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Telegraph
a day ago
- Business
- Telegraph
‘I moved to Bali as a digital nomad. Life is luxurious even on a budget'
To take part in How I Spend It, please use the form below or email money@ As a thank you, published diarists will receive a £50 Amazon voucher. All our subjects are genuine but anonymous. For years, London was my life. The familiar hum of the city, the vibrant energy, the endless opportunities – I loved it. But over time, that hum began to sound more like a monotonous drone. The pressure of continually climbing the career ladder, the exorbitant cost of living (especially rent for my flat near Camden), and the feeling of being perpetually on a treadmill all started to wear me down. Then, the pandemic hit, and the forced pause made me seriously re-evaluate everything. So, I did what any sane (or perhaps slightly mad) person would do: I let out my flat in London, packed a single suitcase, and became a digital nomad. It felt like a leap of faith, but also an incredibly liberating decision. My parents have always instilled in me a strong work ethic, but also encouraged me to pursue experiences, so they were surprisingly supportive of this unconventional path. I studied Graphic Design at university, graduating with a student loan that I'm still chipping away at each month. My first job out of university was as a junior designer, earning £22,000 annually. I steadily worked my way up, which led to a senior designer role where I was earning £35,000 before I decided to go freelance three years ago. Now, as a freelance graphic designer with primarily UK clients, my income is variable, but I aim for around £4,500 gross per month. This figure also includes the £1,500 I receive from renting out my UK flat, which helps cover my ongoing UK commitments. My monthly outgoings here in Bali are considerably lower, averaging around £2,000, which includes everything from accommodation and food to travel and leisure. My financial goals have shifted significantly. While I'm not actively saving for a house in the UK at the moment – that feels like a goal for a much more distant future – my current focus is on building a solid emergency fund and investing in experiences rather than accumulating material possessions. I aim to put away at least £500-£700 into a flexible savings account each month, though this can vary depending on project flow. I'm also mindful of maintaining a healthy buffer in my business account for quiet periods. I truly believe that investing in travel and new cultures enriches my life in ways that traditional savings accounts can't. It's a different kind of wealth. Monday I woke up to the symphony of nature. The guesthouse is nestled amid rice paddies, so instead of London traffic, I hear roosters, chirping geckos, and the gentle splash of the koi pond. It's incredibly serene, a stark contrast to my previous life. After yoga on my balcony I had a green smoothie for breakfast. I blended spinach, banana, pineapple, and coconut water from the local market (£2). It's incredibly refreshing and a healthy start to the day. I am lucky that the guesthouse offers a communal workspace for £15 a day with complimentary tea and coffee. It's a mix of solo travellers and digital nomads, creating a productive and friendly atmosphere – and the tranquil environment helps me concentrate. The guesthouse itself is a collection of traditional Balinese bungalows surrounding a central garden and pool – it feels like a little oasis. For lunch I went to a nearby family-run eatery that's a local favourite and opted for a mixed rice dish called nasi campur. It's delicious and at £3 the price is incredibly cheap – a real bargain compared to any London lunch! After work I headed out to explore Ubud. I wandered through the bustling local markets, admiring the handcrafted souvenirs and colourful textiles. I resisted buying anything, but it's easy to get carried away here. For just £6 I decided to visit the Ubud Monkey Forest. It's a bit chaotic, with hundreds of monkeys roaming freely, and you have to be vigilant with your belongings, but it's undeniably entertaining. I found myself laughing out loud watching their antics – definitely a unique interaction, even if they're just after your sunglasses! Dinner was at a vegan restaurant where I opted for a tempeh curry with brown rice (£8), which was flavourful and satisfying. It's wonderful how many healthy and affordable options there are here. Total spend: £34 Tuesday After a lie-in I bought a selection of local fruits from the market – incredibly sweet mangoes, papayas, and vibrant dragon fruit – and enjoyed them with strong Balinese coffee (total £4). This is a daily pleasure that feels so luxurious for the price. I settled down for a morning in the workspace (£15) before going to lunch (£7) with other digital nomads at a popular hangout spot. We share stories and tips about places to work, best local eats, and visa intricacies. It's a fantastic way to