How to Find the Right Accommodations as a Nomadic Professional (Part 2)
[Since the topic of accommodations is a popular one for us at the Nu Nomad, we thought we’d revisit this subject in two parts. Visit Honing in on Accommodations if you'd like to read Part 1]
Part 2.
10 Tips for Finding Nomad-Friendly Accommodations
By Carmen
How do you find accommodations in a new destination when you don’t know the area, you don’t speak the language and you have no transportation?
Here are some tips from our own experience:
1. Make sure you have a reasonably priced, safe and well located accommodation for your initial arrival. Ideally, this will be an accommodation where you can extend your stay if finding the right apartment, home or other extended-stay accommodation takes longer than you had expected. Consider whether you can afford to remain there longer if this situation arises. This first stop should be centrally located within your destination zone, making your subsequent search more convenient. Hostels can be a great option for this primary stop. Book this first stop in advance of your departure via internet or phone.
2. Get a good phrase book or dictionary before you go. (Most guidebooks will have a phrase section geared for this situation.) Look specifically for phrases on renting apartments or homes. Phrases such as, “Is electricity and water included in the rent? Is there Internet connection?” can be invaluable. If you don’t feel comfortable about speaking your questions, have them written out before hand. Do not put this off to your arrival since these sorts of books may be difficult to locate in other countries.
3. One of the most important resources is the nomad/ex-pat connection. Try to make relationships with these foreigners living in the destination area before you go or upon arrival. Research long-term travel and expat websites for your destination. (FYI: The Nu Nomad is in the development states of such a resource now.) Engage in forums about where to live, prices, how to buy groceries, et cetera. These connections can offer a wealth of information for the newbie. Also find out if there are expat groups that meet in your destination. While your ultimate goal may be to mingle only with the natives, making friends with a few English speakers (or whatever your mother-tongue is) who are familiar with the area can be very helpful when you first arrive. If, however, you have arrived in a destination without securing some good leads on accommodations, head for the thick of the expat community. Even if you don’t land results with your fellow nomad/expat/traveler at book stores, cafes or guest houses, ask the person working them. They often know or suitable, inexpensive, places for you to call home for awhile. Look for bulletin boards or go to the Internet café pronto to see what’s available via online communities (as mentioned above), expat website classifieds and Craigslist.com.
4. Buy a good map of the area. The one provided in your guidebook is often very limited. Your map will ideally show public transportation routes as well. You may need these for getting around in your search and eventually for choosing the best location for your accommodation.
5. Make a personal list of what you need. What is most important to you?
• Size?
• Safety?
• Public transportation?
• An English-speaking social center?
• High speed internet?
• An ergonomically correct work station?
• A comfortable mattress?
Make a list of the things you absolutely need in an accommodation (which includes the local setting) and narrow your search.
6. Staying in an area for more than a month? Get someone to explain the rules of real estate for your area. For instance, in Florianopolis, Brazil, any property that has a “for rent” sign from a real estate company (as opposed to “by owner”) will only negotiate annual rentals and will require three-months rent in advance. However, some property managers are getting hip to the location-independent living thing and may be willing to trim the minimum stay requirements for a moderate price adjustment. Learning this bit of information may narrow your search considerably. Find out what the norm is for your destination.
7. Learn what a reasonable rental price looks like in your area. Again, ask fellow travelers for advice. Be wary of property agents who only wish to show you the most expensive areas because you may be from a more affluent country (therefore, in their mind, requiring all the niceties money can buy.) Look at local newspapers to see what prices are being offered. Learn about what is normally included (gas, water, electricity, Internet, housecleaning?) and what is normally extra.
8. Look around by motor vehicle, bicycle and foot. Take some time to explore the area’s neighborhoods. You might want to consider renting a car during your search to get a quicker feel for the area. Ride the local buses to see neighborhoods. By riding the public buses you could get glimpses over walls into properties otherwise invisible by car or foot. Nothing really beats hitting the road by bicycle or foot, however, when it comes to being able to see rental signs posted by owners.
9. Don’t be afraid to practice your new phrases. Even if you’re horrible at speaking the local language – make attempts anyway. You may find other people can communicate with you in English or that they will be patient and appreciative of your attempts and willing to help you.
10. Remain open minded. If you have traveled to a foreign lands before you know to accept the different details of daily life. Sizes of dwellings, types of amenities, et cetera may not be at all what you expect. Some people simply cannot use a squat toilet, or handle a place without television or hot shower (even if in the tropics). If you insist on having a microwave, washer and dryer, you may be insisting your way into some very expensive digs. Be flexible to the idea of living like local people and you will find much more reasonable possibilities. You may even come to love it!
