Living the digital nomad life is a dream for many Filipinas, including me. Traveling to new places, meeting friendly locals, managing transaction and fees, and working from anywhere is exciting, but it takes some planning to make sure you stay on budget.
For a complete guide, I offer TMTG’s eBook: “The A-Z on How to Become a Digital Nomad” for comprehensive guidance!
And here’s my ultimate guide to managing your money and enjoying life as a remote worker from the Philippines, also with some extra tips to help you along the way!
1. Start with a Digital Nomad Job
First, the key is finding a job that allows you to work from anywhere. Many use platforms like Nomad List to find work or tips on becoming a successful digital nomad.
Here’s my compilation of the most popular sites considered by many freelancers:
- Indeed – Search for jobs worldwide with filters for location, salary, and industry.
- LinkedIn – A professional networking platform with job postings and company insights.
- Glassdoor – Offers job listings, company reviews, and salary information.
- Upwork – A platform for freelancers to find work in various fields.
- Fiverr – Focused on gig-based freelance opportunities.
- Freelancer – Offers projects for freelancers in multiple industries.
- Dribbble – A platform for designers to find creative gigs and full-time jobs.
- We Work Remotely – Focuses on remote work opportunities across various industries.
- Remote.co – Offers remote job postings and remote work tips.
- FlexJobs – Curated listings for remote, freelance, and flexible jobs (subscription required).
2. Create a Remote Work Budget
Setting up a budget is one of the best budgeting tips. Make sure to plan for the cost of living, including rent, food, travel, and travel insurance.
Adjust your budget method based on where you stay. Always leave room for sudden realistic budgets like emergency flights or medical costs.
Staying flexible with your budget will help you stay on track no matter where your travels take you.
3. Choose Low-Cost Destinations
Choosing affordable places to live is key to making your money last longer. Consider destinations like El Nido, Bantayan Island, or Puerto Princesa for a more affordable yet stunning place to live and work.
If you want to travel abroad, check out Southeast Asia destinations like Sri Lanka or Costa Rica. These places offer affordable living while providing a rich cultural experience.
For affordable travel, consider traveling during the off-season or staying longer in one place to cut down on expenses.
Here’s my compilation of low-cost destinations considered by digital nomads:
- Chiang Mai, Thailand – This is a top destination for digital nomads due to its vibrant culture, affordable living, and abundance of co-working spaces. You can enjoy amazing street food, reliable internet, and a strong community of like-minded professionals. Living costs range from $700 to $1,000 per month, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Medellín, Colombia – Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” it offers a blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. With affordable housing, co-working hubs, and a temperate climate, it’s a great place to work and explore. Living costs are typically between $800 and $1,200 per month.
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – This one is a bustling hub for digital nomads, offering inexpensive food, affordable accommodations, and solid internet connectivity. The vibrant nightlife and thriving expat community make it easy to settle in. Monthly living costs are around $800 to $1,200.
- Ubud, Bali, Indonesia – it’s perfect for those seeking a serene and wellness-focused lifestyle. This peaceful town is known for yoga retreats, co-working spaces, and stunning natural surroundings. Monthly expenses typically range from $900 to $1,500, making it an affordable paradise for remote workers.
- Budapest, Hungary – Budapest is an excellent option for digital nomads looking for a European experience without the high price tag. The city boasts a mix of historical charm and modern amenities, with vibrant nightlife, cozy cafes, and co-working spaces. Living costs are approximately $1,200 to $1,600 per month.
- Tbilisi, Georgia – Tbilisi is a rising star among digital nomad destinations thanks to its low cost of living and visa-free stay options for many nationalities. The city offers fast internet, scenic mountain views, and a welcoming community. Monthly living expenses are typically $800 to $1,200.
- Playa del Carmen, Mexico – Playa del Carmen combines the beauty of the Caribbean with a thriving digital nomad community. The city offers affordable living, co-working spaces, and stunning beaches to unwind after work. Monthly costs usually range from $1,000 to $1,500.
- Cape Town, South Africa – Cape Town is a diverse and scenic destination with affordable housing and a growing digital nomad scene. It’s ideal for those who enjoy outdoor adventures, co-working spaces, and beautiful landscapes. Living expenses are around $1,200 to $1,800 per month.
- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Kuala Lumpur is a modern, bustling city that offers affordable living, excellent food, and reliable internet. With a mix of cultures, co-working spaces, and efficient public transportation, it’s a great base for digital nomads. Monthly living costs range from $1,000 to $1,400.
- Da Nang, Vietnam – Da Nang is a beach city with a laid-back vibe and an emerging digital nomad community. Known for its delicious seafood, co-working spaces, and affordable accommodations, it’s perfect for remote workers. Monthly expenses typically range from $800 to $1,200.
4. Get a Visa
Many countries now offer a digital nomad visa that lets traveling workers stay for an extended time. Research countries that offer options like a tourist visa if you plan to stay for a shorter period.
Countries like South Africa, Mexico City, and Hong Kong are all great destinations that offer flexible visas for visa holders.
Speaking of, TMTG has a lot of visa suggestions for digital nomads, and getting a visa would require learning how to make a no objection letter.
5. Join the Community
Connecting with other people is a great way to share travel stories and learn new tips.
Being part of a digital nomad community helps you find more budgeting tips, and you can meet others who understand the lifestyle.
Follow websites like Nomadic Matt and some Facebook groups (like mine), for helpful advice on managing the digital nomad journey.
6. Plan for a Affordable Travel
Flexibility is the key! Knowing what adjustments you’ll need to get used to like the exchange rate and internet access is a big help to adjusting your spending habits. Take note of your financial goals and unexpected expenses in planning your financial future.
Remember: Long-term traveling doesn’t have to break the bank!
One of the best tips for Filipinos is to keep your travel affordable by choosing cheaper transportation, using budget airlines, and staying in low-cost accommodations like hostels, Vrbo, or evening using 3rd party bookinsg like booking.com.
Booking early and traveling off-season can help keep your travel costs down.
7. Get Travel Insurance
Never forget travel insurance! Having emergency funds like this is an essential part in the digital nomad lifestyle.
Travel insurance serves as one of our safety nets for instances like unexpected medical bills or canceled flights, and gives you peace of mind while traveling.
Make sure to include it in envelopes of your budget to avoid costly surprises during your travels.
8. Work Life Balance
Maintaining a healthy work life balance is important for every digital nomad.
When living this particular lifestyle, make sure to set time aside for relaxation and exploration.
Whether you’re working in Makati City or lounging on the beaches of Bantayan Island, balancing work and travel will help you enjoy your nomad life to the fullest!
Final Thoughts?
Living as a Filipino digital nomad can be an exciting adventure, but careful budgeting is key to making it sustainable.
Following these budgeting tips for digital nomads will help you make the most of your journey.
With the right digital nomad guide and planning, you can enjoy both travel and work without worrying about your finances. Happy travels!
FAQ
The country is known for its friendly locals, English-speaking population, and an increasing number of coworking spaces, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads.
However, a general estimate might be between $1,500 and $3,500 per month. This budget typically covers accommodation, food, transportation, internet, and other living expenses, but not necessarily all travel costs or savings.
Diversifying your income sources is key to maintaining financial stability while you’re on the move.