build community and feel less isolated. In the afternoon I treated myself to a traditional Balinese massage for £15. This is a regular 'splurge' for me – but incredibly affordable relaxation. The equivalent at home could cost up to £100. I joined a cooking class learning to make traditional Indonesian dishes like sate lilit and gado-gado. The instructor was hilarious, and it was a hands-on way to understand the local cuisine. Plus, I got to eat everything we made, a good deal for £12 a class. I enjoyed a video call with my best friend back in London before bed, sharing stories of my adventures and getting updates from home. It's important to maintain those connections. Total: £38 Wednesday I decided to take a complete break from work and immerse myself in Balinese culture for the day. After breakfast of coffee and fruit at the guesthouse (£3) I rented a scooter (£7 including petrol) and set off to visit Tirta Empul Temple, a sacred water temple known for its purification rituals. The journey to the temple was an adventure in itself with roads winding through lush rice paddies and small villages, offering breathtaking views. Arrived at Tirta Empul Temple (donation £2). The temple complex is a marvel of Balinese architecture, with intricately carved stone shrines and serene pools. The main attraction is the holy spring, where locals and tourists alike participate in the purification ritual, bathing under the spouts of water. However, I also visited another temple that day – it was beautiful, but sadly absolutely swarming with tourists. It made it difficult to really appreciate the serenity and spiritual significance of the place, which was a shame. I find it's a delicate balance, wanting to see these iconic spots but also wanting to avoid the crowds. Lunch was at a local cafe near the temple where I had gado-gado (Indonesian salad with peanut sauce) and fresh coconut water for £5. After exploring the area surrounding the temples I headed back to the guesthouse and enjoyed a dip in the pool. Dinner at another local spot for just £6. I opted for a flavourful chicken satay with peanut sauce. Total: £23 Thursday Coffee and fruit from the local market for breakfast (£2.50) before I head back to the workspace for the day. For lunch I tried a local cafe that was recommended by another digital nomad, and had a very nice vegetable curry (£6). This place had a lovely, quiet atmosphere perfect for a mid-day break. I decided to take a batik class, learning the traditional art of wax-resist dyeing. I even managed to create a small piece myself – definitely not museum-worthy, but a fun, hands-on cultural experience for £10. Dinner with other digital nomads (£8). We met at a local restaurant, sharing stories and tips while enjoying a delicious meal. Total: £41.50 Friday Another fresh fruit and coffee breakfast (£3) before settling in the workspace (£15) to meet client deadlines. For lunch I went to a local seafood restaurant and enjoyed very good grilled fish (£7). In the afternoon I took a silversmithing class (£15), learning to create my own silver jewellery. It was a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience, and I made a simple ring I'm actually proud of. Earlier in the week, I stumbled across this little market selling the most beautiful hand-carved wooden bowls. I managed to haggle the price down to a steal, which felt like a real win. That's the beauty of Bali, amazing little bargains are everywhere if you know where to look. I was craving something different for dinner so I treated myself to a delicious pizza at a local Italian restaurant for £12. Sometimes you just need a taste of home! Total: £52 Weekend I rented a scooter to explore the surrounding villages. This gives me incredible freedom and is super cost-effective at just £5 and £2 for petrol. This is where you see the real Bali, away from the main tourist hubs. Lunch was at a roadside stall for a plate of mie goreng (fried noodles) and a fresh coconut (£4). These mini-eateries are the best for authentic, cheap eats. I rode to a nearby beach, enjoying the warm sand and clear water (parking is just £1). The journey itself through the lush landscapes is part of the experience. I enjoyed a seafood dinner (£10) at a restaurant overlooking the ocean, watching the sunset. It's still relatively affordable to have a lovely meal with a view. Bali certainly can be very affordable, especially when it comes to delicious food and local transport. However, those tempting villas with private pools, and the occasional urge for Western comforts, do add up. I'm being mindful of my budget, and generally, my cost of living here is significantly lower than what I was paying in London, allowing me to save more than before. I'm not ruling out a return to the UK at some point, but the idea of travelling more is definitely very appealing. Perhaps a mix of both in the future, where I base myself somewhere for a few months and then move on, is the ideal scenario for me. For now, Bali is home.
