Enticing stories of backpacking around the world are plentiful. But few people have the funding for such adventures. In addition, most people need employment to meet their daily needs. Thus, the options for going abroad must include the ability to work. Two methods of doing so are being an expat or digital nomad. However, while the options are similar, they are not the same.
Let’s explore the differences, expat vs digital nomad.
Expats are essentially immigrants by another name. They establish a home in a new country, usually have a specific employer, living a daily life similar to others in the community. Digital nomads are like backpackers with jobs. They work online, often freelancing, giving them the freedom to travel.
Expats and digital nomad lifestyles come with their pros and cons. Both allow an individual to experience another country while still earning an income. However, which one will suit your life depends on your goals and situation. For example, the expat lifestyle will probably be better if you have children. Also, digital nomad lifestyles require having online-only employment options.
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What Is An Expat?
Expats put down roots in a country different from their homeland. These people might have families, work outside their homes, and possibly buy a house. Some people only plan to be gone for 5-10 years. Others are making a whole new life.
So, what is the ‘expat’ meaning? Be aware that expat is a dated term that sprung from “expatriated,” where a person was banished or exiled from their homeland. Since then, it has become a fancy, usually white way of saying “immigrant” without political baggage.
There are arguments that we should acknowledge that every immigrant is an expat. However, some people would prefer to kick this term to the curb. Thus, you might want to consider how you use the word.
What Is A Digital Nomad?
Now let’s see what you mean when you say digital nomad.
Digital nomads could get by with the motto, “Have laptop, will travel”. Their employment is conducted exclusively online. They are not looking to put down new roots but experience various areas of the world. It’s like ordering tapas instead of a single main dish.
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Differences Between Digital Nomad And Expat
Digital nomad and expat experiences are pretty different. Yes, both allow people to live outside their home country, but the lifestyles are worlds apart.
- Expats Travel Less Than Digital Nomads
The expat lifestyle doesn’t lend itself to extended vacations. Instead, it’s living as you would in your home country. Thus, travel is limited to weekends, public holidays, and time off. Yes, it is easier to see many more countries if you are an expat in Germany rather than having your home in Kansas. But it is nothing like a backpacker’s lifestyle.
Digital nomads are not as tied down. They might have their “base” in a particular country for a year, but because they work online, they can take extended trips to other places without causing chaos. Also, they move between countries with greater frequency than an expat. In some cases, they can even mimic a backpacker’s lifestyle, moving on every 2-3 months while employed.
Some digital nomads also work in 2–3-month sprints, travel for another few, then work again. Essentially, their work funds the next adventure, and they’re not trying to work full-time. In contrast, expats are more likely to work throughout the year.
- Expat Visas Grant Longer Stays Than Digital Nomads
Expat visas tend to be for 5-10 years and eventually provide options for permanent residency and possibly citizenship.
Digital nomad visas are on the rise, but they are for shorter periods and usually don’t have the option to eventually apply for permanent residency. However, this is only a general rule. Some countries, such as the Bahamas, Norway, and Mexico, have 2-4 years digital nomad visa options. But it is much more common for them to be 12 months or less.
- Social Lives Are Different Between Expats And Digital Nomads
A digital nomad’s lifestyle favors an extrovert unless you enjoy being alone. This surprises some people since working online sounds like an introvert’s dream job.
However, the lack of office and community permeance means digital nomads must be incredibly proactive at meeting people if they want to socialize. As a result, digital nomads often need to be adept at working a room at a party, happily start conversations with strangers, have a knack for small talk, and possess some charisma.
Expats can get away with being awkward and quiet. Instead, they gradually meet people through work, church, dropping kids off at school, and regularly visiting the same shops (unless you shop everything on amazon). Over time, they’ll join book clubs, knitting groups, recreational sports teams, and gyms and eventually get roped in to help with local fundraisers and events.
Because they are in an area for longer, they have more time to make connections slowly and don’t need to have an outgoing, magnet personality. Also, eventually, a curious extrovert will adopt them and introduce them to everyone.
- Digital Nomads Should Have Online Employment
Digital nomads must have an online occupation. Thus, the lifestyle favors freelancers. Expats, however, can have careers that involve face-to-face contact and do not necessarily involve using a computer.
Of course, many expats work from home or at a café table. Since the pandemic, opportunities to work outside the office have expanded. But this is an option, not a must.
- Expats Might Have An Easier Time With Poor Infrastructure
Poor infrastructure isn’t easy on anybody, including those that live permanently in such conditions. However, it can be murder on digital nomads’ income if they can’t get online.
For example, South Africa often has rolling blackouts, which they’ve rebranded as “loadshedding.” However, you can’t necessarily switch from WiFi to 3G/4G in certain areas because it could also take out the towers. In addition, laptop batteries eventually need recharging.
Also, some secluded or rural areas of countries might be excellent places for an expat to work, such as running retreats at a wellness resort or working in organic farming. But lack of cell phone reception and internet would make these locations a nightmare for anyone who needs regular, affordable internet access.
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- Digital Nomad Lifestyle Isn’t Kid Friendly
Being a digital nomad favors people who are single or have a child-free partnership. This is because children have needs, such as schooling and healthcare, that do better in a lifestyle that doesn’t involve constant moving.
Yes, some homeschooling options allow kids to move around more frequently. But it is a lot more complicated and typically involves much more paperwork.
For example, different countries have different vaccination schedules for children. It isn’t always easy to get the necessary jabs for the following location, especially if an injection is not typically required in your current country. They might not be able to source it, or you have to order it, which can be incredibly expensive.
Expat vs Digital Nomad: What Is Best For You?
Choosing between an expat or digital nomad lifestyle depends on your personality, occupation or skill set, and circumstances.
Suppose you have no desire to put down roots in another country or simply want to have as many varied and exciting experiences as possible in a confined timeframe. In that case, a digital nomad lifestyle is the way to go.
However, if you want to immerse yourself in a culture or have family obligations, an expat lifestyle is the better fit.
Regardless of your choice, both expat and digital nomad experiences will change you and how you see your homeland. Few regret it.