---
name: digital-nomad-guide
description: |
  Digital nomad lifestyle guide covering destination selection criteria including cost, internet quality, visa, and timezone, coworking space finding, reliable internet strategies, tax implications, health insurance options, community building, gear recommendations, and time zone management.
  Use when the user asks about digital nomad guide, or needs help with digital nomad lifestyle guide covering destination selection criteria including cost, internet quality, visa, and timezone, coworking space finding, reliable internet strategies, tax implications, health insurance options, community building, gear recommendations, and time zone management.
  Do NOT use when the request requires professional specialized advice or falls outside the scope of digital nomad guide.
license: Apache-2.0
metadata:
  author: foundry-skills
  version: "1.0.0"
  tags: "travel itinerary guide"
  category: "travel-experiences"
  subcategory: "trip-planning"
  depends: ""
  disclaimer: "none"
  difficulty: "beginner"
---

# Digital Nomad Guide
## When to Use

**Use this skill when:**
- User asks about digital nomad guide
- User needs guidance on digital nomad guide topics
- User wants a structured approach to digital nomad guide

**Do NOT use when:**
- Request requires professional consultation beyond educational guidance
- User needs emergency assistance

## Questions to Ask the User First

1. **What do you do for work?** (freelancer, remote employee, business owner, content creator)
2. **What are your internet requirements?** (video calls, large file uploads, basic email/browsing)
3. **What time zone do your clients/team operate in?** (overlap hours needed)
4. **What is your monthly budget?** (total including accommodation, food, workspace, insurance)
5. **How long do you plan to stay in each place?** (1 week, 1 month, 3+ months)
6. **What is your nationality?** (affects visa options)
7. **Do you need a specific climate or lifestyle?** (beach, city, mountains)
8. **What is your experience level with remote work while traveling?** (first time, experienced)
9. **Do you have dependents or a partner traveling with you?**
10. **What is your top priority?** (cost savings, quality of life, adventure, community)
---
## Step 1: Destination Selection Criteria

### Destination Scoring Framework
```
DESTINATION EVALUATION MATRIX:
Score each factor 1-5 (1=poor, 5=excellent):
Destination: {{CITY, COUNTRY}}
WORK ESSENTIALS:
Internet speed and reliability:     {{SCORE}} /5
Coworking space availability:       {{SCORE}} /5
Time zone compatibility:            {{SCORE}} /5
Power reliability:                  {{SCORE}} /5
COST:
Accommodation (monthly):            ${{AMOUNT}} -- Score: {{}} /5
Food (monthly):                     ${{AMOUNT}} -- Score: {{}} /5
Coworking (monthly):                ${{AMOUNT}} -- Score: {{}} /5
Transport (monthly):                ${{AMOUNT}} -- Score: {{}} /5
Total monthly cost:                 ${{AMOUNT}}
LIFESTYLE:
Safety:                             {{SCORE}} /5
Climate/weather:                    {{SCORE}} /5
Food quality and variety:           {{SCORE}} /5
Nightlife/social scene:             {{SCORE}} /5
Nature/outdoor activities:          {{SCORE}} /5
Cultural interest:                  {{SCORE}} /5
Walkability:                        {{SCORE}} /5
Healthcare quality:                 {{SCORE}} /5
LOGISTICS:
Visa situation:                     {{SCORE}} /5
English proficiency:                {{SCORE}} /5
Ease of arrival (flights):          {{SCORE}} /5
Digital nomad community:            {{SCORE}} /5
Banking/financial access:           {{SCORE}} /5

TOTAL SCORE:                        {{SUM}} / 100

COMPARISON:
Destination A: {{CITY}} -- Score: {{}} /100 -- Monthly cost: ${{}}
Destination B: {{CITY}} -- Score: {{}} /100 -- Monthly cost: ${{}}
Destination C: {{CITY}} -- Score: {{}} /100 -- Monthly cost: ${{}}
```

