Are you a new or seasoned digital nomad taking on the world one country and Wi-Fi password at a time? You’ve probably asked for the Wi-Fi in so many different cozy cafes that at this point you know it’s either flatewhite, espresso, or the name of the cafe all lowercase. Password guessing is a wonderful gift; the FBI and I are both proud of you! But the digital nomad life isn’t just about hunched over your laptop sipping coffee all day, there’s balance baby! If you’re becoming a digital nomad or you are one already, here is the digital nomad packing list you need in your life.
Heads up! I’m not going to mention the obvious ones like bringing your laptop and charger. You know that. I’m also not going to focus this guide on what clothes to pack because that entirely depends on where you’re going. I’ve got several country-specific travel/packing guides you can check out and a general traveler’s packing list. Let’s get into the 13 best things to pack as a digital nomad!
reusable coffee cup
This is the easiest way to actively avoid this type of single-use plastic. Just bring a reusable coffee cup. People will begin to remember your order just by seeing your coffee cup. I’m serious. I have a very distinct peach Columbia tumbler that I use for takeaway coffee, and my regular spots are quick to say, “Your usual, a flat white with oat milk?” If you take a flat white or cappuccino, then this tumbler is the perfect size!
Of course, it’s not about people remembering your order – that’s just a fun bonus. It’s about being the best digital nomad you can be, and that includes being kind to the places you visit. So, sit in when you can and always request your drink to be served in a ceramic mug and not a takeaway cup. If there’s no option for a ceramic mug (c’mon coffeeshop, get it together!), then bring your reusable coffee cup. ‘Cause I know you want to be a more sustainable traveler, you’ll have to add this to your digital nomad packing list!
Laundry strips
This is an unusual one, but it’s going to save you money! Instead of picking up a bulky plastic jug of laundry detergent in each place you’re in on laundry day, keep a pouch of eco-friendly laundry strips with you instead. These highly concentrated sheets will freshen your clothes just like detergent, without the bulk or harmful chemicals. They’re fantastic for travel and when you’re back home doing laundry. You can even use them for any awkward handwashing-in-the-sink moments! SaltyLama laundry strips ship across the US and Europe, so grab them wherever you can! Use code CHRISTA at checkout for 10% off!
Unlocked phone
If you’re basing yourself in another country or area for a while, you might want to take advantage of getting a local SIM card. If you’re tied to your home country’s provider, you’ll need to pay off your current phone so it can be unlocked. Otherwise, buy your phone straight from the phone brand (Apple, Samsung, etc) that way it is guaranteed to come unlocked.
What is an unlocked phone, you might ask? This is simply a phone that can be linked up with more than one service provider, making it easy to swap out SIM cards or hop on other cellular networks.
Tip! If you’re traveling in the European Union, you don’t need a new SIM card for each country. EU law prevents roaming charges, so you’re free to roam the European Union without fees or SIM swapping.
Reusable water bottle
Fill it up before you head out, and refill it at various places throughout the day. Whether that’s at the free water station at a cafe or a city drinking fountain, there is no need to pay for plastic water bottles. Make this an essential on your digital nomad packing list! If you want something collapsable, check out this. If you prefer stainless steel to keep your water nice and cool, then I recommend this one.
universal adapter
For your laptop, your cell phone, camera charger – whatever else! You’re going to need an adapter if the outlets don’t match the ones of your electronics. I recommend sorting yourself out with an international travel adapter, so you don’t have to buy a new one for each area of the world you visit.
I was going to share my travel adtper that I’ve been using for the past 5 years without fail, but I think it’s so old that they completely updated the design or don’t make it anymore. But here is a trusty one to try that has numerous USB outlets, too!
Important documents and copies
This digital nomad packing item might seem obvious, but you mustn’t forget anything essential. Have your passport, visa, any necessary entry documents, and a separate form of ID like a driver’s license. Have printed and digital copies of all of them.
If you plan on driving as a digital nomad, then go ahead and get an international driver’s permit. You can typically do this quite easily through AAA (or your country’s equivalent).
As for medicine or even your contact prescription, keep printed or digital copies of this information too. It might come in handy!
Sturdy work tote
Some people prefer backpacks, but I’m a tote bag girl. I do my best to avoid pickpockets, and that’s a lot easier when carrying a tote at your side than a backpack that’s out of sight.
Find a sturdy tote that will easily hold your laptop (in a case, please), along with any essentials like a mouse, charger, and adapter. A tote bag with a zipper is the most optimal for travel and walking around purposes. Here’s my pick for a digital nomad work tote bag.
Day purse/bag
The tote bag mentioned above can also be used as a day bag, but I would also pair this with a crossbody bag that you can put your phone, ID, and debit cards inside. I’ve been using this small TOPO Designs bag for a while and I adore it. It fits all those mentioned essentials along with lip balm and a hair tie. If you need something bigger, you can’t go wrong with an anti-theft crossbody bag.
nomad-friendly Insurance
If you’re on a particular type of visa like a student visa, many countries will require that you have private insurance coverage. Not only is it sometimes necessary for documentation’s sake, but it’s handy to have.
I got bit pretty deeply by a feral cat when staying in Costa Rica, and it was especially handy when getting antibiotics and a tetanus shot! It’s these little unexpected moments that are going to make the low monthly costs of travel insurance exceptionally handy and worthwhile.
Good travel insurance will ensure you’re protected during your journey from your home country to wherever you go from there. I highly recommend Nomad Insurance from SafetyWing because it’s literally designed for digital nomads! Plus, it’s affordable, straightforward, and includes both medical emergencies and unforeseen travel mishaps like lost luggage and natural disasters.
Get a quick quote on digital nomad insurance here:
Travel umbrella
Seems annoying to pack, but I promise you it’s going to be useful. You don’t want to get caught in the rain with your laptop and not have something to protect yourself. So, get a sturdy travel-friendly umbrella and just slip it into your carry-on or in the pocket of your travel backpack.
I usually travel with a carry-on suitcase and a backpack. I use one backpack pocket for my stainless steel water bottle and the other for my umbrella. It hardly takes up any space that way!
Padlock
I have actually put a tiny padlock on my backpack before. I sometimes travel with an Adidas backpack which has two zippers that meet together, and I put a tiny padlock with them together for extra security for my laptop and camera.
You can also use the padlock in your hotel, hostel, or Airbnb – wherever you go! It’s good to pack for that extra peace of mind as a digital nomad.
Travel flashlight
Here is a digital nomad packing essential that you probably wouldn’t have often think about. Keep a small pocket flashlight in your day bag or with you at night. You never know when it might come in handy. Is an alley extra dark? Did the power randomly go out in your Airbnb? Are you hiking and it’s getting dark?
While I know our phones have flashlights on them, it’s not always wise to have your phone out in plain sight, especially at night. Pickpocketers can be ruthless, so be wary of wagging your phone around when traveling (especially in places like Barcelona, Rome, or Paris – see my pickpocketing safety guide here).
something for yourself
This one is vague because it’s personal to your lifestyle. If you’re becoming a digital nomad for the longterm (or even just several months), having some things you love with you is so important. You are still living life, after all. It is not an endless fairytale getaway. There are groceries to buy, rent to pay, and all the rest. That’s why I always recommend bringing something you like to unwind with in your spare time.
While your spare time might look a little different as a digital nomad… perhaps you’ll be spending more evenings going to meet-ups, visiting museums, or wandering the city, but there are still down nights. Pack a couple of books (or find an English bookstore, bring your Switch, a drawing pad and pencils, or whatever suits you!
Did you find this digital nomad packing list helpful? Let me know in the comments. What else would you include as an absolute essential?