Travel Daily News
2 days ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
OMIO ranks top European digital nomad countries for 2025
OMIO ranks Europe's top digital nomad destinations, with Romania, Albania, and Georgia leading for affordability, and Spain, Portugal excelling in internet speed. Euro summer' is currently trending on Google, with searches increasing over 100% in the past quarter in the UK. But why not take it one step further and get a digital nomad visa, so you can live and work remotely in Europe, immersing yourself in the culture and enjoying a new way of life? To help those who are thinking about taking the plunge, global travel booking website OMIO has put together a comprehensive data index of the most accessible digital nomad countries in Europe, looking at factors such as cost of living, cost of rent, internet speed, safety and cost of visa, to name a few. These are the most accessible digital nomad countries in Europe: Romania Albania Georgia Hungary Portugal Croatia Czech Republic Spain Latvia Greece Eastern Europe is the cheapest place to be a digital nomad According to the data, Eastern Europe has come out on top as having the most accessible digital nomad countries, with Romania coming in at first place thanks to scoring 37 on the cost of living index, which is extremely low compared to countries such as the United States, which scores 72. Not only this, but Romania also scores seven on the rent index, making it an extremely affordable place to live overall. It is worth noting, however, that to get a digital nomad visa in Romania, you need to have a steady income of £3,700 each month, which could be steep for someone working freelance or on a lower salary. Albania is the second most accessible digital nomad country in Europe, thanks to scoring the same as Romania for cost of living and rent, alongside only needing to prove £800 per month of income. However, it scores lower in terms of safety (54) and internet speed (73), both of which are extremely important factors when working remotely. Georgia and Hungary also scored relatively low for the cost of living and rent. Hungary has a much higher internet speed, with an index score of 116 (fixed) and 43 (mobile), which could be suitable for those who want to work as efficiently as possible at a cheaper price than in their home country. Not only this, but Hungary also has a higher safety index of 66 compared to Albania, and a lower proof of income per month of £2000, making it a safe and affordable option for those wanting to lead a more cost-friendly life away from home. Georgia has the cheapest visa cost Alongside having a low cost of living and cheap rent, Georgia also has the cheapest visa cost, coming in at £49, making it perfect for someone looking to move away and potentially save some money. However, you must prove that you earn at least £2000 a month to get a visa. It's also a pretty safe country, scoring 74 on the index. The only downsides of Georgia are, unfortunately, the internet speed, which is low in comparison to the likes of Spain and Portugal, scoring 25 (fixed) and 33 (mobile). Portugal and Spain have the fastest internet Portugal and Spain have a slightly higher cost of living, with Portugal's cost of living index scoring 45 and rent scoring 21, while Spain came in at 50 for cost of living and 21 for rent. However, both countries scored a lot higher on internet speed, with Spain scoring 168 (fixed) and 35 (mobile), and Portugal scoring 120 (fixed), and 59 (mobile). They also scored higher regarding safety, which is something to bear in mind if you're a solo traveller.
