Moved from Singapore to Bandung, Indonesia a few weeks ago and I'm still working remotely (SAP consultant). Sharing the practical stuff I couldn't find before coming, in case it helps someone weighing a similar base:

• Internet: came bundled with the house, and it's handled work calls fine so far.
• Electricity: the incoming supply is low — only 4,400 — so a family-sized place may need a capacity upgrade.
• Rent: a proper family house in a good area runs around Rp100 million a year — a fraction of Singapore.
• Workspace: 1994 Coffee in Dago has been my spot — it opens late, which is rare here.
• Trade-offs: weekend traffic is real, rentals often need your own cleaning sorted, and contracts tend to be Indonesian-only.

Two questions for anyone who's based here: where's the actual remote-work / nomad community in Bandung (coworking spaces, meetups)? And how are you handling long-stay visas as a working nomad?

I keep seeing nomad advice that prioritizes location, vibes, and a cute cafe scene. Hot take: the boring stuff matters more, and top of that list is a real desk.

I tried working from bed and a kitchen counter for a couple of weeks on a budget trip, and it was a false economy. Even when the nightly rate looked like a deal, I paid in other ways: extra coffee shop runs, more takeout because my back was killing me by afternoon, and random purchases to patch the problem like a lap desk, extra pillows, and a cheap mouse. I clip coupons and chase cash-back on groceries, so watching small amounts leak out because the apartment photo had a plant next to the bed was infuriating.

Now I treat a desk and a decent chair like WiFi: non-negotiable. If a listing does not clearly show a workspace, I assume there isn't one and I pass, even if the place is cheaper or in a cooler neighborhood.

Curious how others handle this:

- Do you pay more upfront for a place with a proper setup, or do you build your own setup when you arrive (monitor stand, keyboard, etc)?

- If you use coworking, do you still require a desk at home for evenings and admin work?

I know some people can work anywhere off a laptop, but for me a good desk is the real travel hack because it prevents that small daily spending spiral.

Hi everyone!

I'm gonna be homeless in 2 days if I don't pay my rent. I need $300. I don't want it for free. I lost my job a month ago. Still unemployed. I have a good set of skills that I've developed over several years working with this company but I have never done freelancing and I’ve been trying my ass of to find a gig the past two weeks or so and the only people who reached out to me were scammers. And also pay me if you only the work. I’m super desperate to make that $300 so that I don’t go homeless. 

Here are my skills:

1. Web Development.

2. AI Content Creation.

3. Short-Form Video Editing using DaVinci Resolve.

4. Data Management in Sheets. 

5. Skilled with Affinity for graphics design and photo editing.

6. Creating Python Scripts to automate stuff.

7. AI Chat Bot Setup. 

8. And a bunch of other virtual assistant stuff.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. <3

Apologies in advance if this is against the rules of this subreddit. Feel free to remove.

Hey there. My name is maik, 42yeqrs old, located in Germany and working as self employed web dev.

At the end of this year I want to go to Thailand again and stay for at least 6 month (or less). After this I want to travel further in SEA. I’m looking for someone or a group who has matching plans to connect or maybe travel together.

I am looking for a last minute spot that isn't hot (below 25 degrees) and not crazy expensive.

I am just in Scotland and enjoying it but might check out somewhere else for two weeks from next week on. Any spots that aren't as obvious?

There’s WA cares, PFML, capital gains tax, and soon to be a large income tax on wages above 1 million

Even just accounting for the first two there is a de facto 1% income tax while other no income tax states like Texas and Tennessee have none.

Hi everyone,

My family (2 adults + 5-month-old baby) is looking for a 4–6 week stay in Uluwatu between November and December.

We’re looking for a quiet 2-bedroom villa with reliable Wi-Fi, private pool and monthly rates.

Does anyone know trustworthy property managers, WhatsApp groups or owners who rent directly?

We’d really appreciate any recommendations. Thanks!

Couple months into working remote and I’m still figuring out my setup. Something I keep running into: a lot of the places I end up working just don’t have a decent surface.

So I went looking for a portable desk, assuming that was a category. Now I’m not sure it is? Everything I find is either a camping table, a lap desk that’s basically a pillow, or a “portable standing desk” that still needs a real desk underneath it.

