In-flight power issues | Marketing lessons learned | Eco-Brazil | Issue #0040

We love Brazil. But, much as we love adventure, getting away from the cities feels risky as a digital nomad…would we even be able to send out this newsletter while out in the wilds?

It turns out it’s easier than we thought. See why we’ve added it to the top end of our loonnnngggg list of places to nomad.

What else this week?

🪫 Don’t run out of juice on the road
👨‍🏫 Lessons learned: Going from a nomad to a thriving marketing agency
💸 On a budget? This guy updates from the road his “cheap” list every year
⛰️ Last chance for a discount for Bansko Nomadfest
❓ 20 questions on steroids

NEWS
Doing your work on the move might get harder

Airlines are tightening rules on power banks usage. After several in-flight incidents, Lufthansa is the latest to restrict their use along with airlines such as Singapore, Qatar and Emirates.

You can still bring power banks onboard, but using or charging them during the flight is prohibited. Reducing fire risks that come with using lithium-ion batteries is fair enough, but you’ll need to plan how to power your tech if you usually charge as you go.

Policies vary among airlines so check before you book or travel if you aren’t always as organised as you’d like to be!

WHAT ELSE…

🇨🇾 Cyprus is closing…sort of Perhaps an underrated digital nomad destination, but soon one of it’s big appeals is changing.

🛌 Don’t sleep on this… Be extra vigilant if you’re an AirBnB user and heading to Spain.

💰 Even better for DTV holders? Plans afoot in Thailand to make a change to foreign-earned income taxation. CHECK THIS.

🇪🇺 Queues at the border  If you’re an EU or EEA national and skipping around Europe this summer, expect some delays compared to last year.

GET CONNECTED

Find WhatsApp & FB groups in your current or next nomad destinations here:

If you are in a nomad hotspot then help another nomad out and share any communities you are in, run, or know of with this quick form.

BUILD YOUR BUSINESS
Three lessons learnt that built this nomad’s success

Not all nomads stay nomadic. In fact, the odds say few of you will. Jake Mooney was accidentally a nomad, he’d say, but found a home with his family eventually. His marketing agency - Green Light Studio - found its home in Thailand, too.

“We help small businesses, NGOs, and creators build clear, strategic marketing systems - often remotely - from our base in Chiang Mai.

Whether you’re a freelancer ready to professionalize, or a team that needs better strategy and systems, we’re here for the long haul.

For nomads trying to build something real and lasting, here are three lessons that stuck with me…”

Here are three pillars that see Jake’s clients find success:

To have a chat with Jake, if you’re not sure which direction you are going, or just not getting there fast enough, get in touch with him and his team.

You’ll also find him on LinkedIn, and the Green Light Studio team drop some great stuff on their YouTube channel.

We love to feature nomads and what you do that can help the rest of us. Fill out this form and tell us about your thing!

POLL

Another week, another Nomadicards-inspired poll question.

Last week’s social-impact themed poll seemed to indicate digital nomads are a net positive to communities. In fact, this poll got one of the biggest responses yet so maybe we think about our impact more than it’s reported!

This week’s is close to our heart and more about you and how you connect…

Download a pdf of Nomadicards on their website, or perhaps find a deck at a nearby coliving space. Thanks to Francesco for sharing his work with nomads!

SPONSOR THE DIGITAL NOMAD

We would love to hear from you if you have a product or service that would benefit digital nomads around the world. Get more eyes on your thing for as little as $50.

Fill in this form if you want to be seen by an engaged base of subscribers to the The Digital Nomad.

DESTINATIONS
Eco-living in Brazil: can you work while there?

We love a hidden gem or somewhere remote that takes us by surprise. The trouble often is that they aren’t always conducive for working. Well, we think we spotted somewhere we want to hit up next time we’re in Brazil.

Thanks to our friends at Digital Nomad Trip Reports for this one, as they featured Nova Friburgo out in the wilds of Brazil - but only a few hours from Rio.

If you are someone who wants to experience and learn about genuinely sustainable living, have somewhere with decent WiFi, community and incredible beauty, check out the report from one digital nomad who stayed there.

BRAIN FOOD

Read - Are you using the right sunscreen? (We know you’re all sun-chasers!)

Jobs - Find meaningful, purpose-driven remote jobs.

Productivity - A clean Google search engine. No AI, no ads.

Health - Exercises to retain your cognition.

If you have any recommendations we can share here, let us know.

MAKE DIGITAL NOMAD LIFE EASIER
Resources that are actually helpful

Check out our new resources page for the longer list and a range of discounts across useful digital nomad products, services and events. Here are a few notable deals for retreats or getaways coming up:

• AlenteJourney Roadshow is a free, limited participant adventure through a hidden gem part of Portgual, specifically for digital nomads. Find out more here.

• Bansko NomadFest is in June and tickets are now available. €25 off with code TDNBANSKO.

Other popular products or services right now:

• Get your free guide for Digital Nomad Insurance from Nomads.Insure.

• Solis 5G and Lite models have all been discounted by 15%. A great time to grab your portable WiFi kit.

• Onward Ticket is a nomad staple for getting into some countries. If you need proof of exit from your next destination, there is no better option.

• Global Nomad Pass - get deals around the world and support local businesses while you’re at it. 10% OFF with this link.

• Make.com is the go-to for automating processes in your business - or just your life!

• Splitwise is a simple way to split bills when you’re out at nomad dinners.

• GetNomad is a global eSIM provider. Get 10% off clicking here.

• 73% off and free months when you sign up to NordVPN with this link.

• Blotato - social media AI designed by one of AI’s big thinkers.

Check out resources page, which includes finding cafes to work from, VPN deals, nomad insurance and tools and services for your business.

THE LIST
The cheapest places to live in the world

Tim Leffel updates this every year, and here’s this year’s list of the cheapest liveable countries nomads could consider, in no particular order:

See the quick-fire breakdown in his video, but Tim has lived in a lot of countries you wouldn’t have thought of over the years and he actually hits the ground to keep as up-to-date as he can be with this list. He’s also got a book out on the subject.

TRIVIA
An old-school word search

Find the listed popular digital nomad cities amongst the jumbled letters. You’ll need to look at words going up, down and diagonally as well as left to right.

COFFEE BREAK

🏗️ History - The Chrysler Building opened to the public on 27th May 1930. Here’s a fun way to discover buildings of New York.

😱  Don’t blink - How fast can this robot complete a Rubiks cube?

🪐 Astronaut takes a camera - Wow. Just wow.

❓ Can you win? - Play 20 questions with ChatGPT…you might need more coffee.

WHAT DID YOU MISS?

If you are new to The Digital Nomad - or just want to go back and read a previous issue - then you can find them all here.