Do you want to be location-independent and move freely around the world? It's time to set the record straight and bust the myths about remote work. Learn more about the most common myths about digital nomads, whose lives are filled with incredible opportunities for personal and professional growth

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In recent years, remote work has become more and more popular, because this lifestyle includes adventure and good earnings. For most people, combining travel and work is a dream come true. However, along with the growing popularity, there are also many misconceptions and myths about remote workers.

What is the real life of digital nomads? We dispel the most common myths further.

Myth 1 - Remote work is only for IT positions

In fact, professionals from various fields, including marketing, copywriting, design, consulting, work as digital nomads. Your skills and experience are valuable regardless of the industry you work in.

Myth 2 - Remote workers are less productive than those who work in the office

A Stanford University study found that remote workers are actually 13.5% more productive than their office-based counterparts. Also by creating a personalized work environment, digital nomads can achieve higher levels of productivity and focus.

Myth 3 - Digital nomads always work from the beach

Most people think that digital nomads always work from the beach. However, this is a misconception. Actually, working on the beach can be quite difficult. Bright sunlight makes it difficult to focus on a computer screen, and sand and water can damage electronic equipment. Most digital nomads prefer to work in a comfortable, quiet environment, such as a co-working space or a coffee shop. Remote workers enjoy the beach during their leisure time.

Myth 4 – Digital Nomads only work a few hours a week

This is a misconception of most people. The reason is that there is a popular book for digital nomads called The 4-Hour Workweek. In fact, most digital nomads work 40 hours a week as office workers, and some of them even more.

Myth 5 - A remote worker never has a schedule

In fact, you can decide what your daily routine will look like. For example, you can work in a cafe in the morning, then go to the beach, and work from home in the evening. Or change cafes every day and stay there all day. Your daily routine, as well as the lack of routine, is completely up to you. This is one of the main advantages of remote work.

The countries with the best conditions for digital nomads in 2024 are Spain, Portugal, Malta, Argentina and the UAE.

Read about the advantages of Spain in our article.

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

Myth 6 - Remote work promotes loneliness

Although most digital nomads typically do not have traditional office communication, they often socialize with other digital nomads through co-working spaces, online forums, and social media groups. Also, 19% of remote workers reported feeling more connected to their teams than their office colleagues.

Myth 7 - Only young people can be a digital nomad

There is a common misconception that digital nomads are all young and single, but this is not the case. Digital nomads come from all walks of life and ages, including families with children. Some of them travel alone, while others move with the whole family.

Myth 8 – Remote work has a negative impact on work-life balance

In fact, recent research says that 85% of remote workers surveyed said they had an improved work-life balance. Being able to create your own schedule, spending quality time with your family, and pursuing your own hobbies helps maintain a healthy balance.

Myth 9 – Digital nomads never worry about money

For some reason, it is common to believe that remote workers have a lot of money and never worry about their financial situation. However, given that quite often most remote workers do not have a regular salary, it can be much more difficult for them to manage their own finances, especially considering that travel costs can be quite substantial.

Myth 10 - Digital nomads are actually trying to avoid paying taxes

It is popularly believed that digital nomads live this lifestyle only to avoid taxes. However, this is not the case, most digital nomads pay taxes in their home country or in the country where they live. Tax evasion is absolutely illegal. The only advantage of this lifestyle is that you can seek the advice of a lawyer to optimize your taxes.

Being a digital nomad means living and traveling on your own terms. Therefore, get rid of these myths and go on a journey. With the right remote job, you can work and experience different cultures, cities and countries all year round.

Daria Rogova, Head of Insurance at Visit World

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need travel insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.