Top tips for digital nomads

written by
Joanne Owen

updated 28.07.2023

We’ve all seen them. Envy-inducing Insta posts and enticing ads for longer-term, remote-working visas. You know the images we mean — pics of impossibly happy people lounging in hammocks, laptop casually to hand, with a beautiful beach as their genuine backdrop. No filter, no fake background. Just pure unadulterated, work-play balance bliss, and aspirational “this could be you” messaging. And the glorious truth is, this really could be you.

Digital nomad © Shutterstock

Digital nomads — working and travel © Shutterstock

That said, working remotely while being fanned by a tropical breeze isn’t entirely a breeze to bring about. So, to help you realise that dream, here are our tips for digital nomads. From what to consider when choosing where to go, to arming yourself with data through an innovative eSIM experience app that facilitates that all-important work-play balance, these will make joining the digital nomad revolution all the more pleasurable.

Decide where to go digital for the perfect work-play balance

Let’s kick off with the first-things-first decision you’ll have to make. Namely, where are you going to go digital? You might be looking forward to immersing yourself in a place you already love. In which case, you’re probably already pretty well informed about the country, region, city or village you’re planning to base yourself in, which will come in very handy.

And the reasons? In order to strike a satisfying balance between work and play, you’ll want to be somewhere that delivers on both fronts. Ask yourself this: does your chosen location offer budget-suitable accommodation that’s comfortable to work in, in a location that’s convenient for enjoying the destination to the max when you close your laptop for the day?

For example, remote rural locations will suit digital nomads who want to explore the great outdoors during their down-time. However, those who are looking for buzz, bars and brilliant nights out to remember will want to be based closer to the action — and have the budget to pay for it.

Digital nomad © Shutterstock

Work from where you want to work © Shutterstock

If your work involves lots of meetings, another key factor is considering what time zone you’re in compared with your clients and colleagues. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself having to get up before the crack of dawn (or missing out on socialising in the evenings) to fulfil your work commitments.

If you’re planning to work as a digital nomad in the truest sense of the word — i.e. you want to move around a lot — you’d be wise to wise-up on each place you intend to work (and play) in. You’ll also want to pay even closer attention to a bunch of practicalities, which leads onto our second tip…

Make practical preparations

Once you know where you’re going, be sure to read up on the visa requirements for your chosen destination/s. And, even if you think you know how long you’ll stay, check how easy it is to extend your visa — essential for when you fall head-over-heels in love with a place and can’t bring yourself to leave!

You’ll also want to sort insurance that definitely covers the length of time you’re away, and the loss or theft of your phone and laptop — essential tools of the digital nomad trade.

On the subject of essential tools, your phone and laptop are (essentially) worth nothing if you can’t get connected — arguably the most important consideration for digital nomads. With that in mind, read on to find out how to enjoy high-speed data via a ground-breaking eSIM app that comes with cost-saving, experience-enhancing extras.

Get connected for less, so you can work well and play more

We’ve all been there. Struck by the curse of dodgy wi-fi at the worst possible moment, whether that’s when you’re in the throes of a productive convo with a client you’ve just landed, or in the middle of catching up with the folks back home.

The good news is, bagging affordable, high-speed mobile data has recently become a whole lot easier for travellers, not least if you arm yourself with the Global YO app.

The only app that combines travel and connectivity with entertainment, Global YO is geared towards digital nomads. Ultra-convenient and competitively priced, you can download an eSIM from anywhere in the world, and purchase high-speed data covering 100+ countries. And all this with no long-term commitments, and no strings attached.

But that’s not even the half of it — read on for a run-down of the rewards of embracing digital nomadic life with Global YO.

Digital nomad © Shutterstock

Working remotely © Shutterstock

Global YO eSIMs = less faff, less plastic, and instant access to data

Being an eSIM, Global YO eliminates the inconvenience of traditional physical SIMs, and exists to make your digital life a whole lot easier.

If you’re new to eSIMs, here’s the science part! An eSIM (or embedded SIM) is an industry-standard digital SIM card that acts like a physical SIM card.

Having an eSIM allows you to join a mobile network without having to use a physical SIM card. It’s activated by installing the eSIM profile (software) of an operator, like Global YO. Simples!

Digital nomad © Shutterstock

Digital nomad © Shutterstock

The benefits of eSIMs are multiple. First up, you can say goodbye to the bother of having to change the SIM in your phone and eSIM compatible devices. You can also have multiple eSIMs in your phone.

Another big bonus is forgoing the hassle of having to find a physical store when you reach your destination/s. Your Global YO eSIM is programmed to activate your plan once it connects with the local network.

What’s more, by using an eSIM, you’re cutting down on plastic.

All of which means if you opt for a Global YO plan, you can access data and extra in-app experiences (more on them later) from the moment you arrive.

Play more to pay less

In most countries, purchasing data via Global YO costs less than all the major eSIM competitors.

If that wasn’t already music to your ears, the innovative YOYO$ incentive scheme offers app users up to 50% discount from their first activation.

“What are YOYO$?” we hear you ask. Put simply, YOYO$ are in-app loyalty points — you earn them when you use the Global YO app to play and stream content.

The more you use the app, the more YOYO$ you’ll accrue. This currency can then be used to pay for data.

One minute of streaming or playing = 1 YOYO$

100 minutes/100 YOYO$ = $1 USD

Then, when you check-out with any eSIM plan in your basket, you can use your YOYO$ balance to enjoy a discount of up to 50% off the cost of your package.

In short, the more you play, the less you pay!

Digital nomad © Shutterstock

Location-independent professional © Shutterstock

Regional plans and special offers = more ways to pay less

As part of your pre-travel prep, read up on Global YO’s regional plans to get your hands on the best deals.

For example, digital nomads planning to spend a few months in Europe would do well to check out the 1GB, 180-days EU Plan, which covers 40 countries in the European Union. Happily, you can use your YOYO$ to enjoy up to 50% off.

Travelling further afield? Consider the Global Plan, which includes 54 countries. And, right now, you can secure the 1GB trial with up to 90% discount if you use YOYO$ as payment.

Put another away, what usually costs $5.99 could be yours for a mere 54 cents. Form an orderly queue, travellers! You can thank us later.

Digital nomad © Shutterstock

Remote worker © Shutterstock

Curated entertainment and destination info

So much more than a regular eSIM, not only does Global YO offer affordable, high-speed data, but your money-saving YOYO$ are acquired through enjoying a stack of content that’ll enhance your travels, and keep you entertained.

Want fun, informative travel info? You’ll love Global YO’s celebrity-fronted, AI-generated guides to over thirty cities. Add to that gaming, listening to YO.Radio, streaming shows, and chilling out at movie-watching parties, and using Global YO amounts to a win-win-win-win experience:

  • Easy access to high-speed data in 100+ countries
  • Lower prices than major eSIM competitors
  • Experience-enhancing extras
  • Play more to pay less

In essence, Global YO enables digital nomads to work well and play more while paying less. It’s as simple as that. And, like we said at the start, perfecting that work-play balance is one of the keys to living your best digital nomad life.

In fact, figuring out how to find that work-play balance — through choosing your location/s wisely, being practically prepared, and arming yourself with affordable high-speed data — is our overarching tip for digital nomads. So, what are you waiting for? Go forth and go nomad!

This article was brought to you in sponsorship with Global Yo.

Joanne Owen

written by
Joanne Owen

updated 28.07.2023

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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