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2024 Rankings: The Best Countries for Digital Nomads - Portugal 6th, Argentina 2nd, Who Takes the Top Spot?
According to Forbes statistics, as of the end of 2022, over 40 countries globally have introduced "digital nomad visas," welcoming digital nomads to visit. If you aspire to embark on a digital nomad journey, working with a laptop while exploring various corners of the world, and you are unsure about the best destination, VisaGuide.World has evaluated countries based on visa regulations, internet speed, tax systems, cost of living, and tourist popularity, etc. The top 10 countries globally that are the best for digital nomads in 2024： Spain Argentina Romania United Arab Emirates Croatia Portugal Uruguay Malta Norway Andorra NO.1 Spain Spain has consistently been a popular choice for digital nomads. Besides its pleasant weather, fast internet, and lower cost of living compared to other Western European countries, non-EU citizens applying for a digital nomad visa can reside in Spain for one year, potentially bringing their family along under certain conditions. After one year, the visa can be extended up to five years. Digital nomad visa holders also enjoy some tax incentives. NO.2 Argentina Located in South America, Argentina is loved by digital nomads for its low cost of living and beautiful scenery. Holding an Argentine digital nomad visa allows for a six-month stay, with the option to extend, and no requirement to pay local income tax. NO.3 Romania Romania, situated in the Balkan Peninsula in Europe, allows non-EU citizens to apply for a digital nomad visa, enabling them to live in the country for one year, extendable for another year. With a very low cost of living in European terms and no need to pay local income tax, Romania is a major attraction for digital nomads. NO.4 United Arab Emirates The United Arab Emirates, located on the Arabian Peninsula and consisting of seven emirates, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Dubai has recently introduced a digital nomad visa. Foreign digital nomads can live in Dubai for one year without having to pay income tax. Exceptional healthcare services and a high standard of living also draw many foreign talents. NO.5 Croatia Croatia, situated in Southeastern Europe with its breathtaking Mediterranean landscapes, is a sought-after destination for many digital nomads. Non-EU citizens can apply for a digital nomad visa, allowing them to stay in the country for up to one year, with a low cost of living and no requirement to pay local income tax. If you dream of Mediterranean living, Croatia is undoubtedly an excellent choice. The sixth to tenth positions, in order, are Portugal, Uruguay, Malta, Norway, and Andorra. If you are interested in information about digital nomadism in these countries, you can visit VisaGuide.World or use the website Nomad List. Nomad List provides information on living costs, climate, network quality, safety, and more for cities worldwide, serving as a reference for choosing your digital nomad destination. -- Responsible Editor／Amanda Chiu Follow the Digital Nomad Facebook fan page and stay updated with more recent articles on Instagram (＠digital.nomad.press)！
January 5, 2024
Digital Nomad in Chiang Mai! 8 Recommended Shared Spaces
Many novice digital nomads choose Chiang Mai as their first destination for remote work. Not only is the cost of living low and the city safe, but it also offers abundant leisure and entertainment options, making it a favorite among digital nomads. Read more：Capital of Digital Nomads! Why is Chiang Mai the Best Choice for Remote Workers? Therefore, this article will recommend 8 places in Chiang Mai that are suitable for digital nomads to work and live. The Social Club The Social Club is a hotel located in Chiang Mai, offering complimentary WiFi, air-conditioned rooms, private parking, and room service. Digital nomads can utilize indoor and outdoor shared workspace, meeting rooms, and enjoy complimentary coffee and tea from 9 am to 9 pm. 在 Instagram 查看這則貼文 The Social Club - Coliving & Coworking Space（@thesocialclub.asia）分享的貼文 Punspace Punspace is located in the heart of Chiang Mai's old city, close to many cultural landmarks and eateries. It offers high-speed internet, comfortable desks and chairs, coffee machines, shower facilities, lockers, and other amenities, allowing you to focus on your work. Punspace also fosters a friendly community where you can network and collaborate with people from diverse fields. 在 Instagram 查看這則貼文 Punspace（@punspace）分享的貼文 Yellow Co-Working Space Yellow Co-Working Space is a shared workspace focused on Web3 and blockchain, providing digital nomads and remote workers with communal and private office spaces, meeting rooms, event areas, soundproof Skype rooms, YouTube media rooms, and other modern amenities, entertainment zones, and collaborative facilities. 在 Instagram 查看這則貼文 Yellow Coworking（@yellowcoworking）分享的貼文 Alt_ChiangMai It's a shared space that combines accommodation with workspaces conveniently located downstairs. The venue is clean yet not overcrowded, making it easy to meet many digital nomads here. Regular activities such as yoga, ice baths, and travel excursions are organized, facilitating interaction and learning with people from different countries and fields. 在 Instagram 查看這則貼文 Alt_ChiangMai（@alt_chiangmai）分享的貼文 Akha Ama Phrasingh It's a café located in the old city of Chiang Mai. While it's not a shared workspace per se, many digital nomads still come here to work because of the free charging and WiFi. With two seating areas spread across two floors, it's suitable for both work and leisure. In addition to coffee, they offer various desserts and tea, providing you with a cool sanctuary amidst the heat of Chiang Mai. 在 Instagram 查看這則貼文 Akha Ama Coffee Roasters（@akhaamacoffee）分享的貼文 Life Space Located in the heart of Chiang Mai, this place offers convenient transportation. There are spacious and bright work areas, quiet reading rooms, fast and stable internet, complimentary coffee and tea, comfortable sofas and hammocks, as well as a small garden. You can enjoy the freedom and flexibility of working here. Additionally, they provide multi-person meeting rooms, with regular meeting rooms accommodating up to 4 people and a training room accommodating more than 10 people. 在 Instagram 查看這則貼文 Life Space（@lifespaceth）分享的貼文 One Workspace One Workspace offers digital nomads shared workspaces, meeting rooms, event spaces, and virtual offices. There's also a café called Tora Bake, serving delicious coffee and pastries, allowing you to relax during breaks from work. 在 Instagram 查看這則貼文 OneWorkspace_Chiangmai（@oneworkspace2021）分享的貼文 Hub53 Although Hub53 is located further away from the old city, it offers affordable prices and amenities such as a shared kitchen and laundry room. The shared space has everything you need, and there are user-exclusive groups where you can organize outings and activities. 在 Instagram 查看這則貼文 Hub53 Coworking & Coliving（@hub53coworking）分享的貼文 -- Follow the Digital Nomad Facebook fan page and stay updated with more recent articles on Instagram (＠digital.nomad.press)！
February 23, 2024
Podcast "Digital Nomad" ｜Entrepreneur Zoey: Worrying but Never Taking Action, the Success Rate is Zero!
