So you’re new here? And you’re dreaming of having that digital nomad lifestyle? It’s exciting, but getting started can feel a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry! I’ve been there. And in this ultimate guide, I’ll show you how to become a digital nomad. Here are important tools and resources that helped me begin and made me who I am as a Filipino remote worker! 1. The First Step: Setting Up Your Remote Work Before you hit the road, the first thing you need is a remote job. It’s not all neck pillows, water bottles and travel journals after all! There are many resources for a Filipino remote worker that can help you find job opportunities or online business. Some popular roles include web developer, freelance writer, or virtual assistant. Here are some platforms I’ve used: Flexjobs: FlexJobs is a leading platform that offers curated, scam-free remote, hybrid, and flexible job opportunities to help individuals find work that fits their lifestyle. Upwork: A global platform where you can find freelance jobs in different fields like graphic designer or social media manager. OnlineJobs.ph: A platform just for Filipinos! You can find full-time or part-time work here, and it’s a great starting point for your nomadic lifestyle. Fiverr: Known for its gig-based system, Fiverr allows you to create service packages that clients can purchase. It’s ideal for showcasing your specific skills, such as graphic design, content writing, or video editing. LinkedIn: More than just a networking site, LinkedIn features a dedicated job board where you can find remote positions across industries. LinkedIn allows you to build your professional network, which can lead to referrals and job offers. Toptal: If you’re an experienced professional in fields like software development, design, or finance, Toptal connects you with high-quality clients and projects. It’s a more selective platform, but the potential for well-paying, long-term gigs makes it worth exploring. Freelancer: Similar to Upwork, Freelancer offers a wide range of projects across multiple categories. You can bid on jobs, enter contests, and connect with clients worldwide. It’s a great platform for building experience and securing consistent work. We Work Remotely: Specializing in remote positions, this platform features jobs in design, marketing, customer support, and tech. It’s an excellent resource for finding roles that are fully remote, offering flexibility and a global client base. Once you land your remote job, you’re already one step closer to starting your digital nomad journey. 2. Digital Nomad Tools to Stay Productive Getting one of the digital nomad jobs is not enough. As a freelancer, staying organized is key. Here are some must-have tools that I rely on: NordVPN: NordVPN is a top-tier VPN service that provides secure, private browsing and protects your data from online threats. Trello: This tool helps you manage your projects, tasks, and deadlines all in one place. I use it to keep track of everything, from work assignments to personal travel plans. Notion: This is my go-to tool for note-taking, creating to-do lists, and storing all my travel info. Google Drive: Cloud storage is essential. I store all my important documents here, so they’re always accessible, no matter where I am. Slack – For staying connected with clients, remote teams, or collaborators, Slack is a game-changer. It streamlines communication and allows file sharing, making it easier to work across time zones. Canva – A user-friendly design tool for creating presentations, social media content, and marketing materials. As a freelancer, this helps me maintain a professional edge without needing advanced design skills. Clockify – Time management is crucial when working remotely. I use Clockify to track how much time I spend on projects, helping me stay efficient and avoid burnout. Grammarly – Whether it’s emails, proposals, or blog posts, Grammarly ensures my writing is polished and professional. It’s an invaluable tool for anyone whose work relies on clear communication. NordVPN – A VPN is non-negotiable for digital nomads. NordVPN secures my internet connection, protecting sensitive data when using public Wi-Fi in cafes or coworking spaces. Zoom – Essential for virtual meetings and client calls, Zoom ensures I can maintain professional relationships no matter where I’m working from. Expensify – Managing finances can be tricky on the go. Expensify helps me track expenses, manage receipts, and even simplify tax preparation. These tools have become my digital Swiss Army knife, helping me manage work seamlessly, whether I’m in Metro Manila, El Nido, or exploring the beaches of Sri Lanka. 3. Reliable Internet is a Must Aside from the 4-hour workweek plan or schedule, another one of the biggest challenges for any nomadic lifestyle employee is finding reliable internet connection.  Southeast Asia is a popular hub because of its affordable cost of living and decent internet access (Yesim code: KATRIN8414). Pocket Wi-Fi – I always carry a pocket Wi-Fi device as a backup, especially when I’m in remote areas or island hopping in places like El Nido or Palawan. It’s a lifesaver when local connections are spotty, and many providers now offer affordable, travel-friendly plans. Co-working Spaces – Cities like Chiang Mai, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Metro Manila are known for their excellent co-working spaces equipped with fast and reliable Wi-Fi. These spaces also offer opportunities to network with fellow digital nomads and remote professionals. Yesim – Local prepaid SIM cards are another great option for staying connected. Here’s one of my favorites so don’t forget to use my code: KATRIN8414 for a good discount! High-Speed Internet Providers – Some accommodations, especially in larger cities, now offer packages with high-speed internet, catering to the growing community of remote workers and digital nomads. When booking, always check the reviews for internet reliability to avoid surprises. Cafés with Internet Access – If you prefer a more relaxed setting, many cafes in popular digital nomad hubs have free Wi-Fi and comfortable workspaces. Just remember to support the business by ordering food or drinks while you work. 4. Visa and Residency Options If you’re planning to stay in a foreign country long-term, travel or health