7 Essential Tech Tools Digital Nomads Are Actually Using in Bali’s Co-Working Spaces

Post Published December 19, 2024

See how everyone can now afford to fly Business Class and book 5 Star Hotels with Mighty Travels Premium! Get started for free.


7 Essential Tech Tools Digital Nomads Are Actually Using in Bali's Co-Working Spaces - Reliable VPN Service Surfshark Leads Digital Nomad Usage in Dojo Bali





Surfshark stands out in Bali's co-working scene, particularly at Dojo Bali, where its balance of cost and security is valued by remote workers. It's not just about masking your location; a VPN is often required here given the challenges of local internet setups. The appeal here is ease of use and consistent performance. While NordVPN is also popular, especially among users focused on cutting-edge tech, and CyberGhost offers a smoother experience for beginners, Surfshark manages to meet most needs in terms of speed and security without overwhelming users. In Bali, where reliable internet is so vital, this simplicity proves particularly helpful.

Surfshark’s uptake by digital nomads in Bali, particularly at hubs like Dojo Bali, has jumped dramatically – reportedly over 300% since early 2023 – reflecting the rising need for reliable online protection. Their implementation of WireGuard is noteworthy; this protocol delivers faster speeds with what they claim to be enhanced security over standard VPN protocols, essential for demanding work environments. A unique benefit is unlimited device connections - a welcome contrast to competitors with device limits. Their integrated CleanWeb feature, blocking ads, trackers, and malware, offers a more streamlined and safer browsing experience - critical for public networks. Location choices in their service allow for bypassing region restrictions for streaming services, so travellers are not missing shows they enjoy. While the VPN space becomes increasingly competitive, Surfshark’s relatively low cost model positions it well for budget-conscious nomads, despite having similar functionality as some of its higher priced counterparts. Surfshark employs AES-256-GCM, a military grade encryption method, ensuring sensitive information remains protected against cyber threats. Their "Whitelister" allows certain applications or sites to bypass the VPN improving performance for specific tasks, which can be very useful for the array of software tools needed. With its strict no-log policy, user data is not stored, which should put minds at ease when using unfamiliar networks. The increase in VPN usage in co-working spaces here raises some questions about the potential stress on local internet infrastructure and could lead to upgrades to deal with this tech savvy work force.

What else is in this post?

  1. 7 Essential Tech Tools Digital Nomads Are Actually Using in Bali's Co-Working Spaces - Reliable VPN Service Surfshark Leads Digital Nomad Usage in Dojo Bali
  2. 7 Essential Tech Tools Digital Nomads Are Actually Using in Bali's Co-Working Spaces - Project Management Tool Monday Takes Over Outpost Coworking Space
  3. 7 Essential Tech Tools Digital Nomads Are Actually Using in Bali's Co-Working Spaces - Cloud Storage Battle Dropbox vs Google Drive at Genesis Creative Centre
  4. 7 Essential Tech Tools Digital Nomads Are Actually Using in Bali's Co-Working Spaces - Time Zone Management App Clockify Dominates at Tropical Nomad
  5. 7 Essential Tech Tools Digital Nomads Are Actually Using in Bali's Co-Working Spaces - Communication Platform Discord Rules Hubud Workspace
  6. 7 Essential Tech Tools Digital Nomads Are Actually Using in Bali's Co-Working Spaces - Noise Cancelling App Krisp Popular at B Work Canggu
  7. 7 Essential Tech Tools Digital Nomads Are Actually Using in Bali's Co-Working Spaces - Password Manager 1Password Essential at District Canggu

7 Essential Tech Tools Digital Nomads Are Actually Using in Bali's Co-Working Spaces - Project Management Tool Monday Takes Over Outpost Coworking Space





7 Essential Tech Tools Digital Nomads Are Actually Using in Bali’s Co-Working Spaces

Project management tool Monday.com has made significant inroads into the dynamic coworking space at Outpost in Bali, appealing particularly to digital nomads. Its intuitive design and collaborative features enhance team efficiency, allowing users to manage tasks effectively while tracking project milestones in real-time. The platform is also noted for having AI tools which promise to optimize workflows, making it a popular choice for those juggling various projects. It centralizes data, offering better communication and transparency, something crucial for teams working remotely. Monday.com has become part of a core set of tech tools that nomads in Bali rely on to coordinate their work.