Have you ever thought about what your ideal life looks like? Many people often complain about the monotony and lack of freedom in their 9-to-5 lives, but they rarely think about what kind of life they truly desire. They may know that they aspire to a certain lifestyle but seldom take steps to change it. After all, the concept of an "ideal" life sometimes remains a mere thought, as we find it difficult to achieve or believe that change is possible. In the episode 425 of "JB' Small Talk," we are excited to have Zoey, the host of the podcast 「佐編茶水間」, as our featured guest. Through bold trial and error, Zoey has managed to bring her ideal life to fruition. Even before graduating from college, Zoey had set "remote work" as her career goal. She started from hybrid work to remote work, working for companies in Taiwan and South Korea, and finally moved to the United States to establish her personal brand. Currently residing in the U.S., Zoey is a self-made entrepreneur, sharing content related to "personal brand management," "remote work," and "design thinking" through her brand 「理想生活設計」、Podcast 「佐編茶水間」. She has authored two books, 《啟動遠距工作，設計你的理想生活》、《工作必須有錢有愛有意義！》, sharing her experiences in remote work and digital nomadism, with monthly income over $3000. Reflecting on her journey, Zoey acknowledges that the path to digital nomadism and remote work was challenging, marked by trial and error. However, she adhered to Elon Musk's words: "If you don't try, the probability of success is absolute zero." Zoey relied on taking action to explore more possibilities in her career. You Don't See The Opportunity Doesn't Mean It Doesn't Exist While studying fashion design in college, Zoey, attending night classes, experienced the 9-to-5 work life during the day. It became clear to her that she didn't enjoy the restricted office life. Even then, she contemplated the possibility of remote work in her future. In her senior year, Zoey started taking freelance projects, using her design skills to create logos and websites. This experience confirmed her love for the flexible work model. However, freelancing posed the challenge of unstable project sources. Upon entering the workforce, Zoey explored whether Taiwanese companies offered remote work opportunities. Remote work wasn't a popular concept in Taiwan at the time, especially eight years ago when it was not as prevalent as it is now. Zoey, who had interned in New York and witnessed the remote work culture in the U.S., knew that such opportunities were often found in foreign and startup companies. In Taiwan, she began her search in these two directions. During this period, Zoey worked part-time, took on freelance projects, and searched for a job. However, things did not go as smoothly as she had hoped. She faced the practical challenge of finding remote work in her field of "design," which wasn't as straightforward as she anticipated. Undeterred by the challenges and unwilling to compromise due to practical constraints, Zoey didn't give up. Instead, she explored different possibilities. She smiled, saying, "Just change your approach if the road is not turning where you want it to." Zoey took inventory of her other skills. Throughout, she enjoyed writing articles, observing new knowledge, and had operated a blog for some time. Content marketing became another viable option. Ultimately, Zoey found a job at a Taiwanese startup in the tourism industry, where she could work remotely for a few days each week. Later, she was fortunate to discover a part-time position as a remote visual designer for a Korean company through PTT. Though it wasn't a full-time remote job, Zoey proved that finding remote work in Taiwan was not entirely impossible. If You Don't Take Action, The Success Rate Is Absolute Zero In 2017, circumstances led Zoey to move to the United States with her significant other. She negotiated with her Korean employer to transition from part-time to full-time remote work, finally realizing her long-desired fully remote job. However, the story didn't end there. Zoey embarked on another endeavor — entrepreneurship. After work, she started brainstorming her personal brand and recorded her podcast, 「佐編茶水間」 exploring various monetization possibilities as a side gig. Unfamiliar with advertorial at the time, Zoey began by affiliate marketing，recommending products to her audience. If someone made a purchase based on her recommendation, she earned a commission. Zoey also turned her expertise in design thinking into online courses. Surprisingly, her first online course received positive feedback, earning her $4,000. Rather than immediately quitting her full-time job based on this one-time success, Zoey invested the earnings in upgrading her equipment. It was only after the success of her second online course that she decided to leave her job and fully commit to her personal brand. A successful person cannot be too reckless, placing all bets on one throw, nor can they be too timid, too rational, because being overly rational means not daring to do anything. Throughout her journey, Zoey continuously validated the possibilities of each path. She said, "While you spend time worrying about whether what you're doing is right, is a waste of time, you should also know that if you don't take action, it(the success rate) is absolute zero." Many people fear failure, but Zoey believes that although making a wrong decision may consume time, energy, and money, these concerns are not unfounded. However, making a mistake in one decision doesn't determine your entire life. Bold trial and error can open up more possibilities. Today, Zoey has realized her vision of an ideal life. If you want to learn more about Zoey's journey in practicing full remote work and digital nomadism, along with detailed examples, just check the episode 425 of "JB' Small Talk" . -- Follow the Digital Nomad Facebook fan page and stay updated with more recent articles on Instagram (＠digital.nomad.press)！
February 9, 2024
Taiwan "Employment Gold Card" for Digital Nomads：Steps on How to Apply for It
For many digital nomads, Taiwan is an ideal destination with its pleasant climate, friendly people, and delicious cuisine. However, one of the significant concerns for these individuals is obtaining a visa. Currently, Taiwan does not have a dedicated visa for digital nomads, and many rely on regular stay visas, allowing a maximum stay of only 90 days, which is insufficient for those accustomed to longer stays in one location. To retain these high-skilled talents, boost tax revenue, and stimulate the consumer market, the Taiwanese government introduced the "Employment Gold Card" in 2018, a card with functions similar to a digital nomad visa. What is Taiwan's Employment Gold Card? The Employment Gold Card is valid for 1 to 3 years, depending on the applicant's preference, with the option to reapply upon expiration. All application procedures can be completed online without the need for physical documents or external consultants, private institutions, or companies. Employment Gold Card Application Requirements The Employment Gold Card is a document that consolidates work permits, residence visas, foreign resident certificates, and re-entry permits into one, providing eligible foreign talents the flexibility to freely seek employment, work, and change jobs during its validity. Applicants must have a monthly salary of at least NT$160,000, which can be from foreign or domestic income. Relevant proof documents must be provided and reviewed by the Ministry of Labor. Professionals with high skills in 11 specific fields, meeting the respective conditions for each field: Technology、Economy、Education、Culture and Arts、Sport、Finance、Law、Architecture、National Defense、Digital、NDC Special Case Review。 Application fees: Note that application fees differ for those holding U.S. passports, both applying abroad and after entering Taiwan! For U.S. passport holders applying abroad: NT$6,460 for one year, NT$7,460 for two years, NT$8,460 for three years. For U.S. passport holders applying after entering Taiwan: NT$3,700 for one year, NT$4,700 for two years, NT$5,700 for three years. For holders of passports from other countries: NT$3,700 for one year, NT$4,700 for two years, NT$5,700 for three years. Residents of Hong Kong and Macau: NT$3,100 for one to three years. How to Apply for the Employment Gold Card 1. Register and Fill out the Application Form First, create an account on the Foreign Professionals Online Application Platform website. After creating an account, be sure to fill in all required information, using the same format as your passport when entering Taiwan. 2. Pay the Application Fee After completing the application, you will receive an email with a 12-digit application number. Save this number for future inquiries or contacting customer service. Next, use your credentials to log in again, click on the "Online Payment" tab, and pay the application fee. Note: The Taiwanese platform does not support China UnionPay cards or American Express cards. Online payments only accept JCB, VISA, and MasterCard credit cards, and no refunds are provided after payment. Once payment is complete, the case enters the review and verification stage. 