The way people work is changing and while working from home has been around for decades, the stay-at-home orders during the Covid 19 pandemic brought ‘remote work’ in the mainstream. Many companies have turned to remote work as a cost saving measure and as a way to attract top talent. As connectivity technology continues to improve, a new style of remote work has emerged and digital nomads literally take their work on the road. Research from Pumble suggested that there are over 40 million digital nomads in the world and 46% of them originate from the United States. The top countries for digital nomads are (Pumble):

United States

Spain

Thailand

And the top cities are (Pumble):

London

Bangkok

New York City

Digital nomads are dependent on technology to maintain connectivity and output and strong internet networks are a must for any remote worker. Heading into 2025, digital nomads will continue to be early adopters of new technology that delivers performance and efficiencies, enabling an effective remote work environment.

Staying Connected

Digital nomads depend on the internet to connect to work intranets, systems and platforms. The availability of high speed and reliable network access is crucial and digital nomads have shown a preference to fibre networks when available. Some essential tools and hardware for digital nomad connectivity:

eSIM cards to connect smartphone and mobile devices to local data networks for hotspot and tethering applications

External travel routers and external wireless cards to securely connect to the internet

VPNs are crucial for security on unknown or foreign networks

Available local services if backup networks are needed

For Digital Nomads, working abroad is a way of life and being able to combine travel and work is a dream come true for any worker but security and connectivity are critical challenges that digital nomads have to contend with and proper planning and acquiring resources is essential to ensure success for the working part of the digital nomad equation.

Next Level Security

Working abroad in new and exciting cities appeals to many as surveys suggest most people would consider becoming a digital nomad but it is not without its challenges. Security is an issue that must be addressed before setting up shop in a far away land and security comes in two distinct classes:

Personal security

Work related security

Personal security is important and using mobile technology, digital nomads can quickly access resources in regards to one’s own security. Understanding local laws and customs is an important part of the planning phase and bookmarking resources for quick access can assist in case security challenges do arise. Technology is critical in maintaining work related security and integrity. Ensuring all hardware has the latest firmware and operating systems have the latest updates and patches must be a daily or weekly task for digital nomads. Researching local network stability and security and comparing products as another important part of planning. Mobile devices should also be checked for updates and eSIMS inspected for tampering to protect personal and work information stored on smartphones.

Working On The Move

Staying connected and productive while abroad means heavy duty usage of hardware and digital nomads depend on reliable technology to work. Hardware technology has evolved to the point that portability does not sacrifice performance and durability. A high powered laptop is at the core of the essential tech list for digital nomads but creating a checklist of minimum specs is an essential part of planning. In addition to processing and memory minimum specifications, ensuring needed external accessories, such as ethernet and HDMI ports, are readily available. Digital nomads also rely on smartphones as a primary communication tool for both voice, data and video communication. Higher end models with larger batteries and extended features can deliver more benefits and conveniences to the digital nomad. Other essential technology for digital nomads include:

External and additional battery packs

Universal plug and transformer sets

Sturdy and durable cases and bags for all technology

Wireless full sized keyboard and mouse

High performance technology enables the digital nomad lifestyle and utilizing many different devices is part of remote work. Workers who fully understand technological needs will be better positioned for success abroad.

Essential Technology Powers the Digital Nomad Lifestyle

Digital Nomadism is rapidly growing and a recent survey by FlexJobs suggested that 58% of the workforce can work remotely, up from 44% in 2022. Are there benefits to business by embracing this model of work? Remote workers and digital nomads have a smaller carbon footprint to start but the real savings comes through increased productivity and reduction of carry costs related to having an office or facility. Digital nomads and remote workers have schedule flexibility which leads to a better work/life balance and that ultimately impacts productivity. The constant evolution of technology and connectivity also provides strong support for digital nomads and remote workers and will continue to fuel growth in the work model.