While many opt for Monday, there are alternatives that also enjoy widespread use. For project management, Trello remains a viable option for some, though generally it is seen as simpler. For quick communication between colleagues, Slack is frequently used instead of direct messaging via email or other less focused methods, creating an office-like online setting. Google Workspace, with its many tools for file sharing and group collaboration, helps with many workflow steps. For remote meetings, Zoom seems to be the dominant video-conferencing option. And Notion, known as a versatile workspace, helps with organizing projects in a broader way. These applications each provide the essential framework that support the workflow and efficiency of these digital nomads. Bali's coworking environment thrives with these various methods of tech integration which seem indispensable in managing work in a setting that is so far away from their home or offices.

The project management software Monday.com seems to have carved out a niche among digital nomads, particularly at coworking spots like Outpost in Bali. Its appeal appears to stem from an easy-to-navigate interface coupled with its purported ability to foster collaboration. Users often note improvements in task organization, clearer communication channels, and the capability to monitor project progress. These elements seem especially valuable in the fluctuating setting of a coworking space, where teams might have shifting members or deadlines.

While Monday.com is gaining traction, other digital tools are popular. Trello seems liked for simple task tracking, and Slack is still the go-to choice for team chats. Google Workspace, is used for shared documents. These tools appear to be considered standard for remote work. Zoom and Notion fill in other roles, providing virtual meeting capabilities and a place for integrating various aspects of project planning, adding to a seemingly complex digital work setup of digital nomads. These platforms, while often needed, might appear a patchwork of solutions and could potentially add to the overall complexity.

The project management software market is seeing huge growth, and is predicted to almost hit $9 billion by 2025. The need for project management software seems more of a core requirement than just a trend. Monday.com’s has integrations with many other apps, potentially increasing its usefulness, or adding more complexity to the technology landscape of digital nomads using numerous apps to keep working effectively. Data indicates that having structured project practices can actually lead to more successful project completions. Also, companies using such tools report productivity increases by up to 25%, making them important in coworking spaces, where getting maximum work output seems essential. It is also noteworthy that some project management software appears to employ visual planning methods, which may boost a team’s understanding of project aims and what is needed. Moreover, many seem to value working from remote locations, which adds further support to using tools like Monday.com. When compared with older techniques, these tools are often cheaper, and so could be appealing to startups and freelancers watching budgets. Also, it appears that these softwares continue to add new features using user feedback, which could indicate a useful tool in the long run. As of late 2024, Monday.com claims to have a huge user base spanning 150,000 organizations. This growth seems to signal the general shift toward more technology driven work habits, that seem like they are here to stay.



7 Essential Tech Tools Digital Nomads Are Actually Using in Bali's Co-Working Spaces - Cloud Storage Battle Dropbox vs Google Drive at Genesis Creative Centre





In the bustling co-working hubs of Bali, particularly at places like Genesis Creative Centre, digital nomads face a recurring decision: Dropbox versus Google Drive for their cloud storage needs. Google Drive, with its generous 15 GB of complimentary storage and smooth connection to the Google suite of tools, works best for those already using Google products and collaborating a lot. Conversely, Dropbox, recognized for uncomplicated file sharing and connecting easily with platforms like Slack and Zoom, may be better for people who value creative projects and keeping things simple.

While the cost of paid subscriptions for both tends to be similar, it’s often about how well either fits in with a user's particular work approach. These cloud storage services are critical for keeping work flowing efficiently, especially in settings that are all about remote flexibility. As digital nomads keep adopting different types of tech to aid their nomadic lifestyles, figuring out whether Dropbox or Google Drive suits them is an important point in how they manage their workflow.