3. Review and Verification The Taiwan Ministry of the Interior's Immigration Agency will review the data you submitted, and the process takes approximately 20 working days. Plan accordingly if applying upon arrival in Taiwan. After approval, applicants will receive an automated approval notification email. You are required to submit your passport for inspection at the Consular Affairs Bureau or the representative office of the Republic of China (Taiwan) that you selected. Submit the passport along with the passport submission notice received via email. The verification process takes about one week, after which you will receive an email notifying you that your Gold Card application has been approved. 4. Collect the Gold Card If applying within Taiwan, download the electronic receipt from the online application platform and bring it, along with your passport, to the service center of the National Immigration Agency for card collection. For those applying from other countries, enter Taiwan with the "Republic of China Employment Gold Card Overseas Approval Certificate." You can find this certificate in the "Downloads" section of the application platform. Be sure to print this document in color for it to be valid. Benefits of Applying for the Employment Gold Card 1. Taxation: Digital nomads in Taiwan without any personal or business interests are exempt from income tax for the first 183 days of stay. For digital nomads whose salary is not from Taiwan, it can be tax-free. Foreign workers coming to Taiwan for the first time enjoy a direct halving of taxes on amounts exceeding NT$3 million in annual salary for the first five years. 2. Healthcare: Taiwan's healthcare is affordable and widely accessible, providing a significant advantage for digital nomads planning to temporarily depart from their home country's healthcare system. Digital nomads residing in Taiwan can join the National Health Insurance after six months of obtaining their resident permit. However, Employment Gold Card holders employed in Taiwan or in positions with Taiwanese employers and self-employed individuals are exempt from the six-month waiting period and can directly enroll in the National Health Insurance for themselves and their dependents. In summary, Taiwan's Employment Gold Card partially addresses the absence of a dedicated digital nomad visa. If you meet the criteria, consider embarking on a digital nomadic journey in Taiwan! -- Follow the Digital Nomad Facebook fan page and stay updated with more recent articles on Instagram (＠digital.nomad.press)！
January 24, 2024
The Downsides of Digital Nomadism! 3 Real Challenges You Should Know
Leaving the office behind and taking only your computer, the world becomes your workspace. This digital nomad lifestyle has long been an aspiration for many, offering a blend of work and life where individuals no longer feel like cogs in a machine but instead have greater control over their lives. But did you know? Many digital nomads eventually choose to return to conventional workplaces. There's a plethora of struggles shared by digital nomads online, shedding light on the reality of their journey, which might not always align with the romanticized image. If you're considering embarking on a digital nomad lifestyle, it's worth understanding the three main challenges frequently encountered by digital nomads. 1. Long-Term Career Development Before diving into digital nomadism, your first thought might be about your career. Planning for long-term career development has long been a concern for those interested in committing to the digital nomad lifestyle, and perhaps it's the most crucial issue. If you have a clear career plan and are still an employee of a company, merely offering your expertise through remote work might alleviate some of the stress. However, some choose to leave their current jobs altogether to pursue freelance work or create their own brands while diving into digital nomadism. This decision often brings to the forefront the issue of unstable income. Can your financial situation handle the uncertainty of project availability and fluctuating income? Moreover, how will this freelance work or brand development contribute to your long-term career growth? These are questions you must contemplate. Many digital nomads leave traditional employment structures to work on a freelance basis or establish their own brands. However, when they encounter career roadblocks or struggle with unstable and slow salary growth, they may become more anxious and ultimately choose to return to traditional workplaces. If you're interested in this topic, you can refer to "Stable Job vs. High-Paying Freelance: Which Is a Better Career Choice?" to help you think through your decision. You can also listen to the "Digital Nomad" series on the podcast "JB's Small Talk." We've interviewed many digital nomads who share their experiences on how to start digital nomadism and plan for long-term careers, which could be valuable references for you. 2. Work Isn't Necessarily Easier Many assume that digital nomadism involves leisurely working at a beachside café while enjoying the ocean view, with thoughts of playtime after work. However, the reality is often quite different. Digital nomads still have work to do, and often the workload is similar to or even greater than when they were employed in a traditional office setting. Without effective time management skills and with constant distractions from the desire to travel, tasks may remain unfinished or not done well. Business matters can also interrupt leisure time during travel, leaving them with a sense of being pulled in two directions. When traveling to different locations, digital nomads may also have to adjust to different time zones to accommodate various companies or clients, leading to further confusion in balancing work and life. Many digital nomads share in online communities that the work pressure of digital nomadism isn't necessarily lower. Some even have to deal with the instability of freelancing or entrepreneurship, making the overall experience not necessarily easier. This is one of the reasons why some ultimately return to traditional workplaces. If work is equally demanding, they might as well return to the stability of a traditional job. In digital nomadism, time management skills are especially crucial. You can refer to articles on time management, which may be helpful to you. 3. Sense of Isolation The digital nomad lifestyle may not be as joyous as you imagine, with the opportunity to make friends from around the world through travel. Since most digital nomads work remotely alone, even if they're employees of a company, they may not be very familiar with their colleagues due to long-distance work. When encountering problems or seeking someone to talk to, it can be challenging to find someone, leading to a profound sense of loneliness. While traveling and working, you may meet other digital nomads along the way. However, these encounters are often fleeting, making it difficult to form deep friendships. Some digital nomads establish communities to connect with others, work together, and maintain contact. They may also organize regular workshops to share experiences. Therefore, before embarking on digital nomadism, consider joining such communities. Not only will you meet more digital nomads, but you'll also build connections. You can also refer to the article "Remote Work Socializing: 7 Ways to Never Be an Outsider Again" to help you make friends more smoothly. These are the realities behind the digital nomad lifestyle shared by many digital nomads. Before starting your journey, evaluate whether your situation is suitable for digital nomadism and seek advice from other nomads, which will be more helpful to you! -- Follow the Digital Nomad Facebook fan page and stay updated with more recent articles on Instagram (＠digital.nomad.press)！
February 22, 2024
3 Strategies for Successful Online Meetings/Interviews: Showing Your Professionalism on Camera
