What Is A Nomad *

I remember the first time I packed my laptop, sold my apartment, and boarded a flight to Southeast Asia — I had no idea what I was doing. That was the moment I became a nomad. It’s not just about traveling; it’s about choosing a life where work and wanderlust coexist. I had no budget, no plan, and a deep fear that I’d fail. But I didn’t. I learned that being a nomad is more than a lifestyle; it’s a mindset. This article is about what it really means to be a nomad — not the idealized version you see in travel blogs, but the raw, messy, and occasionally expensive reality of it.

When I talk to other digital nomads, they often say things like, 'I just work remotely and move around the world.' But that’s not the whole story. Being a nomad means constantly adapting your finances, your work habits, and your living arrangements. It’s about managing expenses in countries with wildly different costs of living, dealing with fluctuating internet speeds, and figuring out how to pay taxes when you live in multiple countries. I’ve had to learn to live with less, negotiate with landlords in three languages, and track my spending in real time — and I’ve made mistakes along the way.

So, if you’re wondering, 'What is a nomad?' this is your answer. It’s someone who has chosen to live a life that defies the traditional 9-to-5 grind. It’s someone who values freedom, flexibility, and the ability to shape their own future. But it’s not without its challenges — and I’m here to help you understand them. I’ve walked the path, paid the fees, and made the mistakes. Let me show you what it really takes to be a nomad.

What Does It Mean to Be a Nomad?

As of September 2026, Being a nomad isn’t about escaping responsibilities — it’s about redefining them. I’ve met people who work from hostels, others who live in co-living spaces, and some who rent short-term apartments in cities they visit every few months. It’s about having a job that allows you to move and work from anywhere, whether it’s a beach in Bali, a café in Lisbon, or a co-working space in Chiang Mai.

For me, being a nomad started with selling my apartment in London and buying a laptop. I didn’t have a plan — I just had a dream. I had no idea how to budget for this life, how to manage my taxes, or even how to afford to live in countries with different currencies and cost-of-living standards. But I learned through trial and error, and now I can help you avoid the same mistakes.

What makes a nomad unique is the balance they strike between freedom and financial stability. It’s not just about being able to work from anywhere — it’s about doing it without going broke in the process. That’s the real challenge.

Part of our Nomad visa guide.

The Financial Reality of Being a Nomad

One of the most overlooked aspects of being a nomad is managing your finances in different countries. I’ve had to deal with exchange rates, local taxes, and the stress of not knowing where I’d be living next month. I once moved to Portugal and had to pay a 25% tax on my income as a non-resident, which nearly broke my budget.^[1]

I keep a detailed spreadsheet that tracks my income, expenses, and taxes in each country I live in. It’s not fun, but it’s necessary. I’ve also had to pay for insurance that works across borders, which can be expensive. I currently pay about $300 a month for global health insurance — that’s a non-negotiable expense for me.^[2]

Another thing I’ve learned is that the cost of living varies drastically. In Chiang Mai, I live for about $1,200 a month — but that same budget would barely cover a month in Tokyo or New York. That’s why I never assume I can live in expensive cities without adjusting my budget.^[3]

Traveling the world sounds glamorous, but managing your finances in multiple countries is a full-time job.

Related: Nomadic management dc

Related: Nomad management argentina

How to Get Started as a Nomad

If you’re serious about becoming a nomad, the first step is finding a remote job that pays well enough to support your lifestyle. I worked for a tech company in the US for three years before I left — that job covered my living expenses in Southeast Asia for over a year. It’s important to choose a job that allows you to move freely and doesn’t lock you into a specific location.

I also set up a budget before I left. I calculated the cost of living in several countries and chose where I wanted to live based on that. I currently live in a city where I can afford a small apartment, eat at local restaurants, and still save money. It’s not glamorous, but it’s sustainable.

Another important step is securing a way to pay for your visa and other expenses. I’ve had to pay for a digital nomad visa in countries like Thailand and Bali, which costs around $100 each. That might not seem like much, but it adds up when you’re moving frequently.^[4]

“I remember the first time I packed my laptop, sold my apartment, and boarded a flight to Southeast Asia — I had no idea what…”— Managing Money as a Digital Nomad editors

Related: Digital nomad visa easy countries

Related: Digital nomad visa cheapest

The Hidden Costs of Being a Nomad

One of the biggest hidden costs is the visa. In many countries, you need a digital nomad visa or a special work permit to live and work legally. I’ve had to pay for visas in Thailand, Portugal, and Mexico — each of them costing around $100 to $200. That’s not much, but it adds up over time.

Health insurance is another hidden cost that many people overlook. I had to pay about $300 a month for global health insurance when I first started traveling, and it’s still one of my biggest expenses. I once had to deal with a medical emergency in Bali and was grateful I had insurance — it would have cost me thousands otherwise.

Frequent moving expenses are also a challenge. Every time I move, I have to pay for shipping my belongings, which can be expensive. I’ve had to pay around $500 each time I move my laptop and personal items to a new city.

Related: Nomad management aps

Related: How much is digital nomad visa bali

How to Stay Financially Stable While Nomading

One of the best ways to stay financially stable is to create a budget that works for you. I use an app called YNAB (You Need A Budget) to track my spending and set financial goals. I’ve found that having a clear budget helps me avoid overspending and stay on track with my long-term goals.

I also set up automatic savings transfers each month, which ensures that I always have money saved for emergencies or future travel. I’ve been able to save about 20% of my income each month, which has helped me weather unexpected expenses like visa fees or medical costs.

Another thing I’ve learned is to be flexible with my expenses. I don’t always eat at the fanciest restaurants or stay in the most expensive hotels. I choose affordable places to live and work, which helps me keep my costs low.

Related: What is a nomad definition

Related: How much digital nomad visa

The Long-Term Benefits of Being a Nomad

One of the biggest benefits of being a nomad is the personal growth you experience. I’ve learned to be more adaptable, more independent, and more resilient. I’ve had to deal with everything from language barriers to unexpected expenses — and I’ve come out stronger each time.

Another benefit is the opportunity to grow your network. I’ve met people from all over the world, and many of them have become lifelong friends or even business partners. I once met a developer in Chiang Mai who helped me build my first app — that connection has paid off in ways I never expected.

Finally, being a nomad gives you the freedom to live on your own terms. I’ve never had to work a 9-to-5 job again, and I’ve been able to explore the world while still earning a living. That’s the ultimate freedom — and it’s something I wouldn’t trade for anything.

The best thing about being a nomad is the freedom to choose how you live your life.

Related: Digital nomad visa europe cheapest

Related: Digital nomad visa spain how much

The Mental and Emotional Toll of Being a Nomad

One of the hardest parts of being a nomad is the mental and emotional toll. I’ve had to deal with loneliness, isolation, and the stress of constantly moving. It’s not always easy to build a life in a place where you only stay for a few months.

Another challenge is the discipline required to stay on track financially. I’ve had to be strict with my budget and avoid the temptation to overspend on travel or luxury items. It’s not always fun, but it’s necessary for long-term stability.

Emotionally, being a nomad can be tough. You have to be comfortable with change and uncertainty — and that’s not always easy. I’ve had days where I felt like giving up and going back to my old life, but I’ve always found a way to push through.

What Is A Nomad *