Best Apps and Tools for Digital Nomads in 2025
Remote work has officially gone global. Whether you're Zooming from a hammock in Bali or working from a Lisbon café with a pastel de nata in hand, the digital nomad lifestyle has never been more accessible. But behind the Instagram shots and breezy captions lies a serious need for the right tools.
Because let’s be honest: dodgy WiFi, dodgy banking apps, and a calendar full of time zone mishaps can kill the vibe fast.
That’s where this guide comes in.
From finding fast internet to managing finances across borders, these are the tools and services that help digital nomads stay productive, secure, and (mostly) stress-free. Tried, tested, and trusted by travellers who’ve figured out how to keep the workflow steady — even when the surroundings keep changing.
Whether you're a full-time freelancer, a remote employee, or just testing the waters of work-from-anywhere life, consider this your digital toolkit for the road.
Money and Banking
Money might not buy happiness, but it can buy a low-fee global banking setup — which, for digital nomads, is basically the same thing. When you're hopping borders and juggling currencies, having the right tools in your financial toolkit saves you time, stress, and more money than you think. From multi-currency cards to real-time exchange alerts, here’s how to stay one step ahead of international finance headaches.
Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Best for: International transfers, holding multiple currencies
Wise is a long-time favourite in the nomad world. It gives you local bank details in key currencies (GBP, EUR, USD, AUD, and more), so clients can pay you like a local — no international transfer fees involved. You can also hold balances in over 40 currencies and convert them at mid-market rates, which usually beat the banks.
Withdraw money from ATMs in multiple countries with minimal fees
Integrates smoothly with freelancing platforms and online banks
You get a debit card too — handy for backup or emergencies
World Locals tip: Set alerts for when currency rates are strong, then convert in bulk.
Revolut
Best for: Daily spending, travel perks, budgeting
Revolut’s sleek interface hides serious power under the hood. Beyond letting you hold and spend in over 30 currencies, it also offers:
Fee-free international spending up to certain monthly limits
Real-time budgeting tools and daily spend tracking
Virtual cards for secure online purchases
Disposable one-time cards to fight fraud
Premium plans with lounge access, travel insurance, and cashback perks
Revolut is ideal as your day-to-day travel card — just be sure to stay under the ATM withdrawal limits if you're on the free plan.
Wise vs. Revolut — Which One Do You Need?
Honestly, both. Wise handles transfers and long-term currency storage better; Revolut wins for daily card use and app-based budget control. Keep them side-by-side, and you’ll rarely get caught out.
XE & CurrencyFair
Best for: Currency tracking and smart timing
If you get paid in foreign currencies or transfer large amounts, using rate-tracking tools can seriously pay off.
XE is a go-to for live exchange rates and quick conversions. Its mobile app is straightforward and lets you move money between accounts or send cash to friends or clients internationally.
CurrencyFair is more strategic — you can set your desired exchange rate and the platform will wait to match it. It’s like setting a limit order for your money.
Both are useful if you earn in one currency but spend in another and want to optimise your timing.
Splitwise or Tricount
Best for: Group travel and shared costs
Splitting bills fairly doesn’t sound like a big deal — until you’re two weeks into a trip and someone’s “still working out” how much they owe.
Splitwise lets you add shared expenses, tag who paid what, and auto-calculate the balance owed.
Tricount works similarly but can be a bit easier to use offline — handy for remote travel.
Whether you’re living with friends in Medellín or road-tripping through the Balkans, these tools save a ton of mental bandwidth. Bonus: many link to PayPal or Wise for quick settling up.
Time and productivity
Working remotely sounds like a dream — until you’re trying to meet a deadline from a noisy hostel or accidentally schedule a client call at 3am. Staying productive as a digital nomad takes more than good intentions. These tools help build structure into your days, keep projects organised, and make timezone juggling a whole lot easier.
Notion and Trello
Think of these two as your remote work control centres.
Notion is an all-in-one workspace where you can create everything from daily to-do lists to full-blown content systems. It’s endlessly customisable — perfect for planning trips, managing clients, or tracking habits, all in one place.
Trello takes a visual approach, using drag-and-drop boards to move tasks through different stages. It’s ideal for workflows that benefit from a bird’s eye view — like managing blog post production or freelance projects.
Both are cloud-based, sync across devices, and offer free plans that are more than enough for solo nomads.
World Time Buddy and Timezone.io
When your clients are in London, your teammates are in Chiang Mai, and you’re based in Mexico City — scheduling gets messy.
World Time Buddy makes it easy to compare multiple time zones side by side. You can also set custom labels, create team schedules, and generate calendar invites.
Timezone.io is a lighter option that simply shows where your team or contacts are based and what time it is for them. Super useful for async teams and global collaborations.
Freedom and Focusmate
Even the most disciplined nomad can get distracted by ocean views, city buzz, or just the siren song of Instagram.
