Welcome to the modern era of digital nomadism – a lifestyle that’s about as free as it gets. Freedom to work anywhere, to explore new cultures, to step out of your comfort zone, and to merge the lines between work and play. This lifestyle, however, comes with its unique set of challenges, from finding reliable internet connections to adapting to different time zones and, importantly, managing connectivity while on the move.

This is where eSIMs come into the picture. They are set to be a game-changer for digital nomads worldwide. eSIMs – or embedded Subscriber Identification Modules – are a relatively new technology that could revolutionize how digital nomads stay connected, no matter where their travels take them.

In this blog post, we will delve into the world of eSIMs: what they are, why they’re perfect for digital nomads, how to use them, and what their adoption might mean for the future of remote work and travel. So buckle up as we dive into this exciting new aspect of digital connectivity.

II. What are eSIMs?

Before we delve into the advantages of eSIMs for digital nomads, it’s important to understand what they actually are.

In simplest terms, an eSIM, short for embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card. Unlike traditional SIM cards that come in physical form and need to be inserted into a device, an eSIM is built directly into your smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch. This small chip that’s soldered to a device’s motherboard serves the same purpose as a regular SIM card – to connect your device to a mobile network.

The fundamental difference lies in the way an eSIM works. It allows you to activate a cellular plan without having to use a physical SIM. Instead, you download the SIM profile from your service provider, bypassing the need for a physical card. Essentially, eSIMs streamline the process of switching between carriers or plans, making it an entirely software-based experience.

Now, the concept of eSIM may seem a bit abstract and complex, but the implications of this technology are incredibly practical, especially for digital nomads. In the next section, we will explore why eSIMs are becoming a preferred choice for digital nomads.

III. Why eSIMs are Ideal for Digital Nomads

1. Ease of Use: The most significant benefit of using an eSIM is its ease of use. Traditional SIM cards need to be physically inserted into your device, and if you’re switching countries frequently, you’ll need to change them often, which can be inconvenient. With an eSIM, you simply need to download a new SIM profile whenever you wish to change your cellular plan.
2. Space Saving: As a digital nomad, minimizing physical clutter is often a priority. eSIMs remove the need to carry around extra physical SIM cards for different countries.
3. Flexible Network Access: With an eSIM, you’re not tied to a single carrier. This means that you can switch between networks depending on the best connectivity and rates in a given location. This flexibility is crucial for digital nomads who are always on the move.
4. Dual SIM Capabilities: Many modern smartphones with eSIMs also have a slot for a physical SIM. This dual SIM capability allows you to have two numbers active on your phone at the same time. For instance, you could keep your home country number (on the physical SIM) and a local number (on the eSIM) active simultaneously. This function is particularly useful for digital nomads who want to separate personal and work calls or maintain a connection with their home country while abroad.
5. Quick and Efficient: Lastly, activating an eSIM is quick and efficient, saving you the time and hassle of finding a local store to purchase a physical SIM card upon arrival in a new country. Some providers even allow online setup, so you could potentially have your new local number before you even arrive.

Overall, eSIMs offer unparalleled convenience and flexibility, making them the perfect choice for the lifestyle of digital nomads. Let’s now move on to how you can start using an eSIM on your device.

IV. How to Get Started with an eSIM

1. Check Device Compatibility: First and foremost, you need to ensure that your device is eSIM compatible. Most recent models of smartphones, including the iPhone 11 and newer, and Google Pixel 3 and newer, support eSIMs. If you are unsure, check your device’s specifications online or consult your manufacturer’s handbook.
2. Choose an eSIM Provider: Numerous providers offer eSIM services. Some are large, international telecom companies, while others are smaller, independent providers focusing specifically on eSIM technology. Your choice will depend on factors such as coverage, cost, and the flexibility of their plans. It’s advisable to research and compare different providers to find the one that suits your needs the best.
3. Who does Nomad Academy recommend? Our team has typically used Airalo. Click here to check them out. As of the publication of this guide, new customers may use code JUNE15 to receive a 15% discount on your first order, while existing customers may use code JUNE10 for a 10% discount on your next order.
4. Purchase and Install Your eSIM: Once you’ve chosen a provider, you can typically purchase an eSIM plan directly from their website or app. Upon purchase, you’ll receive a QR code that you can use to install your eSIM. The process generally involves going to your phone’s cellular settings and selecting the option to add a cellular plan. You then scan the QR code provided by your eSIM carrier to install the eSIM profile.
5. Activation and Setup: After the eSIM is installed, you’ll need to activate it. The process varies between providers, but it often involves confirming the installation through a confirmation email or message sent by the provider. Once your eSIM is activated, you can manage your plan directly from your device’s settings or the provider’s app.

