Digital Nomads in IT – Who Are They and Why Do They Choose This Lifestyle?
Digital nomads are skilled professionals, often from the IT sector, who, thanks to internet access, can perform their work from virtually anywhere in the world. Unlike traditional employees, they combine work with travel, giving up a permanent place of residence. Instead of reporting to the office every day from 8 to 4, they prefer, once tasks are done, to head straight to a Caribbean beach or a local tavern for tacos. This lifestyle became especially popular after the pandemic, when it turned out that companies could thrive with globally dispersed teams communicating solely online. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated this trend – remote work became the norm, and many workers realized that if they could work from home, they could just as easily do it from anywhere on Earth.
In IT, digital nomadism has been especially successful because many tech professions have long been suited for remote work. Programmers, administrators, designers, or online marketing specialists – all they really need is a laptop and an internet connection. It’s estimated that nearly 1 in 5 digital nomads is connected to the IT sector, making this one of the largest groups in this lifestyle. Why do they do it? The reasons vary, but at the forefront are freedom and flexibility. Digital nomads value being in control of their time and workplace – they can explore new countries at their own pace, working when and from where they want. Remote work gives them the freedom to choose climate, culture, and environment, which translates into rich life experiences and often greater job satisfaction than in the traditional model – as many as 79% of nomads report high satisfaction with their work, much more than the average employee. Many also choose this lifestyle to combine career growth with a passion for travel and personal development. Instead of accumulating material goods, nomads invest in collecting experiences and discovering new cultures.
Economic and professional factors also play a big role. By working remotely for companies from wealthier countries, a digital nomad can live in a location with lower living costs, which allows them to save more or live better for the same money (so-called geo-arbitrage). For freelancers and IT specialists, being a nomad often also means the chance to gain new contacts and projects worldwide – they’re not limited to the local market and can work for clients in various time zones. Constant travel also teaches adaptability and stepping out of one’s comfort zone, which fosters creativity. Every new country offers fresh inspiration, a different way of seeing the world, and opportunities to learn something new. No wonder digital nomads often emphasize that they’ve never grown as much as during their life on the road.
Tools and Technologies Enabling Remote Work from Anywhere
Technology is the foundation of the digital nomad lifestyle – it’s what makes it possible to carry your office with you. A modern nomad mainly needs fast and reliable internet and a laptop. Fortunately, internet access is now global, and cloud tools make it possible to set up an office on a beach, in the mountains, or on a small island. As one blogger put it: “Tech has made working from anywhere ridiculously easy – fast internet, cloud services, and remote work apps let you hit deadlines even in exotic surroundings.”
Indeed, cloud solutions are crucial: documents and source code stored on Google Drive, OneDrive, or GitHub can be accessed from anywhere in the world. Online communication and collaboration take place via Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and other messengers – they replace office coffee-break chats. Thanks to them, even thousands of kilometers away, a nomad can take part in daily stand-ups and company meetings.
Beyond software, digital nomads invest in gear that streamlines their mobile office. This includes a powerful laptop, noise-canceling headphones (handy in noisy cafés or coworking spaces), portable SSDs for backups, and universal travel adapters. Many also carry their own MiFi router or mobile hotspot – small devices with a local SIM card that create private Wi-Fi, a lifesaver where networks fail. Backup internet options can be critical during an important video call – hence the habit of always having a plan B, such as a local SIM card with data or a pocket LTE router. Increasingly popular are solutions like Starlink (SpaceX’s satellite internet) – a portable dish that delivers high-speed internet even in remote areas, provided there’s a clear view of the sky.
Cybersecurity is another essential concern. Public Wi-Fi in hotels or cafés can be risky, so using a VPN to encrypt connections and protect company data is standard. Strong passwords and two-factor authentication are everyday necessities – no one wants an exotic adventure to end with a cloud data breach.