Freedom helps you lock in. You can block specific websites or apps for set periods of time — and it works across all devices. Want to write for two hours without checking your email? Done.
Focusmate takes a different approach: virtual coworking with strangers. You book 50-minute sessions, join via webcam, and silently work alongside someone else. It’s surprisingly motivating — especially if you miss the subtle accountability of an office or co-working space.
WiFi and connectivity
Ask any digital nomad what their number one dealbreaker is, and you’ll likely hear the same thing: bad internet. Whether you’re trying to hit a deadline or join a last-minute call, a weak connection can derail everything. These tools help you stay online, stay connected, and avoid those dreaded frozen Zoom faces.
Airalo and Holafly
Gone are the days of overpriced roaming charges or awkward SIM swaps at tiny kiosks.
Airalo and Holafly offer eSIMs you can download straight to your phone, giving you instant data access in over 190 countries. Plans vary by region or global coverage, and you can top up as you go.
Airalo is often cheaper and great for short stays
Holafly offers unlimited data options, ideal for heavy users
Make sure your phone is eSIM compatible — most newer models are.
Speedtest and OpenSignal
Fast, stable WiFi is non-negotiable for remote work, and these apps help you find it — or test it before you commit.
Speedtest (by Ookla) lets you check your connection’s upload/download speeds and ping time, which is especially useful before calls.
OpenSignal maps nearby WiFi hotspots and mobile signal strength, helping you scope out cafés, hotels, or co-working spaces with reliable networks. A great pre-check before settling in somewhere new.
Wifimap.io and Coworker
These are your go-to tools for finding quality work spots with internet that won’t fail you mid-email.
Wifimap.io is a crowdsourced app with passwords and ratings for WiFi networks around the world. It’s super handy in places where asking for the code might involve some guesswork.
Coworker is like TripAdvisor for co-working spaces. It lists thousands of options across 165+ countries, complete with user reviews, pricing, and amenity breakdowns. Whether you need a day pass or a longer-term space, it’s worth browsing before you arrive.
Accommodation and workspaces
Finding the right place to stay — and to work — is one of the biggest ongoing puzzles of the digital nomad lifestyle. You want somewhere that’s inspiring, affordable, and well-connected (both WiFi and socially). These tools help take the guesswork out of where to settle, whether it’s for a few days or a few months.
Nomad Stays
Best for: Long-term stays in emerging digital nomad hubs
Nomad Stays focuses on properties that cater specifically to remote workers. Listings include details like average WiFi speed, workspace setup, and stay duration, making it easier to find practical bases in less obvious locations.
Most stays range from 7 to 90 days — ideal for mid-term stints
Often include discounts for longer bookings
Great if you’re looking to avoid the big-name hotspots and find quieter, connected places to work
Outsite
Best for: Co-living with a built-in community
Outsite offers shared accommodation designed for remote professionals. Each space comes with a reliable desk setup, strong WiFi, communal kitchen, and access to community events.
Located in places like Bali, Lisbon, Tulum, and Santa Teresa
Weekly cleaning, coworking access, and social programming included
Perfect for solo travellers who want a balance of focus and social connection
Selina
Best for: Short stays with flexibility and extras
Selina blends hostel and hotel-style accommodation with creative perks like yoga classes, surf lessons, and in-house coworking.
Book by the night, week, or month
Choose between dorms, privates, or suites depending on budget
Most locations include co-working areas, wellness spaces, and on-site cafés
Selina is great if you like to move often but still need somewhere to plug in and get things done.
Workfrom
Best for: Finding laptop-friendly cafés and casual work spots
Workfrom is a global database of public workspaces — cafés, bars, libraries — all rated by remote workers.
Filter by WiFi speed, plug availability, seating comfort, and noise levels
Great when you want to mix things up and work outside a formal office
Ideal for those on a tight budget or who thrive in bustling café settings
Coworker
Best for: Booking professional co-working spaces
Coworker is your go-to for finding verified coworking spaces around the world. You can browse reviews, see real photos, and compare amenities before booking.
Search by location, price, and features (like standing desks or meeting rooms)
Book single-day passes or multi-day packages
Useful if you’re travelling to a new city and need a guaranteed productive space to land on arrival
TrustedHousesitters and HouseCarers
Best for: Free stays in exchange for pet or home care
These platforms match travellers with people in need of house or pet sitters. In exchange, you get a comfortable home — often in fantastic locations — without paying a cent.
TrustedHousesitters has a larger, more active user base and a big focus on pets
HouseCarers offers longer-term or rural stays, often quieter and less competitive
Great for slowmads, couples, or animal lovers looking for a peaceful base to work
World Locals tip: A well-written profile with references and experience makes you way more likely to land top-tier sits. Bonus points if you’ve looked after pets before.