Remember that you can switch between eSIMs or between an eSIM and a physical SIM, depending on your phone’s capabilities. This flexibility allows you to juggle between different network plans, which is particularly useful when traveling to various countries as a digital nomad.

Now that you’re set with your eSIM, let’s explore some tips and tricks to get the most out of it while you navigate through your digital nomad journey.

V. Tips and Tricks for Using an eSIM as a Digital Nomad

1. Maximize Flexibility: One of the key advantages of eSIMs is the ability to switch between plans without the need for physical SIM cards. Make use of this by having different eSIM profiles for different purposes or regions. For example, you could have one eSIM for your home country and another for the country you’re currently traveling in.
2. Always Have a Backup: Even though eSIMs offer the convenience of being digitally stored, it’s still a good idea to have a physical SIM as a backup, especially if you’re traveling to remote areas where eSIM support might be limited.
3. Stay Connected During Flight Layovers: If you frequently travel through countries during flight layovers, consider having an eSIM profile for those regions as well. This way, you can stay connected during your layover without incurring excessive roaming charges.
4. Leverage eSIMs for Better Network Coverage: If you’re traveling to a location where your primary carrier doesn’t have good coverage, you can use an eSIM from a local provider that offers better network coverage.
5. Consider eSIM for IoT Devices: If you’re a digital nomad using multiple connected devices, consider eSIMs for those devices as well. It can simplify managing your devices, and you may also find cost savings by bundling multiple devices on one plan.

Using an eSIM can revolutionize the way you stay connected as a digital nomad. By understanding what they are, how to use them, and how to make the most out of them, you can ensure you’re always connected, no matter where your nomadic lifestyle takes you.

VI. Conclusion: Embrace the Future with eSIM

In an increasingly digital and mobile world, it’s important to stay connected, and the eSIM technology has made this easier than ever for digital nomads. As a game-changing technology, eSIMs are transforming how we connect to cellular networks around the world, making it more seamless, flexible, and efficient than ever before.

As digital nomads, we are always in pursuit of better ways to live and work, and embracing new technologies like eSIMs are part of that journey. They not only simplify the process of staying connected while traveling but also offer the freedom to change providers or plans without the hassle of physical SIM cards.

Remember, as the technology continues to evolve and more carriers support eSIM worldwide, the benefits are only set to increase. If you haven’t considered integrating an eSIM into your digital nomadic lifestyle, now might be the perfect time to explore this exciting option.

Stay connected, stay flexible, and continue to embrace the world of possibilities as a digital nomad with the power of eSIM technology.

The Nomad Academy team endorses Uruguay as the ideal destination for digital nomads. Geographically poised between the US West Coast and Eastern Europe, Uruguay serves as a convenient meeting point for global interactions. The country is widely known for its balanced lifestyle, warm community, and impeccable internet connectivity.

The visa, intended for independent business people and remote workers working for overseas companies, is a brilliant opportunity provided by more than 50 countries globally. Uruguay has now joined this inclusive club, offering traveling professionals an easy route to work and live in a country celebrated for its quality of life.

Provisional Identity Card: An Innovative Approach

Under President Luis Lacalle Pou’s leadership, Uruguay has initiated a unique path to attract digital nomads worldwide. Unlike the standard digital nomad visa, Uruguay offers the Provisional Identity Card, or “Hojas de Identidad Provisoria.” Formerly exclusive to those working for Uruguayan companies, it’s now accessible to anyone working remotely for any company, foreign or national.

This Identity Card serves as a gateway to live and work in Uruguay for six to twelve months, with the prospect of applying for permanent residency.

Simplified Application Process

The application process for Uruguay’s Provisional Identity Card stands out for its simplicity and straightforwardness.

1. Enter Uruguay on a Tourist Visa: To start your journey, enter Uruguay as a regular tourist.
2. Apply for the Provisional Identity Card: After arriving in Uruguay, you can apply for the Identity Card online. The application, widely praised for its simplicity, requires you to sign an affidavit stating you can financially support yourself in the country.

In contrast to other countries demanding explicit proof of income within a specific bracket, Uruguay’s approach opens doors to freelancers and those whose income might not fit traditional salary patterns.

After securing the Provisional Identity Card, you can stay in Uruguay for six months. For an extension of another six months or to apply for permanent residency, you’ll need to meet some additional requirements:

• Proof of Vaccination: Show evidence of vaccination administered in Uruguay.
• Clean Criminal Record: Provide proof of a clean criminal record from all countries you’ve resided in for more than six months in the previous five years.

