Remote Work from anywhere: How to Make Your Transition Seamless
Outpost Ubud Coworking Space, Bali
remote work and its appeal
Working remotely is a dream for many, especially now that an increasing number of countries offer long-term visas for digital nomads, making it easier than ever to work from paradise-like destinations. Having the flexibility to work from anywhere can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with challenges that require planning and preparation.
When I was living in Bulgaria, I really liked that my job offered a hybrid mode of working and I was able to combine working from both the office and from home. And when I was travelling, I would also take my laptop and work remotely some of the days during my trips. The more I was doing it, the more I wanted to be able to travel long-term and work remotely from abroad.
Some people have fully embraced the remote work lifestyle, while others hesitate, unsure of how to make it work. The biggest concerns include company policies, reliable internet access, time zone differences, and adjusting to life in a new location.
If you’ve been thinking about working remotely from abroad for the short or mid-term, I’m sharing my experience and some tips to help make your transition as smooth as possible.
Main concerns and how to tackle them:
WiFi & Internet Connection:
Reliable internet is non-negotiable for remote work, and it can be a major source of stress if not planned properly. To avoid disruptions, make sure you do everything possible to secure a stable connection before you arrive.
Research your destination: Popular digital nomad hubs like Canggu, Uluwatu, and Ubud in Bali generally have solid internet infrastructure, while more remote areas might not. Whether you plan to work remotely from Europe or South East Asia, do your research and use common sense.
Co-working spaces: Many offer fast, reliable internet. Check pricing and availability in your chosen area—some offer flexible hourly rates whilst others are quite expensive.
Cafés: Great for a change of scenery, but be mindful of noise levels, distractions and whether they are laptop-friendly. I love going to cafes as I give myself a time frame to get work done there.
Backup plans:
Book accommodations with strong internet reviews.
Have a list of co-working spaces with quiet rooms for focused work.
Identify laptop-friendly cafés as alternative workspaces.
Other useful tech-related preparations:
Set up alternative authentication methods (email, authenticator apps) in case you cannot receive SMS for 2FA. This is in case you travel far away and your mobile service is off.
Bring a second laptop charger and noise-canceling headphones.
Install a VPN to bypass geo-restricted sites and protect your data unless your company already requires you to use one.
Time Zone Differences
Time zone differences can be a major challenge, or a non-issue, depending on your company’s location. If you’re moving from the U.S. to Bali, for example, a 12+ hour difference might not be sustainable. But a 2–6 hour difference may be manageable with slight adjustments.
My personal experience:
When moving to Bali, I prepared for a 5-hour difference with Bulgaria and 12 hours with the U.S. However, I forgot to account for daylight savings time, which made the difference even greater.
To adjust, I shifted my schedule: sleeping later, conserving energy during the day, and working in the evenings.
I also used the World Clock on both my phone and PC and I added a gadget on my phone screen showing the local and the original time of my meetings
Tips for adapting:
For the first week, focus on adjusting rather than trying to balance work and social activities.
Give yourself time to naturally adapt to the new work hours. Don’t drain yourself the first week. Focus on getting your work done.
Once settled, plan your activities around your schedule to maintain a work-life balance.
After the first week, you will be really proud of yourself and you’ll have more confidence that you can manage remote work.
Settling Into a New Location
Adjusting to a new country can be overwhelming, but good preparation makes a huge difference.
Accommodation
Book a place with strong WiFi reviews and a dedicated workspace (double-check photos, as some “desks” are just vanity tables!).
You can also request your host to share the results of a speed test of the internet.
or if you are moving to a new accommodation, always take your laptop with you and test the internet and your work apps, before committing to staying there!
Consider staying in a co-living space—great for meeting other remote workers, getting advice, and having an instant community. Consider it like a student accommodation, the difference is - now you are an adult and probably have more money.
If booking a long-term rental, do not send money in advance before seeing the place in person—scams are common and often photos are deceptive.
Getting Settled
Watch YouTube vlogs from expats in your destination to get a feel for life there and get their insights on what their daily life looks like. This is what I did and it helped a lot!
Join Facebook groups for digital nomads in your chosen location—many offer free tips and paid E-guides to save you time and stress. Guides include information such as places for food, supermarkets, laundry, first aid, visa agencies, approved co-working spaces and other useful locations. These save a lot of time researching along with trial and error.
Research local costs of living and set a buffer budget to avoid financial surprises. Sometimes, internet advertises a place as cheap but the reality is different. For some lunch costing 10 euro is normal, for others- it is quite expensive. Have this in mind!
Asking for Permission to Work Remotely
Many people worry about whether their company will allow them to work from abroad—especially in a tropical destination. However, if you’re a responsible and productive employee, there’s no reason not to ask.
Steps to Get Approval:
Check company policies: First, consult HR to understand the company’s stance on remote work.
Present a plan to your manager:
Address potential concerns (time zone differences, availability, internet reliability).
Highlight how your work and responsibilities will remain unaffected.
Emphasize the personal benefits and how this can increase your productivity.
Get written confirmation: If approved, request an email confirmation from HR and your manager outlining the agreed timeframe - A MUST!
Immigration & Customs Considerations
Check visa rules: Each country has different stay limits and visa options.
In Bali, a Visa on Arrival (VOA) allows 30 days, extendable to 60. Longer stays require different visas.
Planning ahead prevents last-minute visa runs and unexpected expenses.
Bring your employment documentation:
A letter from your company confirming your employment with them can be helpful at customs.
Why? Immigration is very strict with foreigners who stay longer in their country as some people try to earn money without having the proper visa. Thus, you will have an official document proving that your income is coming from abroad.
If traveling with company-owned laptops, have documentation proving ownership to avoid potential import tax issues.
Final Considerations
Before deciding to work remotely, ask yourself:
Am I responsible enough to stay productive without supervision?
How do I handle unexpected issues—do I panic or find solutions?
Will this experience bring me joy, or could it become stressful?
If I don’t do this now, will I regret it later?
One more important advice: Before deciding to work remotely for a month from your dream destination, do a ‘dry run‘ and test the whole process by going away for a couple of days near your home town or in a neighbour country.
For those working in corporate environments, the worst that can happen is receiving a “no” from your employer. However, if you’ve proven your reliability and work ethic, there’s a strong chance they will support your request. After all, a happy and inspired employee is an asset to any company!
Moreover, once an idea is born, the universe tends to support those who take the leap. If working remotely is something you truly want, go for it, don’t overthink it, and just enjoy the process!
Good luck, and let me know if you decide to go remote for a while!
