Being a Digital Nomad: Consider a Country’s Official Language

Deciding to become a digital nomad is a big decision for most people. Aside from health considerations, the official language spoken in a country can be an important aspect in the decision. Once you know what your budget will be and are certain your company allows for working outside the US, you can start to make decisions about which country to visit. In addition to food and health restrictions you might have, the official language spoken will affect how easily you can communicate in a new country. Not everyone will feel comfortable in a country where the majority of the population does not speak their language. Consider whether you’d be okay not being able to fully communicate with people during your stay. Also, ask yourself if you’re good at picking up languages. Some people have an ear for language and are able to quickly understand and speak common phrases. Others are not. Be honest with yourself about your skill level to save discomfort and frustration in the future. Of course, if you actively want to learn a new language then going to a country as an immersion experience makes sense.

Assuming your first language is English, it’s good to know which countries have a large English speaking population. Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the UK are all English-speaking countries: the official language is English and all government communications are in English. However, most countries in Western and Northern Europe have large English-speaking populations and many citizens speak English as a second language. The proportion of the English speaking population will often depend on whether you are in or near a major city. Some Eastern European countries have large English speaking populations, but less so than Western Europe. And Asia varies country to country with major business hubs filled with English speakers, but not so outside of them. While researching which countries have a large enough population that speaks English for you, also check the CDC website for travel advisories and the U.S. Department of State. These will tell you if any travel warnings or restrictions have been posted.

Finally, some countries are actively courting digital nomads and offering great deals with special visa arrangements. Check Nerdwallet’s 2020 list and do your own research to confirm the country is still offering the same arrangement. With research, you can make the best possible decision in picking a country where you will feel comfortable. Be sure to make a contingency plan before you leave, even if it’s a short one to two month stint. If anything goes awry, you want to be sure you can get in contact with family and reach home quickly and safely.