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What are the characteristics that can help you immediately recognize a digital nomad?
Digital NomadsWorking RemotelyVisa RulesExpats in ThailandLifestyleTravel CultureRemote WorkThailand Digital Nomad Visa
Jun 24, 2024
2 years ago
Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTERHow can you immediately recognize a "digital nomad?" ๐ค
TLDR : Answer Summary
Identifying a digital nomad often involves recognizing their work habits and lifestyle choices. Common traits include working remotely in various locations, using digital tools for income, and frequenting co-working spaces or cafes. Digital nomads may share their experiences on social media, but there's debate about whether influencers and content creators fall into the same category. Notably, a distinction exists between digital nomads who work remotely for companies and those who are self-employed or freelancers. With the introduction of digital nomad visas in countries like Thailand, the criteria for being classified as a digital nomad are becoming clearer as these visas typically require established income or employment.
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Bill *********
Look in the mirror
Saskia *********
What is the definition of 'digital nomad'? My most important work I do at home where I have amazing WiFi. When I go to the typical spots in Koh Phangan it's actually because I wanna be surrounded by people. Not feeling alone. At those moments I do the 'less important stuff'.
Jon ********
The smell
Ed ********
Unplug their laptop
Scott **************
As a recovering DN I love all you with the "don't worry he'll tell you" lines. We are pretty proud of it and deserve to be laughed at for it. ๐
It was pretty awesome. Plus knowing now that some people were pissy and judgy about it somehow makes it even better. ๐โค๏ธ
It was pretty awesome. Plus knowing now that some people were pissy and judgy about it somehow makes it even better. ๐โค๏ธ
Zoe ******
If you are happy living your own life, you wouldn't care about what others do. Apparently so many of you guys are quite unhappy ๐ญ
Alan ******
Yeah, just watch their fingers.๐คฃ๐๐
James *********
Iced coffee- dead giveaway
David *********
They have told you they are one ๐
Mark ********
dont ask he will tell you (same with vegans)
Wayne ********
When Thailand comes out with the digital nomad Visa, I can almost guarantee that the Youtubers and the Instagram and the Facebook video makers will be excluded because they have already said that to get the nomad, digital nomad visa you have to be working for an established company that makes amount of dollars per year.
David ********
@Wayne *******
correct? This is consistent with most, if not all countries rules for the digital nomad visas now becoming so popular. Doesnโt really make sense because a successful Influencer makes WAY more than most if not all โDigital Nomads (under their definition) working for a paycheck. They should allow proof of income from bank statements, especially if they want to get the BIG money makers to spend time in their countries.
Reply to
David ********
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David ********
Just break down the two words!!
Digital: Digital means using electronic technology to generate, store, and process data in a format that uses discrete values, typically represented by zero and one.
Nomad: What does being a nomad mean?
A nomad is a person who moves from place to place rather than settling down and living in one area.
Who are called digital nomads?
Ultimately, digital nomadism can be de๏ฌned as a lifestyle choice, for people who choose to travel the world while they work online. Here, it is important to make the difference between digital nomads and remote workers.
SOโฆโฆ. A YouTuber is a Digital Nomad!
Digital: Digital means using electronic technology to generate, store, and process data in a format that uses discrete values, typically represented by zero and one.
Nomad: What does being a nomad mean?
A nomad is a person who moves from place to place rather than settling down and living in one area.
Who are called digital nomads?
Ultimately, digital nomadism can be de๏ฌned as a lifestyle choice, for people who choose to travel the world while they work online. Here, it is important to make the difference between digital nomads and remote workers.
SOโฆโฆ. A YouTuber is a Digital Nomad!
Kevin *********
@David *******
I can envisage a scenario where a group of people are stranded on a remote island, the leader asks each one what they can contribute, we need engineers, carpenters, builders, farmers, doctors, and what do you do the person at the back how can you help us survive?"I'm a digital nomad" ๐David ********
@Kevin ********
Digital Nomadโฆ. โI am creative and I will find us a way off this island that you got us stranded on!โReply to
David ********
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Nigel **************
Any Starbuks in Bkk is full of them
Vincent ***************
A nomad is simply someone who doesn't qualify as resident so they have to leave before the end of their visa (usually 6 months)...A digital nomad would be someone making remote (abroad) incomes through an internet connection . They can be self employed , freelancer or working for a global company.
YouTubers in Thailand need work permits if they are actively creating content and earning income from it so they don't qualify as digital nomads.
YouTubers in Thailand need work permits if they are actively creating content and earning income from it so they don't qualify as digital nomads.
Kristian ***************
I'm just here to read all the triggered people's comments...Hilarious!