Uruguay: A Hub for Digital Nomads

Uruguay’s innovative approach to welcoming digital nomads showcases its progressive mindset and eagerness to adapt to the changing global work landscape. With no stringent salary requirements and a simplified application process, Uruguay emerges as a refreshing destination for digital nomads, freelancers, and remote workers alike.

With Uruguay’s welcoming arms, you can soak in the enchanting views of Punta Del Este, explore the historic streets of Colonia Del Sacramento, and immerse yourself in a diverse community of professionals.

Embrace the opportunity to be a part of Uruguay’s digital nomad revolution, an experience enriched by the country’s charm and vibrancy. Happy nomading!

For precise information on the Uruguay Provisional Identity Card, it’s best to refer to its official website (Spanish).

For the expat, the focus is typically on settling into a new home and becoming part of the local community. They may stay in one place for years, or even decades, and often work for a specific employer or as a freelancer. For digital nomads, the focus is on flexibility and mobility. They often travel from place to place, frequently staying in each location for just a few weeks or months.

Ultimately, the decision to become an expat or a digital nomad will depend on a variety of personal and professional factors. Some may find the stability and sense of community that comes with being an expat to be appealing, while others may be drawn to the freedom and adventure that come with a nomadic lifestyle. Regardless of which path one chooses, both offer unique opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and new experiences.

Well, let’s look at a few ways you can determine whether or not you should reserve an Airbnb that has no reviews.

Is it a total scam?

1. Do a reverse search on their image.

A few years ago VICE uncovered a major Airbnb scam operation. They offer a lot of good ideas and considerations to detect deceptive Airbnb listings.

The most practical insight that I got from this story was to do a reverse image search on the Airbnb host’s profile photo. You can use Google image search or TinEye.

2. Check the host’s Airbnb profile.

You’ll want to check your host’s profiles for a few different key things. Scroll down within your Airbnb listing to the host profile section. Click on their profile image to review their profile. Check the following:

A. When did they join?

Check the host’s profile to see when they joined Airbnb. If they have been a member for many years, then it’s likely that their listing is not a scam. If their profile is relatively new, then you’ll want to proceed with more caution.

B. Are they verified?

Airbnb checks that people are who they say they are by confirming identity information with third parties or by reviewing government-issued documents, like a government ID, passport, or national identity card. Look here in their profile to determine if your host if verified.

C. Do they respond quickly and often?

If the host is uncommunicative, it’s a red flag. Check their communication record within the listing. See the image below.

D. Check whether the host has other properties.

Check to see if the owner has other properties. If they do, they’re likely a rental agency or a hotel that uses Airbnb to earn additional business.

In this case, it’s more likely that these types of hosts have recently listed a new property which is legitimate. Check the reviews of the host’s other properties. You can generally assume that those reviews will reflect the experience that you will also have.

But just because we assume it’s not a total scam doesn’t mean we should immediately trust that the property will meet all our needs. Further investigation is warranted. Keep reading.

3. Do not accept any communication or payment method outside of Airbnb.

This one is simple. It may be tempting to try to avoid Airbnb fees by negotiating off of Airbnb, but you’ll be at much greater risk of getting scammed if you do this. Usually, Airbnb blocks attempts to share Whatsapp information or other outside communication methods anyways.

Anyways, maintain all your communications and payment via Airbnb until you have arrived and verified that the property is suitable. If you do this and arrive only to find an unsuitable situation, then you’ll have recourse to Airbnb’s Guest Refund Policy.

4. Do a Google search on the property.

Copy and paste the name of the property into a Google search. See if there are reviews about the property on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

So, it’s probably not a scam, but will it be a good experience?

1. Test the Host

Hosts with little to no reviews should be extra willing to answer questions from potential renters. So, ask lots of questions to verify all the details. What’s the wifi speed? Is there a grocery store nearby? What’s the neighborhood and street name? What are the nearby public transit options? Make them prove themselves, and check their answers with a little Google searching. If the host is serious, then they’ll answer your questions quickly and respectfully.

2. Location

I spent $3,350 per month in French Polynesia, making it the most expensive place I’ve lived. I also experienced the lowest quality of life there. It wasn’t particularly low, but I measure such things according to the McDonald’s Convenience Index (MCI). Specifically, in areas where franchisees are willing to invest in a McDonald’s restaurant, there also exist other local conveniences that make life more comfortable. The lesson I learned is to never live too far from a McDonald’s restaurant.

Practically speaking, search for McDonald’s restaurants near your apartment to determine if it will be a convenient place to live.

Ready to Reserve

1. Cancellation Policy

Only reserve properties that offer a minimal cancellation policy. 48 hours minimum.

2. Test the host once more.

After you place your reservation, ask the host to send you pictures of the property within the Airbnb app. It’s not possible to send pictures via Airbnb prior to a finalized reservation, so now you want to take a moment to further verify the listing.

You could be blunt and ask the host to take a picture of the living room with a picture of today’s newspaper.

Or you could figure out a clever way to ask for a picture of something that they haven’t already provided in the listing. For example, you can ask them to send you a screenshot of the wifi speed that comes close to what they told you earlier. Or you could ask them to send a picture of the refrigerator, claiming that you cook a lot and want to make sure there’s a full size refrigerator.

That’s not the best idea, but you get my point.

3. Get travel insurance and pay with a travel credit card.

I recommend SafetyWing for travel insurance, and Capital One Venture X travel credit card. Both of those are referral links for which I earn commission or points, but I use both of these products personally, and I highly recommend them. Holding both a travel insurance policy and using a travel credit card provides double protection in the event that your trip is delayed or cancelled for a number of reasons. In this case, your rent payments would be reimbursed in part or fully.

What did I miss?

I’m sure I missed a handful of other important considerations. So, let me know in the comments below how you make a decision on whether or not to reserve an Airbnb that has no reviews. I look forward to learning from other nomads!

I was not comfortable leaving the US until I had saved up enough money to live comfortably in low-cost countries for at least 1 year. With proper planning, a nomad can live comfortably in eastern Europe or southeast Asia on $1500 per month.

You’ll see tales of people living off of $600 per month in Bali or Chiang Mai. Yes, but they’re forgoing restaurants, air conditioning, and they’re made to use squat toilets. If you’re comfortable without having various western conveniences, then you can keep your costs extraordinarily low. There are a number of hostels throughout southeast Asia where you can stay for less than $5 per night, but be warned that they’re gross.

With this in mind, I saved enough such that I could live abroad comfortably for at least 1 year, which amounted to about $20k USD. Also, I had an additional part of my savings earmarked for 6 months of expenses in the US if I had to return. All in all, I was comfortable leaving the US with $30k USD in savings. This is probably more than the average nomad will save before leaving. I’m particularly risk-averse. Consider your own risk-tolerance and budget with that in mind.

You may ask why I thought a year of savings was necessary. Well, I did not have a plan to earn an income remotely. I felt confident in my ability to figure things out though. And indeed I did figure things out; I run a digital marketing agency now, but there was no guarantee of this.

I felt that one year was the lead time I would need in order to piece together an income that would support my nomadic lifestyle. It turns out that I’ve earned more money than I’ve spent every month since I’ve left, even in the very early days of my journey. I understand that it helps to have ready access to western markets, which is a supreme privilege.

I recall exchanging about $500 to euros at the Dulles airport before I departed on my first trip to Europe. I guess I didn’t realize that I could simply pull cash out from ATMs once I arrived. Of course, there would be fees for these kinds of transactions. It wasn’t clear to me which method was more expensive (and it’s still not).

Luckily, most Americans need not think through these considerations. The answer is pretty simple. Open a Schwab Bank High Yield Investor Checking account. Why? Because this card offers:

• Unlimited ATM fee rebates worldwide
• No service fees or account minimums
• No foreign transaction fees

I’ve been pulling cash out of ATMs around the world completely free since 2019, except when I’ve gotten ripped off by bad conversion rates at scammy ATMs in Europe. Basically, never use Euronet ATMs.

Otherwise, this is the simple solution. Go open your Schwab account!

Because you’re nomadic and you intend to stay in the country for a few months, you’re not ready to actually purchase onward travel to the next destination. So, what do you do?

A lot of people actually purchase the cheapest ticket they can find, considering this the cost of the nomadic lifestyle. That’s costly. Other people rent itineraries from services such as onwardticket.com. That’s unnecessary.

The answer is simple. Buy a real ticket on Expedia which allows free cancellation within 24 hours.

You might read stories of people who didn’t get refunded. They didn’t read the rules. Just look up a flight on Expedia and make sure that there’s something somewhere which verifies that you may cancel for free within 24 hours—and verify within the policy that you’re eligible for a cash refund, not a credit.

A few other considerations:

• Be sure that the departing flight which you chose does not depart within 7 days because this often voids the opportunity to cancel within 24 hours.
• All flights that originate and/or arrive in the United States are subject to a US Department of Transportation regulation which requires all airlines to allow free cancellations within 24 hours of booking “for all reservations made seven days or more prior to the flight’s scheduled departure time.”