Essential Remote Work Subscriptions

Discover must-have tools for remote work success.

Essential Remote Tools

🌐 Remote Work Tools & Subscriptions for Nomads

With Detailed Tips for Bali, KL & Bangkok

💻 Must-Have Tools for Remote Work Anywhere

VPN
- Why? Secure your data on public WiFi in hostels, cafés, and airports.
- Best Pick: Surfshark – Unlimited devices, fast speed, works in SE Asia.
- Bonus: Unlock Netflix/YouTube content by region (useful in Bali, Thailand).
Password Manager
- Protects your logins, bank access, crypto keys.
- Bitwarden (Free or $10/year) or 1Password.
Cloud Storage & Backup
- Essential for content creators.
- Google One – $1.99/month for 100GB.
- Use Notion to plan content, itineraries, and budgets (Free or $5/month Pro).
Work Tools
- Google Workspace – $6/month for Gmail + Docs.
- Zoom, Slack, Trello – Free plans are sufficient for solo or small teams.

🏢 Co-working Spaces: Worth It? (Bali, KL, Bangkok)

Bali for Digital Nomads

WiFi: Generally fast (30–100 Mbps in coworking hubs), but can vary by area.
When Coworking is Worth It: Need consistent power, reliable internet, or networking.

Top Spaces:

Outpost (Canggu/Ubud) – $150–$200/month. Events + coliving.
Dojo Bali (Canggu) – Daily pass ~$15, Monthly ~$180.
Hubud (Ubud) – Iconic jungle coworking. Monthly ~$150.

Budget Tips:

Free WiFi in cafes (e.g., Crate Café, Motion Café).
Stay in coliving places with included coworking (search Booking).

Kuala Lumpur (KL)

WiFi: Very fast (100+ Mbps in most areas).
Coworking Value: Great deals compared to Western countries.

Top Spaces:

WORQ – $60–$100/month. Multiple locations, fast WiFi.
Common Ground – Premium, $120/month. Includes coffee + events.
Regus / WeWork – Expensive, only if you want global access.

Budget Tips:

Work in café chains (e.g., VCR, Feeka) – free WiFi, aircon.
Rent monthly condos with fast WiFi (~$300–$500/month on Agoda).

Bangkok

WiFi: Excellent (often 200+ Mbps in city).
Coworking: Useful if staying long term or need quiet work time.

Top Spaces:

UnionSPACE – $100/month. Daily pass ~$10. Great for events.
The Work Loft – Central, $120/month.
Glowfish – Trendy, $100–$150/month.

Budget Tips:

Bangkok cafés are nomad-friendly: Try Too Fast To Sleep, Casa Lapin, or Factory Café.
Co-living spots like Roam Bangkok offer flexible living + work spaces.

💸 Budgeting SaaS Tools: What to Cut, What to Keep

Must-KeepSkip or DowngradeVPN – Security is keyCanva Pro (only if design-heavy)Password ManagerExtra cloud storage (optimize)Cloud Backup (Google)Multiple subscriptions (streaming)Notion Pro (if needed)Paid task managers (use free Trello/Notion)

🧾 Total Monthly Tool Budget (Example)

Surfshark VPN: $2.50/month
Bitwarden (Free or $0.83/month Pro)
Google One (100GB): $1.99/month
Notion Pro: $5/month
Optional Coworking: $60–$200/month (based on city and plan)

👉 TOTAL: $10–$15/month for tools + optional coworking if needed.

💡 Final Tips for Digital Nomads

Cafés with WiFi: Many are nomad-friendly — just buy a coffee and work for hours.
Mobile Hotspot: Get a local SIM (e.g., AIS in Thailand, Telkomsel in Bali, Digi in KL).
Travel SIM Option: Try eSIM from Airalo for quick setup.
Backup Power: Always carry a power bank and universal adapter.