Being a Digital Nomad in Southeast Asia With Giang Cao From Vietnam

Aug 2, 2022

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(UPDATED 8/8/22) How a graphic designer from Vietnam tripled her income by quitting her job to become a freelancer. Location-independent solo traveler Giang Cao sheds light on what life is like as a digital nomad in Southeast Asia and how she illustrates the good, bad, and funny in her comic strip, Very Nomad Problems.

Learn how Giang’s perception of being a traveling freelancer changed during the pandemic when she got stuck for two years on lockdown in Malaysia.

Gain insight into dating as a digital nomad, Giang’s struggle with loneliness, and the hilarious comics she creates about the plights of being a digital nomad at www.verynomadproblems.com.

Check out more of Giang’s amazing illustrations in Kristin’s book, Digital Nomads for Dummies.

Thank you to Ellie, Jeff, and Dave for the coffees this week. ❤️ Buy Kristin at coffee at Buymeacoffee.com. ☕️

EPISODE 166 TOPICS DISCUSSED/WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

How Giang transitioned from a traditional 9-5 job to working independently. [05:55]
Tips and strategies for finding freelance clients. [08:28]
Giang’s experience traveling as a Vietnamese freelancer & The difficulties of applying for visas as a result of the unfair passport strength system. [14:18]
Countries in Asia she has traveled to as a digital nomad. [19:09]
Overcoming the surprising problems that arise for digital nomads & The inspiration behind Very Nomad Problems. [19:56]
Struggling with loneliness as a solo traveler. [26:59]
Dating and meeting new people as a digital nomad. [31:31]
How Giang’s perception of being a nomad changed during the pandemic lockdown. [36:40]
Advice for people who are struggling with being a digital nomad. [53:04]

QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

How did you become a digital nomad? [03:30]
How do you teach yourself graphic design? [04:55]
When did you start traveling after becoming a freelancer? [10:39]
What countries can you travel to with a Vietnamese passport? [16:26]
How do you meet people and make friends in a new country? [35:00]
How has travel changed you? Do you feel like a different person? [48:14]
What are your favorite places to live in Vietnam? [59:38]
And more!

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