These are 8 core things you need to become a digital nomad (+ one bonus)

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I’ve been living overseas since 2017(ish)…both as an expat (teaching English) and as a digital nomad. And after years of living this life, I’ve learned what you actually need to make things work.

I made this digital nomad checklist to share the CORE things you need to travel the world and live nomadically. These are the minimum general requirements to be a nomad.

By the way, I put together a free digital nomad course, so if you’re just starting out or need some extra help, be sure to check that out!

Otherwise, let’s get right into this nomad checklist!

First up, we’ve got one of the most important things you’ll need: money…

1. Portable Income

This is the digital nomad’s elephant. You need a portable income stream so you can make money while traveling.

Luckily, it’s modern life and we have TONS of ways to make money online. I put together a list of my favorite remote jobs for travelers here. But if you’re curious how I make money, I have three main sources of income:

My blogs
Freelancing
Teaching English online

Recently though, I’ve been shifting focus away from freelancing and teaching. My core goal for this new year is to go full-time with my own projects. I’ll be sharing exactly how I’m growing my blog and income online soon, so be sure to bookmark me and stay tuned for all that!

2. Passport (that won’t expire soon)

Obviously, you need a passport to travel internationally.

But more specifically, you need a passport that won’t be expiring in the next 6-9 months (many countries and airlines require at least 6 months validity, otherwise you could be denied entry or boarding).

It’s also smart to take photos or backup scans of your passport just in case it’s stolen or lost. Because having some proof of your identity (even if it’s just a photo) is better than nothing.

Also be sure to review the requirements for carrying your passport with you when out and about.

For example, in Japan, you’re technically required to have your passport on you whenever you go out. I’ve been stopped once by two undercover police, while waiting for a friend inside Tokyo station.

I think most countries require you to have your passport on you, so I say it’s better to play it safe (just keep it close to you and be aware of pickpockets in tourist areas).

Explore more:
➤ International Travel Essentials Checklist

3. Proof of Onward Travel (or a visa)

Being a digital nomad takes a little planning, even if it is a life mostly of wandering. Namely, you need to think about when you’ll leave a country and where.

You need proof of onward travel (a purchased plane ticket proving you actually intend to leave the country you’re visiting).

Unless you’re getting a digital nomad visa (meaning you’re legally allowed to live and work somewhere), you’ll need to think at least one step ahead whenever entering a new country.

Don’t just buy one-way tickets. Always buy the second plane ticket leaving the country. You can always cancel or change that second flight (as long as you leave before your tourist visa expires), but just be sure to have something purchased before you enter any country.

4. Good Travel Insurance

Nothing is more stressful than getting sick, injured or worse abroad without insurance. So do yourself (and your family) a favor and grab a cheap plan.

I always use SafetyWing. They’re super affordable (starting around $56/month) and work like a convenient subscription plan you can switch off or on anytime you want (even if you’re already abroad).

They also have an option for long-term digital nomads looking for more comprehensive coverage (they named it nomad insurance, after all). With Nomad Insurance Complete, you also get covered for stuff like doctor visits, maternity care, mental health and cancer treatments.

But even grabbing the basic plan is enough. Just make sure you have some type of protection abroad.

5. Global SIM

If you’re traveling the world (or even staying in just a couple places), you’ll need access to the internet…and not just rely on wifi.

Practically, you’ll need internet access for stuff like language translations, navigation, messaging and just being able to look things up (like restaurants or shops nearby).

But it’s also nice being able to use YouTube, apps like ChatGPT or just steam some music or podcasts while riding trains or wandering around.

Plus, public wifi isn’t the most secure and can be spotty or unreliable. And with eSIMs nowadays, it’s super easy to grab an international phone plan so you have internet wherever you are.

Alternatively, you can look into adding an international plan to your phone carrier back home. This is what I’ve been doing recently (but I’m also using a family plan and splitting the bill, which makes it easier and cheaper for everyone).

6. Flexible Long-term Accommodations

I don’t recommend staying at Airbnbs as your primary long-term accommodation. There are a couple reasons.

First, it’s not the most sustainable since a lot of rentals are owned by investors, not locals. So it’s better to support the local economy and its residents/businesses. Second, it’s not the most affordable——grabbing a short long-term lease should save you some money.

Airbnb is great for quick trips or if you’re in a pinch, but otherwise, I opt for something like a share house or even hostels/hotels until you figure something out.

7. Fee-free Travel Credit Card

Taking out money and using debit cards is another hurdle for digital nomads. Luckily, nowadays we have lots of fee-free credit card options and modern international banking solutions like Revolut or Wise.

But if I’m being completely honest, I’m terrible at using travel credit cards. I do have a few normal credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, but I still take out cash at an ATM with my regular bank card.

There’s a fee, for sure. But it’s not that much (maybe $5 each time).

And since I don’t take out cash or use my bank card everyday, I barely notice this small amount.

But getting better at using travel credit cards is another goal of mine moving forward. I know you can accumulate points and get things like free or discounted flights, so it’s worth my time to learn. The Points Guy is a popular blog for learning how to work this system.

TIP: When taking out cash overseas or using your home credit card, always choose the local currency if given the option. This lets your bank handle the conversion, which is usually cheaper than the rate you get at the store or ATM.

8. Hard Shell Suitcase(s)

I used to travel around with a soft duffel bag. It worked, but it WAS NOT ideal.

First, there aren’t any wheels, which gets super annoying (and difficult) when you’re lugging around multiple bags with all your stuff between trains and busses. Second, soft baggage doesn’t protect your stuff that well.

I keep a lot of my music equipment in my checked bags, so getting a good hard shell suitcase is key. Plus, again, I really don’t like hulling that weight around on my shoulder lol.

Honestly, I just grabbed a decently priced suitcase at Target. That does the job fine. But if you have the budget for a nicer one, sometimes it’s worth it.

For example, recently I’ve been using SANDMARC’s Backpack + Compression Kit and it really is a world of difference, especially if you have expensive gear like a laptop or a camera and lenses.

Also, try to keep your stuff to a minimum. Become a minimalist traveler! It’s so much easier to move around (and saves space for all the stuff you’ll buy abroad).

BONUS: A Travel Project

I love travel projects. They add creative intention and more purpose to my explorin’.

For example, travel blogging is a core project for me (and one way I make money as a digital nomad). Projects give my traveling a deeper meaning and routine. They become a motivation and point of growth while abroad.

I’m all for willy-nilly traveling and wandering without a purpose. But eventually, it helps to ground yourself in something deeper (especially if you’re looking to do this long-term).

Here are a few more ideas for travel projects/purpose: