this post was submitted on 25 Nov 2023
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Digital Nomads

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Hello, what are some of the items you cannot live without as well as those that are essential to having a pleasant digital nomad experience.

Thank you :)

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[–] theblackvanilla@alien.top 2 points 9 months ago

Apple AirTags

[–] Any_Elk7495@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago
  • Travel rewards card with free withdrawals/international transactions + a backup such as wise.

  • Plug adaptor + small lightweight power bank

  • eSim

  • money

[–] NosLumas@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Portable monitor, a real mouse and a mouse pad.

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[–] No-Purchase-2618@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago (9 children)

all-in-one plug adaptor. Used to have different ones for US, UK and EU plugs till I found the “all-in-one” kind. Lifesaver

waterproof backpack- I travel with a carry-on only, so a durable waterproof backpack was a must

multiple bank cards- I’m unlucky when it comes to ATMs. Had my cards swallowed a few times last week in Vietnam, so I always make sure to have at least 2 per account.

Are we counting apps too?

WifiMap- to find spots with fast internet in local cafes/restaurants/hotels/wherever in different parts of the world

Revolut- used to have a “travel-oriented” card with my local bank back home. Still was overcharged between 8-12% per transaction outside the EU. Switched to Revolut and can’t recommend it enough- fantastic support (chargeback claims on debit cards sorted in 2 days!) and low fees

Dragonpass/priority pass/lounge access- this is a real blessing if you’re at an airport at least once a month.

[–] realbangla@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Do banks issue multiple cards per account?

[–] No-Purchase-2618@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

In Poland where my bank is, yes :)

[–] ConsiderationHour710@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Does WifiMap let you find the download/upload speed of places?

[–] DemonHella@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago (2 children)

hows Vietnam nowadays? i went in 2017, was my favourite place so far ! would love to go back.

[–] No-Purchase-2618@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

Amazing! Second-favorite place for me after Thailand

[–] minhtri0795@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

Da Nang city has now become a great place for Digital Nomal

[–] alec_eiffel_@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

I have a Satechi 160 w power bank. One figure eight C8 cord in and 4 USBC ports out. The most powerful port runs 100 w which is enough to run my laptop. I have US, EU and UK cords but if I need another one the figure eight standard makes it easy & cheap to get.

[–] Taronyuuu@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago (3 children)

Priority pass changed my flight experience so much in a good way. It is a luxurious thing, but it makes it so much better. Before I would have to pick between stress of missing my flight, or not being able to work. With priority pass I just leave 3.5 hours in advance, travel to the airport no stress and then plop down in a lounge and work while eating and drinking something. That is +/- 1.5 to 2.5 hours every flight I can just be productive while having to 'wait'.

In-flight wifi is also on my list, long haul I never travel without anymore. If I am sitting in a metal tube for 10 hours, I might as well take 8 of those hours and be productive while I am flying. The 30 euro for wifi is a no brainer then.

[–] rlowery77@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

Once you add up the meals, coffees, and free internet access Priority Pass looks more like a good investment than a luxury. I'm kicking myself for the years I traveled without it.

[–] wheeler1432@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

Some credit cards offer it.

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[–] deluded_soul@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago (2 children)

Cannot recommend Revolut enough. I know they have kinda shitty customer service but I use the metal plan and the ability to hold multiple currencies is great.

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[–] AlecKatzKlein@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

If you have Schwab, they fedex my replacement debit card to me while I was in South America

[–] oldg17@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

Great calls

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[–] mgberner@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)
  • Charles Schwab debit card (unlimited ATM fee reimbursements)
  • U.S. passport card (better than carrying my actual passport or driver's license everywhere)
  • backup credit card and debit card
  • ARZOPA portable monitor
  • laptop stand / monitor stand
  • Logitech wireless bluetooth keyboard
  • Marchway lightweight packable camping chair (for beach)
  • SIM card carrying case
  • stuffable day pack
  • Xiaomi Redmi 10 smartphone (my burner phone with local SIM card)
  • large supply of condoms (must less expensive and better quality in USA)
  • Philips Sonicare travel electric toothbrush
  • large supply of Gas-X and Pepto Bismol
  • extra toothbrushes (for overnight guests)
  • Adidas Ultraboosts (or some comfortable shoe for lots of walking)
  • sunscreen (touristy beach towns price gouge)
  • plastic compression bags for clothes

Because I split my time between the USA and nomading, I find it's easier to own duplicates of everything that I use on a daily basis. Two razors, two computer chargers, two two tubs of hair gel, etc. The items designed for travel just stay in a box at home when not in use. Dramatically reduces the chances that I forget to pack something for the trip.

[–] hazzdawg@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

What brand condoms do you prefer? I find that Durex ribbed in magnum size works pretty well for me.

[–] kelement@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

Power bank.