### Top Digital Nomad Destinations (By Region)
```
POPULAR DIGITAL NOMAD DESTINATIONS:
SOUTHEAST ASIA (Budget-Friendly):
- Bali (Canggu/Ubud), Indonesia: $1,200-2,000/mo
  Pros: Great community, coworking, affordable, beautiful
  Cons: WiFi can be unreliable, traffic, visa runs needed
- Chiang Mai, Thailand: $800-1,500/mo
  Pros: Cheapest option, great food, established community
  Cons: Burning season (Feb-Apr), less exciting for some
- Bangkok, Thailand: $1,000-2,000/mo
  Pros: Excellent internet, vibrant city, great food
  Cons: Traffic, pollution, can be overwhelming
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: $800-1,500/mo
  Pros: Cheap, energetic, amazing food
  Cons: Chaotic traffic, language barrier, internet varies
EUROPE:
- Lisbon, Portugal: $1,500-2,500/mo
  Pros: Great weather, strong community, EU timezone, safe
  Cons: Increasingly expensive, tourist crowds
- Tbilisi, Georgia: $800-1,500/mo
  Pros: Very affordable, 1-year visa-free, interesting culture
  Cons: Cold winters, smaller community, limited flights
- Budapest, Hungary: $1,200-2,000/mo
  Pros: Beautiful city, affordable for EU, good internet
  Cons: Cold winters, language barrier
- Split/Dubrovnik, Croatia: $1,500-2,500/mo
  Pros: Beautiful coast, digital nomad visa, EU
LATIN AMERICA:
- Medellin, Colombia: $1,000-1,800/mo
  Pros: Eternal spring weather, affordable, growing community
  Cons: Safety varies by area, time zone alignment with US
- Mexico City, Mexico: $1,200-2,200/mo
  Pros: Amazing food, culture, US time zones, 180-day visa-free
  Cons: Air quality, safety varies, altitude adjustment
- Playa del Carmen, Mexico: $1,200-2,000/mo
  Pros: Beach lifestyle, community, close to US
  Cons: Tourist prices, hurricane season
OTHER:
- Cape Town, South Africa: $1,200-2,000/mo
  Pros: Beautiful scenery, affordable, English-speaking
  Cons: Safety concerns, load shedding (power outages)
- Dubai, UAE: $2,500-4,000/mo
  Pros: Excellent infrastructure, digital nomad visa, safe
  Cons: Expensive, very hot summers, strict laws
```
---
## Step 2: Visa Options for Digital Nomads

### Digital Nomad Visa Guide
```
VISA OPTIONS:

DIGITAL NOMAD VISAS (countries offering specific remote work visas):
Country          | Duration     | Income Req    | Cost
-----------------|-------------|---------------|------
Portugal         | Up to 1 yr  | ~$3,500/mo    | ~$90
Spain            | Up to 1 yr  | ~$2,500/mo    | ~$85
Croatia          | Up to 1 yr  | ~$2,500/mo    | ~$50
Estonia          | Up to 1 yr  | ~$4,500/mo    | ~$100
Greece           | Up to 1 yr  | ~$3,500/mo    | ~$75
Italy            | Up to 1 yr  | ~$2,800/mo    | Varies
UAE (Dubai)      | Up to 1 yr  | ~$5,000/mo    | ~$287
Thailand (DTV)   | Up to 5 yr  | ~$1,500/mo    | ~$800
Costa Rica       | Up to 1 yr  | ~$3,000/mo    | ~$100
Barbados         | Up to 1 yr  | ~$4,166/mo    | ~$2,000

TOURIST VISA STRATEGIES (working remotely on tourist visa):
- Legal gray area in many countries (you are not working FOR a local entity)
- Some countries explicitly allow remote work on tourist visas
- Others technically prohibit it
- Practical reality: millions of people do this
- Be aware of the rules and risks in each country

VISA-FREE OPTIONS (popular for nomads):
- Mexico: 180 days visa-free
- Georgia: 1 year visa-free for many nationalities
- Albania: 1 year visa-free for US/EU citizens
- Colombia: 90 days (extendable to 180)
- Thailand: 60 days (extendable)
- Most Schengen countries: 90 days in 180-day period

TIPS:
[ ] Research visa rules BEFORE booking
[ ] Keep proof of onward travel
[ ] Maintain proof of income and health insurance
[ ] Consider applying for a digital nomad visa if staying 3+ months
[ ] Track your days carefully in Schengen and similar zones
```
---
## Step 3: Internet and Workspace