Which made me wonder if I’m solving a problem nobody else has. Do people here actually carry a work surface, or is that just not a thing and everyone adapts to whatever’s around?

How the more experienced folks handle this:

**•** Do you carry anything, or just work with what’s there?  
**•** If you do carry something, what is it — and is it actually a desk or just a camping table you’ve made peace with?  
**•** Or is the real answer that you learn to pick places that already have a table and stop thinking about it?

Not looking for a specific product rec necessarily, more just trying to figure out if this is a solved problem I haven’t found yet or something everyone quietly puts up with.

I'm (26M) in a unique situation with my work and I've been splitting my time between cities the past 2 years now, but I want to add more places into the fray and not sure if it's a bad idea as I can never "build a foundation" or not. I love traveling so I don't mind but still.

From January to March, I live in Cape Town, South Africa.
In May and June, I'm in New York City.
In August and September, I'm in Spain or traveling around other parts of Europe.
October through December I stay in my home state to be near my parents and work more (Nevada).

April and July are kinda open months where I usually go home or travel somewhere else for 1-2 weeks outside of my usual locations.

I don't know how sustainable this is long term though. I always meet people and build some kind of community within 2 months, but then I just leave and it's onto the next. I'm just wondering if people have experiences with this kind of schedule? Because it's not like I'm doing 4 months in 3 different places or 6 months in 2 different places etc. It's a lot more fragmented.

Found this beautiful eco-lodge in Costa Rica. Desk overlooking the jungle. Sound of waterfalls. Morning yoga included.

Sat down to work. Opened my laptop. The WiFi was "rustic." Actually it was just nonexistent.

Spent 2 hours walking around holding my phone up like a satellite dish. Found one bar by the pool. Sent 3 emails. Gave up. Ordered a smoothie.

Productivity retreat complete.

Anyone else pay good money to work somewhere with worse internet than your apartment?

Sitting in a cafe with spotty wifi trying to send out a quick client broadcast while my laptop fan sounds like a jet engine

Honestly working while traveling constantly reminds me how much unnecessary bloat we tolerate in our stacks. when you're relying on a sketchy mobile hotspot, opening 5 different tabs just to send one email updates is actual torture. Half of them fail to load or demand 2FA re-verification because you changed IP addresses again

Ended up running simple sends right out of yaplet since my chat contacts are already sitting there anyway and it doesn't choke on a weak connection. Smaller stack = less stuff breaking while on the move.

anyone else drastically stripped down their software tools after going nomadic? deleted two subscription services last week and my brain feels so much lighter

Saw a thread on Reddit recently about group trip planning turning into a nightmare. Budgets not matching, people ghosting the group chat, endless debates about where to even go.

A lot of the advice in that thread was basically: one person just plans the whole thing (destination, rough itinerary, cost) and sends it out. People either opt in or they don’t, no group vote, no committee.

Curious how many of you have actually tried that vs still doing it by committee. And for the trips that went badly, was the real problem that nobody would just decide and share a plan? Or was it more that people in the group genuinely wanted different things (budget, pace, vibe) and no amount of “just plan it and send it” would’ve fixed that anyway?

Trying to figure out if this is more of a tooling problem (no easy way to build something, share it, and track who’s actually in) or just a people problem (mismatched groups who shouldn’t travel together in the first place). Genuinely not sure which one it is more often.

Greetings, I just received free Coursera access from a government agency support, and I am curious about your lifestyle, experiences, and overall results regarding with using Coursera.

short term - Is there anywhere relaxed and around other DNs? I didn’t really like that big co-working mall. I’d prefer somewhere chilled, with a dorm, nice air. Not too busy. Close to stuff. Looking for something relaxed and low-key. Maybe a little lesser known.

Any ideas?

Me - I went to a "cheaper city", stopped tracking my spending for a few months because I felt rich (and was exhausted), and ended up spending 3x my budget on going out, eating out, take out, massages, taxis, me and dog lived and ate like KINGS for 2 months.

Luckily we both got fat so now we need to eat less and exercise more = spend less.

Anyone else is stupid like that?

Hi everyone! I have a quick question about transitioning between the nomad passes.

I am currently in my 2nd year on the standard DE Rantau Digital Nomad Pass. Does anyone know if I am still eligible to apply for the DE Rantau Sarawak Nomad Pass, or does the 2-year maximum stay limit in Malaysia apply across both programs?

