Together With

Welcome back to Nomad Cloud, we’re the feeling you get when you pop that Easter egg into your mouth. Ah such a rewarding feeling isn’t it? Today I talk about a tough topic, leaving Bali a place I called home for nearly 4 years.

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^UPCOMING

• Bali is done?? That’s not what I meant 🌴

• India Guide For Digital Nomads 🇮🇳

• 4-Day Immersive Event in Turkey 🇹🇷 

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🔥 HOT OFF THE PRESS

• Colombia Digital Nomad Visa Deets 📕 (euronews)

• Feasibility of being a Nomad in Ibiza 🌵 (ibiza spotlight)

• How to work remotely, indefinitelyy ✈️ (cnbc)

• Athens for Digital Nomads, first hand experience🏛️ (nomadsembassy)

🌎 LIFESTYLE

CONTROVERSY IN PARADISE

The digital nomad interwebs went into a little bit of a flurry this week because of this interview I did with Insider.

I mean I get it, the headline was a little racy “I make $140,000 a year running a digital nomad agency from Bali — but here's why it's not worth living there anymore”

Was it clickbaity? To some not looking at the facts, sure. But the headline and the things I said in the article itself were all facts.

The truth is I had already posted on my Instagram this post with similar sentiments about Bali. It had a ton of conversation from people on both sides of the equation so I knew it was an important topic to discuss as a community.

Of course I knew it would get backlash from Bali purists.

But I had some things I had to get off my chest.

Some called it controversial, but I felt I was telling the truth that made people very uncomfortable because it broke the “picture perfect” image that is mass marketed on platforms like Instagram.

I wanted to share my final thoughts with you all so we can finally move forward from this.

My perspective is I told the truth about Bali but because it was told on such a large platform, and because it fundamentally challenged people’s lifestyles, people got emotional.

The facts I mentioned about how Bali is today, can be objectively measured and something I won’t back down from, these are simple facts and even talked about amongst those that live in Bali (i.e pollution, traffic, predatory business practices on foreigners, fake influencer promo content).

The question of whether I did this for publicity doesn't really matter since again it was an article stating facts but I'll address this.

My intention was to put out a message that actually counters the "influencer culture" that plagues Bali. That perfect image with the camera perfectly turned away from the obtusely polluted river to capture a shot that sells an online product for said influencers.

People around the world are only being shown one side of Bali to benefit themselves only.

I’ve had people with health problems tell me they watched those same videos, came to Bali, and had to leave due to getting very sick because their bodies couldn’t handle that amount of pollution.

For the criticism saying "be more self aware" "you're part of the problem" that's EXACTLY why I spoke out. I no longer wanted to be part of the problem.

I've recently deleted any content that could be associated with using that imagery to promote any of my businesses. Unlike typical influencers, I don't need that to make money online and have done well for myself when I had little to no followers.

My message is one of Personal Sovereignty, true Freedom, and Location Independence, whether in Bali or somewhere else.

And all that with care to collaborate with local stakeholders, governments, and nomad communities, my history proves this. I tried.

Ofcourse I knew this new feature would give me exposure but that's just a side effect of telling things how they are.

Another common argument is "you took more than you gave.” But that’s from the people who don’t know me and the time and money I’ve given over my 4 years. I don’t even like talking about it because it came from the heart.

Yet those same people I would venture to guess haven’t contributed economically as I have. Overall I believe this is a typical public witchhunt by people whose lifestyles are fundamentally challenged by truth.

I'm happy with my life and proud of being able to put out narratives that show the reality of every situation. People need to look at systemic issues and collectively take responsibility rather than put all their pent-up anger and frustration toward isolated truth tellers. Where have we seen this before?

And finally, the issue of “digital nomads are the problem” that’s not entirely accurate. Who let the nomads in, local governments and policies that make certain groups of people money. They could have banned all nomads in Bali if we were all so bad right? Yet the borders are still open as long as we are "well behaved" because you know.. money.

What about foreign business owners building massive real estate on ancestral lands and making tons of money at the expense of locals, I didn’t build that problem.

The whole system is broken and everyone is at fault.

Yet the finger-pointing continues in the comments. I’m sure it will continue long after this "viral moment."

An important final word.

I take full responsibility for my contribution to attracting digital nomads to Bali.

I am aware that doing a 180 on the things I said may seem inconsistent.. But again that CNBC video was on the tail end of CV where Bali was still struggling to make a comeback. My video, even if a 1% contribution in part helped revive the economy.

I had hopes when putting that message out that a new economy could be created and as seen publicly I made massive efforts to work with government, digital nomads, locals, and real estate investors but everybody got greedy.

Everybody who could benefit from the “wave” did what they wanted to do. So I exposed the truth so a discussion could begin.

It seems it has..

Nomad of The Week: Claudia Miclaus

Claudia Miclaus is an inspirational speaker and coach specializing in personal branding and ethical leadership. She has worked with thought leaders representing the world’s most respected and well-known organizations, including Harvard, Nasdaq, Pfizer and YPO.

