Digital Nomad since 2017, here. I think it's worth trying. My only regret is not paying close enough attention to the legal and tax stuff early on. Getting that right later in the game makes life unnecessarily complicated and expensive. Also, I wish I had gotten comfortable with Western Union sooner. Their page and app are older than dirt, but when it works it's a great resource.
In Argentina anyway, converting USD from the bank to ARS cash can be inconvenient and expensive.
The ATM fees are high and transaction limits are low (meaning more transactions, more fees, to get anything more than just pocket money). The official exchange rate is the worst possible rate (of many).
So, sending yourself a transfer electronically from USD to an ARS cash pickup is a trick I wish I'd known from day one. I would have saved a ton of money.
Now, "I have a guy". He delivers cash to my door for a rate around the WU rate, and I get to skip the line. "I have a guy" doesn't scale as general global nomad advice though, so I would leave it at: see if WesternUnion'ing yourself gains you anything for the currencies you care about, as it does for USD in Argentina.
I'll plug AirTM and Grabr, while we're at it. They're both Uber-style gig marketplace apps.
AirTM matches people looking to exchange currencies.
Grabr matches international shoppers with travellers to bring purchases from abroad.
Both have a bit of their own sketch-factor and other limitations, but generally I've found them worthwhile.
IMO, SEA(and specifically Bali) offers a more fulfilling experience as a digital nomad compared to European cities that I'm currently visiting. It was easier to meet-up with people at events to find a community with amazing co-working spaces in Bali and affordability was a definite plus. However, given my introverted nature, making friends always poses a challenge no matter where I go.
I’m planning to go to Bali end of year! Would you recommend just going to events and finding co-working spaces ahead of time? I feel like if I don’t plan for these things I would just sit there there by myself the entire time lol.
Sure, consider checking in advance. If you're around Canggu/Pererenan(hub of digital nomads), explore BWork Bali and Tribal Bali among other choices. You could also check out their website/IG for the upcoming events. And don't worry, you'll likely connect with fellow long-term digital nomads there. :)
I haven't read Uzumaki yet, but Tomie is one of my all time favorite horror stories. I believe that being a digital nomad only works for people from US, Canada, Europe, because of their economies. Sadly it's pretty hard for most of the rest and there's the issue with gentrification too.
oooo ok I will read that next! Hmm do you mean that it makes sense to work for a NA or European company? I know many people who live in different places and work for US, Canada, and European companies as freelancers.
As a newbie myself I haven't had the experience and it seems from job offers that any company accepting foraigners need to fill senior roles, I don't even see local jr role offers tbh, I'm pretty soon going to start the job hunt so this is only from my current pov.
I am a baby working nomad (only one year thus far) and I can say that it was one of the only two reasons I studied CS in the first place.
This is totally biased and a bit too specific to my case but here goes nothing:
Pros:
- I can follow my partner as he moves around countries for his studies without worrying that we always have to find work in the same place
- I learn many different languages through immersion and a little bit of studying
- I get to visit my family in Greece without missing out on work
Cons:
- Flexible schedule means I have to enforce all the discipline myself (hardest part is discipline to rest xD)
- Moving is very stressful for me (especially with my cat Skoni)
- When changing jobs (I guess freelancers/creators don't have this problem) there is always the stress of negotiating the fully remote aspect, but so far it hasn't been much of a problem. I have found that with enough confidence on my skills I have always been successful in having the upper hand in such negotiations.
Digital Nomad since 2017, here. I think it's worth trying. My only regret is not paying close enough attention to the legal and tax stuff early on. Getting that right later in the game makes life unnecessarily complicated and expensive. Also, I wish I had gotten comfortable with Western Union sooner. Their page and app are older than dirt, but when it works it's a great resource.
Ooo yes legal and tax stuff has already screwed me over several times now lol. Interesting - western union to transfer money?
In Argentina anyway, converting USD from the bank to ARS cash can be inconvenient and expensive.
The ATM fees are high and transaction limits are low (meaning more transactions, more fees, to get anything more than just pocket money). The official exchange rate is the worst possible rate (of many).
So, sending yourself a transfer electronically from USD to an ARS cash pickup is a trick I wish I'd known from day one. I would have saved a ton of money.
Now, "I have a guy". He delivers cash to my door for a rate around the WU rate, and I get to skip the line. "I have a guy" doesn't scale as general global nomad advice though, so I would leave it at: see if WesternUnion'ing yourself gains you anything for the currencies you care about, as it does for USD in Argentina.
I'll plug AirTM and Grabr, while we're at it. They're both Uber-style gig marketplace apps.
AirTM matches people looking to exchange currencies.
Grabr matches international shoppers with travellers to bring purchases from abroad.
Both have a bit of their own sketch-factor and other limitations, but generally I've found them worthwhile.
IMO, SEA(and specifically Bali) offers a more fulfilling experience as a digital nomad compared to European cities that I'm currently visiting. It was easier to meet-up with people at events to find a community with amazing co-working spaces in Bali and affordability was a definite plus. However, given my introverted nature, making friends always poses a challenge no matter where I go.
I’m planning to go to Bali end of year! Would you recommend just going to events and finding co-working spaces ahead of time? I feel like if I don’t plan for these things I would just sit there there by myself the entire time lol.
Sure, consider checking in advance. If you're around Canggu/Pererenan(hub of digital nomads), explore BWork Bali and Tribal Bali among other choices. You could also check out their website/IG for the upcoming events. And don't worry, you'll likely connect with fellow long-term digital nomads there. :)
I haven't read Uzumaki yet, but Tomie is one of my all time favorite horror stories. I believe that being a digital nomad only works for people from US, Canada, Europe, because of their economies. Sadly it's pretty hard for most of the rest and there's the issue with gentrification too.
oooo ok I will read that next! Hmm do you mean that it makes sense to work for a NA or European company? I know many people who live in different places and work for US, Canada, and European companies as freelancers.
As a newbie myself I haven't had the experience and it seems from job offers that any company accepting foraigners need to fill senior roles, I don't even see local jr role offers tbh, I'm pretty soon going to start the job hunt so this is only from my current pov.
Ah I see - I think it’s very possible. Even personally I hired several full time junior people outside of NA and Europe ;)
I am a baby working nomad (only one year thus far) and I can say that it was one of the only two reasons I studied CS in the first place.
This is totally biased and a bit too specific to my case but here goes nothing:
Pros:
- I can follow my partner as he moves around countries for his studies without worrying that we always have to find work in the same place
- I learn many different languages through immersion and a little bit of studying
- I get to visit my family in Greece without missing out on work
Cons:
- Flexible schedule means I have to enforce all the discipline myself (hardest part is discipline to rest xD)
- Moving is very stressful for me (especially with my cat Skoni)
- When changing jobs (I guess freelancers/creators don't have this problem) there is always the stress of negotiating the fully remote aspect, but so far it hasn't been much of a problem. I have found that with enough confidence on my skills I have always been successful in having the upper hand in such negotiations.