### Cloud Storage Face-Off: Dropbox vs. Google Drive at Genesis Creative Centre

Cloud storage tools are essential in today’s world of work and are important at creative hubs. As of late 2024, Google Drive claims an active user base of over 1 billion, while Dropbox has around 700 million. This difference can impact how teams work together when sharing files, a normal part of daily business. Cost is a factor. A 2TB plan from Google costs approximately $9.99 each month, but the equivalent Dropbox professional plan can run around $19.99 per month. The difference may influence cost decisions for nomads, who may or may not be closely following their expenses. Dropbox allows users to recover deleted files for free within a month, while Google Drive’s time window is shorter, a fact that can cause issues with workflows if someone deletes the wrong files in a collaborative setting. The integration of tools also matters. Google Drive links with its other products like Docs and Sheets, resulting in a tool suite of nearly 8 applications. Dropbox has some integration features, but the number seems to be lower. Real-time collaborative tools might add to work output by 20% to 30% according to some studies. Google Drive’s editing feature allows more effective work within the suite. In contrast, Dropbox’s paper application has not seen the same wide adoption. Both Dropbox and Google Drive employ AES-256 encryption for data protection with Google being part of a larger cloud system. Dropbox allows for single file uploads of up to 50GB, while Google Drive handles files up to 5TB, which should be something to consider when dealing with large files. Bandwidth and speed are also different, as Dropbox is often faster for syncing, particularly smaller files. Google Drive may have slowdowns with larger uploads, impacting the user's experience when constantly sharing files. Offline access is available on both, and Dropbox's selective sync gives more control to the user over local device files, useful for unreliable or limited connections when traveling. Dropbox supports a range of third-party tools, while Google Drive works with over 1,000 applications through the Google ecosystem. Both platforms have their pros and cons in a creative and high-tech space, making the choice more about the preferences of each user.



7 Essential Tech Tools Digital Nomads Are Actually Using in Bali's Co-Working Spaces - Time Zone Management App Clockify Dominates at Tropical Nomad





In Bali's thriving co-working spaces, Clockify is a go-to application for digital nomads needing to navigate the challenges of different time zones. This complimentary software helps freelancers and remote workers effectively track their billable hours and organize their workload. It provides time zone conversions to UTC, which is useful in avoiding scheduling problems that frequently pop up when working with global teams. The app works along side other tools such as World Clock and Google Calendar, allowing a better overall work rhythm. As remote work becomes more popular, effectively handling various time zones is essential for those trying to have a lifestyle balanced between travel and work.

Clockify is often cited as a key time management tool among digital nomads, particularly those working from Bali’s popular co-working hubs, where coordination across time zones is crucial. It’s not just about knowing the time; it is about synchronizing global teams. Data points indicate that mismanaged time zone differences have been correlated with a tangible decrease in overall productivity in teams. This app’s ability to track hours and manage task times, using a local-to-UTC conversion, makes it helpful, and many freelancers seem to rely on its capabilities for keeping track of billable hours with multiple clients.

Clockify, used by over 3 million users, according to late 2024 estimates, underscores the ever-growing need for these types of tools. The rise of remote work means more of an emphasis on effective time tracking which some might see as directly related to task completion rates. Clockify’s cost-free model is often praised as one of its key advantages compared to more expensive alternatives, and might bring operational savings up to 20%. The fact that the app can connect with over 50 other services, including Slack and Asana, points towards it’s usefulness in a highly interconnected work environment. Studies indicate that such integrations directly boost task completion rates. The software's focus on tracking time directly contributes to a better project budget and better management of resources, and this is something some companies are directly pointing to a positive change in overall profitability, according to those implementing these systems. The available mobile version of the software caters to the digital nomad lifestyle, where tracking time might lead to an increase in billable hours worked, given the nature of on-the-go schedules.

The detailed reporting tools that the software offers gives managers a way to analyze team output and workload patterns. With these types of systems it appears that data based decision making can increase team output by about 25%, if properly managed. The software is seen as easy to use, with a minimal learning curve, which seems beneficial. Reduced training times directly mean more time for work. The software's rise seems aligned to a remote work trend, which has been experiencing a large growth since early 2020. It seems to fill the demand for effective management of work across multiple locations and time zones. Well-structured time management tools seem to indirectly assist in work-life balance by establishing boundaries, and studies appear to confirm this. Less work related stress leads to more productive work and a happier environment.