There are also dedicated apps and platforms for nomads. For example, Nomad List ranks cities by remote-work friendliness, evaluating living costs, internet speed, safety, weather, and the presence of a nomad community – making it easy to find the next ideal work-from-paradise spot. Apps like WorkFrom help locate the best local cafés and coworking spaces with stable Wi-Fi. In popular hubs, entire digital nomad communities have formed – coworking and coliving spaces where one can rent a desk or a room and meet like-minded people. Since loneliness on the road can be a challenge, nomads often turn to Facebook groups, Reddit forums, or Slack/Telegram channels for specific cities and countries. These communities allow you to ask questions (“Does Da Nang already have 5G?”) or arrange coworking mornings and weekend trips.
In summary, today’s digital nomad has a whole arsenal of technology that enables them to work from anywhere on Earth just as effectively as from an office. From communication tools, through the cloud, to global communities – the infrastructure for remote work has never been more developed. It has torn down the walls of the traditional office and made the world itself a workplace.
The Bright and Dark Sides of Remote Work from Exotic Places
The digital nomad lifestyle has its advantages and drawbacks. Before quitting a job and buying a one-way ticket to Bangkok, it’s worth knowing the main pros and challenges of this way of working.
Advantages:
Freedom of place and time: The ability to work remotely from anywhere in the world is the most obvious perk. A café in Lisbon, a beach in Bali, a cabin in the mountains – you decide where to log in. There’s no strict 8-hour office schedule; you can tailor your workday to your rhythm or a client’s time zone. This flexibility gives a sense of control over life and work.
Endless adventure and inspiration: Living on the move means constantly experiencing new places, cultures, and people. It’s a never-ending source of inspiration – new surroundings can boost creativity and teach new perspectives. Every hostel chat or coworking meet-up is a chance for fresh ideas and broader horizons. Routine practically doesn’t exist – every day can bring surprises.
Stepping out of the comfort zone and personal growth: Nomadic life by definition means constant change – in environment, language, and customs. This requires adaptability and independence but in return accelerates personal development. You’ll learn to handle situations from immigration office paperwork to negotiating rent abroad. Such experiences build confidence and resourcefulness much faster than a stable life in one place.
New career opportunities: Detachment from one city or country opens doors to an international career. As a digital nomad, you can collaborate with clients worldwide, join global IT projects, and build a network of international contacts. Remote work often blurs location – whether the company is in San Francisco, London, or Sydney, what matters are your skills. Many nomads create multiple income streams, combining remote employment with freelancing or their own online projects.
No office politics: Remote work eliminates many office-related stresses like commuting, dress codes, or workplace gossip and politics. You’re not stuck in one place for 40 hours a week nor dragged into endless meetings – your output matters most. For many, that’s a relief and a chance to focus on real tasks rather than corporate rituals.
Lower costs and geo-arbitrage: Earning in dollars or euros and spending in cheaper countries is a recipe for a better quality of life. Leaving expensive cities (like San Francisco or London) for lower-cost regions can feel like an instant raise. Living in Spain or Thailand, for instance, can be several times cheaper. Many choose to move from costly metropolises back to their hometowns or smaller towns, saving on rent and expenses. Digital nomads often leverage this advantage to worry less about money and focus more on passions and experiences.
Challenges:
Loneliness and lack of a stable community: Life on the move means you’re often far away from family and friends. While you meet plenty of new people, many relationships are short-lived – everyone is moving on. Long-term separation from loved ones and frequent goodbyes to new acquaintances can lead to feelings of isolation and lack of belonging. In times of crisis (illness, a bad day), the absence of a steady support system can be difficult. Nomads try to counter this by engaging in online communities and local meetups, but homesickness remains a real issue many struggle with.
Self-discipline and work-life balance: Working from a paradise beach makes it easy… to forget about work, or on the contrary – blur the boundaries between rest and duties. Staying productive with so many temptations requires iron self-discipline. On one hand, the beautiful surroundings tempt you to extend breaks; on the other, the lack of a clearly defined “office” makes it hard to truly switch off after hours. Research shows that digital nomads paradoxically find it harder to maintain work-life balance than office workers. They must constantly impose structure on themselves, stick to schedules, and set boundaries. Not everyone manages – the result can be overwork or, conversely, a drop in productivity. The lack of routine also means that each new destination requires building a daily rhythm and work environment from scratch, which can be tiring.