Travel Daily News
27-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Living as a digital nomad in Surat Thani: A hidden gem for remote workers
Surat Thani won't shout 'digital nomad hotspot' at first sight, but that's precisely why it's so great. It calls for slow living, deep work, and genuine cultural exchange. When digital nomads consider destinations in Thailand, Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and the islands of Koh Phangan or Koh Samui are usually the first to come to mind. However, located in southern Thailand, away from the crowds and mayhem, is Surat Thani—a hidden gem for remote workers who desire a mix of productivity, affordability, and genuine local culture. While commonly regarded as a stopping point for tourists traveling to the Gulf islands, Surat Thani has far more to offer than meets the eye. Friendly locals, an affordable cost of living, dependable infrastructure, and close proximity to breathtaking natural wonders make Surat Thani increasingly a best-kept secret for digital nomads. For those who are starting out from the capital, the Bangkok to Surat Thani train journey not only serves convenience but also as a scenic route—offering a seamless transition from urban city life to a laid-back, nature-dense environment. Why Surat Thani Is a Draw for Remote Workers True Thai Lifestyle Unlike tourist-populated towns, Surat Thani offers a truer Thai experience. The city is not flooded with expats, so encounters with locals are more authentic, prices are not jacked up, and cultural immersion is much richer. Whether walking through the lively Talad Mai Market, sampling just-made roti on the street, or speaking Thai with your barista, the everyday moments here feel pleasantly authentic. Affordability Without Sacrificing Comfort Relative to Thailand's more established nomad hotspots, Surat Thani provides a much lower cost of living. Cozy apartments are available for rent for pennies compared to Bangkok or Chiang Mai. Dining out from local eateries costs between 40-70 THB, and coworking centers or cafés with reliable Wi-Fi are readily available and inexpensive. With this affordable setup, remote workers are free to stay longer or spend more as they explore Thailand. Natural Escapes in Every Direction Despite being a working base, Surat Thani is surrounded by breathtaking nature. On weekends or work breaks, you're a short drive away from the Ratchaprapha Dam in Khao Sok National Park—a place often compared to Vietnam's Ha Long Bay. Nearby waterfalls, caves, and jungle hikes offer tranquil retreats from your screen. To mention but a few, the city is the prime mainland gateway to islands such as Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, all of which are accessible by ferry within hours. Digital Infrastructure & Work-Friendly Places Accommodation with Work Facilities There are a few monthly renting possibilities with good Wi-Fi, air con, and peaceful environments. Hostels and serviced apartments have long-stay deals, and increasingly, Airbnb listings are designed for digital nomads who want comfort and functionality. Coworking & Work Cafés While Surat Thani doesn't yet have a coworking scene as vibrant as Chiang Mai's, it makes up for it with cozy, laptop-friendly cafés that offer free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and ample plug sockets. Notable spots include: Chillin' Café – A modern café with comfortable seating and quality coffee. Gong Dee Café – A cozy, work-friendly environment close to the city center. Café de Balcony – Perfect for early risers, with a serene atmosphere ideal for concentrated work. Digital nomads also enjoy decent mobile internet speeds with AIS, DTAC, and TrueMove—meaning hot-spotting over mobile networks is a good backup option when necessary. Community and Connection Surat Thani does not have huge meet-up groups or expat communities, but that is its beauty. There are smaller, more intimate groups of travelers and remote workers—especially in Facebook groups, coworking cafés, and weekend island trips. If you're missing the socialization, a quick trip to Koh Phangan or Samui for a couple of days is simple and well worth it. You get both worlds: peaceful, concentrated time in Surat Thani, followed by contact and networking time on the nearby islands. Visa and Legal Issues for Digital Nomads As with other places in Thailand, most digital nomads in Surat Thani are on a tourist visa or visa exemption. For extended periods, however, you can consider the following: Thai Education Visa (ED visa) – Eligible if you study Thai. Thailand Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa – This is for more affluent remote workers who qualify by income and work requirements. Digital Nomad Visa (forthcoming) – Thailand is exploring digital nomad-specific visas, so keep an eye out through the Thai embassy or immigration website. Always check that you're working lawfully and report your presence, if necessary, at immigration centers, particularly if you're changing residence quite often. Final Thoughts: Experience Surat Thani's Unobtrusive Magic Surat Thani won't shout 'digital nomad hotspot' at first sight, but that's precisely why it's so great. It calls for slow living, deep work, and genuine cultural exchange. For those frazzled by overstimulated cities or out-of-budget beach towns, Surat Thani provides a grounded alternative that sacrifices nothing in beauty or functionality. No matter whether you're staying for a month or settling in for longer, this southern Thai city might be just the new beginning your remote life requires—a place where you can wake to birdsong, sip coffee along the river, and log in to work with a smile.
