We have found that drinking the locally produced alcohol is often much cheaper than opting for brands we drank back home. Locally produced beers are often a fraction of the price of imports. Also, as much as we love them, ordering cocktails can often completely screw up your budget.

For example, in many cities in Colombia, a Cuba Libre or Mojito may cost you between 16,000 to 24,000 Colombian pesos ($5.35 to $8.03). Instead, opt for a trago of Ron Medellin (rum) or Aguardiente (local spirit) which may cost you between 3,000 to 8,000 Colombian pesos ($1.00 to $2.68).

And if you don’t like your spirits straight up, order a bottle of cola, sparkling water, or juice for an extra 2,000 to 5,000 pesos ($0.69 to $1.67) and try to stretch it for a couple of tragos! You’ll save money AND experience the local flavors. Win-win!”

Jason Brissette, Intoxicating World

#4: Save on Accommodation by Housesitting

“Try housesitting! Why pay for accommodation when you can live rent free in amazing homes and take care of cuddly animals? House sitting around the world has been a great way for us to save money!”

Amy & Nathan, Two Drifters

Join Trusted Housesitters and land your first housesitting gig today!

#5: Choose Your Workspace Carefully

Coworking spaces are becoming more and more prevalent around the world, and can actually be a great way to save money if you’re the type of person who feels guilty sitting in a cafe without buying anything.

It’s not uncommon for a coworking space to charge $10 for a single day pass, but if you’re going to spend $15 on food when you sit in a cafe for 8 hours, the coworking space is still the better deal (and you’ll get coffee for free).

Plus, the longer you stay in a city, the cheaper your coworking membership will be, as prices tend to go down the more days you pay for upfront.

For example, At Impact Hub San Jose, one of the many coworking spaces in Central America, you can get unlimited access for just $150 per month (including all the coffee you want). Even if you only work 20 days in a month, that’s just $7.50 per day.

Of course, if you’re easily distracted like me, working from home is the best (and least expensive) option. Just make sure the place you’re renting has WiFi fast enough for your business needs.

#6: Skip the Western Amenities

“Live like a local. I’m location independent so I stay in one place for extended periods of time and have been in Costa Rica for several months now.

I actually live in one of the most expensive parts of Costa Rica (which is one of the most expensive countries in Central America in general) but my costs are still lower than when I lived in rural Pennsylvania. Why? I chose to live the lifestyle of the locals instead of the expats in their fancy gated communities.

I have a one bedroom house two blocks from the beach that I pay $350 for because I passed on having AC and other amenities, and I keep my grocery bill down by eating at home and by eating local foods, including lots of rice and beans.

By getting myself out of a vacation mindset and being realistic about what I can splurge on, I’m able to save tons of money that allow me to live happily on the beach while I build my business.”

Sky Fisher, Sky vs World

#7: Take Advantage of Your Flexible Schedule

“I love using Skyscanner and checking for the cheapest flight to “Everywhere”. You can find some great deals that you wouldn’t have found otherwise. This function is also perfect for making long-haul flights cheaper.

For example, when I checked flight prices from Beijing to Dublin, the tickets were $700 USD ONE WAY. However, I found a $300-something dollar ticket from Beijing to Barcelona, and then a cheap flight from Barcelona to Dublin for just $50 USD.

Never underestimate the power of Skyscanner!”

Richelle Gamlam, Adventures Around Asia

#8: Lay Off the Plastic

“Always carry a reusable water bottle. Save money on drinks and help save the planet from drowning in plastic.”

Suzy C., Fifty-Anything

Most major cities around the world have tap water that is perfectly safe to drink. If you plan to travel in remote areas where water might not be okay to drink straight from the tap, consider investing in a bottle with a built-in water filtration system.

#9: Participate in Work Exchanges

“I recommend becoming an au pair, volunteering through Workaway or WWOOF, or becoming a house sitter to save money while traveling. I’ve lived in Europe and South America, either for free or SUPER cheap, while being a full-time blogger.”

Alexis Schroeder, FITnancials

#10: Network Before You Go

My final unexpected tip for saving money as a digital nomad? Make use of Facebook!

Facebook groups are a great place to find cheap long-term rentals by connecting with expats and nomads who are already living in your destination city. They have the intel on what locals are paying and they often can point you in the direction of local rental sites or even put you in contact with people directly.

Many popular digital nomad destinations have their own dedicated Facebook groups–see a comprehensive list here.

You can also connect with other digital nomads through Facebook groups and see if anyone is traveling to the same place as you. You may be able to save money by sharing an apartment rental, and at the very least, you’ll wind up making a few new friends in the process.

What are your favorite money-saving hacks as a digital nomad? Let’s discuss in the comments!