Sam ******
They let you know!
Jonathan **********
Damn, talk about sterotypes๐ DN has a much wider scope esp since covid
Edward ******
T shirt
Ziggy ******
Almond milk
Phil ********
They wander around Pattaya carrying a GoPro talking utter pish.
Desmond ***************
Clingy people who seek to be liked and followed often crave validation and reassurance. They may have insecurities or a strong desire for acceptance and approval from complete strangers.
Mike ******
Not sure about the rest of thailand...but in phuket they sit in coffee shops..drinking water all day...trying to look important
Artur *************
Iโll take the Saltiest Boomer Questions for $400, Alex
Beverly **********
Does it matter? What does one even DO once one 'recognizes' a D.N.? Is there a specific protocol to follow? Perhaps a special greeting, akin to Star Trek Pom Farr Ritual?
Miguel *************
If I told you our secret, Iโd have to dispose of you.
Darren *********
Free WiFi, rice soup, and some sort of crap data/graph displayed on the laptop.
Dave ***********
@Darren ********
are you jealous D?Darren *********
@Dave **********
there's only so much rice soup to go around Dave..Reply to
Darren *********
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Jay *********
Most of the comments here seem to have digital nomad confused with content creator. Not quite the same thing as many people can be employees or contractors that work remotely and would qualify as a digital nomad technically if they're in a different country than the company they work for. The smart ones just mind their own business, do their jobs and enjoy their lives. The stupid ones are the ones who are constantly getting in the news with bad decision making and the subsequent consequences. You'll probably not be able to tell who is a digital nomad unless they tell you, but you'll definitely be able to tell a content creator because of how they act. Lol
Steve *********
The secret handshake.
Jo **********
most irritating people
Neil ******
They will try to sell you โdigital marketingโ or tell you their job is โ___ coachโ.
Darren ******
They brag about a great life style but wear cheap clothing and drink water for 2 hours in a cafe on free internet cos they can't afford a mobile net device
Darren ******
@Joel *****
not one pic of food or a lux hotel sounds like U don't have it worked outJoel ******
@Darren *****
you didn't mention Lux Hotels or lifestyle.. You babbled on about cheap clothing and drinking water and not being able to afford internet.I'm not here to brag about anything, just call out an absolute idiot.
And, as you wouldn't know if someone was up you. That's Australia, Canada, Bali, Argentina, Phuket, Koh Samaui, Nusa Lembongan.
Where as you, look like you were just released from Klong Prem.
Reply to
Joel ******
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James ***********
Donโt worry theyโll tell you and they will drink a thimble of decaf over 9 hours while hijacking someoneโs 56.6k baud dial up!!!! Letโs gooooo bitter boomers on the facey
Ian *****
Don't worry they will tell you , and how successful they are while drinking their 2 hour old coffee and using the coffee shops internet .
Joe ***********
They film tiktoks about luxury condos
Darren ******
@Joe **********
but live in mud huts , 4 sharingReply to
Darren ******
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Per *********
Itโs not that difficult!
Living a nomadic life while making money virtually by the use digital tools ๐คทโโ๏ธ
I consider myself a digital nomad
Living a nomadic life while making money virtually by the use digital tools ๐คทโโ๏ธ
I consider myself a digital nomad
Mark ********
Dont worry, they will tell you.
Barry *******
Usually it's a spreadsheet that gives the game away
Barry *******
@Mark *******
best comment yetMatthew **********
@Mark *******
Correct. Same as a vegan ๐Mike *******
@Mark *******
Priceless! (and itโs something they have in common with airline pilots)Mark ********
@Mike ******
'ang on. I flew for 22 years.Mike *******
@Mark *******
๐Reply to
Mike *******
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Rusty ************
Easy. Look for the retirees bitterly scowling and mumbling about real work, there in their line of fire you will find someone who decided not to spend their best years at a thankless job. Which really irritates those who did.
John ***********
@Rusty ***********
It helps if you have a job that allows you to work remotely.Rene ********
@Rusty ***********
passing fadRusty ************
@Rene *******
Just like everything is. Live and let beReply to
Rusty ************
Reply
Rusty ************
@Jim *********
Hahaaha I mean no disrespect to retirees in general at all. I should have probably said "people". In a way I wish I could have experienced the world when you were young. I grew up without internet or really digital until I was around 12 or 13, then it was off to the races, and I am grateful for even that short time without the weight of the world screaming at me through a screen everywhere I go.