Online meetings and online interviews have become more popular than ever. Since COVID-19, many teams have been turning to online meeting software for meetings and interviews. Mastering the skill of presenting yourself professionally on camera can significantly improve first impressions and enhance interview success. Software Testing: Don't Lose the Battle Before It Starts. A Backup Plan Helps Peace Your Mind Each company has its preferred online meeting software, so you should carry out these 3 checks in advance. Download the specified online meeting software: Don't wait until just before the meeting to realize the other party requires specific software. Update to the latest version: Always make sure your software has been updated. Also, it's wise to have the required online meeting software installed on both your phone and computer as a backup. Have an alternative connection plan: Options like Google Meet, which doesn't need a prior login or even a phone number, are ideal choices. Being well-prepared can show the other party that you are well-prepared and will help ease your anxiety before the meeting or interview. Clothing and Visual Preparation: The Art of Displaying "Professionalism" on Camera Research shows that first impressions are formed within the first 45 seconds of meeting someone. The moment you turn on your camera, you're being evaluated. The following 3 preparations can boost your impression score: Collared shirts are better than collarless, and sleeved tops are preferable to sleeveless. These choices enhance your professional image. If your wardrobe lacks this type of 'work uniform,' investing time in finding one is a good idea, as it will save you the hassle of deciding what to wear before meetings. A clean background is crucial; avoid showing your bed and wardrobe. Even if others know you are working from home, having a bed and wardrobe in the frame can create a 'homely' feel, which should be avoided. Maintain some distance from the camera. It's best to show your hand gestures during conversation: According to research, 55% of communication is non-verbal. Keeping a distance from the camera and allowing your hand movements to be seen can help express your message precisely. Furthermore, You can rehearse with trusted friends before the meeting or interview and record it, allowing you to identify any blind spots and optimize your on-camera image. Avoid Noise for Smooth Communication Once the meeting or interview kicks off, unexpected noises can mess up the communication quality and others' first impressions of you. The following 3 tips can help prevent noise interruption. Mute your phone and turn off app notifications: During the meeting, app notifications or personal messages can mess up the conversation quickly, which should be avoided. Use earphones: This ensures that both parties can hear each other clearly. Keep family and pets away from disturbing: Pick a quiet room, close the door, and inform your family in advance to avoid unexpected interruptions. This helps your online session run smoothly and leaves a positive impression. Building trust in the workplace starts with these small details. As mutual trust grows, future collaboration becomes smoother! -- This article is reprinted from：Farry H（article） （This article is translated by the Digital Nomad editor group.） Follow the Digital Nomad Facebook fan page and stay updated with more recent articles on Instagram (＠digital.nomad.press)！
February 5, 2024
Stay with a Fixed Rate Every Day in Tokyo! Try the Hotel Booking Website "HafH"
When it comes to digital nomadism, which city comes to your mind first? Many might think of Lisbon, Bali in Indonesia, or Chiang Mai in Thailand. However, according to statistics from Nomad List, in 2023, Tokyo, Japan has surpassed numerous cities worldwide to become the fastest-growing hub for digital nomads. In response to this trend, the Japanese government is also planning to launch a digital nomad visa in March 2024. Suppose you're planning to experience the digital nomad life in Japan, besides keeping track of visa information, you might want to get acquainted with the subscription-based hotel booking website "HafH", which has seen increasing popularity in Japan recently. HafH, short for "Home away from Home", is a Japanese subscription-based hotel booking website. Unlike traditional booking methods, where room prices fluctuate significantly based on weekdays, weekends, and seasons, HafH offers users a fixed rate for accommodation every day if they participate in a monthly subscription plan. By subscribing, users can access a consistent price regardless of the date. They can stay at any of HafH's partner accommodations worldwide. Furthermore, as the subscription months increase, users can attain different levels of VIP status, leading to discounts ranging from 5% to 10% on subsequent bookings. A stable price helps plan nomadic expenses more accurately and saves costs on specific accommodation options. HafH collaborates with over 2,000 accommodations in more than 30 countries, with the highest concentration in Japan, followed by South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand. How Does This Service Work? Who Is It Suitable For? HafH officially started supporting Traditional Chinese in October 2023, catering to users in Taiwan and the global Chinese-speaking community. The current subscription plan is priced at $49.99 per month (approximately NT$1,558), offering users 200 HafH Coins monthly, which can be used to book accommodations on the website. Additionally, users can purchase extra HafH Coins through their accounts utilizing a credit card. The cash price for purchasing HafH Coins is: $25 (approximately NT$780) for 100 HafH Coins. The monthly limit for additional HafH Coin purchases is 6,000 (1,000 for the first subscription month). HafH provides over 120 accommodation options in Tokyo, spanning a wide price range from 75 HafH Coins per night (approximately NT$575) for a youth hostel to over 3,000 HafH Coins per night (approximately NT$23,034) for a luxury hotel. Comparing the prices on HafH with those displayed on individual accommodation websites, it appears that staying at specific accommodations through HafH is more affordable. When calculated every month, considering the long-term subscription VIP discounts, significant savings can be achieved. However, it's important to note that some accommodations may be cheaper when booked directly through their official websites or other channels. Therefore, before deciding to use HafH's subscription service, it's recommended to browse their website to confirm if the desired accommodation offers a cost advantage through HafH. In addition to considering cost-effectiveness, users should be aware that HafH has a monthly limit of 6,000 HafH Coins for additional purchases. Therefore, if you intend to book accommodation for an entire month using HafH, the accommodation cost per night must be restricted to within the range of 200 HafH Coins. On HafH, you can experience unique and comfortable youth hostels within this price range, providing opportunities to connect with travelers worldwide and expand your network. Suppose you prefer staying in business hotels and having independent spaces, even though HafH may not cover your entire month's accommodation. In that case, you can try "accumulating points for accommodation." For example, by saving the HafH Coins received each month with the subscription plan, after three months, not only will you accumulate 600 HafH Coins, but you'll also be eligible for a 5% discount on room rates, allowing you to exchange them for a few nights at a higher-end hotel without additional expenses. One of the youth hostel options available on HafH: unito CHIYODA. (Photo from HafH official website) One of the hotel options available on HafH: HOTEL GRAPHY NEZU. (Photo from HafH official website) Another hotel option available on HafH: HOTEL GRAPHY NEZU. (Photo from HafH official website) However, the most cost-effective way to use HafH depends on your accommodation needs. For those accustomed to long-term stays within a particular hotel system, accumulating memberships with specific hotel groups or taking advantage of credit card promotions is more economical. In conclusion, before embarking on your digital nomadic life in Tokyo, consider the above information and evaluate whether HafH's services suit your needs. For more detailed usage information, such as the platform's mechanism allowing "free cancellation up to the day before" and the option to apply for "membership dormancy" if there's no immediate need for usage, you can visit the FAQ section on the HafH website. Additionally, you can contact them and ask questions through HafH Taiwan's official LINE account or their Instagram. You Can Also Book Hotels in Taiwan on HafH Apart from being used to book accommodations during your stay in Japan, when HafH officially started its services for Taiwanese users in October of last year, it also announced partnerships with 150 accommodations in Taiwan. Unlike the diverse choices available in Japan, the focus in Taiwan initially leans towards collaborations with high-end hotels. Options include Regent Taipei, Palais de Chine Hotel, The Lalu Sun Moon Lake, Eslite Hotel, and Mandarin Oriental Taipei. Additionally, there are more affordable choices like the Just Sleep series, Green World Hotels, and City Suites. You can also use HafH to stay in their partner accommodations in Taiwan or other countries. -- Follow the Digital Nomad Facebook fan page and stay updated with more recent articles on Instagram (＠digital.nomad.press)！
February 7, 2024
Work Remotely at Sea! Try "Cruise Nomadism" for a New Life
