The continent of South America is filled with cultural diversity and a lot of natural beauty, making it one of the most preferred destinations for those looking to live the digital nomad lifestyle to the fullest. Whether you’re looking forward to spending your days on the beach in Brazil or the stunning mountain scene of Nicaragua, here are some digital tips to help you get started.
Now, What about Destinations?
South America is home to some of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the world that you can take advantage of as a digital nomad. Here are a few of our picks of the best locations to live and work in South America as a digital nomad.
Portugal
Portugal is now slowly gaining a reputation as a fantastic Mediterranean destination, and despite having some of the best UNESCO-protected natural and cultural treasures, mild winters, and shoreline on both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, the country is not yet overcrowded, which is a major a plus point. If you appreciate a warm climate, superb food, and easy living, the Alentejo area of Portugal is an excellent addition to any European vacation itinerary.
Before you use the public Wi-Fi connection provided by a hotel or carrier, check to make sure your laptop has antivirus software installed, such as Norton or McAfee. Then, using this program, launch a secure browser, which provides additional data protection while you carry out this financial transaction. While you’re at it, do the same for your smartphone as well.
Ecuador
While searching for which destinations to travel and live in for a while in South America, you’ll notice Ecuador’s name pop up quite a few times. Quito is Ecuador’s capital city, as well as a pleasant and cheap option for digital nomads looking to live in a UNESCO World Heritage Site flanked by breathtaking mountains. Quito boasts a pleasant climate, a welcoming society, and a reasonable cost of living.
There are a few co-working spaces in Quito where you may work comfortably while meeting other like-minded folk. You will enjoy nature in the surrounding areas, such as at Cotopaxi Volcano or Quilotoa Lake. You can also take day trips to nearby Cuenca to learn more about the country’s culture and rich history.
Card skimming is possibly the most serious digital hazard to travelers. According to the FBI, it costs banks and consumers more than USD $1 billion every year in the United States alone. Card skimming happens when fraudsters connect a tiny device to an ATM and grab the data on your card, which is then used to bill transactions to your account. These fraudsters frequently attack ATMs with inadequate protection, so be picky when choosing an ATM during your travels.
Argentina
Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital, mixes European majesty with Latin passion. It’s an energetic city, from its thriving arts scene to its buzzing nightlife. But, even more importantly, it’s only one hour ahead of New York and around four hours ahead of California.
Compared to other large cities, the cost of living in Buenos Aires is comparatively inexpensive. For instance, a lunch at a low-cost restaurant costs roughly $6, and a reasonable one-bedroom apartment costs around $600.
When it comes to entertainment, Buenos Aires has a lot to offer with its many restaurants and cafés; you may sample the famed Argentine steak, wine, and much more while you work, which makes it a great destination for digital nomads in South America.
Whether in a popular tourist area or strolling down an empty street, you should constantly be aware of your surroundings. When traveling, your passport will be the most important item you have with you for obvious reasons. If your passport is stolen, having a digital copy will make the hassle of procuring a replacement much easier.
Smart Traveler is a travel app of the United States State Department. There are other essential features, such as notifications for travel warnings and alerts, as well as the locations of US embassies. That being said, there are other similar applications for travelers when traveling to particular locations, so make sure you have one just in case you get lost or run into trouble.
Another digital tip to roll off with is never to give your passport to any money changer while traveling through South America, or anywhere for that matter. It is a common practice to ask for a person’s passport while at the money changers at an airport, but it is only advised if there is heavy security, which may indicate some trouble.
One of the reasons why it is not to do so is because your passport contains a lot of sensitive information that could be a complete gold mine for digital scammers who can use that stolen data to impersonate you.
Ending Note
Setting goals for your digital lifestyle can encourage you to remain motivated throughout your journey. Make short- and long-term objectives that reflect your goals and aspirations. Establishing clear objectives is essential to maximizing productivity when traveling. Begin by determining the aim of your trip, whether it is to work on a specific project, see a new location, or enhance your language abilities.
Next, divide your broader goals into smaller, more manageable targets consistent with your main aim. Keeping track of your trip costs and budget is critical for financial management. It’s also useful for tracking your revenue and ensuring you bring in enough money. You can also keep track of your expenses with the help of budgeting software or a spreadsheet.
