We’ve all sat and day-dreamed in the office or on the tube about working in a hotter, more exotic climate. Or we’ve scrolled through social media with a twinge of jealousy while we see people with their laptops on the beach working.
We make ourselves feel better, by telling ourselves that it’s not reality and it’s different for us. Our businesses or jobs are different.
Then we continue to respond to emails and phone calls around the clock, or we attend back to back meetings while the thought of working overseas is very distant!
In December 2018, our Founder, Emilia Powell, went on holiday over Christmas for 3 weeks. 4 months later, she was still overseas and island hopping in Cambodia before her clients woke-up in the UK!
Here’s our top 15 list of things to take with you or consider, before you start working overseas:
1. Internet. Check that the country you are going to, has fast, easily accessible internet. Where will you be working; co-working spaces, hotels, your apartment etc? Get a Mi-Fi if you need it to. Connectivity is key!
2. Power. Check out if there are ever any power issues. Some countries have regular power surges. Research ahead and check where there are back-up generators
3. Time Zones. Check out if there will be a difference in working hours with the new country you will be working in. If you’re contracted to work or be online at a certain times, what time would you have to work until, local time and are places open late/early to accommodate?
4. Plug sockets. Make sure you have the appropriate power sockets for that country. It’s also worth taking an adapter that cuts off if there is a power urge (available on amazon)
5. Power packs. If you’re planning on being out a lot, it’s worth getting a power pack (or two), so you’re not reliant on finding plug sockets the whole time
6. VPN. Some countries have limitations on what websites you can visit. There are great VPN services like VPN Nord that can minimise having any issues with websites
7. Extra screens. To ensure you’re working at your optimum, it might be worth getting extra screens, or whatever you usually work with. If you know where you’re going to be staying, you can always order them to be delivered to that address, so you don’t need to take with you!
8. Connectivity. What hotels, co-working spaces or coffee shops are good nearby?
9. Desks. It’s important that you have a proper place to work. Make sure your apartment or hotel has a desk where you can work
10. Co-working spaces. There are plenty of co-working spaces. Some offer a free day pass, so you can trial out. Or you can pay for some by the day, so you’re not committing to longer than you need etc
11. Check visas. Do you need a visa, how do you get one, can you get it online, at an embassy or on arrival. How much does it cost?
12. Travel insurance. Check what travel insurance you need. How long will it cover you in one place for?
13. Business insurance. Will your business insurance cover you overseas? Will it still cover your equipment etc?
14. Cost. What additional costs will there be for you working overseas? Jabs, insurances, co-working spaces, eating out more etc
15. Documents. Take photos of all documents you have that’s a hard copy or that you feel you may need. You never know when you’ll need certain documents.
We’d love to hear any tips you have for working overseas. Alternatively, if you’d like to know how we can help you become a digital nomad, get in touch!