106. Being A Global Citizen

But Where Are You Really From?: An Asian-American Struggle

As many of you know, Angela has been living that digital nomad life for the past year and a half.

In this episode, we talk about how the pandemic has opened up remote work possibilities, including how governmental bodies (from countries down to cities) are trying to attract this newly mobile class of workers through generous digital nomad visas to literally paying people to start families to counteract declining fertility rates.

We then discuss the pros and cons of this new way of life for both remote workers themselves as well as for the local residents of these places that are becoming hot spots for this massive influx of nomadic workers (i.e., Portugal, Mexico City). Is the short-term economic benefit of welcoming these remote workers' dollars enough to justify gentrification and cultural erasure? How come governmental bodies haven't worked through policy to strike the right balance?

What do you think about all this? Are you a digital nomad yourself? Or, do you live somewhere that's changed massively since the start of remote work migration? Let us know your thoughts in the comments on our social media accounts!

Follow us on TikTok at @butwhereareyoureallyfrom and on Instagram at @whereareyoufrompod

*Podcaster Notes:

• Nothing discussed is financial advice. Regarding taxes, while it's true that many countries do not charge income tax on income earned outside of their country (i.e., if the company you're remote working for is based elsewhere), each country is different. Please consult the tax regulations of the country you're considering moving to and do your own research.
  
• In discussing Japan's border restrictions, this episode was recorded prior to their opening. The country has opened its borders to tourists again starting October 11th.
  
• Switzerland does not officially have a digital nomad visa. They have a longer term stay "Type D" visa. The minimum income requirement is not set, though generally you'll have to prove you have sufficient funds to live in the country, where cities like Zurich can cost ~$5K/month in living expenses.

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