With the push of modern technology, remote work has become a trend. Many digital nomads, whose work is primarily remote, are constantly searching for places that can inspire creativity and provide a comfortable environment. And now, cruise ships might become a new option for these individuals. Why might cruise ships become a new choice for digital nomads? Cruise travel offers many advantages, including a one-stop accommodation, transportation, and dining solution. It also allows you to visit multiple cities or countries in one trip, enjoying everything from beautiful fjords and spectacular volcanic views to charming beaches. Moreover, cruise ships can reduce the hassle of arriving in new cities. With facilities like gyms, gourmet restaurants, and swimming pools on board, you can visit new cities when the ship docks. You can return to the ship if you can't find a suitable restaurant ashore or wish to exercise. This way, you can enjoy the nomadic lifestyle while benefiting from the comfort and convenience of cruise facilities. However, the internet is a significant reason why cruise ships have yet to be a choice for digital nomads. Because mobile phones can't receive signals in the vast sea, far from land-based towers, cruise ships offer paid internet and phone services, but they use satellite signals, which are expensive and sometimes unstable. According to an interview by Business Insider with cloud engineer Ryan Gutridge, who nomads on cruise ships, WiFi quality directly affects work efficiency. The Italian Costa Cruises' parent company has announced that all its ships have installed Starlink as the onboard WiFi system, which will significantly reduce the problem of unstable signals. Starlink, a low-orbit satellite system launched by the space services company SpaceX, provides high-speed internet globally, whether on land, mountains or at sea. Starlink satellites orbit the Earth about 300 miles above the surface; this shortened geostationary orbit increases internet speed and reduces latency, effectively meeting the internet needs of digital nomads. But with hardware issues resolved, what should you consider before starting a cruise nomad lifestyle? 1. Choose the Cruise Line Carefully According to The New York Times, a Turkish company, Miray Cruises, announced a bold plan in March 2023. They launched a cruise called "Life at Sea," promising to travel worldwide in three years and establish a maritime community. Passengers on this cruise could use the onboard Starlink internet to experience a global digital nomad lifestyle. However, after the announcement, although half of the cruise's cabins were immediately booked, by December, the owner of Miray Cruises announced in an interview the cancellation of the "Life at Sea" cruise plan due to insufficient funding, preventing them from building the ship as initially claimed. This undoubtedly disappointed those looking forward to the project, with many asking for refunds, which were delayed. Therefore, if you want to experience cruise nomadism, it's best to research and read reviews about the cruise company before departure to avoid bad experiences. 2. Evaluate Financial Situation According to Business Insider, Ryan Gutridge mentioned that the introductory ticket price for the cruise is $30,000. Still, he received many discount schemes from the cruise company's membership program, such as consumption credits and free internet. He calculated that his expenses on the ship were almost equal to what he would spend renting an apartment in Florida, including garbage disposal fees. However, he still prepares an online financial form every year, recording all his expenses to clarify his financial situation. 3. Maintain a Routine Ryan Gutridge states that working life on the ship requires as much self-discipline as on land. From Monday to Friday, he maintains his routine, works in the morning, eats a healthy diet, avoids sweets, and regularly goes to the gym, limiting alcohol consumption to weekends. Additionally, some services, such as computer repair, may not be available on the cruise, so it's necessary to identify related sites on land before the ship docks. Making efficient use of the time ashore enhances the nomadic experience. Cruise nomadism opens a new door for those seeking freedom and adventure. Facing the future, those longing to live and work at sea can look forward to a more convenient and comfortable journey. With each voyage, they leave footprints on the map, exploring and discovering themselves in the vast ocean of life, enjoying every moment. -- Responsible Editor／Jeremy Lee Follow the Digital Nomad Facebook fan page and stay updated with more recent articles on Instagram (＠digital.nomad.press)！
February 20, 2024
Stable Job vs. High-Paying Freelance: Which Is a Better Career Choice？
This time, I’m going to answer a question from a reader, Xiao Jing (pseudonym). Her letter is as follows: -- Dear Joe and Bryan, Hello! Whenever I am lost and doubtful, I always habitually search for articles from "Darencademy" . I am also a loyal listener of "JB’s Small Talk", thank you for sharing beneficial things; I have genuinely gained a lot. I have a doubt in my heart that I have been hesitating for a long time.I am an office worker and also a mother of two children. Because I have no professional skills, I have been engaged in administrative jobs for many years, receiving a fixed salary. My monthly salary is about NT$ 30,000 and overtime pay is calculated separately. Last year, by chance, I started a freelance job. This job is very similar to tutoring, where customers are introduced through a platform, and I negotiate hours with customers and go to their homes to provide teaching and guidance. Since the pay is quite good, where I can actually receive NT$ 400 to 500 per hour, I have taken cases part-time on holidays. At present, I find it very interesting and fulfilling, and customer satisfaction is also high, with many customers booking the next teaching service. However, I can only take cases on holidays, so the actual hours are not many. And usually, because I have a full-time job, I can only use the time outside of work to read books and improve the knowledge and abilities needed for freelance work. Therefore, I started to think about whether to quit my full-time job and devote myself to freelance work. I have made a preliminary evaluation myself: I like the simplicity, regularity, and content of my full-time job, and I get along well with my colleagues, but the salary will not grow, and I cannot have enough time to accumulate freelance experience. In terms of freelance work, I like its flexibility and high hourly pay, and I also have time to take care of my family. But if I devote myself to freelancing, I am very worried whether the income is stable enough to support family expenses, and whether my body can handle running around and teaching for a long time. Moreover, for such a job change, I also have to face the unpredictable risks after stepping out of my comfort zone. I like both jobs very much, but each has its pros and cons, and I don’t know how to choose. Facing such a problem, how should I set evaluation criteria? Can both teachers give me some advice? Xiao Jing -- In response to Xiao Jing’s question, that is, "Should I give up a stable, low-paying job and engage in unstable but high hourly paid freelance work?" As usual, I will not give a standard answer directly because my knowledge of some details in her life is limited. It’s difficult to directly suggest choosing A or B. However, through this article, I want to provide some of my thought processes to give everyone facing similar issues some references. First, before choosing between two jobs, the most fundamental thing is to consider the following two questions. Question One: Do You Like This Job? No matter which job is chosen, whether you like the job is a crucial prerequisite. Because if you don't like a job, even if it pays well, it will be hard for you to be fully invested and enjoy doing it well. You might ask: "Can’t I do a job that I don’t like?" Yes, you can, but there are only two situations where I think the job can still be done even if you don’t like it. First, you might not like the job, but you are very good at it and can easily complete it. This way, at least you can get economic returns and a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, the economic returns of the job are incredibly high, for example, the job allows you to feel super worthwhile and forget the parts you don’t like. Encountering these two situations, I think you should just go for it! After all, there can be significant returns in accomplishments and salary. However, for most people, there are actually few opportunities to encounter such situations. Therefore, I still recommend everyone to choose a job they like. Question Two: What Exactly Are You Pursuing in Your Work? Everyone has their own goals when going out to work. For instance, some people might not be after the salary but rather look to make friends, while some hope to achieve a balance between work and life. I think there is no right or wrong in these pursuits. However, you need to delve deep into your heart. During the work process, what is the most important thing that you gain from investing a month or a day of your time? This can help clarify what goals you want to pursue in your work. Whether you choose a stable, low-paying job or unstable, high hourly paid freelance work, or even when choosing any job, the above two questions are fundamental things we should consider to help understand what we want. When you