How to work remotely in another country

Working remotely in another country is not as difficult as it may seem, and I have seen many people make it happen in a variety of ways. I have been living abroad for almost two years and have gained a new perspective on the whole working remotely abroad that I’d like to share with you.

STEP 1: Build up your resume with remote work experience

First if you work in person at your current job it is important to start adding ways to work remotely on your resume. Even if the company you work for requires you to remain in the U.S. it is still beneficial to tailor your life to remote work, because companies are more likely to higher you when you have remote work experience. I’m not saying quit your job, but you can look to work for yourself as supplemental income and build up that experience.

My path to working abroad started with miscellaneous jobs to work independently then I began taking temporary contract positions in the U.S., and then I landed my first tech job. After working in that job for some time I asked about working remotely in the another country and graciously they said yes! After some months in another country I decided to extend my stay and was able to find another company to work for where I could remain permanently abroad.

STEP 2: Know that certain jobs make it more likely to work remotely.

Nowadays many companies work remote, but some are better than others aboard. First, I’d say the majority if not all the jobs abroad are contract based, because the company isn’t based in the country you are living abroad in and it is easier for tax purposes. The jobs that aren’t contract based from what I have seen are jobs that people already had before they decided to travel.

From what I have seen the easiest ways to travel and work remotely have been tech positions like web developer and technical support, or teaching English. Many people I met were getting there TEFL certification and making a living teaching English. Other people I met designed websites for people on Wordpress, worked with low-code app builders, or other technical work. That isn’t to say it is the only job you can do as I have met a pilot, a paralegal, and a marketing specialist all working remotely.

From what I have seen there are a number of technical support jobs available and if you speak native english it can be very helpful securing a remote job.

So I’d recommend start by asking your current company about their policy on remote work, otherwise I’d look at exploring contract positions abroad.

STEP 3: Know what you are doing with your stuff back home

The moment you secure your remote job, congratulations you have secured the hardest part at making remote work possible! The next step is to either store your stuff somewhere or donate. When I went to work abroad I had already been living a minimal life and didn’t have too many items to donate or store. More than likely you can save money by asking your friends and/or family to hold your stuff that is super valuable. Otherwise I’d donate anything that can be purchased again. Also when you are living abroad and start acquiring stuff and then want to travel around, I’ve seen many people leave their stuff at other people’s apartments temporarily. If you don’t have that option you can take advantage of storage lockers which offer discounts per week or per month.

STEP 4: Secure a visa

Many countries do not require a visa to enter the country for 90 days, but check the government website for more details. For longer stays you can often extend your visa at the consulate in the country for an additional 90 days or leave for another country. Brazil now requires an eVisa for Americans to enter the country for 90 days for U.S., Canadian, & Australian citizens, but the good news is that it is a multi-stay visa meaning you can enter the country as many times as you want over a period of 5 (Canadian & Australians) or 10 years (Americans). For longer stays many countries offer a Digital Nomads Visa (Brazil, Argentina). If you overstay your visa in Argentina you will need to pay an exit fee (Habitación de Salida). Be mindful about the visa rules in the country your looking to visit.

STEP 5: Find a place to stay

This can be intimidating if you have never lived abroad before, but I’ll try to make it as simple as possible. For stays a month or less I’d look at using Airbnb as your most affordable option in comparison to a hotel. If you commit to staying a least three months in one location than you can look at temporary stays which is half the cost per month in comparison to Airbnb. The stays you’ll be working with the owner directly or an agency. In Argentina you have Argenprop, Zonaprop, & Mercado Libre. In Chile you have Homeurbano and Yapo.cl. You’ll talk directly with lessor via WhatsApp. It can be easier to first start with Airbnb for one month and then look for a longer temporary stay. You could even message Airbnb hosts about a special discount for your stay.

STEP 6: Pack less than you think

I only traveled with a Pakt backpack and recommend that you pack light. You can buy mostly everything in the country you are traveling to. It can be helpful to bring dollars (only $100 bills) for your temporary stays, but I find it easier to just get money at Western Union via Pago Fácil. Then you can go to the currency exchange to get dollars to pay your rent. If you visit Chile it is better to use your card instead of cash. I’d check online to see what is better for you.

You are now more equipped to take the next step and work abroad. Wifi is abundant so as long as you secure your visa, find a place to stay, and have a method of working remotely than you are good to go.