### Reliable Internet Strategies
```
INTERNET STRATEGY:

LAYER 1: PRIMARY (Accommodation WiFi)
- Test speed before booking (ask host for Speedtest result)
- Minimum for video calls: 10 Mbps up / 10 Mbps down
- Minimum for general work: 5 Mbps up / 10 Mbps down
- Check reviews specifically mentioning WiFi

LAYER 2: BACKUP (Mobile Data)
- Buy a local SIM card with generous data plan
- Or use eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Nomad eSIM)
- Enable mobile hotspot as backup
- Some countries have 5G that is faster than WiFi

LAYER 3: COWORKING (Guaranteed Connection)
- Use for important meetings and heavy bandwidth tasks
- Most offer 50-100+ Mbps
- Backup connection usually available

LAYER 4: EMERGENCY
- Identify 2-3 cafes with reliable WiFi near your accommodation
- Download a local WiFi finder app
- Hotels often have good WiFi in the lobby (even if you are not staying there)
- Some libraries offer excellent free WiFi

SPEED TEST BEFORE BOOKING:
Ask the host/hotel: "Can you share a screenshot of a speed test
from Speedtest.net taken during business hours?"

WIFI OPTIMIZATION TIPS:
- Sit close to the router
- Use ethernet cable when available (carry a short cable)
- Use a WiFi extender/repeater (small travel ones exist)
- Close unnecessary apps and browser tabs during calls
- Video calls: use audio-only if bandwidth is limited
- Upload large files during off-peak hours (late night)
```

### Finding Coworking Spaces
```
COWORKING SPACE GUIDE:

HOW TO FIND THEM:
- Coworker.com (largest global directory)
- Google Maps: Search "coworking" in your destination
- Nomad List (nomadlist.com) -- community recommendations
- Instagram and Facebook groups for digital nomads in the city
- Ask at your accommodation

WHAT TO EVALUATE:
[ ] Internet speed (test it on a day pass first)
[ ] Backup internet (do they have failover?)
[ ] Hours of operation (24/7? Weekends?)
[ ] Noise level and call room availability
[ ] Air conditioning / heating
[ ] Cost (daily, weekly, monthly rates)
[ ] Community and events
[ ] Printing and scanning
[ ] Kitchen and coffee
[ ] Location and commute from accommodation

PRICING GUIDE:
- Southeast Asia: $50-150/month
- Latin America: $80-200/month
- Eastern Europe: $100-250/month
- Western Europe: $150-400/month
- USA/UK/Australia: $200-500/month

ALTERNATIVES TO COWORKING:
- Cafes with good WiFi and power outlets
- Hotel lobbies
- Libraries
- University campus cafeterias
- Airport lounges (if you have a membership)
```
---
## Step 4: Tax Implications

### Tax Considerations for Digital Nomads
```
TAX AWARENESS (Consult a tax professional for your specific situation):
KEY PRINCIPLE:
and TAX RESIDENCY, not your physical location.
US CITIZENS:
- You are taxed on worldwide income regardless of where you live
- Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE): Exclude up to ~$120,000
  if you meet the Physical Presence Test (330 days abroad) or
  Bona Fide Residence Test
- Foreign Tax Credit: Credit for taxes paid to other countries
- Must file FBAR if foreign bank accounts exceed $10,000 combined
- Must still file annually even while abroad
- State taxes: Some states continue to tax you even abroad
  (California is notoriously aggressive); others do not
NON-US CITIZENS:
- Tax obligations depend on your home country's rules
- Some countries tax worldwide income (Australia, UK)
- Some countries tax only domestic income (many Asian countries)
- Tax residency is usually 183+ days in a country
POTENTIAL TAX TRAPS:
[ ] Creating tax residency in your destination by staying too long
[ ] Failing to file in your home country while abroad
[ ] Not tracking days spent in each country
[ ] Ignoring state tax obligations (US)
[ ] Not reporting foreign bank accounts (US: FBAR/FATCA)
[ ] Digital services taxes in some countries
[ ] Social security agreements (or lack thereof)
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
[ ] Consult a tax professional who specializes in expats/nomads
[ ] Track your days in each country meticulously
[ ] Keep all receipts and financial records
[ ] Understand the tax implications BEFORE establishing any
[ ] Research tax treaties between your home country and destinations
[ ] Set aside 25-35% of income for taxes
TAX RESIDENCY TRACKER:
Country         | Entry Date  | Exit Date   | Days  | Cumulative
----------------|-------------|-------------|-------|----------
{{COUNTRY_1}}   | {{DATE}}    | {{DATE}}    | {{#}} | {{#}}
{{COUNTRY_2}}   | {{DATE}}    | {{DATE}}    | {{#}} | {{#}}
```
---
## Step 5: Health Insurance Options

