Lifestyle

9 posts

"Digital Nomad" Reader Submissions|Themes and Methods for Submission Revealed at Once

Are you on the digital nomad journey? Are you trying freelancing, remote work, or entrepreneurship? We sincerely invite you to share your experiences and stories to everyone! I. Submission Themes Feel free to share under themes such as digital nomadism, remote work, freelancing, entrepreneurship, personal branding, media management, overseas work, etc.: 1. Your Work Experience and Skills E.g., freelancing techniques, personal branding strategies, overseas job hunting experiences, etc. 2. Introducing Various Digital Tools Beneficial for Work and Life E.g., effective digital tools for managing remote teams. 3. Methods for Improving Work Efficiency and Time Management E.g., overcoming procrastination, enhancing efficiency in online meetings, etc. 4. Essential Knowledge on Work Visas, Payments, Cross-Border Financial Flow, Contract Signing, etc. 5. Sharing Experiences of Living in Different Places and Local Customs E.g., sharing information about local prices, culture, safety, etc. For more themes and content, please refer to the articles on the Digital Nomad official website. II. Submission Format Please send your submissions to digitalnomad@ftpm.com.tw, with the email subject titled "Digital Nomad Reader Submission: Please Fill in Article Title," and provide "Self-Introduction" and "Submission Article." 1. Self-Introduction To help us understand you better, please provide a self-introduction of about 150 words. 2. Submission Article Word Count: 1000 words. Language: Chinese or English are both acceptable. Submission File: Please provide a Google.doc cloud link with editing permissions enabled. Image Format: If you wish to provide images, please attach them to the email in .jpg format, along with captions and image sources. If there are copyright concerns regarding the images you provide, we will not use them. Contact Information: You can include your blog or social media links at the end of the article. We will create hyperlinks so that readers can get to know you better through these links. Reader submissions are unpaid, and the Digital Nomad editorial team reserves the right to decide whether to publish them. Titles may be adjusted, and content may be edited, with your consent, before publication. Due to the high volume of submissions, we will reply to your email within two weeks. Digital Nomad hopes to be a platform for digital nomads to exchange ideas. Your articles will be featured in Digital Nomad, and we will also promote them through Facebook and Instagram to help you gain visibility and explore more collaboration opportunities. The Digital Nomad team also hopes to use this opportunity to collaborate more deeply with outstanding creators in various aspects. Welcome to submit and share your journey on the digital nomad path. We look forward to the opportunity to exchange and learn together.

April 12, 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

Capital of Digital Nomads! Why is Chiang Mai the Best Choice for Remote Workers?

Stepping into a café in Chiang Mai, you'll find it bustling with remote workers from all over the world. They order a cup of coffee, open their laptops, and begin remote work. Chiang Mai is often hailed as the 'Capital of Digital Nomads,' the premier destination for remote workers and freelancers worldwide. In numerous surveys conducted by media outlets and organizations, Chiang Mai consistently ranks among the top cities favored by digital nomads. Many newcomers to the digital nomad lifestyle choose Chiang Mai as their first stop, and even seasoned digital nomads find themselves drawn back to this city time and again. But why is Chiang Mai so popular? Here are five key reasons that explain why! 1. Low Cost of Living Living in Chiang Mai comes with a remarkably low cost of living. According to statistics from Nomad List , the overall monthly living expenses in Chiang Mai are approximately $980 USD. When it comes to accommodation, you can typically find high-value hotels ranging from $7 to 15 USD per day. Apart from hostels, there are also co-living spaces, short-term apartments, and even upscale condominiums with amenities like swimming pools and gyms available for $320 to 650 USD per month, offering a comfortable living experience. For more detailed pricing information, you can refer to NUMBEO. 2. Safety Chiang Mai boasts excellent safety ratings. In the NUMBEO "Safety Index by City 2024" survey of 333 cities worldwide, Chiang Mai ranked 22, surpassing Singapore at 23 and Tokyo at 25. 3. Abundant Leisure and Entertainment Options Apart from its rich natural and historical attractions, Chiang Mai offers a vibrant nightlife scene. In addition to night markets, numerous bars attract travelers and digital nomads from around the world to socialize and enjoy drinks. Furthermore, many digital nomads organize activities such as sightseeing, jogging, rock climbing, and even boxing, providing ample opportunities for networking and sharing experiences. In Chiang Mai, there's never a shortage of things to do after work! 4. Excellent Working Environment Often dubbed the "Capital of Digital Nomads," Chiang Mai boasts a friendly environment for remote workers, with both reliable internet connections and conducive workspaces. Many cafes offer stable Wi-Fi and power outlets, while numerous coworking spaces, some of which are open 24 hours, cater specifically to digital nomads. Additionally, many accommodations provide dedicated office spaces and meeting rooms for digital nomads, ensuring that finding a place to work is never a concern. 5. Digital Nomad Networking Chiang Mai attracts digital nomads from around the globe, providing ample opportunities to meet and connect with individuals from different countries. Here, you can exchange experiences, seek advice on unfamiliar topics, and build friendships with fellow digital nomads. There are also various digital nomad communities and groups on social media platforms dedicated to Chiang Mai, offering insights into local life and facilitating networking opportunities. Whether you're a novice or seasoned digital nomad, a visit to Chiang Mai, Thailand, is definitely worthwhile! -- Follow the Digital Nomad Facebook fan page and stay updated with more recent articles on Instagram (@digital.nomad.press)!

