Are digital nomads overstepping boundaries?
There has been a noticeable increase in the number of countries issuing digital nomad visas. They see it as an economic opportunity to revive tourism, which is still recovering from the health crisis, and boost the local economy. But what are the implications?
A digital nomad only needs a computer and the Internet to work. They can set up an office just about anywhere, as long as it has internet access. A table is also essential, which is why cafes are a prime target for them. A quick scroll through Instagram helps pinpoint the best spots for digital nomads. They post attractive pictures of their work setups in trendy cafes from Mexico to Taipei, not forgetting, of course, the indispensable laptop. This is where problems begin.
You thought you were the only one who had discovered that quaint cafe in a picturesque town, but you forgot that you found it via TikTok and Instagram. Result: the postcard photo turns into a laptop advertisement. This leads to cafes being overrun with digital nomads like you, who may spend hours working and consuming little, which is unfortunate. The most frugal (or stingy, depending on your point of view) can make a single coffee last for hours. Worse, some even charge their devices for prolonged periods, which can be the final straw for cafe owners.
How to make your workspace respectful of public spaces
As a reminder, a cafe, bar, or tea room is not, by definition, a workplace. To work, you can take your laptop to a coworking space, a work cafe, or any other place specifically designed for this purpose. But you crave "unique" or "typical" locations. Be careful not to become a "PC squatter" and get kicked out of the cafe. Many managers are standing up against what they view as disrespectful behavior. In Spain, Germany, or Portugal, some cafes have become off-limits to "PC squatters." Turning on your laptop is simply forbidden.
Cafe owners complain about a negative image due to the proliferation of digital nomads and remote workers (and especially their computers). They remind everyone that their venues are meant to be friendly spaces where people talk, eat, and enjoy drinks. However, banning laptops harms respectful users. You might be one of them. You occasionally work in a cafe for an hour or two, with appropriate consumption. If there are no explicit rules in the cafe you visit, don't hesitate to ask if you can use your laptop. It's the first step in courtesy. If you get the go-ahead, don't overdo it. Avoid plugging in your device. Instead, bring a backup battery (you won't stay all day anyway). Don't just order a juice or coffee.
Respect and preserve the environment
As a digital nomad, you might feel like you live in a privileged bubble. With no fixed office or hours, the world is your horizon. Yet, the horizon is threatened by pollution. In Bali, combating pollution is a daily battle. Last March, monsoons caused waves of garbage to wash up on beaches. This isn't new, but it's worsening. Authorities are mainly targeting foreigners. A month earlier, in February, the acting governor of Bali announced a tax to "protect the culture and environment."
Some expatriates tend to be more careless abroad. While working on the beach (or wherever you choose), one might "forget" their soda can, water bottle, or food wrappers. Of course, this behavior isn't unique to expatriates, but it affects everyone. To respect and preserve the environment of your host city, make it a habit to carry a fabric bag in your belongings. It will serve as a trash bag. Plan ahead for the waste you might generate, and arrange to transport your leftover food.
Expect your host city's rules
You might dream of stores open 24/7 but end up in a town where everything closes at 6 p.m. You want to work in that charming cafe until 10:30 PM, but the last orders are taken at 7 p.m. You find the table arrangement in the tea room doesn't allow you to see your screen clearly. Moving around doesn't help, so you play interior designer and redo the entire decor. These examples might seem amusing, but they are drawn from real-life experiences. The risk is even greater if you work in a group of digital nomads. The group effect disinhibits, for better or for worse.
To be respectful of your host country, start by understanding it. Don't embark on a journey without knowing at least a little about the local customs and practices. Avoid complaining because things differ from what you imagined (or what social media suggested). Don't expect an ideal, but rather enhance your expat experience by blending in with the crowd.
Blend into the background
Forget about impossible spots to set up your office. Being a digital nomad doesn't give you the right to place your laptop in protected areas and other exceptional sites. Instead, blend into the scenery. Watch the locals and follow their lead. Ask yourself why you chose digital nomadism. Unlike "laptop squatters," many other expats want to discover their new city. They don't present themselves as "digital nomads" (as if it were a separate community) but rather as simple travelers. In the end, respecting the host country isn't asking much. You'll enjoy your stay better by participating in the life of your host country in your own way.
