Frequently asked questions
Everything new visitors ask about NomadToolsLab, the recommendations, and the digital nomad lifestyle. After 27 years on the road I have heard them all.
About NomadToolsLab
Who is behind NomadToolsLab?
I am Chenzo. I have been traveling and working remotely since 1999, across 60+ countries. People started calling me “the King of Traveling” because I never really stopped. I built NomadToolsLab to share what 27 years on the road taught me about gear, software, and remote work setups. Read my full story.
How does NomadToolsLab make money?
Through affiliate commissions. When you click a link to a tool I recommend and you sign up or buy, I earn a small percentage at no extra cost to you. I never recommend tools I have not tested or do not trust. Full affiliate disclosure here.
Why should I trust your recommendations?
Three reasons. First, 27 years of personal road testing across 60+ countries. Second, I refuse paid placements – tools earn their spot by being good. Third, I openly disclose what I have not personally tested and rely on my network for. If a product is bad, I say it or do not include it.
Can I suggest a tool you should review?
Yes. Send me an email through the contact page. If it fits the audience and is something I can actually test, I will look at it.
Getting started as a digital nomad
What is the first thing I should set up before I leave?
An eSIM for your destination, travel insurance, and a multi-currency bank card. In that order. Airalo eSIM activated before you fly means you land with working internet. SafetyWing as your baseline insurance. Then sort your banking with Revolut or Wise.
How much money do I need to start?
For Southeast Asia or Latin America: 1,500-2,500 USD per month covers comfortable living, coworking, and basic travel. For Europe: 2,500-4,000 USD per month. Plus an emergency fund of 3-6 months expenses before you leave.
What is the best country to start as a digital nomad?
For first-time nomads: Lisbon, Mexico City, or Chiang Mai. All three have established nomad infrastructure (coworking, coliving, community) plus easy visas and reasonable costs. Read my Bali guide, Mexico City guide, or Chiang Mai guide.
Do I need a digital nomad visa?
Not initially. Tourist visas cover the first 30-90 days in most countries. Once you have established income and want to stay longer, look into proper digital nomad visas (Portugal, Spain, Estonia, Thailand DTV, Mexico Temporary Resident).
Tools and gear questions
What is the most important tool for digital nomads?
An eSIM with global coverage. The single biggest stress reducer when arriving in a new country. I use Airalo across 200+ countries. Setup takes 5 minutes before you fly.
Do I really need a travel router?
If you do client calls or sensitive work, yes. A travel router converts hotel wifi to your own secure network, masks device count, and gives you VPN-routed connection. Worth the 80-120 USD. See my router guide.
What laptop should I buy?
MacBook Pro 14 inch M-series. Best battery life in the industry, build quality survives years of backpack abuse, repair shops worldwide. Cost is high but per-year-of-use it is cheaper than mid-tier alternatives. Full laptop guide.
How do I deal with bad hotel wifi?
Three-layer fix. First, eSIM as backup (Airalo). Second, travel router that combines hotel wifi with your eSIM. Third, VPN for encrypted traffic. With this setup, you can work from any hotel even if the wifi is unreliable.
Banking, taxes, and money
What is the best bank for digital nomads?
Not one bank. A stack. Revolut for daily spending, Wise for receiving client payments, and a real bank in your home country for paperwork. The three working together cover all cases.
How do I avoid foreign transaction fees?
Use a multi-currency card like Revolut or Wise. Both convert at interbank rate with minimal fees (0.4-0.6%). Compare to your home bank which charges 2-3% per transaction plus an unfavorable rate.
What about taxes as a nomad?
It depends on your home country tax residency rules. Most countries (US, UK, EU) require you to pay taxes somewhere. The easiest setup: maintain tax residency in a low-tax country (Portugal NHR, Cyprus, UAE) or keep residency in your home country and report worldwide income. Consult a nomad-friendly tax advisor.
Insurance and health
Do I need travel insurance as a digital nomad?
Yes. Not optional. The right policy is the difference between a 200 EUR doctor visit and a 50,000 EUR medical evacuation bill. I use SafetyWing as my baseline plus extra coverage for high-risk activities.
SafetyWing or World Nomads?
SafetyWing for monthly flexibility and budget. World Nomads for higher coverage and adventure activities. Most long-term nomads use SafetyWing as baseline and add World Nomads short-term policies for adventure trips. Full comparison here.
What about flight delays and cancellations?
EU flights delayed 3+ hours or cancelled entitle you to up to 600 EUR compensation under EU261. Use AirHelp to handle the claim paperwork. They take a cut on success, you pay nothing if they lose.
Have a question I have not answered?
Send me a message. I read every email personally and add the most common questions to this page.
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