February 22, 2024

Vegetarian-Friendly! Top 10 Cities for Vegetarian Digital Nomads Worldwide

Being a digital nomad is not just a work style but can also be seen as a "lifestyle." Nomads work, eat, drink, play, and enjoy life in this lifestyle. However, when it comes to eating, some may worry: "What if I'm vegetarian? How can I know if a place is vegetarian-friendly and offers a variety of choices?" To address this concern, The Vegan Review, a website sharing vegetarian-related information, has listed the ten most suitable cities for vegetarians to experience the nomadic life. Let's take a look at them! Asia 1. Taipei, Taiwan In 2017, CNN selected Taipei as one of the "Top 10 Vegetarian-Friendly Cities" globally; in 2023, the "World Vegetarian Population Survey" pointed out that Taiwan's vegetarian population ratio reached 13% (about 3.2 million people), ranking third worldwide. For vegetarian nomads, Taipei is undoubtedly one of the best options! 2. Chiang Mai, Thailand Chiang Mai, often considered an ideal nomadic spot, is also an excellent choice for vegetarians. Moreover, in this affordable city, you can enjoy a rich and delicious selection of vegetarian options without breaking the bank. (Photo from iStock) 3. Canggu, Bali, Indonesia When thinking of Bali, many picture beautiful beaches and a relaxed lifestyle. However, like Chiang Mai, Bali is a hotspot for nomads, offering far more vegetarian options than one might expect! 4. Singapore As one of the "business hubs" in Asia, Singapore attracts workers worldwide. It embraces various cultures and dietary habits so that vegetarians can handle a lack of options. Europe 5. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain Las Palmas has various vegetarian options, catering to raw vegans (who do not consume animal products and high-temperature cooked food) and those on a gluten-free diet. This ensures everyone finds something that meets their needs. (Photo from iStock) 6. Prague, Czech Republic When it comes to Prague's cuisine, many might first think of meat-heavy traditional dishes. However, in recent years, the number of vegetarians in Prague has increased, making it one of the cities friendly to vegetarians. 7. Lisbon, Portugal Like Bali and Chiang Mai, Lisbon is a globally renowned digital nomad city. It attracts workers worldwide and offers a diverse range of vegetarian options. 8. Berlin, Germany Speaking of Germany, many might first think of dishes like pork knuckles or other meat-centric meals. However, in recent years, Berlin's vegetarian population has increased with the influx of immigrants, and in 2015, it was even named the "Vegan Capital of the World" by an American food magazine. Astonishingly, the city also boasts the world's first "Vegan Avenue," Schivelbeiner Strase, offering a rich selection of vegetarian dining options and "animal-free" lifestyle products. America 9. Portland, Oregon, USA Portland is known for embracing various lifestyles, and vegetarians will find themselves worry-free here. Besides the rich vegetarian options, the city hosts the world's first Vegan Mall, allowing for an effortless enjoyment of diverse cuisines. (Photo from iStock) 10. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Although less popular than other Mexican cities for digital nomads, this tranquil place offers convenient internet, reasonable living costs, and a rich selection of vegetarian options that ensure the food always energizes you. Why not visit and see for yourself? -- Follow the Digital Nomad Facebook fan page and stay updated with more recent articles on Instagram (@digital.nomad.press)!