### Insurance Comparison
```
HEALTH INSURANCE OPTIONS FOR NOMADS:
OPTION 1: INTERNATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE
- Cigna Global, Allianz Care, Aetna International
- Comprehensive coverage worldwide
- Expensive ($200-600/month)
- Best for: Long-term nomads, families
OPTION 2: NOMAD-SPECIFIC INSURANCE
- SafetyWing ($45-80/month)
  Pros: Affordable, designed for nomads, monthly subscription
  Cons: Lower coverage limits, requires US medical address
- World Nomads (per-trip)
  Pros: Adventure sports coverage, easy to extend
  Cons: More expensive for long-term travel
OPTION 3: DOMESTIC + TRAVEL INSURANCE
- Keep home country insurance + buy travel medical
- May have gaps in coverage
- Best for: Short-term travel (1-3 months)
OPTION 4: LOCAL INSURANCE
- Buy health insurance in your base country
- Usually cheaper
- Only valid in that country
- Best for: Those staying 6+ months in one place
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
[ ] Medical coverage minimum: $100,000
[ ] Emergency evacuation: $250,000
[ ] Coverage for your destinations (some exclude certain countries)
[ ] Pre-existing condition coverage
[ ] Mental health coverage
[ ] Dental and vision (often excluded)
[ ] Adventure sports/activities coverage
[ ] Direct billing to hospitals (vs. pay and claim)
[ ] 24/7 assistance hotline
[ ] Easy claims process
INSURANCE COMPARISON:
Feature              | SafetyWing  | World Nomads | Cigna Global
---------------------|-------------|-------------|-------------
Monthly cost         | ~$45-80     | Varies      | ~$200-500
Medical max          | $250K       | $100K       | $1M+
Evacuation           | $100K       | $500K       | Included
Home country         | 15-30 days  | No          | Yes
Adventure sports     | Basic       | Extensive   | Add-on
Prescription drugs   | Limited     | Limited     | Yes
Long-term travel     | Yes         | Per-trip    | Yes
```
---
## Step 6: Community Building

### Finding Your Tribe
```
COMMUNITY BUILDING STRATEGIES:

ONLINE COMMUNITIES (join BEFORE you arrive):
[ ] Facebook groups: "Digital Nomads in {{CITY}}"
[ ] Reddit: r/digitalnomad, r/ExpatFIRE
[ ] Slack communities: Nomad List community, remote work Slacks
[ ] Telegram/WhatsApp groups (often linked from Facebook groups)
[ ] Discord servers for remote workers
[ ] Nomad List (nomadlist.com) -- city pages and forums

IN-PERSON:
[ ] Coworking space events and socials
[ ] Meetup.com events (tech, language exchange, hiking, etc.)
[ ] Hostel common areas (even if you do not stay there)
[ ] Language exchange events
[ ] Local classes (yoga, cooking, surfing, dance)
[ ] Volunteer opportunities
[ ] Sports leagues and groups
[ ] Nomad-organized events (check community boards)

BUILDING ROUTINE:
1. First week: Work from a coworking space, introduce yourself
2. Second week: Attend 2-3 social events or meetups
3. Third week: Deepen connections with people you clicked with
4. Ongoing: Balance social time with focused work time

NETWORKING TIPS:
- Be the person who organizes (suggest dinner, hike, coffee)
- Join or create a weekly accountability group
- Offer your skills to help others (builds goodwill fast)
- Be open to connecting with locals, not just other nomads
- Quality over quantity -- 3-4 good friends > 30 acquaintances
```
---
## Step 7: Gear Recommendations

### Digital Nomad Packing List
```
ESSENTIAL GEAR:
COMPUTING:
[ ] Laptop (lightweight, reliable, good battery)
    Recommended: MacBook Air, ThinkPad X1 Carbon, Dell XPS 13
[ ] Laptop stand (ergonomic; Roost, Nexstand)
[ ] Wireless keyboard (if using a stand)
[ ] Wireless mouse
[ ] USB-C hub/adapter (HDMI, USB-A, SD card)
[ ] Laptop sleeve with padding
[ ] Webcam (if laptop camera is poor)
[ ] Blue light glasses
CONNECTIVITY:
[ ] Portable WiFi hotspot (optional; Skyroam, GlocalMe)
[ ] Short ethernet cable (for guaranteed connection)
[ ] Universal power adapter
[ ] Small power strip (3-4 outlets)
[ ] Portable battery pack (20,000+ mAh)
[ ] USB-C and Lightning cables (2 each)
[ ] eSIM-compatible phone
AUDIO/VIDEO:
[ ] Noise-canceling headphones (Sony WH-1000XM5, AirPods Max)
[ ] Earbuds for calls (AirPods Pro or similar)
[ ] Portable microphone (if frequent video calls)
[ ] Ring light (compact, clip-on for better video call lighting)
PRODUCTIVITY:
[ ] Notebook and pen
[ ] Portable monitor (if you need dual screens; Asus ZenScreen)
[ ] VPN subscription (essential for security and access)
[ ] Password manager (1Password, Bitwarden)
ERGONOMICS:
[ ] Standing desk adapter (if long-term in one place)
[ ] Back support cushion (for bad chairs)
[ ] Wrist rest
OPTIONAL:
[ ] Action camera (GoPro for adventures)
[ ] Kindle (lighter than books)
[ ] Noise machine app (for noisy environments)
[ ] Portable projector (for presentations or movie nights)
```
---
## Step 8: Time Zone Management

