How to Set Up a Mobile Office That Works Anywhere

The laptop: your most important choice

For most nomads, the laptop is non-negotiable. Prioritise:

1. Battery life: 10+ hours minimum. You cannot always find a power outlet.
2. Weight: Under 1.5 kg is ideal for daily carry.
3. Repairability: Avoid ultra-thin laptops that cannot be serviced abroad.

Top picks: Apple MacBook Air M3, LG Gram 14, Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon, ASUS ZenBook 14.

Connectivity essentials

eSIM phone: Your smartphone with a Vsimer eSIM is your primary backup connection and hotspot. Choose a plan with sufficient data for tethering.

Portable Mi-Fi device: A dedicated mobile hotspot (Skyroam Solis, GL.iNet Mudi) gives you a dedicated data connection that multiple devices can share simultaneously.

USB-C hub: Essential for connecting to monitors, projectors, ethernet and external storage. The Anker PowerExpand or HyperDrive are popular choices.

Power and charging

1. GaN charger (65–100W): Charges laptop, phone and accessories from a single brick. Anker Nano II and Baseus GaN are excellent.
2. Universal adapter: A single quality adapter (Epicka Universal) handles outlets in most countries.
3. Power bank (26,800 mAh): For long flights and days away from outlets. Note: many airlines limit power banks to 100Wh.

Software stack

1. Communication: Slack, Notion, Zoom/Google Meet
2. VPN: ProtonVPN or NordVPN — essential for security on public Wi-Fi
3. Cloud storage: Google Drive or iCloud with offline sync
4. Time zone management: World Time Buddy for scheduling across time zones
5. Focus: Focusmate for accountability sessions

The connectivity checklist for every move

1. Check Vsimer coverage for your next destination
2. Download offline maps before leaving current location
3. Confirm eSIM plan is active and has sufficient data
4. Locate co-working spaces or cafes near accommodation
5. Check accommodation listing for Wi-Fi speed reviews