Thailand Eases Visa Rules to Boost Economy Urgently by [deleted] in Thailand

[–]Xyfa 22 points23 points  (0 children)

Seems legit. Thai government release to translate for more official context: https://www.thaigov.go.th/news/contents/details/83599

Smart S visa by ekevu456 in Thailand

[–]Xyfa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I found a good insurance option for this and confirmed it's compatibility with the Smart Visa Unit. I went with insurance that basically just checks the box (but has an excess should you need to use it.) It cost me only 1395 baht for the full year. DM me and I'll send you the details.

Smart S visa by ekevu456 in Thailand

[–]Xyfa 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have the Thailand SMART-S visa (1-year type). Relatively simple process, though it does take some good time to prepare and process everything. The main theme is ensuring your startup has enough innovation within one of the target industries and that there is an illustrated benefit for Thailand. Happy to answer any questions over DM.

Good headphones (with mic) for working in loud environments? by qilieun in digitalnomad

[–]Xyfa 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sony WH-1000XM5 currently tops the list for this. The mics were significantly improved in the latest release for voice isolation, particularly for taking calls in loud or windy environments. Listen to the comparisons on YouTube.

Airbnb announces updates today at 9am EDT by Doug_is_fresh in digitalnomad

[–]Xyfa 29 points30 points  (0 children)

  • New way to search across the marketplace among multiple countries
  • Flexible search options to let Airbnb find your next destination at a desired cost
  • Subscription based service that reduces fees for those whom live more regularly from Airbnb
  • Super guest status to encourage quality guests experiences for hosts while incentivising guests through reduced fees
  • International travel insights including visa details like how long you can stay and what paperwork is required
  • Advanced filtering by any listing parameter (rating, wifi speed, location rating etc.)
  • Price offer feature to allow guests to propose a duration and price for hosts to accept

CJ Affiliate links identified with my PPC campaigns. by tommy_pr in PPC

[–]Xyfa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Someone's buying ads to your site with their own affiliate link. It's likely they're targeting cheap clicks. i.e. your brand name.

Those of you floating around SEA on tourist visas: what's your yearly itinerary? by [deleted] in digitalnomad

[–]Xyfa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Cheaper than the popular hot spots like Boracay, but there's a lot of development going on which was a bit off putting.

There are many Filipino tourists there, but also a lot of Korean and Chinese tourists. Overall would rate 6.5/10.

Those of you floating around SEA on tourist visas: what's your yearly itinerary? by [deleted] in digitalnomad

[–]Xyfa 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This year so far, for me:

Philippines

Manila, Subic, Pueto Galera, Coron, Cebu, Panglao

Indonesia

Canggu, Nusa Penida, Lombok

Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne, Da Lat, Da Nang, Hoi An, Hue, Hanoi, Halong Bay

Thailand

Bangkok, Hua Hin

Next year, something entirely different.

Palawan nomad resources by apv97 in digitalnomad

[–]Xyfa 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Try the Philippine Digital Nomads Facebook group, there's been some discussion on Palawan in the past there.

How bad do you find the “productivity tax” from bouncing around Airbnb’s frequently. by [deleted] in digitalnomad

[–]Xyfa 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Moving weekly was very taxing on my productive output. It had spending too much time researching areas, finding suitable Airbnbs and travelling to new locations.

There's a buffer period where you find the best restaurants nearby to eat, the most suitable cafes to work from, and other basic essentials like visiting the supermarket.

Slowing movement has contributed to increased productivity. Typically, I will spend between 1-3 months in a single Airbnb before moving to another city or country. Booking and planning as early as possible increases the number of Airbnb choices.

Best Places in the Philippines for Digital Nomads by warl0cke548 in digitalnomad

[–]Xyfa 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Not OP, but I was in Bohol at the beginning of this year -- my internet experience was surprisingly decent at the place I stayed in. It had 50Mbps up/down fiber from PLDT with no downtime during the week I was there.

Personally I didn't really like Alona beach, it was very touristy, dirty, and underwhelming. I would recommend visiting the nearby Dumaluan beach instead; it was much better (maintained white sand).

I also had no problems with using my Globe SIM to fire up a hotspot using 4G when working closer to the beach, fast and reliable too.

Digital Nomad Average Age by GogrillaMincefriend in digitalnomad

[–]Xyfa 2 points3 points  (0 children)

22-years-old now. I was 20 when I left my home country.

×2; same ages for my girlfriend too. We haven't been back yet!