### Working Across Time Zones
```
TIME ZONE MANAGEMENT:
OVERLAP STRATEGY:
Calculate the overlap between your location and your team/clients:
Your location: {{CITY}} (UTC {{+/-X}})
Team location: {{CITY}} (UTC {{+/-X}})
Time difference: {{X}} hours
Available overlap: {{START_TIME}} - {{END_TIME}} your time
MANAGING OVERLAP:
1-3 HOUR OVERLAP:
- Stack all meetings during overlap hours
- Use async communication for everything else
- Send detailed updates at end of your workday
- Morning meetings or evening meetings (choose based on your productivity)
4-6 HOUR OVERLAP:
- Comfortable zone; schedule meetings freely within overlap
- Keep some protected deep work time outside overlap
- Respond to messages within the overlap window
7+ HOUR OVERLAP:
- Minimal adjustment needed
- Normal scheduling applies
TOOLS FOR ASYNC WORK:
- Loom (video messages instead of meetings)
- Slack/Teams (threaded discussions)
- Notion/Confluence (documentation)
- Timezone.io or WorldTimeBuddy (scheduling across zones)
- Google Calendar with multiple timezones displayed
COMMUNICATION TEMPLATE:
"Hey team, I am currently based in {{CITY}} (UTC{{+/-X}}). My
working hours are {{START}}-{{END}} your time. I am available for
meetings during {{OVERLAP_HOURS}}. For anything urgent outside
those hours, please {{PREFERRED_METHOD}}. I will respond to all
messages within {{X}} hours during my work day."
PRODUCTIVITY TIPS:
- Protect your most productive hours for deep work
- Batch meetings into overlap blocks
- Use async tools to reduce meeting dependency
- Communicate your schedule clearly and consistently
- Set Slack/Teams status with your current timezone
- Be disciplined about work/life boundaries (it is easy to work
  24/7 when your team is in a different timezone)
```
---
## Monthly Nomad Checklist
```
MONTHLY DIGITAL NOMAD REVIEW:

LOGISTICS:
[ ] Visa status checked (days remaining, renewal needed?)
[ ] Health insurance active and paid
[ ] Internet backup plan verified
[ ] Next destination researched (if moving)
[ ] Accommodation for next month booked

FINANCES:
[ ] Monthly expenses tracked: ${{TOTAL}}
[ ] Income received and invoiced
[ ] Tax set-aside: ${{AMOUNT}} (25-35% of income)
[ ] Days tracked in each country this year
[ ] Exchange rate checked for current location

WORK:
[ ] Client/employer expectations aligned
[ ] Time zone overlap working well
[ ] Productivity level satisfactory
[ ] Professional development time scheduled

HEALTH:
[ ] General health check (am I eating well? Exercising? Sleeping?)
[ ] Medications stocked
[ ] Insurance card accessible
[ ] Know nearest medical facility

SOCIAL:
[ ] Connected with local community
[ ] Maintaining relationships back home
[ ] Not isolating -- getting regular human contact
[ ] Work-life balance check

PERSONAL:
[ ] Am I enjoying this? (Honest assessment)
[ ] What would I change about my current setup?
[ ] Next destination wish list updated
[ ] Long-term goals still aligned with this lifestyle
```
---
*This skill provides digital nomad lifestyle guidance. Tax and immigration laws are complex and change frequently. Consult qualified professionals for tax advice and always verify visa requirements through official sources before traveling.*


## Output Format

```
DIGITAL NOMAD GUIDE OUTPUT
==========================

Section 1: Assessment / Analysis
- Key findings
- Recommendations

Section 2: Action Plan
- Step-by-step guidance
- Timeline if applicable

Section 3: Resources
- Relevant references
- Next steps
```

## Example

**Input:** "Help me get started with digital nomad guide"

**Output:** A structured digital nomad guide plan tailored to the user's specific situation, following the process outlined above.

## Edge Cases

- **Incomplete information:** Ask clarifying questions before proceeding. Do not assume details the user has not provided.
- **Out of scope requests:** Redirect to appropriate professional resources when the request exceeds educational guidance.
- **Conflicting requirements:** Present trade-offs clearly and let the user decide priorities.
