7 Tools For Digital Nomads (Number 4 is my favorite)

Using the right tools as a digital nomad is the key to a stress-free life.

Being a digital nomad, traveling the world, and working from anywhere can be great. And I use a few essential tools to make my online life even easier.

In this post, I’m going to share with you seven digital tools to make combining travel and work even simpler.

1. VPN

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is your shield in against the bad guys online. If you have never used one here is how it works.

It helps protect your online privacy via a secures internet connection. So, if you are working in a cafe or hotel, it ensures you have a safe connection so no one can “sniff” your data and steal your passwords or bank details, for example.

On top of that, it can also give you access to geo-blocked content like certain TV channels or videos online. Or, it can help you pretend to be somewhere else when you are buying from certain stores that always seem to redirect you to your location web store.

Options include

• ExpressVPN
• NordVPN,
• CyberGhost

1. E-SIMs

Another one you might not be aware of is the good old eSIM. eSIM stands “Embedded Subscriber Identity Module” or embedded SIM card, might make more sense to you.

It’s a modern, digital approach to traditional SIM cards. And the likes of Apple and other big players have been allowing them on their phones for years (since the iPhone X).

Rather than swapping out physical cards every time you enter a new country, you can simply connect to a local network via an e-SIM.

The benefits are many:

• Ease of Use: With an e-SIM, switching between different network providers becomes a breeze, offering you greater flexibility.
• Space-Saving: As e-SIMs are embedded in your device, they save space and reduce the chance of losing or damaging physical SIM cards.
• Wider Coverage: E-SIMs offer wider global coverage, enabling you to access the internet in almost any part of the world.

I use a variety of Europe eSims when I am moving around the continent. Living in Switzerland means you don’t automatically get data roaming so eSims save me a load of money.

3. Portable Battery Packs

Ever headed out for the day and forgot to charge your phone or laptop?

Power is essential these days. And sometimes you just can’t get to an outlet. But, with a reliable portable battery pack, you will never be out of juice for your laptop, smartphone, or tablet again (and have to bed the barista for a plug!).

Brands like Anker and RAVPower offer high-capacity options that are compact and durable.

4. Cloud Storage

Gone are the days of carrying around a big disk to store everything that won’t fit on your computer. And likewise, running out of space on your computer does not have to be an issue anymore.

As a digital nomad, having reliable, accessible, and secure storage for your data is crucial. Cloud storage services like

• Google Drive
• Dropbox
• iCloud

allow you to store and access your files from any location, across various devices. I also use them to share things with my team and collaborate on various projects we are working on. Plus, they serve as a safety net in case of device theft or damage.

5. Travel Management Apps

If you travel as much as I do then you want to know what the best travel management apps are. Apps like TripIt can streamline your digital nomad lifestyle by

• helping with your travel itinerary
• tracking your flight status
• finding accommodation

And they have all that good stuff right in one interface ready to go on your phone.

6. Productivity Tools

Being as productive as possible is the key to a great life as a digital nomad. After all, you want to do things other than work when you are traveling the world.

So, keeping on top of your tasks is your number one goal. Productivity tools  and apps like

• Trello
• Asana
• Slack

help manage tasks and communicate effectively with your team. For personal productivity, consider tools like Evernote for note-taking, and Pomodoro timers for effective time management.

7. Digital Wallets

Last but not least, digital wallets are a game-changer for making transactions easier and safer when you are on the road. Although I am not a huge fan of it,  PayPal is great for such things. But, ideally, you will be using a built-in app like Apple Pay to pay as fast as possible and keep your credit card secure without having to carry it around all the time.

Conclusion

Being a digital nomad doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your work efficiency or personal comfort. With the right tools, including e-SIMs, you can ensure a smooth, connected, and productive lifestyle, no matter where your journey takes you. So go ahead, pack these digital tools in your backpack, and embark on your next adventure with confidence!