As a digital nomad, you've likely got a lot of things on your plate. You're probably juggling your business, a side hustle or two, and maybe even some family life. It can be hard to keep track of everything that's going on. But not to worry! I've outlined some things you need to have so that it’s a lot easier for you to stay productive and organize your business as it grows and evolves into something new every day.
Mobile Hotspot
A mobile hotspot is a device that allows you to share your smartphone's Internet connection with other devices. It's perfect for digital nomads because it allows you to use your phone as a Wi-Fi hub, which means no more worrying about getting WiFi passwords or finding open networks. A mobile hotspot can also be great for backup if your primary data plan isn't reliable enough, or if you're travelling outside of a supported country and need an alternative way of accessing the Internet.
Mobile hotspots are usually less expensive than traditional Wi-Fi routers, but they can still be pricey—the best ones cost around $120 (£99).
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a smart decision for digital nomads. Given digital nomads don't have a fixed address, they can't take advantage of their local healthcare system when they're out of the country. Paying out of pocket may not be very expensive in many countries outside of the U.S., but travel insurance does hedge against that risk.
Note that travel insurance can be expensive — especially for people with pre-existing conditions. Note that you can get around this by using an aggregator like Insure My Trip or Cover Me to compare different policies and make sure you're getting the best deal possible.
Productivity Planner
For many digital nomads, remaining productive in a setting rife with distractions is one of their toughest challenges. A productivity planner, such as ClickUp or Trello, helps in keeping you on course, letting you review your accomplishments, score your productivity, and set weekly targets. Some planners also include motivating quotes to keep you pushing forward each day. Every digital nomad should definitely consider using a productivity planner.
Online Payment Processing
Accepting online payments is one of the most important tools every digital nomad needs. Accepting online payments allows you to take advantage of opportunities that would otherwise be closed off to you, and it’s also a great way to increase your profit margin.
There are two main ways you can accept payments: through a third-party payment processor or using an e-commerce solution that integrates with your website.
Payment processors offer many different options for merchants (like PayPal or Stripe), though they charge fees for each sale made through their platform. Platforms like PayPal, Zelle, and Apple Pay allow you to send money to others with ease for non-business needs. Additionally, WorldRemit makes it easier than every to send money to people virtually anywhere in the world.
Electronic Cable Organizer
Sounds easy, doesn't it? It is! But it's also remarkably efficient. You will inevitably travel with a lot of electronic equipment if you are a digital nomad. Typically, a charging cable is included with every single gadget. In the end, you'll have a tangled mess of cords filling up your entire luggage. All of that is kept organized and clean by a cable organizer giving you one less thing to worry about.
Cloud-Based File Management
Cloud-based file management tools are an absolute must for digital nomads. These programs allow you to access your files from anywhere and don't take up space on your devices, which means no more running out of storage space on your laptop or phone.
With cloud-based file management tools, you can also share files with other people without having to exchange physical copies of the documents in question. You'll be able to create shared folders within the program itself, which means that anyone who has access will be able to view and edit whatever is inside those folders. This makes it easy for several people working together on a project to collaborate easily and seamlessly across different platforms.
Cloud-Based Accounting Tools
Cloud-based accounting tools, such as QuickBooks Online or Wave, are a great way to manage your finances from anywhere. They offer ease of use, access and security that will help you stay on top of your money and keep track of expenses!
Conclusion
As a digital nomad, you need to have key tools in your toolbox to help run your business. The exact tools will depend on what kind of business you’re running and how big it is, however, we have touched on some basics every digital nomad needs.
The reason why these tools are so important is that they are often the difference between success and failure when it comes to running a business while traveling around the world. If you don’t have access to reliable WiFi, for example, then running a successful online-based business becomes almost impossible.
So before you pack up your bags to start your digital nomad journey, make sure you do your best to carry along or set up all necessary tools to help make your travels more seamless!