics, paper documents or any other moisture-sensitive items from water damage.
  

Other essentials

You’ve got the relevant documents, the right tech and decent storage, so what else do you need? Well, this would include: 

• Bank card and backups: For this, you should choose a bank that charges little or no conversion fees abroad. Monzo, Starling Bank and Revolut are popular choices for this. You should also bring a backup card, just in case your main card is lost, stolen or blocked.
• Travel-sized toiletries: If you’re on the move a lot, then packing large tubes of toothpaste or bottles of shampoo is just going to add unnecessary weight and take up too much space. Save space in your bag with small toiletry containers and travel-friendly versions of your go-to products.
• Refillable water bottle: This will help you stay hydrated, minimise plastic waste and save you the hassle of having to buy water every day. However, be cautious of countries where tap water isn’t safe to drink, as you’ll likely have to rely on bottled mineral water instead.
• Practical clothing: Your favourite outfit might be a killer on a night out, but it probably isn’t a safe option for travelling, especially in cases of extreme weather. Waterproofs, comfortable shoes and versatile clothing are a must for a successful trip.
• The fun stuff: This could be burying your head in a good book that you’ve packed, or taking a Bluetooth speaker for enjoying your favourite tunes or podcasts. Whatever floats your boat, make sure to bring important items that’ll let you enjoy yourself or unwind on your trip.
  

Being a digital nomad can be an enjoyable experience, but it isn’t something you can just jump into. It takes time, preparation and research to get it right, and mistakes will inevitably happen on your first time. But by keeping the relevant documents, packing the right gear and storing your items efficiently, you can successfully work remotely, all while enjoying your travels around the world.