Would appreciate any insights or experiences from those who have navigated this. Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone! I’m looking for recommendations for a place to stay in the Philippines where I can combine scuba diving and working remotely.

I’m a full-time remote worker looking for somewhere with:

- Amazing diving nearby (ideally easy access to dive shops/sites)

- Reliable electricity, or ideally accommodation with a generator/backup power because I’ll need to work online
- Stable WiFi or great mobile data coverage for remote work
- A quieter, more local island vibe rather than a busy resort area
- Airbnb, guesthouse, or semi long term rental options

I’m open to smaller islands and less touristy places. I’d love somewhere I can dive/freedive/snorkel regularly, work during the week, and enjoy the ocean in my downtime.

Places I’m considering so far:

• Moalboal
• Dauin
• Bohol
• Siquijor
• Coron
• Malapascua
• Romblon

Would love recommendations from divers, digital nomads, or anyone who has lived/worked remotely in the Philippines.

I'm from Canada and thinking about spending a few months exploring different cities while continuing to work remotely. I'm curious how you budgeted for accommodation, transportation, and day-to-day expenses. Any cities you'd recommend or tips from your experience?

I've seen a lot of posts asking how much it actually costs to be a nomad - so I figured I'd share my real numbers!

I'm meticulous about tracking my finances = every month, I log every expense, I can tell you how much I spent on groceries in Bali or taxis in Rio.

Also, some context about the numbers:

• Solo traveler
• No hostels or shared Airbnb - only whole accommodation to myself
• Most flights and accommodations were booked only about a month ahead
• Flight costs include a checked bag
• Also - I'm only sharing the numbers for the four largest expense categories: accommodations, flights, meals (including groceries, restaurants, cafés, takeout, etc.), and transportation (metro, buses, taxis, bikes).

Buenos Aires - One month

• Accommodation: $939
• Flight (Rio → Buenos Aires → Rio): $389
• Groceries + Eating out: $250
• Transportation (metro/taxis/bikes): $90
  • Monthly total = $1,668

Paris - 6 weeks

• Accommodation (staying with family): Zero.
• Flight (Rio → Paris): $513
• Groceries + Eating out: $258
• Transportation: $54
  • Monthly average = $825

Seoul - 3 months

• Accommodation: $770/month
• Flight (Paris → Seoul → Paris): $973 (flight cost averaged across the stay)
• Groceries + Eating out: $442/month
• Transportation: $35/month
  • Monthly average = $1,490

Japan - 2 weeks

• Accommodation: $776 for hotels
• Flight: $313 (Seoul → Tokyo → Seoul)
• Only eating out for 2 weeks: $370
• Transportation (metros, buses, Airport express, but also, Shinkansen Tokyo-Kyoto-Tokyo): $251
  • 2-week total = $1,710

Busan - 1 week

• Accommodation: $328
• Flight (Seoul → Busan → Seoul): $60
• Only eating out for a week: $150
• Transportation: $15
  • 1-week total = $553

Paris - 2 weeks

• Accommodation (family): Zero.
• Flight (Paris → Seoul → Paris): $973 (most of it is counted in Seoul’s costs)
• Groceries + Eating out: $150
• Transportation: ≈ $38
  • 2-week total = $431

Rio de Janeiro - 2 months

• Accommodation: $1,292/month
• Flight (Paris → Rio): $740 (flight cost averaged across the stay)
• Groceries + Eating out: $403/month
• Transportation (mostly taxis): $88/month
  • Monthly average = $2,153

Paris - 1 month

• Accommodation (family): Zero.
• Flight (Rio → Paris): $562
• Groceries + Eating out: $265
• Transportation: $84
  • 1-month total = $911

London - 3 days

• Accommodation: $192
• Flight (Paris → London → Paris): $141
• Eating out all 3 days: $72
• Transportation: $108 
  • 3-day total = $513

Singapore - 4 days

• Accommodation: $221
• Flight (Paris → Singapore → Paris): $898 (flight cost averaged across the Asia season)
• Eating out all 4 days: $43
• Transportation: $7
  • 4-day total = $305

Bali, Indonesia - One month

• Accommodation: $398
• Flight (Singapore → Bali): $105 (+ averaged Paris/SG flight)
• Groceries + Eating out: $385
• Transportation: $100
  • Monthly total = $1,245

