Revolut's tips for working anywhere

Bringing your laptop to the beach? Summer is just around the corner - not only are restrictions being lifted, but the trend is moving towards remote working - at least some of the time, if not all of the time.

Remember all that fuss around 'digital nomads' a few years ago? Multilingual, internationally networked and well educated; they travelled the world and worked from anywhere with their laptop and WiFi. They were a niche phenomenon and the lifestyle was something that only very bold freelancers could experience. However it's become much more common today – especially during the summer season and post-pandemic.

The pandemic accelerated many changes and today most companies offer their employees the opportunity to work from another country. As long as performance is guaranteed and KPIs hit, being in the office is secondary: remote workers alternate their job with travel or outdoor activities, thus enjoying more creativity, increased satisfaction, less stress and better team spirit.

Revolut's company policy is to have 100% flexibility for employees, meaning it's up to our staff when they come in. Here we share some useful suggestions on how to make the most out of remote working, so dust off your flip-flops and read on.

If you want to work abroad ...

... there are several options. In general, remote working is when the work is done away from the office, possibly abroad and entirely digitally. In this case, normal working hours will be performed and vacation and sick days must be requested/logged with the employer as usual.

When it comes to a workation, it looks a little different: You work where others (only) go on vacation. Usually groups of friends or colleagues stay in one place for a few weeks and travel around during the day. In contrast to Work & Travel, you don't work for a local employer, but for an employer based abroad.

Digital nomads go a little further and commit themselves to a completely different lifestyle or a multi-local life: They work as freelancers or employees for one or more companies, but their contracts don’t mention a fixed location. Digital nomads usually work in one place during the week - typically close to nature - and move on during the weekend. On average, digital nomads stay in one place for around three weeks so that they have enough time to travel around and discover new hotspots.

Can you really work from anywhere?

Before you go on a trip, it's advisable to check the legal situation in your desired destination. In order to work in a country, you usually need a residence and work permit. However, since most remote workers don't stay in a country for more than 3-4 weeks and then move on (or return home) very quickly, a tourist visa is usually sufficient.

And the office? Everyone knows the beautiful Instagram pictures of influencers sitting by the pool with their laptop. Reality looks less photogenic - mainly because technology is not recommended in blazing sunlight and you can hardly see anything on the screen. But it's nice anyway: Most remote workers work in co-working spaces, in the common rooms of hostels and B&B or in their own holiday apartment - as long as they are equipped with fast WiFi. Cafes are also suitable as a temporary office but bring your security screen so passers by can't see what you're typing – placing orders for drinks/snacks during the day is a good idea while you're using the space, so you're not asked to leave.

Which professions are best suitable for remote working?

Definitely all that can be done with digital technologies or outside of an office in general:

• Content-related jobs, such as UX, web and graphic design, but also marketing and social media activities or production of audiovisual content - think of influencers
• Copywriting and content creation, such as marketing materials, blogging, journalism, translation and proofreading
• Coaching & advice - from life coaching to PR and tax advice
• IT jobs like programming and app development
• Artistic work such as music, tattoos or drawing
• Fitness work like personal trainers / yoga teachers have flexibility especially if they offer online classes

Light luggage

Goodbye suitcase chaos: your bag should be under 12 kilos! When traveling, you often share a car with other remote workers and several items of luggage have to be stored together in one trunk. And after all, you can get almost everything that you are missing on site and at reasonable prices - especially in Europe.

What's really indispensable - and doesn’t take up too much space - is technology. From Revolut’s point of view, the following should not be missing:

• Laptop - ideally light, compact, robust, with an integrated microphone and loudspeaker and, of course, in good condition, as you do not always have access to certified repairing centres when you are traveling
• Universal adapter for all cases and sockets
• Powerbank, namely a large (30,000 mAh) and a portable (5,000 - 10,000 mAh) one
• Chargers and cables, possibly two of each. USB type A and C are always a good idea, as are cables with an AUX connection to connect the cell phone to older models of car radios
• Mini bluetooth speaker - because music is the best travel companion

Lifestyle tip: elastic bands - for effective training even without a gym.

You're never alone when you travel

If you want to work remotely, you can either go on a journey alone or together with friends (or partners). But how can you get to know new people if you keep changing your location? Solo travellers, in particular, are often afraid of loneliness. Not all people are equally outgoing and open to talking to strangers in a cafe. But this shouldn't be a problem in a digitised world: There are numerous apps and platforms that simplify networking and making contact easy with like-minded people in every corner of the world.

Instagram definitely is the first choice: setting your own profile to “public” and updating the location in your bio helps networking with other remote workers in a certain location. Further options are Facebook, WhatsApp and even Slack groups for digital nomads, which are easily accessible with personal invitations from friends and acquaintances - but also dating apps or websites for sharing hospitality, such as Couch-surfing.

Finance on the go

The Revolut super app offers a wide range of financial products and budgeting tools that make travellers' and digital nomads' lives easier.

We've got you covered - join our global community and get access to a better way to manage your money from anywhere.