Reply to
Rusty ************
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Iliyan ***********
Being totally inadequate in real life situations
Kevin ***********
They walk about in numbers, easy
James ***********
Makes you think ๐ค๐ค
Jarek ************
On the road having a great life while most are locked up in their cubicles working for peanuts ๐๐
Imran ***************
@Jarek ***********
Hey! I don't work for peanuts. I work for pennies. ๐ข ๐ญReply to
Ulrik *********
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Paul ********
Why do you care? I do not routinely question strangers about their specific occupation or source or quantity of wealth or income.
It may come up naturally in friendly conversation, but I feel no need to have an infallible litmus test to apply to random strangers.
It may come up naturally in friendly conversation, but I feel no need to have an infallible litmus test to apply to random strangers.
Sam ********
@Paul *******
North Americans have a pathological desire to label other people who are different and judge them based on said label. It's a toxic feature of their culture and will soon be more and more prevalent in Thailand as they continue to move here and try to change society to fit their needs.Paul ********
@Sam *******
And yet, here you are speaking with a genuine North American who has no interest in the things you mention and views trying to change society as futile as trying to boil the ocean. ๐คฃ๐๐คชMe, I tend to think more along the lines of Francis Bacon who supposedly declared, "Truth is a good dog, but always beware of barking too close to the heels of an error, lest you get your brains kicked out."
Good rule to live by in the land of smiles. . .
Peace, love and rock and roll!
Reply to
Paul ********
Reply
William *********
@Paul *******
Don't take it too seriouslyPaul ********
@William ********
There is VERY little originating on facebook that I take too seriously.I'm old, retired, live in Thailand, and somehow avoided the scourges of poverty, alcoholism, drug dependency, STDs, and an unhealthy interest in the activities of my fellow human beings.
Fear not!
Reply to
Paul ********
Reply
Kevin **********
Ear buds
Gray *******
Tripod and mics.
Robert **************
I am a day/swing trader. I guess I qualify as a digital nomad. No subscribers needed
Imran ***************
@Robert *************
That would be a profession that might give me permanent IBS from the associated anxiety. Hats ๐ ๐ฉ off to you.Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Robert *************
What's a swing trader?Robert **************
@Greg ********
someone who loses money after selling stock between 1 day and a month after purchase . 555Greg *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Robert *************
Oh, then I guess I'm one too! ๐
Reply to
Greg *********
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Ben ********
@Robert *************
xauusd day trader here ๐๐ผThek *****
@Robert *************
I'm an intra month/trend trader:-) Do I qualify? /sRobert **************
@Thek ****
hell yaReply to
Robert **************
Reply
Ulrik *********
@Robert *************
intraday / swing, but not sure I qualify as a nomad. Arrived in Thailand 12 years ago and decided to travel no further ๐Robert **************
@Ulrik ********
I think thatโs my plan as well.Reply to
Robert **************
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Desmond ***************
They'll probably tell you
Shannon ********
Paul ********
@Desmond **************
he said digital nomad not vegan ! ๐คฃGraham ******
@Paul *******
I clicked just to see this reply 555Rowan *********
@Paul *******
typically come under the same umbrellaPaul ********
@Rowan ********
like sex offenders in the rain ๐คฃReply to
Paul ********
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Pablo ************
@Desmond **************
you win this thread!!Reply to
Pablo ************
Reply
Garry ********
Why?
Martin *****
Sat in a co workspace, with 1 coffee all day talking shite to his 2 subscribers
Bruce *********
@Martin ****
or thousands of subscribersMartin *****
@Bruce ********
yes some have 1000s of subscribers even millions and make some good content, the remaining 99% on the other hand just try and repeat what the 1% doReply to
Martin *****
Reply
Kevin *********
@Martin ****
I'm 68 and from UK, started working in textile mill at 15 , who would have thought back then when walking to work at 6 am in freezing cold for a 12 hour shift that in the future you could make a living walking on a beach talking shit !!Martin *****
@Kevin ********
yes been from the uk myself, I'm used to 18hr freezing cold days , when i was setting up my business, i was just lucky i was able to take advantage of the internet boom and high speed access, i still put in the hard work only difference is I'm at other side of world now, i certainly don't get paid from walking on the beach invading peoples privacy talking shite about living their best life on 2 dollars a day !!Kevin *********
@Martin ****
exactly, I don't need some middle aged bloke trying to fund his holiday telling me I can live off toasties and chang from ****
,when I come to Thailand on holiday!!Kevin ******
@Kevin ********
excellent ๐๐Martin *****
@Kevin ********
haha brilliantly put !!Reply to
Martin *****
Reply
Patrick ********
@Martin ****
funny ๐คฃMartin *****
@Patrick *******
well been a digital nomad, I've finished my work for the day ๐๐๐ time to write nonsense on Facebook, its all good funReply to
Martin *****
Reply