[–] Paarfums@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

My macbook and a powerbank is all I need for a whole year trip

[–] uceenk@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago (2 children)
  • Nintendo Switch
  • 13" laptop

luckily i never interested with bigger screen, so i dont need second monitor at all when i'm working

Macbook Air M1 has been a godsend, it was light, quite small and i literally can place it on my lap while working ( the temperature never get too hot)

  • 40 litre backpack

dont have suitcase, which is good thing, i tried to put all my stuff with this backpack, so i dont need to buy checked baggage on airport

  • wise debit card

  • smartphone

dont need additional camera, the phone is good enough to capture the moment

  • bunch of clothes, toiletries and thats it
[–] Taronyuuu@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago (2 children)

The Air M1 is spot on, it is the exact machine I am also using and traveling with. Every person around me is questioning why I (lead developer) is working on an Air instead of a Pro. But it is more than fast enough and so light that I would never pick the pro.

[–] GettingBy-Podcast@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

And the really great part is it's only $750 at Costco. 8 gig 256gb version. Handles video very well.

[–] bastian320@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

It's basically the same thing. M1 silicon has been a game changer for me. Low heat, great battery life, just need to consciously avoid Rosetta x86 emulation as that tanks all benefits.

[–] serioussham@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

While not quite as compact as the Switch, the Steam Deck is insane for how well it replicates a true pc gaming experience on the go.

[–] Mysterious_Remote491@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

I’m m currently carrying a steam deck. It’s awesome!

[–] Admiral-PoopyDick@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

Passport & condoms, the bread and butter of passport bros

And my aer travel pack is pretty nice (aer pls pay me now)

[–] omar4nsari@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

A Western passport, preferably more than one

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[–] phard003@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

The Nintendo switch is an underrated item if you're traveling a lot. Great for passing time when you have long layovers and a phenomenal way to make friends with people sitting next to you on planes, busses, or trains. Even better if you can find a place to jailbreak it and download all the available games you want.

[–] Castles23@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I have a steamdeck but I'm thinking of getting a Switch since it's a bit smaller.

[–] kiki7492@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

New steamdeck is significantly lighter

[–] sonnydays2@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

various bags - laundry bag, tech bag (for cables, chargers etc), tote, cross body, backpack for day excursions

Power Bank

Packing cubes

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[–] libbieL@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)
  • Egyptian cotton bath towel and bed sheet - I need my creature comforts.
  • Vacuum bags for packing. -Mosquito repellent!!!!!
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[–] wheeler1432@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

We take an echo dot and a Roku stick with us for entertainment.

[–] matt49267@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)
[–] Jennysau@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago (2 children)

What is the difference with that and just using your phone as a hotspot?

[–] vodiak@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Most of them aren't even a hotspot (cell connection to wifi). Main features are:

  • VPN to make it appear as if you're in another country
  • wifi sharing. Let's you use a single WiFi connection for multiple devices. Some hotels and many airlines/cruise ships charge per device and sharing makes all your devices appear as one. Also convenient because you only need to set up the new Wi-Fi on one device (the rest are already configured to your travel router).
  • acts as a repeater. Helpful if the wifi only works well on one side of the apartment you're renting
[–] matt49267@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

Definitely the benefit with products such as GLI net range is the ability to plug to an ethernet port in say a hotel room. Gives a reliable connection with no need to connect to wi fi network

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[–] cajonsoftheworld@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

17" laptop... So many hours in front of the screen. Bigger has really helped to make it enjoyable.

[–] Low-Drive-768@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago (2 children)
[–] FuckDataCaps@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

I just carry a good knife instead. I've been to AirBnB that didn't even have a knife..

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[–] Known_Impression1356@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

Must haves...

  • wifi
  • power cord adapter
  • credit card that allows you to take out cash.

Anything else is either nice to have or completely unnecessary.

[–] cpb70@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago (2 children)

Some ideas that aren't going to be as common:

Electronics friendly wet wipes - you will get gunk on your tech

Couple ziploc freezer bags - water proof and water resistant are buzz words when the water apocalypse hits and you're an hour away from shelter

Couple of those moisture sucking packets that come in everything

Bathroom stall and hotel door lock gadget

Golf ball sized portion of Earthquake/Museum putty - doesn't leave residue and is a sanity lifesaver for uneven cafe tables when you're trying to work

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[–] WFHTechHQ@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

Fast, high capacity portable battery (like this Anker)

[–] Projectrage@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago

Nomadlist.com is super handy on safe places, and all the knowledge (drinking water, avg airbnb price, avg coffee price, taxi company, etc).

[–] jackthebackpacker@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago (4 children)

I’m still amazed at seeing people travelling with MacBook chargers

Get a 65-100w gan universal travel adapter, it’s the only charger you will ever need.

Also get a 2m usb c cable plus a 1m extension in case there’s an awkward positioning in a hotel or coffee shop of the mains adapter

[–] The_Boopaduke@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago (3 children)

People who buys Mac aren't exactly tech savvy haha

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[–] The_Boopaduke@alien.top 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Someone no one had mentioned yet. Bluetooth RGB lights. I always bring a couple 50w RGBW flood lights and a few RGBW light bulbs that can be controlled via Bluetooth without a hub.

Good lighting transforms a place, especially if they have those horrid low CRI white medical white lights.

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