Working across time zones: Teamwork is challenging when time zones divide you. A nomad in Asia may be starting their day just as their colleagues in Europe are finishing work. Scheduling online meetings requires flexibility and sometimes agreeing to unusual working hours (e.g., late-night work to match Poland or the U.S.). Time differences can slow communication and project timelines. Remote workers can feel less “visible” in the company, which may increase their sense of isolation from the team. Building trust and relationships is also harder – no spontaneous brainstorming by the whiteboard or after-work drinks when you only see colleagues through a Zoom window. It takes extra effort and initiative to integrate.
Infrastructure and connectivity: Even though the internet is everywhere, it’s not always equally reliable. Exotic paradises may dazzle with scenery but disappoint with weak Wi-Fi or power outages. Unstable internet is the bane of many nomads – losing connection at a crucial moment can cause serious professional issues. You constantly need backup plans (e.g., a café nearby with better Wi-Fi, or using mobile tethering). Another challenge is the lack of proper workspaces – not every rental comes with a decent desk and quiet room. Many nomads spend time searching for good coworking spaces or at least setting up an ergonomic work corner in their temporary homes. Frequent relocations mean your work environment is always changing, which doesn’t always support productivity.
Paperwork, visas, and taxes: Traveling the world, digital nomads must personally handle legal matters. Before each longer trip, they need to check visa requirements – is a tourist visa enough, a business visa required, or does the country offer a special remote worker visa? More and more states are introducing facilitation programs for nomads (see below), but the rules can still be complicated. On top of that come tax and insurance issues: if you move every few months, do you still pay taxes in your home country, or elsewhere? Every state has different rules, and nomads need to stay updated to remain compliant and not lose access to healthcare or pension systems. Changing regulations and the lack of unified solutions for these “citizens of the world” can be stressful. Often, local lawyers or relocation specialists are needed – adding extra costs.
Lack of safety and routine: For some, constant uncertainty (Where will I be next month? Will my visa be extended? What if I get sick far from home?) is a heavy psychological burden. Nomads must be ready with a Plan B in many situations: sudden immigration law changes, lockdowns, or political instability can all disrupt plans. Traditional life “anchors” are missing too – a favorite café around the corner, a gym, a set daily schedule. For those who value predictability, this lifestyle can feel too chaotic.
As you can see, remote work from exotic locations is not an endless vacation on a beach, but real life with its own difficulties. Many digital nomads admit this lifestyle is a balancing act between euphoria and challenges – it requires maturity, strong organization, and support from others. Still, for thousands of people, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, and the experiences gained on the road are priceless.
Digital nomads in practice – examples from around the world
When we think of digital nomads, we usually picture a programmer with a laptop on a Thai beach or a designer working from a café in Bali. Indeed, Southeast Asia and some Latin American countries have topped nomad-friendly rankings for years – for example, Lonely Planet listed Mexico, Colombia, and Indonesia among the best places for remote work in a tropical setting. However, today digital nomads are also reaching less obvious destinations. Below are a few short stories and examples of what remote work looks like in different corners of the globe:
Thailand – an IT nomad paradise: Thailand has long been a mecca for digital nomads. Cities like Chiang Mai or islands such as Phuket and Koh Phangan offer affordable living, decent infrastructure, and a large community of remote workers. A good example is Julia Bereza, a 26-year-old customer support agent at a Polish startup, who in 2020 got stuck on holiday in Thailand due to the pandemic. Instead of returning home, she arranged with her boss to stay and work remotely from the tropical seaside. Thanks to the time difference, Julia covered the Polish team’s night shifts, which worked well for everyone – after seven months she returned to Poland with a wealth of new experiences, and the company barely felt her physical absence. Julia’s story shows that with the right mindset and a good internet connection, you can perform your duties effectively from the other side of the world, and an exotic location can become an advantage (e.g., covering other time zones), not an obstacle.
