Most companies have historically resisted the idea of working remotely. However, with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, many have changed this line of thinking. By allowing their employees to work from home, businesses have managed to stay afloat. They’ve also discovered that remote work is a viable option for the future.

As more and more traditional offices transition to a work from home approach, growth in the use of technology has skyrocketed.  Companies have had to adapt to survive and, as a result, video conferencing, global data SIM cards and messenger apps have become popular.

 

Digital Nomad Visas

A handful of other countries have noticed the potential for having this type of foreign visitor on their shores. Some states and territories have introduced a special visa for digital nomads to facilitate this new trend of remote working. There have also been some destinations with tax incentives in place to allow foreign nationals to stay for longer periods of time.

They need to help boost their economies at a time when the tourism industry is suffering. Working remotely is the goal for both the digital nomad as well as these territories.

Here are a few destinations offering visas for digital nomads and remote workers:

• Antigua & Barbuda
• Barbados
• Bermuda
• Cayman Islands
• Costa Rica
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Dubai
• Estonia
• Georgia (a country between Europe and Asia, not the US state!)
• Germany
• Iceland
• Mauritius
• Mexico
• Norway
• Portugal
• Spain

Each of these locations has their own requirements for securing and maintaining the visa, so be sure to do your research before applying!

 

Top-notch Wi-Fi is Non-Negotiable

If you’re working on the road, squaring away your Wi-Fi situation is a vital first step. You can’t rely on Wi-Fi from coffee shops or libraries. Many businesses have closed or are operating at different hours. Some are not permitting dine-in altogether.

Make it a point to check with your hotel or Airbnb that the internet is speedy and reliable.  Don’t hesitate to ask for proof.  Like a screenshot from an internet speed test. Confirm that Wi-Fi won’t be a limiting factor while on your travels.

POND mobile offers global roaming services that make buying a SIM card for overseas travel easy and very affordable. Getting the best global travel SIM card for your smartphone is essential for digital nomads!

 

What to Expect Once Travel Completely Opens Back Up

Even though COVID hasn’t eased up quite yet, it’s important to remember this situation is temporary. And once things look better, the digital nomad workforce will be back and stronger than before. The desire to travel has only been magnified during this waiting period.

Digital nomad living will soon be mainstream, attractive, and attainable for most remote workers worldwide. Tourism may not be doing well now, but the future of travel is bright. Travelers will be able to choose a different path – of distributed work and global living.

 

The International Roaming Freedom Lovers

Digital nomads love freedom, so it’s important to take advantage of it. If you’re choosing this life, start cutting the cord. And don’t be afraid to let clients know when you’ll be offline. Charge your computer until it’s at 100%, then unplug. Once it dies, close the screen and enjoy where you are.

The best part of being a remote worker is the opportunity it offers to connect with other human beings–worldwide.

What is a Digital Nomad?

A digital nomad is essentially a remote worker. To be a remote worker you need a certain set of tools. These tools include: a computer, various applications, internet connectivity and a reliable way to stay in touch with your clients and/or superiors.

Selecting the right computer is easy. They are widely available in a variety of configurations. Platform selection, on the other hand, takes a bit more time. What works for one person may not work for others.

 

What Are Some Remote Work Platforms?

There are tons of platforms that can help you find work as a digital nomad, or just help you work from home if that’s what you would prefer. Some of the best jobs for digital nomads are copywriting, data entry, and transcribing. They are simple jobs that don’t require too much time and can help you freshen up your computer and typing skills.

Upwork is one of the most well-known freelancer platforms. This platform helps you find a job through its talent marketplace where potential employers can post a job and hire someone who meets the qualifications. Employers on Upwork hire for a variety of industries like sales, marketing, accounting, and graphic design. There is one downside to Upwork, however, which is its lack of a secure screening process. This leads to risks for both the employer and potential employees.

Fiverr offers free services to find freelance talent. The platform also offers protected payments, 24/7 support, and a premium business service. The Fiverr Business service connects employers to experienced freelancers. Using this service can help you manage teamwork and productivity. Some popular services employers on Fiverr are looking for are logo design, SEO, web development and WordPress experience.

Guru is another popular freelancer platform. It makes it easy for you to work online and it charges the lowest fees in the industry to maximize your profits. The platform also offers multiple payment options like fixed price, hourly, task-based, and recurring payment. The company hosts freelancers in industries like engineering, business, design, programming, education, and legal.

Toptal is by far the most secure freelancer platform. The platform hires the top 3% of its applicants and each applicant is rigorously screened and tested. Toptal is a good platform to try out once you’ve accumulated more experience and can get through the vetting process.

Searching through job boards like Indeed or Glassdoor is another great way to find remote positions. However, before securing a remote position, you want to make sure you have a reliable internet service. Finding a reliable internet connection and a cell phone that works worldwide with no issues can be pretty challenging.

 

What is a Reliable Internet Connection?

Having a reliable internet connection means being able to meet deadlines without having to worry about losing connection. It also means that your service will remain at a consistent speed. Finding a reliable internet connection globally can be difficult and cost you hours of research. POND mobile ensures the stability of your connection with its Internet Failover Service.