know what you are seeking, you can move on to the next stage of consideration, evaluating whether to give up a stable job to choose freelancing. In particular, although freelancing seems to offer a high hourly wage and flexible hours, I believe two things still need to be assessed: First, the Long-Term Nature of the Work Compared to regular full-time jobs, freelancing is generally more unstable. For example, you might initially think that due to inconsistent client sources, it cannot maintain stability for a long time. But I suggest you should think further ahead what is the long-term demand for this freelance job? For instance, if you are tutoring, helping students with physics or math, and if there are no significant changes in the education system or curriculum, perhaps you can do this job for a long time. However, if the knowledge you are teaching now is a short-term trend, like many people doing Podcasts in recent years, you might think you can teach people how to record programs, purchase equipment, etc. This year, there might be people wanting to learn, but next year or the year after, Podcasts might go out of fashion, and then nobody will want to take your class. So, you still have to evaluate whether the content of this freelance job has long-term demand. Second, Financial Considerations Let's do a simple calculation. If your current full-time job pays NT$ 30,000, plus freelancing on holidays, you can earn NT$ 40,000 a month. However, suppose you fully commit to freelancing and earn an hourly wage of NT$ 500. Working 80 hours will give you NT$ 40,000. Eighty hours are equivalent to 10 working days. If your freelancing is stable and legitimate, then in about 20 working days a month, you could earn NT$ 80,000. However, many freelancing jobs, despite seeming to offer a high hourly wage, might still involve many hidden costs. For example, commuting costs might be incurred when you travel to different tutoring students' homes. Moreover, some tutoring platforms might also take a commission from your earnings, among other considerations. These are all crucial factors because they imply that even if you work full-time, there will be an upper limit to the hours you can freelance. Next, the stability of your clientele is, of course, a critical consideration in deciding whether or not to switch to full-time freelancing. So, if financial factors are crucial in your consideration, I would suggest you test it gradually. Wait until the freelancing work is stable, and the financial aspect is comparable to your full-time job or at a level you can accept before considering committing full-time to freelancing. Lastly, I would like to discuss a concern mentioned at the end of Xiao Jing's letter, which is "stepping out of the comfort zone might encounter unpredictable risks." Let’s reconsider the concept of the "comfort zone." Many people might feel that working in a company for 20 years, with familiar supervisors, colleagues, and mastering the job, is their comfort zone. But I don't think so. I believe the "comfort zone" refers to an environment that you can fully grasp and control. However, there is actually no permanent comfort zone in life; instead, you should continually strive to expand the boundaries of your comfort zone. What does this mean? Think about it. You are currently engaged in an administrative position, which seems stable, but suppose one day your boss wants to replace you with someone younger and lower-salaried, you are forced to leave the position, and it's no longer your comfort zone. Especially, the replaceability in administrative jobs is high; you can’t fully assure everlasting security in this position. If you suddenly consider freelancing when forced out without preparation, it implies instability in your situation. But if you start preparing now, embracing it with a part-time mentality, building a reputation, optimizing processes, and considering how to gain a more stable clientele, then over one or two years, as you gain more control over the freelancing work, it becomes your next comfort zone. When the comfort zone of your full-time job crumbles, you’ll still have another comfort zone to turn to. Moreover, sometimes what you consider a comfort zone is not genuinely "comfortable." For instance, in your original family home, you may be accustomed to your room, bed, etc., and unwilling to leave. However, without autonomy, where parents might storm into your room in anger, it’s not truly comfortable; it's just that you are used to it. I've always believed that "autonomy" is crucial within a comfort zone. Imagine moving out and living independently as you grow older. Although initially, there are adjustments and numerous matters to handle yourself, once you step out, the new home becomes your new comfort zone where no one can disturb you. You can play video games until midnight or do whatever you want, extending your autonomy and controlling the situation. That’s true comfort. When you continuously expand your comfort zone while maintaining autonomy, that’s when you can genuinely thrive for the long term! You can also accompany this article with our Podcast show "JB's Small Talk". -- Narrator／Joe Chang ；Editor／Amanda Chiu (This article is translated by the Digital Nomad editor group.)
December 5, 2023
Amazon Ad Manager Jessica Exclusive Interview | How Should Remote Workers Deal with Bosses Who Love Con-Calls?
Since 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic has swept the world, and the high transmissibility of the virus has made remote working the new norm. However, in Asia, this new working model also faces new challenges. Meaningless progress meetings, frequent online check-ins, and even occasional phone disturbances have disrupted work rhythms, leading to delays in progress. What's worse, the feeling of being monitored all the time adds a lot of pressure when working. Jessica currently works at the well-known e-commerce company Amazon, serving as a senior sales strategy and operations manager for advertising. She is responsible for data analysis and strategic planning for advertising business. During the pandemic, she worked remotely for up to two years and has had remote working experiences in companies in China, Taiwan, and the United States. Therefore, we have specially invited her to share her observations and how to adapt to the remote office culture in Asia. "Enterprises in Asia tend to be more process-oriented," Jessica said. In the United States, the work culture leans more towards a responsibility system. As long as you can complete the tasks within the deadline, managers and bosses don’t really mind whether you are online during working hours. For example, Jessica shared a situation when working remotely in the United States, where a colleague would be offline for one to two hours every working day because she had to pick up her children from school. Sometimes, due to traffic jams during the pick-up, the offline time would be even longer. However, in the working culture of Asia, even if you can deliver results on time, managers still hope that you stay online during work hours, allowing them to follow your work and project status at any time. In other words, they expect you to stay online all the time when working remotely. Even if communication software does not have to be on call all the time, it is still necessary to maintain an online status, as this is the only way they can ensure that you are actually solving problems. “In the past when we were in the office, we would hold a progress meeting once a week, but after starting remote work, the supervisor suggested changing the progress meeting to be held every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.” Jessica believes that, generally speaking, most enterprises in Asian countries tend to be more process-oriented. This trend stems from Asian leaders' lack of trust in employees. They believe that as long as employees are not supervised by managers, they will definitely be lazy. Even in foreign companies in Asia, or foreign managers working in Asia, under the influence of Asian culture, they still hope to see employees obediently staying in one space on call during working hours. So, how do we reduce this kind of situation? First of all, we need to understand the reasons behind the excessive questioning behavior of managers. The Root of Distrust Comes from the Opacity of Information As mentioned earlier, the reason many Asian companies adopt a process-oriented approach is due to the distrust of higher-ups towards the grassroots. This sense of distrust actually stems from anxiety about a lack of transparency in information. When working in the office, supervisors or bosses can find you at any time, and can constantly check on your work progress and whether the current results meet their expectations. However, when working remotely, the inability to communicate face-to-face in real time can easily make them feel a loss of control over the progress. They fear that the project may be delayed due to employees slacking off, or that they may only discover that the results do not meet their expectations at the final stage. Not only would the previous efforts be wasted, but the cost of subsequent modifications could also be significant. So, what should we do if we want to reduce managerial interference and alleviate anxiety caused by opaque information? "Proactive reporting" would be a better approach. Key Points and Framework of Proactive Reporting Proactive reporting refers to preparing a "work progress and results report" in addition to regular progress meetings. The content of the report must include three key points: 1. Completed Projects This Week This part is mainly a simple report of the achievements of this week. We can discuss what problems have been solved and what tasks have been completed this week. If there are closed cases or data reports, they can be attached to the email for the manager to review. 