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Two Hacks To Make Digital Nomad Life 96% Easier
No need to overcomplicate it. Keep reading
In partnership with
Hongdae, Seoul
Let’s skip the small talk.
The two biggest hacks to thrive as a digital nomad are surprisingly simple—and life-changing.
1) Earn in USD 💵
To my American readers, this may seem obvious. But for the rest of us, earning in USD is a cheat code.
I’m from Canada—a first-world, developed country with a decent currency. Yet, $1 USD equals $1.44 CAD as I write this. Wild, right?
Remote work is changing the game. Companies are eager to hire the best talent, anywhere.
For those earning in weaker currencies, this is your moment.
➡️ Here’s a list of remote jobs that hire globally but don’t worry I post the best ones each week in our remote roles section.
Apply for US-based roles—even the ones marked "US only." Platforms like Deel and Remote make it easier than ever to work internationally.
Pitch US clients for your services on X or LinkedIn. Focus on showing your value upfront to stand out.
Master two languages: English and AI. AI skills are the future of high-paying remote work.
2) Build a Side Hustle.
Every digital nomad needs a side hustle to bring in consistent cash flow—preferably something low-maintenance and semi-passive.
“But I don’t know how”
Fair.
Are you a designer? Sell templates on Framer and make up to $2k/month
Want some extra coffee money? Give feedback on websites with UserTesting
Love to write? Join Medium, reach out to publications, write about subjects you’re interested in and get paid
Love making short-form content? Work with companies like heycollabs.com to get paid for UGC
Software dev? Find a bug and pitch your services to fix it
This list could go on forever, but the opportunities are there.
Frosted Tips ❄️
Stay Connected With 1440 🚨
Remote roles of the week 💰
Meet Léna - Nomad Diaries 📔
Spotlight hidden gem location 🗺️
Song of the week 🎧
Frosted Tips of the Week:
We’re ALL going to Thailand this year☀️🇹🇭: Thailand has just released their e-visa on January 1st, 2025 open to ALL foreign nationals! No embassy visits, no lengthy and complicated processes, simply an online application anytime anywhere. See you all in BKK! See more here: www.thaievisa.go.th
Check Your Options: In many places around the world now, it’s actually cheaper to get a hotel for a month than an Airbnb. I’m seeing this in Argentina, Vietnam, and more.
Presentations shouldn’t take long: Firstly, I have zero affiliation with this tool but it’s pretty badass if part of you’re job includes making presentations like mine does. I’ve recently been obsessed with Gamma. It can put together a CLEAN presentation in 2 minutes with a few prompts. Then simply dive in and make some tweaks. Nice change from Google Slides tbh.
afternoon walk in a quiet Bangkok neighbourhood
Well guys, we made it. We have our first newsletter sponsor 🤯
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remote roles of the week:
Always looking for the golden nuggets for you.
I have zero affiliation with these roles & companies, I simply want to see you win and if the opportunity fits, great.
Spotlight Job Posts This Week: 3️⃣
Discord - Group Product Marketing Manager - Advertising Solutions - This is a HUGE role with the salary to back it. If you have 8+ years of digital ad strategy and the ability to scale in the gaming space, this could be your dream role.
Framer - Senior Backend Engineer - A remote-first company coming off some serious funding. A backend engineer with 7+ years experience AND who loves work life balance, this is a great move.
Framer - Product Activation Lead: The same amazing remote-first company but in a product position, focusing on improving user experience and collabing with the engineering team to enhance the product. Great perks, equity, and generous vacation policies.
Nomad Diaries: Léna
Digital Nomad Profile: Léna
home city/country: Budapest, Hungary 🇭🇺
current base: Chiang Mai, Thailand
role/profession: Email Marketer & Copywriter
# of years as a digital nomad: 3
“Thank you for having me! Really excited to be featured this week and share some of my answers! I’m Léna, I’m 31 years old and have been a digital nomad since early 2022 but have spent the last year in Chiang Mai!
why Chiang Mai? Chiang Mai is a digital nomad paradise. You can easily find other DNs to connect with, easy to find roommates and so pretty in the mountains!
what’s your biggest digital nomad hack? This one is easy, having friends all around the world who can give me tips no matter where I go
biggest digital nomad f*ck up? Drinking the tap water in Thailand when I first got here…it was not pleasant for my stomach
what’s your non-negotiable item when travelling? My apple watch basically controls my life so I will say that
favourite & least favourite destination?
fav: I saw someone else say it already but it’s true, it’s Chiang Mai!
least fav: London was not so great. Actually it was horrible!
okay last one, one piece of advice for a new nomad? Not everyone you meet is your friend. As a solo DN, be careful ladies!
📍Pin It: Koh Chang, Thailand 🇹🇭
Koh Chang, Thailand
Nicer beaches than Phuket and more chill than Koh Samui, meet the big quiet island Koh Chang! (fun fact, Chang means Elephant in Thai as you may know from the beer)
If you’re too lazy to read, watch this tiktok instead
recommended time: November - April
Let’s run it down:
Average monthly cost of living for 1 person: ~$1100 USD
Stay in the dream coworking and coliving space UnionSpace
Coworking space with networking events, indoor/outdoor space, for only $5/day
Stunning beaches like White Sand Beach and Lonely Beach for all-day lounging or partying
Hike to the breathtaking Klong Plu Waterfall for an afternoon surrounded by nature
Get some kaying done in Salak Phet Bay
Stay in shape & train Muay Thai at this gym
Visit Bang Bao Fishing Village for fresh seafood and floating market vibes (
Plenty of snorkelling to be done too!
Union Space, Koh Chang
The next time you’re cruising on a bike in the countryside or out for a blissful job, you need this in your headphones. Funny enough, I first heard this from an old Jay Alavrrez video 10 years ago
If you truly care about your friend – don’t forget to share this newsletter to them with your link below!
You made it to the bottom you champ.
Appreciate you, stay frosty.
Until next time,