February 22, 2024

Japan Mitsubishi Estate Residence Plans to Build 10,000 Housing Units for Digital Nomads

Tokyo Mitsubishi Estate Residence plans to operate 10,000 rental housing units by 2030 for foreigners intending to stay in Japan for one month to one year, targeting so-called digital nomads. The real estate company recently entered into a licensing agreement with Blueground Holdings, based in the United States, specializing in such accommodations. Blueground operates 15,000 rental housing units in 32 cities worldwide, catering to foreigners and others through subleasing arrangements. This marks the first time such a service will be available in Japan. In Japan, the service will be operated by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Estate Residence. Rental properties primarily located in the Tokyo metropolitan area will be subleased and furnished with beds and furniture for foreigners. These properties will be available for booking in English through the Blueground reservation system online. The company's app also provides lifestyle advice for residents in the area. Initially, properties will be offered in Tokyo's central areas familiar to foreigners, such as Shibuya and Shinjuku. Rental prices are expected to range mainly from ¥300,000 to ¥500,000 per month (approximately US$2,100 to US$3,500). Mitsubishi Estate Residence began operating rental apartment businesses through another subsidiary in 2019, mainly targeting young foreigners, currently managing approximately 700 units. The collaboration with Blueground will attract a wider age group, aiming to increase the total number of rental units for foreigners to 10,000 by 2030. The company plans to develop this into a business with sales of ¥20 billion and operating profit of ¥3 billion. Mitsubishi Estate Residence anticipates demand not only from foreign executives and employees staying in Japan but also from digital nomads. Digital nomads refer to individuals who work using information technology and can change their place of residence regardless of location, typically switching residences every few months. They range from freelancers to corporate employees. According to data from the travel information website A Brother Abroad, there are an estimated 35 million digital nomads globally. Some believe this number could reach 1 billion by 2035. Many digital nomads have high incomes, making international competition for them fierce. For example, Estonia and Taiwan have introduced special visas designed for them. The Japanese government has expressed its intention to improve the environment to attract such visitors, including establishing new special visas and residency statuses. In its 2018 investment strategy document, the government set out activities to welcome and support businesspeople, professionals, digital nomads, and other high-skilled workers. According to data from the Ministry of Justice, the number of such workers staying in Japan has tripled over the past decade, with approximately 400,000 as of the end of June. -- Follow the Digital Nomad Facebook fan page and stay updated with more recent articles on Instagram (@digital.nomad.press)!

February 20, 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

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

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

Reservation Available! No Time Limit! 4 Cafes Digital Nomads MUST Visit in Taipei