Her mission is to bring about positive change, and her biggest goal is to help make personal branding a mandatory subject in schools around the world. She firmly believes that the world will be a more fulfilling place to live if more people are aware of and act on their values and vision.

Connect with Claudia: LinkedIn | Instagram | Website

_{📲 HUSTLE ZONE}

Last week I shared about how newsletters could be an easy 5 figure side hustle. You can read that here. This week let’s talk about specific reasons newsletters are catching heat.

Why Newsletters Are A Great Side Hustle

• Quick and Easy to set up

• Can produce a massive ROI once you grow your list

• Generates warm leads & sales for your business

• Build a loyal community long-term you can provide value

• Large lists can be acquired for millions

If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to starting a profitable newsletter check out Newsletter Ninjas Masterclass.

🧘🏻‍♂️The Wellness Zone

A special invitation from community member Lars Willemse

An Immersive Festival Experience in Turkey & Online

INTERESTING FACT when you look up the definition of the word WELLNESS it states the following: “the state of being in good health, especially as an actively pursued goal”

When reading this you could go many directions and can question which type of health they are referring to? And the fact that it says that it often is an actively pursued goal indicates that many people do not have it yet.

We live in a remote world where connection isn’t always easy and that is why it is essential to stay connected through in-person events to feel a sense of belonging. In-person experiences take care of a lot of your mental health needs that are more difficult to be met while being online.

As an experimental event concept we put together Vivel; a 4-day immersive experience in Cappadocia and Kayseri that serves as a bridge between the pioneering digital space and and the connection you find during in-person events such as music festivals or conferences.

We wanted to combine the elements that connect us and bring a small group of people together for music, knowledge and mindfulness.

The intention is to establish a network that stimulates long-term relationships between like-minded people striving for good health and connection.

So take this opportunity and join us in Turkiye from May 24th until May 27th.

Secure your ticket here.

📰 Good Reads of the Week

🏊 DEEP DIVE

India Visa Guide for Digital Nomads

Written by Adam Mace from Nurall

With no dedicated India digital nomad visa, finding the correct visa for remote work in the country can be tricky and confusing. India is quickly becoming a favorite for long-staying remote workers from around the world. From hustle and bustle of Mumbai to the relaxing sandy beaches of Goa and the mountainous city of Rishikesh—India offers the perfect destination for almost every digital nomad.

India is late to the party with their remote working visa and, at the time of writing, the country has yet to consider offering a digital nomad visa. However, location-independent workers may find the perfect solution thanks to the multiple-entry tourism visas offered to visitors. Find out everything you need to know about India and find the right digital nomad visa for you in our guide to remote working in the country.

Does India Have a Digital Nomad Visa?

At the time of writing, India does not offer a dedicated digital nomad visa that can be used by global remote workers to live and work remotely in the country. There is, however, a range of tourism visas that can be used by digital nomads to legally enter and work remotely from India.

Single Entry Tourist Visa

A single-entry tourist visa is the most popular choice for holiday-makers, backpackers, and travelers visiting India briefly with a 30-day maximum stay. These visas, unlike similar visas offered by other countries, cannot be extended or transferred.

Nationals from the majority of countries are permitted to receive an e-visa, although the list of eligible countries is subject to change. A full list of eligible countries can be found on the official India visa guide online, under “Countries/Nationalities who are eligible to avail eVisa”.

Additional information surrounding visa information for any of the above countries can be found on the official website of the Indian Bureau of Immigration.

Multiple Entry Tourism Visa

The main difference between the tourism visas offered when visiting India lies both in the initial length of time and the number of re-entries permitted inside a set time period.

The multiple-entry tourism visas are arguably the most suitable for digital nomads and, as the name suggests, allow remote workers to move freely, in and out of India without penalty. These multiple-entry tourism visas can be offered as either a one-year visa or a five-year visa. Visitors are, however, only permitted to spend a maximum of 90-days within the Indian borders in any single trip.

Remote workers from either the United States of America (USA) or Japan are given additional visa privileges when traveling to the country on a multiple-entry visa. Instead of the typical 90-day rule, American and Japanese travelers can stay within the Indian borders for up to 180-days in a single period. Additionally, the visa length offered to nationals of the USA and Japan is increased to ten years over the typical five-year period for the majority of other countries/regions.

India Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

The list of requirements allowing remote workers to qualify for an Indian tourism visa may be short, but it is vital for a successful application. The following requirements should be met when applying:

• Valid Passport: The applicant's passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of application.

• Valid Country of Residence: All applicant’s applying for the India tourism visas must be from a valid country of residence (exceptions listed above). Nationals of the UK, Canada, China, etc. should visit the Indian Bureau of Immigration for additional information and the next steps.

• Entry via Approved Airport/Seaport: All visa holders must enter the country via one of the 28 approved airports or five seaports.

• Proof of Onwards Travel: Applicants may be required to show proof of onward travel, ensuring that applicants will not overstay their visa when traveling in India.