Security and admin
Roaming the world with your laptop sounds dreamy, but it comes with its own set of risks — especially when it comes to data security, password management, and the kind of life admin most people never think about. These tools help keep your digital life safe, streamlined, and accessible from anywhere.
NordVPN and Surfshark
Best for: Protecting your data on public networks
Using public WiFi without a VPN is like leaving your front door wide open. A good VPN encrypts your connection, keeping your data safe from snooping — especially important when accessing sensitive info like banking or client files.
NordVPN is known for speed and reliability, with servers in 60+ countries
Surfshark offers unlimited devices per plan and great value for money
Both work well for streaming, bypassing geo-restrictions, or avoiding censorship in restrictive countries
World Locals tip: Always connect to a VPN before logging into your bank, email, or client systems — especially in airports, cafés, and hotels.
1Password and Bitwarden
Best for: Managing passwords securely
Trying to remember dozens of logins is a recipe for frustration — and using the same one everywhere is a security risk. These password managers store everything in one secure vault, generate strong passwords, and auto-fill logins when you need them.
1Password is super user-friendly, with apps for every device and browser
Bitwarden is open-source and has a great free plan
Both offer secure password sharing, two-factor authentication, and encrypted storage
A must-have for any digital nomad handling client work, accounts, or sensitive info online.
Earth Class Mail and iPostal1
Best for: Handling physical mail on the road
Even in a digital world, physical mail doesn’t disappear — especially when it comes to government forms, banking, or business paperwork. Virtual mailbox services give you a permanent address in your home country, scan your mail, and forward anything important.
Earth Class Mail offers full mail scanning and cheque deposit options in the US
iPostal1 has over 2,000 addresses to choose from, including business options
You can view and manage everything online from anywhere in the world
Perfect for nomads who run businesses, freelance full-time, or just need a way to keep up with the post without a permanent home base.
Community and connection
One of the biggest misconceptions about digital nomad life is that it’s always social. In reality, it can get lonely fast — especially if you're moving often or working solo. Building a sense of community on the road takes effort, but the right tools and platforms make it a lot easier to find your people wherever you are.
Nomad List
Best for: Finding digital nomad hotspots and making connections
Nomad List is a community-driven platform that ranks cities for remote work based on factors like cost of living, internet speed, safety, and fun. But it’s also a social network — you can connect with other nomads, join chats, and even filter by who's planning to visit the same place as you.
Great for researching your next base or shortlisting destinations
Active forums and Slack-style chat groups
Helpful data on weather, visa requirements, and quality of life metrics
World Locals tip: Use the city pages to compare places side-by-side before deciding where to go next — it’s like a dating profile for your next destination.
Slack groups and Discord communities
Best for: Staying in touch with likeminded travellers
There are dozens of remote work and travel-focused communities hosted on Slack or Discord. Some are free, others paid, but most include active discussion channels, job boards, accountability threads, and even real-life meetups.
Try groups like Remote Work Community, Digital Nomad Girls, or Indie Worldwide
Great for sharing tips, asking questions, or finding collaborations
A solid alternative to social media that’s more intentional and less noisy
If you’re working solo or freelance, joining one or two of these keeps the work-from-anywhere life from feeling too isolated.
Meetup, Facebook groups and Reddit forums
Best for: Real-life events and location-specific advice
Sometimes the fastest way to find people is still the simplest. Meetup is full of local events for creatives, entrepreneurs, remote workers, and hobbyists. Facebook and Reddit are great for location-based advice and casual meetups.
Search for “Digital Nomads in [City]” or “Expats in [Country]”
Join events like co-working sessions, walking tours, potlucks, or language exchanges
Reddit threads (like r/digitalnomad or city-specific subs) are great for unfiltered, real-time advice
These platforms make it easy to tap into community even if you're only staying somewhere for a few weeks.
Final tips for life on the road
You’ve got the tools — now here are a few small habits that make the biggest difference when living and working on the move:
Test your tech setup before arriving somewhere new. A VPN, working hotspot, and decent headphones can save your week.
Build a flexible routine. Time-block your work hours, even if your backdrop changes daily.
Always carry backup internet. Whether it’s a local SIM, eSIM, or portable hotspot — don’t rely on that one dodgy café.
Track your income, expenses, and hours. Not sexy, but crucial — especially for freelancers and business owners.
Make time for people. Join a coworking space, attend local events, or start conversations at your hostel. Community keeps you grounded.
Look after your health. Stretch. Sleep. Hydrate. Take real days off. Digital burnout is real, and it’s harder to recover when you’re always on the move.
Being a digital nomad isn’t just about hopping from country to country — it’s about building a life that works wherever you are. With the right tools in your digital toolkit, you can stay productive, connected, and sane while living a lifestyle most people only dream about.
From money management and time tracking to finding your next workspace or travel community, these are the systems that turn the chaos of remote work into something sustainable — and enjoyable.
Get set up once, and you’ll be ready to work from literally anywhere.