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan – digital nomads in the heart of Central Asia: While Central Asia was not a typical nomad destination, it has recently become more accessible to IT specialists. In 2024, Kazakhstan became the first country in the region to introduce a special “Neo Nomad” visa for foreign remote workers. By June 2025, the first recipient of such a visa was announced – Algerian programmer Abdelmadjid Belmekki, who chose Kazakhstan over Singapore or Malaysia due to its simple and affordable application process (around $300 and no minimum income requirement). Belmekki praised the smooth procedures and the country’s potential to attract global IT talent. The “Neo Nomad” program allows stays of up to one year with the possibility of extension, and for citizens of many countries even an easier path to permanent residency. Neighboring Kyrgyzstan has also recognized the opportunity in remote workers – in 2024 its government passed laws defining the status of a “digital nomad” and launched its own visa program for IT specialists, freelancers, and entrepreneurs working remotely. This visa is meant to allow legal stays in Kyrgyzstan for 6–12 months with an option to extend, under simplified procedures. While implementation is just starting, the very fact that countries as exotic as Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan are actively inviting nomads shows the global scope of this trend. For digital nomads, it opens up entirely new opportunities – they can explore the majestic Tien Shan mountains or the Kazakh steppe without pausing their IT careers. Importantly, cities like Almaty and Astana are modernizing infrastructure: coworking spaces are emerging, internet is getting faster, and local startup communities are eager to host international professionals.
Kazakhstan encourages IT specialists to come – in 2024 the country introduced the “Neo Nomad Visa”, a program that makes it easier for foreign remote workers to stay for a year and join the local tech ecosystem.
Africa – the new, surprising hub for remote workers: Just a few years ago, Africa rarely appeared on the digital nomad map, but that is changing. African countries are increasingly competing for remote professionals, seeing them as an opportunity to boost their economies. For nomads, Africa offers unique experiences: from living in culturally vibrant Lagos or Nairobi, to working with a view of Table Mountain in Cape Town. South Africa has become something of a phenomenon – according to some rankings, Cape Town is one of the best cities in the world for nomads in 2024. It attracts with excellent infrastructure (fast internet even in many areas outside the city center), beautiful landscapes, and relatively low costs compared to the quality of life it offers. Africa is also seeing the rise of local nomads – young professionals from African countries who travel across the continent, working remotely from different states. This is possible thanks to the fact that many countries in the region are introducing facilitation measures: Senegal, Ghana, Rwanda, and Kenya are abolishing or simplifying visas for foreigners or mutually for their own citizens, creating intra-African freedom of movement for professionals. In addition, governments have recognized the potential of attracting international nomads: Namibia and Kenya launched digital nomad visa programs in 2024, similar to those in Europe. For example, Kenya’s “e-visa” allows for a one-year stay without changing tax residency. Mauritius had already introduced a free one-year Premium Visa back in 2020, and South Africa allows stays from 3 months up to 3 years for nomads meeting income criteria. All this makes nomads increasingly discover Africa: Abidjan, Dakar, Marrakesh, and Nairobi are appearing on forums as welcoming places that balance exoticism with infrastructure. Of course, Africa still faces challenges (internet quality can be uneven, mobile data costs are high relative to local wages), but the trend is clear – the continent is becoming the new frontier of digital nomadism, offering unique experiences to those willing to step off the beaten path.
South America – remote work in the rhythm of fiesta: Latin American countries have long hosted nomads, but beyond obvious hits like Mexico or Brazil, other nations of the region are drawing more attention. Colombia is a great example of transformation in the eyes of digital nomads. From a country with a difficult past, it has in recent years become a paradise for remote work, especially recommended for the IT sector. The Colombian government introduced a unique program: foreign remote workers can legally work on a regular tourist visa (90 days, extendable up to one year), with the option to renew for another year. Additionally, nomads are exempt from income tax on foreign earnings and even from customs duties on electronic equipment needed for work. These are huge incentives, thanks to which cities like Medellín and Bogotá have already attracted thousands of freelancers, developers, and startup founders. Vibrant nomad communities have emerged there, with numerous coworking spaces and regular networking events that make integration with the local scene easier. Working remotely from Medellín means enjoying a perpetual spring climate, modern city infrastructure, and rich culture, while living costs (outside the most expensive districts) remain much lower than in Europe or the US – a single person spends an estimated USD 700–1500 per month. Nomads praise Colombia for its hospitality and diversity – work in the morning with a view of the Andes, salsa lessons in the afternoon, or a weekend trip to a coffee plantation. Of course, the region has its challenges – internet outside major cities can be unreliable (only 17% of Colombians have access to high-speed connections), and some areas are still off the grid. Nevertheless, South America entices nomads with a unique blend of culture, nature, and adventure. Apart from Colombia, other recommended destinations include Buenos Aires in Argentina (a cosmopolitan city with a European flair, currently affordable due to favorable exchange rates), Santiago in Chile (stability plus mountains at your doorstep), or the Medellín region in Mexico (geographically in North America but often included in LatAm nomad routes due to its culture and climate). As we can see, digital nomads are everywhere today – from Caribbean beaches to Andean peaks to the steppes of Central Asia – and the world is becoming increasingly open to them.