Losing your internet means losing business, which results in lost profits and productivity. With our Internet Failover Service, you will be provided with auto connection, advanced security, universal coverage, durability and reliability, and 24/7 product support.

 

What is World Phone Service?

In simple terms, world phone service is a phone service that works from anywhere in the world. Service is usually provided by a global telecommunications provider that supports GSM (Global System for Mobile communication).

When traveling, roaming costs are significantly higher if you are using a U.S. SIM. Some networks may even cut off your services completely if you’ve been out of the country for a certain number of days which can leave you scrambling. One solution is to purchase an international SIM card which can help you save money in the long run.

POND mobile offers a Global Data Plans which offers global roaming in 210+ different countries. We provide plans with fixed prices for all mobile communications worldwide. You can also use your existing number and add local numbers for over 90 countries, and the service provides Smart Caller ID so people you are communicating with will see your local number. All calls are given enhanced security and subscribers are given priority access to GSM networks and LTE worldwide.

The beauty of using POND mobile is that you will be able to have access to your work life in whichever country you choose to travel to.

 

Choosing a Country

As a digital nomad, you may work abroad for several months a year. You can earn an income while enjoying the quality of life other countries have to offer. This income may not earn you a comfortable living in some parts of the world, but you have the independence to choose which country you want to visit.

Some popular travel destinations for digital nomads are Thailand and Bali. Both countries have a relatively low cost of living and have numerous laptop and work-friendly spaces. Many countries now are also offering visas for digital nomads to gain back some profits lost with the COVID-19 pandemic. A few of the best countries that offer visas for digital nomads are Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Bermuda, Croatia, and Dubai. Each country has its own conditions regarding these visas, so make sure to read up on these before applying.

Being a part of the digital nomad lifestyle means that you can travel freely and work from anywhere. Selecting the country you want to visit and a platform are a small part of the journey. It’s important to be able to reach your clients and/or superiors effectively so that you can continue to travel and explore different cultures.

We can expect to see a great deal of change over the next few years as the world economy races to catch up to the digital nomad movement. For all of you aspiring or early-stage Nomads, hoping your transitions to the digital nomad lifestyle might be easy, keep reading. Make technology work for you. Digital nomads are remote workers who travel all over the world while working with their ultra-portable offices. Living and working on the move presents a host of challenges anywhere. Those challenges often mean more stress than wanted. Being able to receive calls while traveling overseas from a local domestic phone number is very important. International unlimited data and global roaming data is the standard for being more reachable by friends, family, and colleagues. Here is an essential tool needed to sustain yourself in your nomadic adventures.

The Importance of an International Sim Card

Traveling while working comes with a great set of responsibilities, but it doesn’t mean that you have to slow your productivity. A phone is a digital nomad’s lifeline. It needs to work wherever you go, which means you need a plan for roaming the globe. An international sim card gives you great convenience and flexibility when you are traveling. You stay connected with the world no matter where you are. Plug the international SIM card into your phone and you are all set to call, use data, text, and more. This type of SIM card rescues you from all the worries of having to change and set up phone service from scratch again and again.

The Pros of an International SIM Card

• – An international SIM card can be used on a phone to text, call, and use the internet.
• – Best in urban areas.
• – Flexibility to buy plans & packages
• – Sim cards don’t need any charging, though their connected phone does.

End the Need for Many SIM Cards

It’s essential to have the most convenient and economical option available for unlimited international roaming. POND mobile offers flexible roaming options for today’s global economy.

Smart SIM Card Benefits

• – Automatically connect to the strongest network signal, eliminating cellular dead zones.
• – Our extensive network of strategically spread out APN’s allows for minimal latency. Vastly improving user experience.
• – Ability to add a local SIM profile in various countries.

Global Roaming SIM Card Benefits

• – International call forwarding gives you a local presence wherever you are.
• – Virtual numbers cut international long distance charges in the countries that matter most.
• – The convenience of multiple local international numbers on one SIM card.

Our smart routing technology combines the power of many leading networks giving you the best coverage to keep you connected when traveling. This technology can also be utilized for Maritime, Remote Learning, Failover Service. No matter how connected you feel to your company, being a remote worker can be lonely. There are ways to preserve your well-being while abroad. Including a standing FaceTime or Skype date with family and friends from home. Or finding local meetup groups, and using meditation or fitness apps on your phone. And remember:

“Not all those who wander are lost.” — J.R.R. Tolkien

COVID-19 has significantly changed our lives. We hear all the time that the world has been changed and we may never get back to our “normal lives”. But what does this mean exactly? Everyone has concerns on whether traveling will continue to be affected in years to come. Experts within the tourist industry and specialists of tourist businesses predict the travel industry will recover this year and name a few potential tourist trends for 2021:

1. Workation: A combination of work and leisure

2. Booking at the last minute

3. Flexible bookings (with flexible terms for cancellation or change of booking)

4. Domestic tourism: When the residents of a country travel to different locations within that country

5. Eco-friendly travels: Following environmentally sustainable travelling methods

6. Safety and social distancing: Priority will be given to the reservation of apartments, villas, or anywhere where there isn’t large groups of people

7. Choice of transport: Priority will be given to private or rented cars

For a long time, we’ve been using planning and booking apps as our assistants for making travel plans. We’ve selected the top 7 travel apps (including international travel apps) based on expert recommendations and user reviews. These apps are also considered the best travel apps for iPhone.

