With the ever-growing trend of remote work possibilities, a new lifestyle of digital nomadism has emerged. A digital nomad is someone who doesn’t need to be physically present at their job, and uses that opportunity to telecommute to work while traveling domestically or even abroad. Not tied down to any single location, a digital nomad can work from an AirBnB in Buenos Aires, a café in Kraków, a public library in Copenhagen, and pretty much anywhere else on Earth with internet access!
See for yourself: there’s been a meteoric rise in vloggers and TikTokers documenting “a day in the life” experiences of digital nomadism. Check out an Irish worker living in Lisbon who attends a free networking event with the Lisbon Digital Nomads Meetup group of more than 19,000 members. Or watch this American expat living on the Yucatán peninsula in the city of Mérida as she attends a bowling event for 20-somethings that she found on the Meetup app.
So if you’re interested in the digital nomad lifestyle, but you’re worried about finding connections in a new city (especially one with a language barrier), have no fear! Seize the day and take advantage of the benefits of your remote work, trusting that there are limitless options for making friends in a new place. Discover some tried and true methods for staying connected around the world as a digital nomad.
Get together with fellow expats
If you’re setting up shop abroad, one of the best introductions to your new city will be from other nomads sharing your lifestyle. They can offer invaluable advice based on their experiences, giving you tips about everything from ideal workspaces and public transportation to the best parks, groceries, restaurants, bars, and more. With more than 3.5 million expats in over 2,000 Meetup groups across the globe, you’re sure to find some kindred spirits in your neck of the woods.
If you happen to stop in the Netherlands, why not check out the weekly Wednesday after work drinks event hosted by The Amsterdam Expat Meetup Group (Dutch welcome)? This incredible community has more than 31,000 members who gather at an NYC-inspired gastropub to get a taste of New Amsterdam in Old Amsterdam, and they regularly attract 60+ attendees.
The Internationals in Berlin Meetup group of 23,000 members is similarly active, with the added twist of getting together to see comedy shows (in English) at all sorts of venues around the city, including some boat shows!
Connect with language learners to break down barriers
Once you’ve got your foot in the door, learning the local language (or practicing and improving the skill you already have) is the single best way to create opportunities for authentic cultural connection outside of your expat community.
If you’re in Madrid, you can learn Spanish and teach others your native tongue in a totally casual beer and cocktail setting with International people in Madrid. This Meetup group of more than 18,000 members hosts a weekly language exchange where you can pick up new skills in a fun and non-academic atmosphere. Language Mix Shanghai, a Meetup group of nearly 11,000 members, also hosts a weekly language exchange in the relaxed environment of a bar or coffee shop.
If you want to get an early start on your language journey before boarding a plane, you can easily find Meetup language groups that host classes online. From anywhere on Earth with an internet connection, you could join the weekly virtual exchange hosted by Spanglish Exchange NUEVA YORK – Language Exchange, a Meetup group of nearly 2,000 members.
Pursue all kinds of fun activities that attract both nomads and locals
When you feel more established in your host city and you’re ready to branch out, look for events that aren’t typically limited to expats, nomads, and tourists. As a general rule of thumb, just do the kinds of things that might interest you in your hometown, while remembering to keep an open mind about saying yes to new experiences.
If you’re a nomad in Paris, you might consider partaking in some casual weekend footie with SocialParis Casual 5v5 Football, or even catching a show with Metalheads in PARIS.
Interested in heading down under to Sydney? You could join a local pickleball group, explore the surrounding landscape with Easy Pace Adventures, or gain a new perspective on local life with the Sydney Street Photographers.
Pay it forward and be a resource for nomads near you
Over time as you gain globetrotting experience, you can form even more connections by becoming a casual mentor to first-time digital nomads in your area. Think back to your first days in a new city, a new country, or even a new continent, and all that you’ve learned since then. Then simply create your own Meetup group for expats and invite nomads near you to join the fun and open activities. If you follow this model, you’re guaranteed to make connections wherever you go, both socially and professionally.
Find events, join groups, and communicate with your people—from anywhere. Download the Meetup app today!
Last modified on October 17, 2023