We all know that the quality of our work environment is closely linked to our work state and outcomes. In a work environment with many distractions, producing high-quality results takes a lot of work. Some digital nomads rent 'co-working spaces,' while others prefer working in cafes, enjoying a relaxing, focused, and unique atmosphere. However, only some cafes are suitable for work. Some have few power outlets, others impose a two-hour time limit, and some don't accept reservations, often leading to the frustrating situation of arriving and finding no available seats and then having to spend time and energy searching for another cafe. In this article, the editor of Digital Nomad will reveal four favorite cafes in Taipei where you can make reservations, find plenty of power outlets, enjoy stable internet and without time limits. Each has its unique features, and who knows, maybe you'll find your favorite among them! 1. Joco Latte At the bustling intersection of Minsheng East Road and Fuxing North Road, hidden on the ground floor of a building, there lies a discreet industrial-style coffee shop named Joco Latte. Inside the cafe, not only can you find freshly ground and brewed coffee and excellent Taiwanese teas, but also a variety of chocolate beverages that are relatively rare in other shops, such as 72% from Venezuela, 70% from Santo Domingo, and 70% from Tanzania. If you're looking for a special cafe with a variety of food choices, and a quiet atmosphere, you definitely shouldn't miss Joco Latte! Joco latte 02-2501-8809 No. 4, Ln. 88, Sec. 3, Minsheng E. Rd., Zhongshan Dist., Taipei City ( MRT Chungshan Junior High School Station) Tue.-Thu. 12:00-21:00 / Fri. 12:00-22:00 / Sat. 10:30-22:00 / Sun. 10:30-21:00 ( Closed on Mon.) (Photo by Minyu Chung) (Photo by Minyu Chung) 2. Triangle Garden Cafe If you're more enchanted by old houses and woodworking than the industrial style, then Triangle Garden Cafe may be more to your taste. In addition to essential work amenities like power outlets and Wi-Fi, the owner has lovingly curated a unique environment. Coupled with a diverse selection of food options that rival the previous cafe (offering coffee, tea, honey-based drinks, and a variety of homemade desserts), it's sure to provide a tranquil and cozy atmosphere for all the working patrons, allowing them to maintain a sense of calm while staying focused. 角公園咖啡 Triangle Garden Cafe 02-2556-1773 2F., No. 131, Taiyuan Rd., Datong Dist., Taipei City (MRT Chungshan Station) Mon.-Fri. 10:00-18:00 / Sat.-Sun. 10:00-20:00 (Photo by Minyu Chung) (Photo by Minyu Chung) 3. Youmoutoohana Coffee Located in the convenient Dongmen shopping district, Youmoutoohana Coffee is also one of the coffee shops suitable for digital nomad to work. The environment is bright, and with most customers being students quietly using laptops or reading, it often feels like you're in a library. If you're the type of digital nomad who benefits from a more structured environment, why not pay a visit to see if this place is your hidden gem of a cafe, where you can focus without the same level of restraint as in a library! 羊毛與花 ‧ 永康 Youmoutoohana Coffee 02-2358-3153 1F., No. 12, Ln. 37, Yongkang St., Da’an Dist., Taipei City ( MRT Dongmen Station) Mon.-Sun. 11:00-22:00 (Photo by Minyu Chung) (Photo by Minyu Chung) 4. Sugar Man Cafe "The coffee shops above are good, but they don’t match my daily routine!" If you are a night owl type of digital nomad, who likes to sleep in and then work all the way into the night, then you must not miss the Sugar Man Cafe located near Guting Station. In addition to its most significant feature of staying open until 4 am, the shop also offers dumplings and Japanese-style fried noodles that are well-known to regulars, allowing you to easily satisfy your hunger and continue working, without the need to run around just to fill your stomach. Sugar Man Cafe 02-2396-9980 No. 87-1, Sec. 1, Heping E. Rd., Da’an Dist., Taipei City Mon.-Sun. 11:00-04:00 (Photo by Minyu Chung) (Photo by Minyu Chung) We have introduced four coffee shops above, where reservations are possible and the environment is suitable for work. Is there anywhere that makes you want to visit right away? If you wish to know more about coffee shops in Taipei that are conducive to work, beyond those mentioned above, we also recommend that you check out information collaboratively compiled by netizens on Cafe Nomad. It will help you find a comfortable and efficient haven for your digital nomad life in Taipei! Bonus! At the end of this article, I’d like to share a secret cafe with you. Though you can’t make reservations in advance, but trust me, you won’t regret after leaving home earlier and giving it a try! 5. 樓上的嬉皮與笑臉男 (Smiling Jesus On the Roof) If you fancy a place filled with books, CDs, and movie posters reflecting an artistic and youthful style, then 'Smiling Jesus On the Roof' located on the second floor of an apartment near the Technology Building Station is bound to suit your taste. With daylight streaming in through large windows and the room basked in a warm, yellow light at night, this shop, brimming with atmosphere, is a secret workspace often frequented by many digital nomads. 樓上的嬉皮與笑臉男 2F., No. 157, Sec. 2, Heping E. Rd., Da’an Dist., Taipei City Mon.-Fri.,Sun. 14:00-22:00 / Sat. 14:00-24:00 (Photo by Minyu Chung) (Photo by Minyu Chung) -- (This article is translated by the Digital Nomad editor group.)

December 12, 2023