Many of us have seen the digital nomad images with a laptop and a coconut in the background, as well as the hashtag #officeoftheday. If you are working in a cubicle, or at home in sweatpants, the thought of working in a hammock on a tropical island can make you jealous.

Since the past three years, I have been a ノマド. I am an expert on traveling around the globe while working remotely. As a nomad traveler, I have been to 52 countries and made many new friends.

These are the top things you should consider when considering becoming a digital nomad, especially for those who want to travel the globe.

What does it mean to be a digital nomad

The digital nomad makes a living working remotely and living wherever they choose. ノマドとはcan travel full-time because their job or their career is completely remote. As long as they have Wi-Fi and the modern technology required to do their work, they are able to be a full-time traveler.

You have the freedom to work and live anywhere you want.

Here are some tips to help you get started with your digital nomad lifestyle

1. Select a city that has a digital nomad community

It is essential to have a nomad community with which you can connect. There are many things to think about when you consider a destination. If you visit a city with an established nomad community you will be more likely to have built-in support.

Medellin in Colombia, Playa Del Carmen (Mexico), Canggu, Bali and Playa Del Carmen (Mexico) are all popular destinations for digital nomads. But there are many others. You can do your research online on Reddit and Google, and find out which Facebook groups are available in your city. Before you decide to go, it is a good idea to ask a lot of questions about your destination.

2. Choose the right bank account or credit card

Bank account

Some U.S. banks charge fees for using an ATM from another bank. Other banks and ATMs might charge additional fees. You could end up paying two sets fees each time you withdraw cash from your bank if you choose not to carefully select your bank.

Avoid the hassle and find a bank that will reimburse ATM fees. Charles Schwab offers unlimited worldwide ATM fee reimbursements, making it a popular choice for digital nomadic banking.

Credit cards

A travel credit cards should not charge foreign transaction fees. These can sometimes be as high as 3 percent. These fees can be as high as 3%, so there's no reason why you should pay them. Premium travel credit card waives foreign transaction fees. It also offers bonus points on certain categories (e.g. travel, dining and grocery purchases) as well as other perks for travelers.

3. Decide what you will do with your stuff

The easiest way to become a digital nomad is to end your apartment lease and store your stuff at home or in a storage unit. You don't have to be stuck in a difficult situation.

You might consider renting your apartment or house to someone who is a long-term tenant if you are the owner. You might also consider hiring someone to manage your home-sharing arrangements, such as Airbnb or VRBO. This is a great way for you to cut your overhead and possibly make a profit.

4. Pick a location that is convenient for your work hours

You will have the most success working remotely from the United States if you have clients or a job that is based in the U.S.

5. Consider your technology requirements

SIM card (phone).

You will have to pay more for international roaming if you have a US provider phone plan.

One common travel tip is to purchase a prepaid SIM card that includes a data plan for your destination. Keep your SIM card safe and then insert the local SIM card into you phone. You can get 4 gigabytes worth of data for as low as $7. Some plans include local calling and free WhatsApp.

This is better than using airplane mode to search for Wi-Fi networks. This is not sustainable if you are traveling abroad as a digital nomad.

VPN (computer).

A reliable provider will offer a Virtual Private Network if you plan to work and live abroad. A VPN allows you to log in to U.S.-based websites, as well as access Netflix and other streaming services that may not be available in your country.

6. Travel insurance

Local healthcare coverage may be cheaper than U.S. coverage depending on where you are traveling. In case of an emergency, you might still want to purchase travel insurance and medical insurance. The majority of U.S.-based insurance policies do not provide international coverage.

7. Get involved in co-living communities

You might consider joining a coworking/co-living community if you have done your research and are still unsure about making the leap. Many well-known companies organize coordinated gatherings that last anywhere from one month up to one year, in different parts of the globe.

You will need to apply if you are interested. They are usually open to remote workers, entrepreneurs and aspiring workers who wish to meet people while working and living abroad.

As a digital nomad, you can make a career out of it

The pandemic has made it easier to work remotely, making the nomad lifestyle more mainstream. The common misconception about the digital nomad lifestyle, is that it requires people to sacrifice financial stability or work in shady occupations. This is false.

Many of us are able to work remotely from our laptops, and not even need to go into an office. This has been proven over the past year. There are many remote job search websites that offer a wide range of positions.

Consider asking your boss to allow you to work remotely if you have a job that you love. Your argument should be persuasive and you must assure your boss that your performance will not suffer. You will be able to work remotely while traveling around the globe.