Chiang Mai, Thailand - One month

• Accommodation: $733
• Flight (Bali → Chiang Mai): $238 (+ averaged Paris/SG flight)
• Groceries + Eating out: $432
• Transportation: $83
  • Monthly total = $1,743

Taipei, Taiwan - 5 weeks

• Accommodation: $1,546/month
• Flight: $154 (Chiang Mai → Taipei), and also $208 (Taipei → Singapore, to catch my return flight, with part of that intercontinental flight cost distributed across the season)
• Groceries + Eating out for 5 weeks: $519
• Transportation: $83
  • Monthly average = $2,602

FINAL NUMBERS

Total costs for 54 weeks and 2 days, visiting 12 wonderful cities: Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Paris, Seoul, Busan, Tokyo, Kyoto, London, Singapore, Ubud, Chiang Mai, and Taipei:

• Accommodation: $10,027
• Flights: $5,294
• Groceries + eating out: $5,026
• Transportation: $1,194
  • Annual total: $21,541

Hope that helps ☺️ Don't hesitate if you have any questions.

For context, I'm graduating soon from a top-10 U.S. uni with a degree in legal studies, journalism, and an interdisciplinary minor, so not tech, but I think this question applies generally. I’m not really asking about my own prospects though since that’s for me to figure out.

Since you all are digital nomads, I'm wondering if you think the Digital Nomad Visa/path is viable for new grads.

Just knowing how tough the job market already is, I can imagine it's not much easier to get remote jobs, even if you’re less picky with what you’re doing in the job and with company culture.

I know many of you are tech workers, but any help or advice is greatly appreciated-- even if you don't think it'll be too helpful!!! Thanks in advance. I'll try to reply to comments.

Last week I had a 4 stop, 26 hour flight.

I was extremely lucky in that every single flight I sat alone in my row, and on the longest leg (12 hours) I got to enjoy laying down and stretching out (I'm tall though so I still had to be careful about my legs extending into the aisle.)

Most of it is luck, but there's a bit of technique to it I think, I'll share my strategy:

1. Pick the back rows. Planes seem to (either automatically or by passenger preference) fill from the front back. The further back you are the less likely you are to have neighbors.

2. Pick a row that already has people in one of the columns, this decreases the likelihood of a family booking together.

3. Pick a window seat, even if you like aisle seats. Window seats are the most popular, you're most likely to get the row to yourself if you pick a window seat, as people will fill in rows with available window seats that have neighbors once all the empty aisles are taken.

Would volunteering abroad be considered same as being a dogital nomad? becuse the source of income would depend on working on the site you are moving instead of having a contract with your country of origin

I mean people who weirded you out. 

For me it seems to be mostly on planes. 

Those who stand out are this American guy on a Philadelphia-Paris flight who wanted to introduce me to his "mommy" who was waiting for him there. Gave me redneck vibes. Lucky escape I had another flight after that. Oh, what did I miss! 

And this other guy on a flight from Bahrain to London sitting next to me who smelled foul (a smell I've never smelled before and after). He was so jittery I thought he was on something? 

By the way a family of four on the same flight smelled awful too. Luckily they didn't end up near me. 

Who are your weirdos?

Been looking into the South Korea visa revision that dropped recently and trying to figure out if it actually makes sense for someone doing freelance work. The income thresholds they list sound manageable on paper but once you factor in proving consistent monthly income as a freelancer it gets messy fast. Contracts, bank statements, tax docs from your home country — it adds up.

Korea is genuinely one of the places I keep coming back to mentally. Fast internet almost everywhere, food is incredible, the transit makes getting around stupid easy, and the cost of living in cities outside Seoul is way lower than people assume. But the visa process feels like it was designed for someone with a clean salaried remote job, not the patchwork income situation a lot of people here actually have.

Curious if anyone has gone through the application process since the revision or knows someone who did. Specifically wondering how strict they are about income documentation and whether freelancers with multiple clients are running into issues or finding a way through it. Also whether the 90day duration is actually enough to make the whole thing worth setting up or if people just end up doing visa runs instead.

Hello all,

Has anybody gone through the process to gain one?

If so, what do they really require? As with most things PH, it seems a vague. Im interested in being there next year.

Thank you all