Lloyd ****
@Martin ****
thisJarek ************
@Martin ****
sure, with that said tons of em are making way more money than you ever will ๐๐๐Detlef ***********
@Jarek ***********
so ??Martin *****
@Jarek ***********
you have no idea at all how much i make, I will still be living and working remotely, when most of these idiots are back in the real world at McDonald's . Over 75% of social influencers failDave **********
@Martin ****
shame it's not 100%Jarek ************
@Martin ****
where did you get the 75% from? ๐ค Most I know are very successful at what they do making way above the average. Like in any type of work/business, some do well while others don't, doesn't mean they should be put down. And digital nomad doesn't mean social influencer ๐Martin *****
@Jarek ***********
Approximately 12% of full-time content creators earn $50,000 or more annually, whereas only about 3% of part-time creators achieve the same income level. And that's only 50k i wouldn't get out of bed for 50k a year bud. Don't try telling me about remote working, it's literally my job and has been for a very long time. As for not putting them down, the vast majority of them have no benefit to Thailand or the country they are in, and like i said before they give professionals a bad name, and we get tarred with the same brush! This is just my opinion, and your right to have your own opinion nothing wrong with that.* the term digital nomad has been hijacked by these "influencers" as Brandon Thurkettle explained in the first reply to this post
Jarek ************
@Martin ****
a digital nomad could be anyone working remotely. That includes tons of business owners who own digital marketing agencies, software development companies, supplement companies, do drop shipping etc... Many making over 50k a month. With that said, I do agree with you that most influencer make very little and do not do a good thing for the overall digital nomad community.Martin *****
@Jarek ***********
Then what are we arguing about ๐? You just said what i said, ๐ To me the examples you gave are true nomads as in the original meaning , whereas now if you say digital nomad people instantly think you're making videos on 5usd hotel stays in Thailand hahaCorey ******
@Martin ****
Hey Mate Is there a current โDigital Nomadโ Visa available in Thailand?
Iโve recently been managing my New Zealand staff & customers from Phuket. Itโs a NZ business.
Cheers
Jarek ************
@Martin ****
not arguing at all, initially thought you were putting all of us into the same category as influancers :)Dennis ********
@Jarek ***********
can you PLEASE learn how to spell INFLUENCER? It was amusing the 1st time, but then you were corrected, and did it twice more.
Ugh....
Jarek ************
@Dennis *******
ahh shit didn't even notice...Martin *****
@Jarek ***********
oh no not at all!!, it's US and THEM bud, and we were here first!! hahahaReply to
Martin *****
Reply
Richard **********
@Martin ****
love it ๐Martin *****
@Richard *********
i am an original digital nomad "remote worker" before the term got hijacked by these Instagram idiots, living on 50thb a day. I wouldn't be seen dead in one of the co work spaces, I'm too busy working to sit listening to these self-righteous idiots bang on about their subscribers and how many views their latest "how to live in Thailand for less than a dollar a day" video has. They give the original nomads a bad name imoRowan *********
@Martin ****
brilliant ๐คฃReply to
Rowan *********
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Brandon ************
I think that really depends on your definition. I always considered digital nomads as people doing remote work for companies and could therefore work anywhere. This allowed them to be nomadic and they move around a lot, either for new experiences or because of visa limitations. I think these are also who countries are targeting when they come up with "digital nomad" visas.
But some people consider YouTubers and other social media video makers to be digital nomads, though I'm not sure why. These are easy to recognize as they always have a camera rolling.
But some people consider YouTubers and other social media video makers to be digital nomads, though I'm not sure why. These are easy to recognize as they always have a camera rolling.
John **********
@Brandon ***********
I would also add in self employed people to the list. I worked mostly remotely for many years but was never a nomad as I worked from home but in theory could have worked from anywhere. So for me a digital nomad is somebody who travels extensively, stopping in different countries for short periods, without interrupting their normal work schedule. Someone who sets up a semi permanent base is not a nomad, digital or otherwiseAngelo ***********
@Brandon ***********
"But some people consider YouTubers and other social media video makers to be digital nomads, though I'm not sure why. " Because they work online as well. What is the difference between being self employed or working for a company? I for companies remotely BUT I am self employed. I write a bill. They pay the bill. There is no difference between me an a youtuber. Except: I know what is written on the bill, and my income is not depending on "clicks". FYI: I do not work in Thailand. So strictly speaking, I am not a digital nomad. And I would not use that term anyway to characterize my profession. I am computer scientist and software engineer, not a nomadic shepard :PReply to
Angelo ***********
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