2. Ongoing Projects This Week Here, we can briefly mention the progress of the tasks underway this week. It's not necessary to detail how much percentage of each task has been completed, but we can mention what stage we are currently at, and whether there is a need for the manager to provide assistance. If there are difficulties or bad news, we can also explain the situation in the message. For example, if the project is delayed, the client increases requirements, or there are errors in data verification, we can let the manager know. This way, the manager will know that we will not only report good news but also know how to provide help. 3. Tasks to Be Carried Out Next Week Finally, we can tell the manager about the tasks we plan to carry out next. If resources are needed, they can also be proposed at this time to let the manager know. This not only allows the manager to understand the work progress but also plan the resource allocation in advance. Building a sense of security forms a virtuous cycle You might wonder: "The boss will actively hold meetings to ask questions, why do I still have to take the initiative to report?" Although progress meetings are held every day, such meetings usually involve the entire department, and everyone takes turns reporting what they do every day. However, the boss may not remember all these routine reports. Therefore, our weekly reports actually serve as a record of individual daily progress meetings, with integrated information value. Moreover, taking the initiative to report seems to increase the workload, but it provides an excellent opportunity to shape one’s image when working remotely. When you proactively provide project progress every week, not only can it reduce the insecurity felt by leaders due to lack of information, but it also allows them to develop an impression of you as someone who "continuously solves problems" and "continuously creates value." Over time, this will generate a sense of trust, and when better opportunities arise, they will naturally think of you first. In fact, whether it is remote work or working in the office, managers' anxiety about information has always existed. However, when working remotely, because they cannot see the working conditions of employees, this anxiety may turn into doubt, leading to intense scrutiny. However, if we choose to proactively provide information to make up for this information gap, then their monitoring intensity will naturally be reduced, thus forming a virtuous cycle. -- (This article is translated by the Digital Nomad editor group.)
December 7, 2023
Targeting High-Tech Talent! Canada Plans to Introduce Digital Nomad Visas in 2024
Thinking of experiencing the digital nomad life in Canada with its distinct four seasons? According to the latest announcement from the Government of Canada, this dream might have a chance to come true as early as 2024! According to the latest statements from the Government of Canada, the country plans to officially launch a digital nomad visa program in 2024, inviting global digital nomads, especially those in the tech industry, to settle and live in Canada. Previously, digital nomads wishing to live in Canada mostly relied on tourist visas, with a maximum stay of 6 months each time. However, with the introduction of the digital nomad visa, holders may stay in Canada for up to 3 years. Based on current information, individuals interested in applying for this visa may need to prepare insurance certificates, financial proof, and a list of family members accompanying them for the application to the Government of Canada. Targeting High-Tech Talent! Experience First, Settle Later Sean Fraser, the Minister of Immigration for Canada, pointed out that the Government of Canada hopes this program will attract the favor of tech talents and address the local tech industry's workforce shortage. In an interview, Fraser stated, "For those who are interested in trying to live in Canada, our digital nomad visa program will be an excellent opportunity. If they want to stay after the visa expires, we also welcome them with open arms." Open Government Attitude, but Will Talent Come? However, despite the open attitude of the Government of Canada, is Canada equipped enough, both in terms of software and hardware conditions, to attract digital nomads to settle? In the minds of many digital nomads, Canada, with its beautiful natural landscapes and thriving urban centers, has always been one of the ideal destinations. In 2022, a report from the UK ranked Canada as the best country globally for digital nomads to settle, considering factors such as internet speed, cost of living, and remote job opportunities. Hold Off on Packing for Now If you have already started planning your trip to Canada, you might need to hold off for a bit. Currently, the details of the plan are limited, and some disclosed information has raised concerns in the community. One concern is that the government's prioritization of high-tech talents may significantly limit the number of successful applications. After all, digital nomads are not solely composed of tech professionals; there are also those in marketing, media, and online tutoring. Furthermore, even if high-tech talents are willing to consider Canada as a destination, the salary gap might lead them to choose the United States over Canada. According to data from the job site Randstad Canada, the average annual income for Canadian tech talents is around $74,000 (approximately 2.3 million TWD), while in major U.S. cities like New York and San Francisco, their average annual income can be as high as $130,000 (approximately 4.04 million TWD), highlighting the existing salary gap. Additionally, tax and social welfare mechanisms applicable to digital nomads are also aspects that require waiting for more details from the Canadian government. Digital Nomad Visa Launch ≠ Immediate Departure Masha Sutherlin, Director of Service at HR software provider Deel, also reminds that even if the Canadian digital nomad visa program officially launches in the future, digital nomads should not expect to depart immediately. "Just because a country announces a visa program for digital nomads doesn't mean the government has the ability to process all applications promptly," Sutherlin pointed out. "This is a very novel visa type, and many countries have underestimated the resources required to handle a large number of applications." Sutherlin also added that some countries, like the UAE, have the ability to respond to applications within a few weeks, while others, like Portugal, have longer processing times, "possibly ranging from 3 months to 1 year." Stay Patient, Use Time to Reflect on Personal Needs The Government of Canada states that they will reveal more details in the coming months. While waiting, Sutherlin also advises digital nomads intending to go to Canada to be patient and take the time to reflect on what their ideal lifestyle is. "After all, not every country is like Canada, proposing a digital nomad visa program with a comprehensive plan to help those who want to stay obtain permanent residency." References: A Guide to Canada’s Digital Nomad Visa Canada just launched a new digital nomad program—here’s what you need to know Canada’s digital nomad program could attract tech talent – but would they settle down? -- Responsible Editor／Samuel Follow the Digital Nomad Facebook fan page and stay updated with more recent articles on Instagram (＠digital.nomad.press)！
January 29, 2024
Remote Work Socializing: 7 Ways to Never Be an Outsider Again
