5 Tech Must-Haves to Work Like a Pro From Anywhere
While your digital nomad adventures may mean you lack a permanent workspace, every remote worker needs a few key pieces of equipment to work productively from wherever they happen to be.
From pocket-sized power sources to on-the-go internet connection, check out these digital nomad must-haves for when the whole world is your office.
1. Portable power bank
Nothing gets your palms sweating like realising your device is about to run out of juice when you’re nowhere near a power source. Save yourself the anguish of a dead battery by keeping a power bank handy in your luggage.
Nowadays, power banks are available in a wide range of portable and lightweight designs that are perfect for tech-savvy nomads needing a pocket-sized power source to keep them connected.
What to look for in a power bank:
Lightweight build: Choose a power bank that won’t add kilos to your luggage weight.
Portable design: A sleek and compact power bank will help make packing a breeze.
Good battery life: Make sure your power bank holds sufficient power for your needs.
My personal powerbank favorite: The Anker Nano 10,000mAh (view on Amazon)
Top picks for portable power banks
Anker Nano 10,000mAh: A portable and durable power bank with both USB-C and USB-A ports, plus a built-in USB-C cable that’s ideal if you’ve forgotten to pack one!
Ugreen 5000mAh Magnetic Power Bank: This small but mighty power bank is the ultimate travel companion for digital nomads, with a convenient magnetic design that attaches straight to your phone.
Klarus K5: Aside from being super compact and lightweight, this stylish powerbank is also dust and water-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor adventures like camping and hiking.
2. Universal travel adaptor
Digital nomad life would be a lot easier if every country had the same kind of electrical outlets. Sadly, this isn’t the case – and if you’ve ever rocked up to a new destination to realise your devices don’t match the power points, you’ll know just how frustrating this can be.
Rather than buying a new adaptor for every new country (a major waste of money and luggage space), opt for a handy universal travel adaptor that lets you connect to power anywhere in the world.
What to look for in a universal travel adaptor:
Full global coverage: Be sure to check that your chosen travel adaptor really is universal, rather than only covering certain regions.
Compact design: Avoid bulky travel adaptors and select one that’s lightweight and easy to transport.
Additional charging ports: Some travel adaptors feature USB or other ports to charge multiple devices at once, which can be super convenient.
The universal adaptor I can’t live without: The JOMFEEN All-In-One Universal Power Wall Charger (view on Amazon)
Top picks for universal travel adaptors
JOOMFEEN Worldwide All-in-One Universal Power Wall Charger: Lightweight and affordable, this handy universal adapter features input plugs for European, UK, US and Australian outlets, as well as two USB-A ports.
MOMAX Universal Travel Adapter: A must for handling high-powered items, this universal adapter can power up to six devices from a single outlet across more than 150 countries.
Epicka TA-105C Universal Travel Adapter: With three USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and space for up to six devices from a single outlet, this nifty adapter is ideal for multi-item charging on the go.
3. Portable WiFi hotspot
Of all the critical items on the digital nomad’s wishlist, a reliable and secure internet connection is a serious contender for the top spot.
By enabling you to securely connect multiple devices to the internet wherever you are in the world, a portable WiFi hotspot can be a remote work lifesaver – and an imperative piece of tech for any digital nomad.
What to look for in a portable WiFi hotspot:
Global coverage: If you’re a globetrotting digital nomad, a WiFi hotspot that works across the world will ensure you’re always connected.
Multi-carrier access: You’ll want your WiFi hotspot to be able to connect to multiple carriers in your location, in order to provide the best coverage and network strength.
Multiple device connectivity: Choose a personal WiF hotspot that allows you to connect all your devices, such as your laptop, phone, and tablet.
The portable WiFi hotspot I’m always packing: The SIMO Solis Lite (view on Amazon)
Top picks for portable WiFi hotspots
Simo Solis Lite: The big drawcard of this awesome portable hotspot is its free lifetime global data plan, which gives you 1GB of data each month. And with coverage for 135+ countries, it’s the ultimate digital nomad accessory.
Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro: Working in over 125 countries (when swapping in a new SIM card), Netgear’s Nighthawk M6 Pro supports both 5G and Wi-Fi 6E, making it a fantastic choice for reliable internet.
GlocalMe Numen Air 5G: If versatility is what you’re looking for, you’ll love this offering from GlocalMe, which offers thousands of data plans, works in 140+ countries, and doesn’t require a SIM card.
4. Noise-canceling headphones
Whether it’s noisy neighbours at your Airbnb, the hubbub of a local cafe, or the roar of the engine on your international flight, unwanted sounds can be a major distraction when you’re trying to get work done. Thankfully, noise-cancelling headphones provide an instant solution.
Leveraging advanced technology, today’s noise-cancelling headphones allow you to turn the volume down on unwanted ambient noise while still keeping you aware of what’s going on around you.
What to look for in noise-cancelling headphones:
Comfortable design: It’s worth investing in high-quality noise-cancelling headphones that allow you to work in comfort for however long you need.
Battery life: The last thing you want is your headphones cutting out on you while you’re on the go, so be sure to check out the battery life when choosing between products.
Size and weight: Consider the portability of your noise-cancelling headphones – if you’re seriously short on space, you may want to opt for noise-cancelling earbuds.
My go-to headphones for shutting out sound: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (view on Amazon)
Top picks for noise-canceling headphones
Simo Solis Lite: The big drawcard of this awesome portable hotspot is its free lifetime global data plan, which gives you 1GB of data each month. And with coverage for 135+ countries, it’s the ultimate digital nomad accessory.
Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro: Working in over 125 countries (when swapping in a new SIM card), Netgear’s Nighthawk M6 Pro supports both 5G and Wi-Fi 6E, making it a fantastic choice for reliable internet.
GlocalMe Numen Air 5G: If versatility is what you’re looking for, you’ll love this offering from GlocalMe, which offers thousands of data plans, works in 140+ countries, and doesn’t require a SIM card.
5. Digital nomad travel insurance
When you’re embarking on a life of travel and adventure, there’s nothing like the peace of mind that if you run into problems, you have insurance that covers you wherever you happen to be. Whether it’s a scooter accident in the Philippines or a hiking fall in the Pyrenees, an insurance policy that fits your action-packed lifestyle is essential.
While it used to be tricky to find travel insurance that provided the global coverage digital nomads need, new nomad-focused insurance offerings make it simple to purchase a policy that keeps you protected in multiple countries and regions.
What to look for in a digital nomad travel insurance policy:
Multi-region coverage: If you’re planning on moving across various countries and global regions, identify an insurance policy that will apply in whatever destination you find yourself in.
Cover that fits your needs: Hitting the ski slopes or trying your hand at some extreme sports? Make sure your travel insurance covers you for all the activities you may be embarking on, so you don’t come unstuck.
Flexible plans: You never know what’s around the corner, so having a flexible arrangement with your travel insurance – such as a month-to-month contract – can provide added peace of mind.
My personal powerbank favorite: The Anker Nano 10,000mAh (view on Amazon)
My top choice for digital nomad travel insurance
I’ve been using SafetyWing for as long as I’ve been nomad-ing across the world. I like the fact they ‘get’ the unique needs and challenges this lifestyle involves – and their policies are reassuringly affordable, which is definitely a major bonus!
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