The future of remote work in IT – closing reflections
Examples of digital nomads show that remote work thousands of kilometers away from a company’s headquarters is not only possible but often just as effective as from an office desk. Does this mean that in the future we will all become digital nomads? Not necessarily – this lifestyle is not for everyone and is often a temporary project. Many people, after several months or years of travel, wish to settle longer in one place. As organizational anthropologist Bartłomiej Brach observes, few nomads abandon their old life permanently – for most, it is a stage, an adventure for a time, after which they return to a more settled lifestyle. There is also increasing talk of so-called “slomads”, or nomads who travel more slowly – instead of changing countries every few weeks, they stay in one place for months to regain balance and stability. The future may bring more of this sustainable nomadism.
Nonetheless, remote work in IT is here to stay. The pandemic proved the effectiveness of this model, and many companies have permanently adopted hybrid or fully distributed setups. Giants such as Twitter, Facebook, and Siemens have already announced they will allow employees to work from anywhere – even from the other side of the world. The terms WFA (Work From Anywhere) and distributed teams have entered the HR vocabulary for good. For IT professionals, this means growing freedom of choice: they can browse remote job offers, negotiate conditions that enable travel, or even relocate abroad without risking job loss. Countries are competing to attract digital nomads, creating special visas, tax breaks, and welcome programs – from tropical islands to historic European cities to developing countries. By 2025, estimates suggest there will be around 80 million digital nomads worldwide. This is such a large group that governments and businesses must take it into account. We can expect that more and more countries (including Poland) will introduce legal facilitation for foreign remote workers – such as special visas or tax incentives – to attract them for at least a few months and benefit from their local spending.
For the IT industry, this trend could mean even greater internationalization of teams. It is already common for a developer living in Spain to work for a Silicon Valley company while collaborating with a tester in India and a UX designer in Poland. Remote work from exotic locations may also serve as a recruitment advantage – companies offering work from anywhere attract more talent for whom work-life balance and adventure are as important as salary. Of course, challenges will arise: managing distributed teams, maintaining organizational culture at a distance, ensuring data security when employees connect from networks worldwide – these are issues IT and HR departments must solve. Already today, we hear about new tools for virtual team integration, VR or AR collaboration, designed to reduce the sense of distance between scattered employees. The future may bring solutions that make remote work even smoother and more “invisible” – so that it no longer matters whether someone is coding from an office in Warsaw or a beach hut in Zanzibar.
Finally, it is worth emphasizing that digital nomadism is not just a fad, but part of a broader cultural shift in attitudes toward work. The new generation entering the labor market values experiences, autonomy, and purpose over stability at all costs. The IT industry, by its nature, is at the forefront of this revolution. Remote work from exotic places is a fully realistic lifestyle – full of challenges, but also immensely enriching. Will this become the norm for most of us? Time will tell. One thing is certain: the freedom to choose where to work is a privilege of our times, and more and more people will want to embrace it. Perhaps in a few years, seeing a developer coding by a pool or a product manager leading a call from a mountain hut will be nothing unusual, and digital nomads’ stories will inspire new adventurers. After all, as nomads themselves say, the world is too big to spend your whole life in one place. The future of remote work in IT looks colorful and global – just like the life of digital nomads.