Blog

Working Remotely Around the World

Remote Work Abroad

Modern technologies make us location-independent—but they also come with challenges. After a month of remote work in China, I brought back practical tips to help you stay focused and efficient anywhere.


Table of Contents
Tip 1: Plan in Options
Tip 2: Structure Your Day with Focus Blocks
Tip 3: Use Time Zones as a Productivity Lever
Tip 4: Master Power and Offline Phases
Tip 5: Keep a Clear Head
Summary


This guide gives you an edge. You make clear decisions. Your setup stays light. Your routines work anywhere. Hotel, café, or co-working—you stay capable of action. The result is clear: more freedom, more focus, less stress.

All tips at a glance:

  • Prepare options: Test Wi-Fi, have a hotspot ready, co-working as backup.
  • Set focus blocks: Two 90-minute sessions without app or location changes, use NC headphones.
  • Use the time zone: Deep work in the morning, explore midday, team overlap in the evening.
  • Secure power and offline phases: Charge early, bring a power bank, keep an offline task list.
  • Keep your mind clear: Daily budget, receipt photos, local eSIMs with data limits.
Merlin Project

Project Management with a Bit of Magic

Plan, manage, and deliver projects efficiently. Merlin Project for macOS and iOS

Try free for 30 days

Tip 1: Plan in Options

Never start with only one workspace. Plan alternatives. Quickly test new Wi-Fi with a speed test. If you have important meetings, do a test call with screen sharing/video. Check power outlets. Keep your smartphone ready as a hotspot. Depending on the country, an eSIM with data volume can save the day. That way you’re covered even if Wi-Fi becomes unreliable. For extra safety, use hotel Wi-Fi for important calls or book a day pass at a co-working space. Stay flexible and keep quality and quiet.

Example: I always find three nearby places: “Café A, Co-Working B, Hotel Lobby C.” That way, I always have alternatives ready.

Tip 2: Structure Your Day with Focus Blocks

Calendar with Focus Blocks

Give your day a framework. I like to work in 90-minute focus blocks. Treat them like appointments with yourself. No app switching. No location switching. Match tasks to environments. Emails and organization in light noise. Deep work in quiet times. Noise-canceling headphones also help.

Bonus tip: Schedule a low-stimulation day each week. No location changes. Only light tasks. It keeps your energy high and your focus stable—especially helpful if you’re staying in lively places.

Tip 3: Use Time Zones as a Productivity Lever

At first, try different work hours. Then choose the rhythm that fits you. For me, a hybrid model works best: focus blocks in the morning, city exploration at midday, and team updates in the evening.

Use stable hotel Wi-Fi. Communicate clear times. Share your core work hours and quiet periods. Define response times—for example: Slack within four hours, email within 24 hours. That way, your team knows what to expect.

Tip 4: Master Power and Offline Phases

Treat electricity like a resource. Charge early and often. Use every available socket. A power bank with enough watts gives buffer. But check airline rules before bringing one on a flight. Plan offline tasks—writing, editing, organizing documentation.

I always have 2–3 ChatGPT Deep Research reports saved as PDFs to bridge offline periods. They give an initial insight into new topics you can explore later.

ChatGPT Deep Research

Tip 5: Keep a Clear Head

Set a daily budget per city. Keep a small buffer for co-working. Photograph receipts right after purchase. Create a folder for each trip. Use local eSIMs. Activate data warnings. Automate whatever you can. The less small stuff you juggle manually, the more focus remains for work and experiences.


Conclusion: Stay Curious

A Find Off the Main Street

Remote work abroad should be enjoyable. Work with focus but live consciously. Take a different route every day. Notice what changes. Try sitting in a neighborhood café instead of a chain. Order a simple meal in the local language. A thank you in the native tongue opens doors.

Create small rituals—a morning walk without your phone, a short visit to the market, ten minutes of journaling. Talk to people you meet. Ask for a quiet café or park recommendation.

Many places have community events. Co-working spaces often host after-work gatherings. Go, say hello, listen. Allow yourself curiosity. Try a new dish. Get off one station early and walk. Visit small museums or libraries. These are often the best moments—they create stories and connections and give you energy for the next focus phase.

Avoid the Starbucks-to-Starbucks routine. It’s convenient, but you’ll miss the essence. Cities live beyond the chains. Make life easy, but not too easy. A solid work routine provides stability. Openness makes the journey rich. Together, they’re the strength of working remotely on the go.


If you have questions about this article or would like to discuss it, we look forward to your contribution in our forum.

Posted by Marvin Blome on October 24th, 2025 under Project Management
Tags: merlin-project merlin-project-express release

Merlin Project on Mac, iPad and Apple Vision Pro

Your ideas, our magic – make projects easy! Test now 30 days for free.