Irish Times
27-05-2025
- Irish Times
‘How we saved €100k in four years'
Stephanie Barry Woods never thought she would have the life she lives now. The Cork native is currently based in Bali but has spent the past nine years globetrotting with her husband Tim. When the rainy season begins in Indonesia, they decamp to the home they bought in Italy during the pandemic and use that as their European base. 'We don't really know our next trip a lot of the time, but we'll just go on Sky Scanner or see something pop up on Instagram and say 'this seems really cool, let's go there.'' READ MORE But the life of a travel influencer and digital nomad requires forensic attention to financial planning, pivoting during times of uncertainty and long term strategising in lieu of a pensionable job with health insurance and other benefits. And Stephanie never thought she would have the money to fund such a grand plan, owing to the fact she was not very good at managing her cash. 'I was terrible! I was really good at living on a tenner for that last week of the month but I never had anything extra. When [Tim and I] met, we had these big dreams about what we wanted to do but we had no idea how to manage any extra money... How do you save? How do you become smart with where you put your money? That took us a good few months to figure out.' And while the internet is abuzz with people embarking on no-spend weeks months or even years (where they cut out any and every non-essential expenditure) Steph was adamant she didn't want to put the kibosh on nights out with her friends. After all she was planning to leave them, so the time they had together was precious. 'Not enjoying myself is not an option for saving, for me. That cannot be it. It cannot be the only way to save money." So how exactly did she do it? In 2025, saving in Ireland can feel impossible. Many of us are on wages or salaries that haven't kept up with the cost of living. Compounded by sky high rents and increasing mortgage repayments, there can be little to nothing left over at the end of the month to put aside. But even ten euro a week is worth putting into a savings account, according to Irish Times Pricewatch editor Conor Pope. In episode one of Better With Money, he outlined the importance of 'paying yourself first' and how even being forty euro better off at the end of the month is worth celebrating. In this episode of Better With Money, we hear all about the Barry Woods' savings masterplan and how they managed to clear £40,000 in debt and go on to save £100,000 in an expensive city like London. If you're in the fortunate position of being able to save a portion of your wages every month, Conor Pope rejoins the conversation to explain deposit accounts and where you might choose to put your money. Presented by Aideen Finnegan. Produced by Declan Conlon and Aideen Finnegan. Resources mentioned in this episode: Stephanie's savings plans . Bonkers and Switcher both compare credit card balance transfer options. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has a regular savings account comparison tool . FinTechs such as Revolut , Bunq and N26 provide competition to Irish pillar banks. Raisin allows you to save money in dozens of EU banks that may offer higher interest rates
CNET
23-05-2025
- Business
- CNET
Get Ready for Epic Summer Travels With a Nomad Global eSIM
Whether you're island-hopping in Thailand, traveling to London for work or are a digital nomad who uses the world as your office, a Nomad eSIM will keep you connected across the globe, without the hassle of a physical SIM card -- or the costly roaming fees of your big mobile carrier. If you've never used an eSIM before, it's basically an app-activated digital version of a physical SIM card that lets you make data-based voice and video calls on your apps. You can fire off emails, browse the web, post on social media and stream music and videos outside of the US. No matter how far or how long your travels are, Nomad has the eSIM plan that's perfect for your trip. Pick your plan and get rolling -- and scrolling. An affordable pick for short trips Stoked about your summer vacay but worried about getting slapped with roaming fees? Nomad has you covered with daily, weekly and monthly data plans ranging from 1GB to over 20GB with coverage in over 200 countries. Current prices on plans include hit destinations like Thailand ($0.18/GB) and Greece ($1.60/GB). Nomad You can also tailor a Nomad regional plan, which lets you stay connected as you bounce between countries. For example, if your summer itinerary has you visiting Germany, France and Italy in the same trip, the Nomad regional plan gets the job done. Hassle-free long-term travel For frequent travelers, students abroad and digital nomads, the Nomad Global-EX plan offers handy six-month and year-long options. Nomad Global-EX offers a 10GB, 180-day 5G plan for just $30 and a 20GB, one-year 5G plan for $50, plus the option to expand your data limit to 30GB or 50GB as needed. This plan eliminates the hassle of having to reactivate your eSIM for each trip, and it's more affordable than other eSIM brands that offer similar data allowances for shorter durations. Instant connectivity and a friendly app No matter which plan you choose, the Nomad eSIM is a win for simplicity and your wallet. Simply download the app and activate the eSIM on your unlocked iOS or Android eSIM-compatible phone so you can get online the minute you land. There's no physical SIM card to pop in, no roaming fees and no hassle. Right now, you can get $3 off your Nomad eSIM with the discount code CNET$3OFF.