When I started working remotely, I was alone most of the time, whether working from home or traveling. Except for phone calls or video conferences, I hardly ever spoke to real people throughout the day. As a result, socializing in remote work became something I had to pay close attention to, otherwise, I easily got lonely. As remote work becomes more prevalent, I've also started noticing that more and more people are facing this issue. So, in this article, I will share with you some methods and platforms for remote workers to socialize. This way, even if you don't have colleagues around, you can still make new friends and expand your social network. What Are the Methods for Socializing in Remote Work? 1. Working at a Co-working Space A co-working space is usually a large building rented by a company or group and converted into a workspace suitable for various needs. It includes private offices for different numbers of people and open public spaces. Most of these spaces require a fee, but some offer trial work days for free. For me, a Co-working space has always been an easy place to meet people. You can bring your business cards, and you might just have the chance to meet some impressive individuals and find unexpected collaboration opportunities. To find out if there are any co-working space in your area, you can Google "Co-working Space + your location", or check out the following platforms: WeWork : Suitable for people in the USA or small startups of four or five people. The monthly rent isn't cheap, starting at around $300, but the facilities are luxurious and fully equipped, almost like a second home! Workfrom : One of my favorite websites, where you can select features like "open late" or "quiet". It also allows you to detect the nearest coffee shops or workspaces based on your location. Nomads list : In addition to searching for cafes and workspaces, this platform offers great online networking and chat features, as well as new arrival guidelines for settling in a new country. Meetup : Here, you can find a variety of free and paid events based on personal interests. However, it's not widely used in Taiwan yet. Eventbrite : Similar to Meetup, but with more paid events. It also sells tickets for theater shows and concerts. This platform is more about finding workshops, talks, and courses than social gatherings. 2. Arrange to Work Together in a Café You can find many groups on Facebook like "Taiwanese in the USA", "Taiwanese in Singapore", "Taiwanese Working in France". These groups are a great way to find friends when you are traveling and working and want someone to chat with. Just post in the group stating where you are and how long you'll be there. You might get a response, and then the two of you can quickly arrange to meet at a café to chat and work together. This is a method I really like. Since both parties have already initiated contact online, it's less awkward when meeting in person, and the pressure of making friends is somewhat reduced. 3. Initiate Casual Conversations with People Working in Cafés You can also think of it as a kind of approach. In the United States, people are accustomed to talking to strangers. Just by making small talk, you can quickly learn about each other's work, interests, where they live, etc., greatly increasing the chance of forming a deeper connection. It's even possible to arrange to hang out or work together later. For the shy Taiwanese, this might require a bit of boldness, but it's definitely a method worth trying. If you're unsure how to start, you can discreetly observe what the other person is doing on their computer, what they're holding, or simply take in the surrounding environment. These are all great starting points for quickly engaging in a conversation. 4. Make Friends in Your Field Through Online Groups If you're more interested in making work-related friends, it's best to connect with people in the same field. You can visit specialized professional groups like LinkedIn", "Women Who Code Taipei", "Graphic Designers of LA", "Photographers in Berlin" to find peers in your profession. These groups have already done a first level of filtering, leaving only those related to your work nature and professional field. They are great for finding potential collaborators or clients. Communication tends to be easier and more targeted with these people due to the similarity in field and work nature. 5. CouchSurfing CouchSurfing, literally meaning sleeping on someone's couch while traveling, is a concept often described more elegantly as "staying for a night". There are increasingly more platforms facilitating connections between hosts and travelers. By setting your preferences online, you can find local residents willing to let you stay with them. Most people registered on these platforms are also keen on meeting new friends. Unless your host is very busy and often out for work, you usually have plenty of opportunities to chat with them, share meals, or even visit nearby tourist spots together. This often leads to strong connections, and it's common to stay in touch after a CouchSurfing experience, as both parties have invested meaningful time in each other. 6. Stay in Hostels or Backpackers' Inns When you travel, if you choose not to do CouchSurfing, you will inevitably need to find a place to stay. In this case, affordable youth hostels or backpackers' inns are good choices. You won't be the only traveler there; you might meet many people from Taiwan or from around the world. Just like point three, take the initiative to strike up conversations with others, using the surroundings or what they're doing as conversation starters. This can easily open up connections between people. Even if you're not staying at such places, their lobbies, lounges, dining areas, or workspaces can also be great spots to facilitate chats. If you want to make friends, don't keep yourself locked up in your room. 7. Attend Offline Seminars or Workshops If you're looking to meet friends who enjoy learning, attending offline seminars is definitely the quickest way. Remember, many people stop learning after leaving school, so those who make time in their busy work and daily life to attend offline seminars or workshops likely have a strong desire for self-improvement. If it's a workshop, there might even be group activities, which automatically give you something to talk about with strangers. Working together to complete a task can also quickly warm up your relationship!" Remote Work Socializing Activities in Taiwan We have discussed 6 ways you can try remote socializing, but most are suitable for the USA or places outside Taiwan. If you're a remote worker who only stays in Taiwan, I have compiled 3 especially active methods in Taiwan where you can find many events for socializing. 1. ACCUPASS Accupass is a very famous event ticketing website in Taiwan, as far as I know. The events listed there are both free and paid, with prices varying depending on the scale of the event. From my own experience, there are many free or low-cost events that are rich in content. There's a wide variety of events available all over Taiwan. Accupass has a lot of offline seminars and online courses. If you love learning, prioritizing events here usually won't disappoint. The updates are quick, covering both networking and learning opportunities. (Click here to visit) 2. Facebook event The number of events on Facebook is also noteworthy. You can find all sorts of events there by setting filters for category, location, and time. This allows you to immediately list all the events you might be able to attend. However, a downside of Facebook events is that the information provided is often sparse. You might need to visit the official website or follow the links provided by the organizers for more detailed information and registration methods. From my observation, there are more volunteer activities on Facebook events, which could be a priority if you prefer volunteering. (Click here to visit) 3. Remote Taiwan This is the best remote workers' community in Taiwan that I've seen so far. The group frequently hosts related seminars, shares experiences of remote workers, and discusses the latest trends in remote work. You can interact a lot with everyone there and take the initiative to get to know others. As mentioned in point 4 above, this platform has already filtered through its members for you. It shouldn't be hard to find like-minded individuals who resonate with remote work for networking. The rest is up to how you engage in conversation. (Click here to visit ) Your Part in Remote Work Socializing Currently, my main method is still working in coffee shops. I've met many people in cafes, some of whom I had great conversations with but never saw again; and others with whom I only spoke for a few minutes, but we exchanged phone numbers and later found we clicked well through messaging. I believe whether or not someone becomes a friend requires the right timing, location, and people. While we can't control timing and location, I think we can at least take responsibility for half of the people aspect. This means we need to take the initiative to connect with others. The other half is out of our control, dependent on whether the other person reciprocates. The key in socializing is to relax and not be too purpose-driven, focusing mainly on "getting to know the other person." I believe there's a direct correlation between human happiness and healthy social interactions. Moderately interacting with others can contribute to your mental and physical well-being. Meeting people from all over the world, and having connections wherever you go, is one of the best aspects of working while traveling. I hope today's sharing has been helpful to you. -- This article is reprinted from：理想生活設計 (article) (This article is translated by the Digital Nomad editor group.)
December 5, 2023