Boost Your Remote Work With These 8 Tools for Digital Nomads

The life of a digital nomad offers thrilling opportunities for remote workers to travel, network, and gain new experiences. However, it comes with its challenges. Without Internet access and the right devices, working comfortably while traveling can be a struggle compared to working from home. Having been on the road for over six months, I’ve found the following tech tools for digital nomads indispensable to ensure smooth remote work.

1. Universal Adapter

It’s common knowledge that different countries have different electrical outlets. For example, traveling within Southeast Asia, from Bali to Kuala Lumpur, you need to switch from Type C (the Europlug) to Type G (used in the United Kingdom). Voltage supplies can also vary significantly, from 120 V/60 Hz in the U.S. to 230 V/50 Hz in India. Plugging a device designed for one region directly into another region can damage its components.

Yet, even seasoned travelers may forget to pack an essential accessory: a universal adapter. This multi-pin device ensures all your electronics can plug seamlessly into local outlets. Many adapters also offer step down or step up voltage conversion, making them the first interface for any local electrical system.

These travel adapters are usually available for purchase at airports. However, to avoid steep airport prices, consider buying them online. I got mine from a flea market for less than $4 five years ago, and they are still serving me well. I always carry two adapters for emergencies.

2. Multiport Power Strip

When you arrive in a new country, you are often unsure about your accommodations. It could change at a moment’s notice. One annoyance can be only one or two electric outlets in your room. Carrying a multiport power strip (or extension cord) can make your life easier, as you can plug in all your electronic devices – smartphones, laptops, tablets, and more. Always purchase a device with surge protection.

Although it may be a heavy item, having these extra ports is worth it. Unlike power banks, which you can only carry in the cabin, multiport sockets do not have a battery, so you can safely tuck them in checked baggage. Even if you carry them in the cabin, they’re unlikely to cause any problems with airport security. Whether you’re in a hotel, hostel, or renting a studio, these tools can immediately transform a digital nomad’s living space into a proper work environment.

3. Travel SIM

You can’t be a digital nomad without high-speed, uninterrupted Internet access. Just a decade ago, finding reliable cheap Internet at a new destination was hit-or-miss – you often had to learn the hard way. Thankfully, it’s much easier now to get an international travel SIM with 5G data benefits. You can also get a local 5G SIM (or eSIM) at international airports. This is the preferable options, as your phone gets the same network coverage as the locals.

If you’re planning to rely solely on hotel Wi-Fi for your work, you’re in for a rude awakening. Even today, in many places, including popular tourist destinations, Wi-Fi can be slow, with frequent disconnections driving you bananas. It can also be a privacy risk. I’ve stayed in sketchy hotels where the staff didn’t seem well-intentioned, and relying on their Wi-Fi for bank and credit card transactions felt super unsafe. I would rather trust a major telecom provider.

4. Wireless Mice

As a remote worker, if your primary working device is a laptop, a wireless mouse is an indispensable accessory. It significantly reduces wrist aches, finger cramps, and potential health issues, like carpal tunnel syndrome. Light weight and without the hassle of tangled cables, a wireless mouse is perfect for a minimalist freelance work setup.

Besides the ergonomic benefits, wireless mice are affordable and easily replaceable. They operate on Bluetooth and rechargeable batteries, making them simple to set up anywhere. Unlike a laptop’s touchpad, you can use a wireless mouse from a greater distance, in various positions, and on different surfaces.

Tip: check out these must-have products that you need to travel internationally.

5. Fast Charger

Uncertainty is a key aspect of the digital nomad lifestyle. You may need to change travel plans quickly, leave your accommodations in a hurry, or find yourself stuck somewhere at ungodly hours. The last thing you need is for your mobile devices and laptop to fail because you didn’t have time to charge them.

Carrying a fast charger is essential. It’s important to choose one that is compatible with your devices. There are many fast-charging protocols, such as Apple Fast Charge for iPhones and OnePlus Warp Charge for OnePlus Android devices. GaN chargers are useful if you need to charge multiple devices simultaneously. Whichever fast charger you use, make sure you enable the fast charge settings on your device.

Good to know: learn how to find out whether a power bank is allowed on a flight.

6. Power Bank

Along with fast chargers, power banks are invaluable for emergency backup charging. Depending on your device and model, you can get anything from one to five or even more full charges. Some power banks support both phones and laptops. This makes them one of the most versatile tools for digital nomads.

However, power banks can be a travel hassle if you don’t plan ahead. For starters, they’re never allowed in checked baggage due to battery discharge issues. Additionally, there may be capacity restrictions.

For example, at Bangkok airport where I just flew from, any power bank over 32000 mAh is strictly forbidden. If you have a 20000 mAh and above power bank, you can only carry two pieces. These rules vary from country to country, so you should check security policies before packing a power bank in your carry-on.

7. Portable Mobile Hotspot

One thing you definitely miss while traveling is the familiar comfort and high speeds of a good residential or office Wi-Fi network. Portable travel routers provide a mobile hotspot on any network you choose. For example, this model by TP-Link offers phone Wi-Fi tethering, can be powered by a power bank, and deliver speeds up to 1.5 Gbps.

Remember, these portable mobile hotspots are considered power banks for airport security purposes, so you will need to carry them in your carry-on. Another challenge is that some ban your device from their network due to fair usage polices (FUP) and to avoid network congestion. Therefore, these devices work best at airports, coworking cafés, and other places that welcome them.

8. Noise-Canceling Headphones

This tool is ideal for those digital nomads who operate from coworking hubs, hostels, cafés, and other public areas. Of course, you cannot prevent people near you from talking about irrelevant topics. If you want to do focused work in a shared workplace, it’s a good idea to use noise-canceling headphones.

Apart from shutting down ambient noise, these headphones also give you an appearance of being busy. It’s quite helpful if you want to avoid being distracted by too many awkward hellos and side chatter. These devices are akin to sporting a big “do not disturb” sign.

These are not the only tools for digital nomads. There are many others that could be added to this list. For example, it’s always a good idea to carry USB flash drives and SD cards for additional data backup. I also recommend wearing a smartwatch during your travels, as they can help you call and text in an emergency. Although many people don’t find smartwatches useful, I find them as essential as smartphones.

Image Credit: Pixabay. Screenshots and images by Sayak Boral.