• Payment of Visa Fee: All applicants must pay the visa application fee (fees vary with different visas) when applying for the documentation.

How to Apply

Applying for both the single-entry and multiple-entry India tourism e-Visa is a simple process that can be completed entirely online. The following step-by-step guide is designed to walk digital nomads through the visa application process:

Step 1: Collect Necessary Documents

Regardless of the type of visa that is being applied for, all necessary documents should first be gathered for a seamless application process. Applicants are required to provide the following when applying for tourism visas:

• Copy of Valid Passport (Six Months Validity)

• Digital Passport Photo

• Proof of Onward Travel (Required on Entry to India)

Step 2: Complete the Visa Application

Once all documents have been collected, applicants may begin their online application by visiting and following the onscreen instructions on the official website. Applicants are required to enter their personal and travel information alongside their digital passport photo and copy of their passport with a minimum of six months of validity. Once complete, the application can be submitted to the immigration authorities via the online form. All applicants will be required to pay a small visa fee with the amount depending on the type of visa that is being applied for.

Step 3: Await Visa Approval

Once submitted, visa holders are simply required to await the verdict of their tourist visa application. The processing time is quick with the majority of responses emailed to applicants within just 72 hours of submission.

Step 4: Submit Biometric Details

When arriving at the airport in India, biometric details must be submitted before entering the country. A digital photograph, fingerprints, and a digital signature are required from all arrivals. Alternatively, these details may be taken by an Indian diplomatic mission from the applicant's home country—this can speed up the process when arriving in the country, but is otherwise unnecessary.

Why Choose India for Your Next Remote Working Trip?

India has long been a fantastic destination for digital nomads, in no small part due to the low cost of living achievable in the country. India is currently ranked 101st out of a possible 167 countries in the 2021 Legatum Prosperity Index, above Cuba and below Uzbekistan. The independent study utilizes more than 100 different indexes to rank each country accordingly with healthcare, education, and safety as just some of the focus areas.

Remote Work Culture in India

India has long been a fantastic destination for digital nomads, in no small part due to the low cost of living achievable in the country. India is currently ranked 101st out of a possible 167 countries in the 2021 Legatum Prosperity Index, above Cuba and below Uzbekistan. The independent study utilizes more than 100 different indexes to rank each country accordingly with healthcare, education, and safety as just some of the focus areas.

Remote Work Culture in India

Remote work in India is on the rise with a growing infrastructure in place, allowing global remote workers to live and work in the country. Alongside the capital, New Delhi, digital nomads hubs are popping up in Goa, Kerala, Rishikesh, and even the mountainous region of Himachal Pradesh. Coworking and co-living opportunities offer a unique and stress-free way to explore the country and find a digital nomad community of like-minded travelers.

The internet connection in India is around the global average and although high-speed streaming and fast download speeds may not always be available, the quality is more than enough for most remote workers.

Cost of Living and Quality of Life in India

The cost of living in India is one of the biggest draws of digital nomads globally with the country being one of the most affordable to live comfortably. On average, the cost of living is estimated at 68.1% lower than in the United States with rental prices estimated at a huge 88.3% lower than in the States. A single digital nomad living and working in India should expect to budget a little over $300 per month in living expenses with a family of four able to live comfortably for approximately $1,100 per month.

This low cost of living is complemented by a moderate quality of life that can be achieved in the country. India is noted to have a quality of life index of approximately 117.4 out of a possible 240 points. A high level of pollution and a high traffic commute time lower this overall score with the low cost of living, healthcare index, and climate index all rated as good.

Healthcare in India

Healthcare in India is not considered to be of high quality and the general health in the country is ranked 111th out of 167 different countries in the 2021 Legatum Prosperity Index. This ranks India below Syria, but above Bolivia and Iraq, taking into account everything from mortality rates to health systems and risk factors. The healthcare system in India is a multi-payer universal healthcare model funded by a combination of both public and private funds. When visiting India we would always recommend that all digital nomads and travelers take out travel insurance.

Final Thoughts

India is a wonderful, diverse destination for digital nomads to live and work remotely from. There’s more to the country than the hustle and bustle of the New Delhi capital and Goa, Kerala, and Rishikesh all prove to be fantastic choices for nomads. Coworking and co-living retreats offer a unique and stress-free way of experiencing the country and are a fantastic way to become a part of a digital nomad community.

At the time of writing, India does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa, leaving remote workers at the mercy of tourism visas when visiting the country. A single-entry tourism visa is excellent for fleeting remote workers with a 30-day maximum period to explore the country. However, for most long-term travelers, the multiple-entry visa proves to be the most sensible solution and offers visitors multiple entries to the country in 90-day stints. These visas are available in either one or five-year stints with unlimited travel in and out of the Indian borders. Japanese and American nationals are given additional visa privileges with the option of a ten-year multiple-entry visa. This boasts the additional benefit of 180-day single-trip lengths and unlimited travel in and out of the country.

This post was written by our friends at Nurall

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