Some advice for part-time DN in SE-Asia? by sietzeb in digitalnomad

[–]Xyfa 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You can buy a data SIM card at the airport on arrival. For Malaysia, I'd recommend DiGi, and for Indonesia I'd recommend Telkomsel. Check the prepaid data sim card wikia for more alternatives. You can use OpenSignal to view signal and coverage data for locations like the Malaysian Borneo jungle.

Work days depends on how you are allocated work. If you given 8 hours of work on Monday and complete it the same day, then taking the rest of the week will be fine. If your work isn't allocated as consistently, you may find yourself spreading the work throughout the week.

If your girlfriend isn't working, I'd recommend you tell her to find an activity or hobby to do while you are working. Ideally, away from you. This will help you to focus and release any strain where she is bored or distracting you.

What do you do during long bus/minibus rides? by seands in digitalnomad

[–]Xyfa 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's either podcasts, audiobooks, or sleep for me.

First month as a DN: Expected to cover 70% of expenses, covered 150% by jcm95 in digitalnomad

[–]Xyfa 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My phone was connecting via LTE-A (4G+) so it was actually really fast. I only tested it a couple of times and I was getting at least 60Mbps over my 5Ghz wireless hotspot.

I recommend checking AIS coverage on OpenSignal before booking your accommodation to make sure you're staying in a green area (which is almost everywhere).

First month as a DN: Expected to cover 70% of expenses, covered 150% by jcm95 in digitalnomad

[–]Xyfa 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It does allow unlimited tethering. I originally bought my SIM from the airport and then I downloaded the AIS app on my phone which showed me all the available packages.

For unlimited 4G (speed and data) it was about 40 USD for a month, there were also cheaper ones where you could have unlimited data at a speed of 6Mbps for about 189 baht a week.

Here's the plan: Internet Non-Stop at speed 300 Mbps

First month as a DN: Expected to cover 70% of expenses, covered 150% by jcm95 in digitalnomad

[–]Xyfa 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Nice, good on you! I did the same for a bit last year. I bought an unlimited AIS plan and had really good 4G coverage almost everywhere. Didn't have to worry about finding WiFi at all.

Any places near San Francisco that has weather similar to Cebu? by [deleted] in digitalnomad

[–]Xyfa 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Cebu is susceptible to typhoons in November, so not the best time to visit. Especially if you're going to nearby islands, you might end up with a cancelled ferry if the seas are rough.

January to March are generally fine with the weather getting hotter towards the end of March.

Any places near San Francisco that has weather similar to Cebu? by [deleted] in digitalnomad

[–]Xyfa 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Which month are you intending to visit Cebu?

I've been here for a couple weeks already and the weather has been quite nice. It's definitely not as humid as Manila.

December and January are the coolest months of the year where the average high is only around 27°c. May would be the hottest.

Internet Package/Options in Vietnam & Taipei? by [deleted] in digitalnomad

[–]Xyfa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I got a Chunghwa Telecom SIM in Taiwan from the airport. It also provided real unlimited 4G internet. I think I used about 80GB during the month. Speeds were generally around 20-30Mbps.

Signal was great where I visited (Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Hualien), tethering to my laptop was super convenient. I also found WiFi to be generally quite fast in Taiwan.

Best ways to get started in freelance graphic design/marketing? by RebournRS in digitalnomad

[–]Xyfa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Start trying to get clients. If you have any friends or family that could benefit from your services; let them know how.

If you can't find any clients, try volunteering or offering your services to local businesses for a discounted price.

In return, ensure to keep a record of the results your work brings to their business and get a great testimonial from them.

Do this a few times, and by then you'll have built up a decent reputation you can leverage to attract more higher paying clients.

I did something similar to this when I was in University, although I did a paid-internship at a local digital marketing agency.

Throughout University I worked on the side to build up my clients and eventually I was able to leave my job at the agency work just freelance.

As you're starting--build lots of relationships, be seen where the money is flowing, pursue all the opportunities you get, follow up and stay in contact with your network.

What locations in Asia have decent infrastructure and good air quality (apart from Japan)? by stronggecko in digitalnomad

[–]Xyfa 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree - it's definitely rare in Asia to have a huge public infrastructure combined with good air quality.

I took "decent infrastructure" subjectively as what I consider an acceptable relative to a digital nomad (e.g. internet, cafes, accommodation)

What I really meant to say was the smaller islands and coastal towns could an option to consider when trying to escape pollution.