1. Skyscanner

Skyscanner is already well known amongst frequent travel app users. It helps you plan and book your trip from start to finish. It can help you find cheap airline tickets, hotels on the leading booking services, and rental cars. Considering the current COVID-19 predicament, the app now offers a filtering option for airline tickets and hotels with flexible rates and free cancellation options.

2. Airbnb

Airbnb is the ideal app for those who prioritize home comfort and coziness in their travels. With the help of the app, you can find and book places at reasonable prices. One great thing about Airbnb is the range of options you can choose from. You can select a location based on your tastes, from a room to a villa, in 191+ countries all over the world.

3. TripAdvisor

Trip advisor is a widely known app. It can help you plan your trip by selecting an accommodation, identifying places of interest for you, and nothing locations that should be visited. All of this is done with the help of numerous recommendations and reviews left on TripAdvisor by fellow travelers.

4. App in the Air

App in the Air is like your own personal assistant. It will inform you about flight changes, register you on flights, and prepare statistics for all flights. With this app you can buy access to the business lounge for airports all over the world. App in the Air also supports Apple Watch.

5. Rome2Rio

Rome2Rio is another app that can be used to plan your trips. It will help you choose and plot your route. It will also give you estimated timetables for buses, trains, ferries, and flights which include travel times and ticket costs for 160+ countries.

6. Izi.TRAVEL

Izi.TRAVEL is your own personal tour guide. It has a collection of audio guides for 2000+ cities all over the world. It’s important to upload these audio guides to your phone before your trip to avoid high roaming costs.

7. Waze

Waze will give you real-time traffic updates on things like traffic jams, road construction, accidents, and potential dangers. If there is heavy traffic on the way to your destination, it will give you an alternative route to help you save time.

It is also important to stay in contact with your loved ones so you don’t cause any worry, and your colleagues so you can promptly solve issues and meet deadlines. POND mobile SIM cards will give you the security of a reliable connection. Our fixed rate plans and monthly subscription fees include voice calls, data, and SMS. With these elements, you don’t have to worry about roaming costs or having your SIM card blocked from overages.

The time when countries open their borders and frequent travel will start again is gradually approaching. While we wait for that to happen, we can start preparing for the numerous, inevitable trips we’ll be taking once it’s safe. We may be going on short or long trips, business or leisure. Regardless of the trip length or circumstance, there are many items that make traveling a lot easier and more comfortable. Here are a few examples of these travel accessories:

The Item Tracker. This tool can be attached to your keys, wallet, bag, luggage, or your pet’s collar.  The tracker will help you quickly find a lost item or pinpoint the location of your pet. It will also notify you if you’re out-of-range for the signal.

Universal Travel Adapter. Often, during foreign travels, you may come across different types of power sockets that your plugs may not fit in. With a universal adapter, this won’t be an issue. The adapter will fit in any foreign socket. Just plug in your items and you’re good to go!

Multi-tool Card.  This card is completely flat and looks like a credit card, but don’t let the look deter you! This handy tool can open boxes, envelopes, cans, and bottles. It also includes screwdrivers, a cord cutter, measuring tools, a nail clipper, and open and closed wrenches.

Wi-Fi Travel Extender. This is another great travel accessory for those who face the potential of weak Wi-Fi signal in their hotel. If the Wi-Fi only fully covers the hotel lobby, and barely reaches the room, getting a travel extender will benefit you greatly.

Smart Earplugs. We’ve all experienced loud or disruptive noises on a plane or train like snoring, noisy travelers, or children crying. Depending on the model, these smart earplugs can reduce noise by an average of 30 decibels. Some of them connect to a special app, and you can turn on music or nature sounds. There are also models with an alarm function that will only be heard by you.

Luggage Cover. These covers can be a very useful accessory for traveling. They protect the suitcase from dirt and rain, and most are washable. As a bonus, you’ll be able to quickly recognize your suitcase among thousands of others.

Add-a-Bag Luggage Strap. With this strap, you can attach a bag or backpack to the main suitcase. Doing so will free your hands from holding extra items.

Vacuum and Waterproof Zipper Bags.  Vacuum bags will help you save space and fit everything you need in your suitcase. Waterproof zipper bags will create order in your luggage and add additional protection for your clothes.

POND mobile SIM card. An international SIM card is also one of these useful travel accessories. If you choose to go the local SIM route, then you have to worry about finding and buying a new SIM in each travel location. On the other hand, if you choose to use your regular phone plan, you’ll get cut off for excessive roaming (and you’ll face high roaming costs). With POND mobile, we provide you with one SIM card that offers coverage in 210+ countries for a fixed monthly fee.

Each plan includes minutes for voice calls, data, and SMS. The cost remains the same across all countries as well. With our SIM, you’ll also get a U.S. number and the ability to add 1-5 local numbers for incoming calls for 90+ countries! With POND mobile, you’ll feel at home wherever you are.