7 Essential Tech Tools Digital Nomads Are Actually Using in Bali's Co-Working Spaces - Communication Platform Discord Rules Hubud Workspace





Discord is becoming more popular as a communication method for digital nomads in Bali, specifically at co-working spaces such as Hubud. The platform’s customizable servers allow for focused chats, improving how remote teams work together. Its intuitive design and features create an easy way for users to connect, exchange useful information, and make professional contacts in a diverse working atmosphere.

As digital nomads keep finding ways to do remote work in Bali, it is important to integrate effective communication tools such as Discord. This trend seems part of a larger move towards remote workers valuing team interactions and collaboration as a part of their work routine. However, while Discord offers useful connectivity, focusing too much on any one method can limit broader contacts and suggests using multiple platforms to meet various communication needs.

Digital nomads in Bali have found Discord useful as a way to communicate, forming connections with other remote workers and taking part in different conversations within the community. Discord lets you create servers that are specifically tailored to different areas of interest. This feature is especially appealing for digital nomads who want to build collaborations and networks within co-working spaces.

When considering essential tools, digital nomads in Bali utilize a variety of software and applications to be more productive and keep workflows running. Applications like Trello and Asana, for project management, help people manage tasks, while Slack and Zoom are often used for team coordination. Many co-working locations in Bali have reliable internet as well as other resources. Additional tools that are popular include those for financial management and virtual private networks for secure online connections. These options for securing data and facilitating team interaction make it clear, how technology helps remote work environments.

One could make the point that the audio quality on Discord is unusually good, making it much more suitable for remote team meetings over other systems, since clear communication might be more important than just quick audio messages. Screen sharing in Discord is also very flexible supporting lots of different file types and applications, which seems to be very helpful for online discussions. It might just be better than simpler solutions. Discord allows each server to have its own unique settings for teams or specific projects, improving communication efficiency when organizing different tasks. It integrates with several other applications that can send information into it like Trello and GitHub, a feature that might simplify workflows and keep project talks centralized.

Beyond just messages, it seems that Discord promotes a sense of community by allowing for conversation about shared interests and industries that are not strictly work related. This might bring networking opportunities that are more than just surface level. Discord’s ‘Rich Presence’ feature shows current activity status, so team members can see at a glance what people are working on, which seems to help with teamwork and shared responsibility. Also Discord is free, which makes it attractive to cost conscious digital nomads. It works on most devices, ensuring workers can communicate effectively wherever they are located. Discord, though made for gamers, has gained much more user adoption and might be a good tool for many work scenarios. Another benefit could be, that Discord offers anonymous communication options within private settings that give some privacy, should it be needed, in work environments that are unknown. This suggests that Discord can be more than a simple messaging platform in co-working areas, but actually a central component for collaboration and project management.







In the vibrant co-working scene of Canggu, the noise-cancelling app Krisp has become an essential tool for digital nomads, tackling the often chaotic background noises of busy workspaces. Designed to filter out distractions during virtual meetings, Krisp allows users to communicate more effectively and maintain focus, even in bustling environments. Its popularity highlights the growing reliance on technology that enhances productivity, particularly in co-working spaces where clear communication is necessary for collaboration. By providing real-time transcription and meeting notes, Krisp further streamlines the workflow for remote workers, proving crucial in a landscape where effective communication can often make or break a project.

### Noise-Cancelling App Krisp Popular at B Work Canggu

Digital nomads in the Canggu area of Bali are frequently seen utilizing the Krisp noise-cancelling application, particularly within busy co-working environments. This tool appears to be effective in filtering ambient sounds during calls, a functionality that could be seen as very useful for those navigating lively workspaces. It is claimed that the audio quality is significantly enhanced using this app, thus allowing more focus on work-related conversations with clients and fellow team members.

Krisp seems to utilize a variety of proprietary AI algorithms to remove ambient audio pollution during live conversations. These AI models appear to identify and reduce unwanted sounds in real time with little latency. Reports show the filtering to be very good when compared to non filtered communications. One could hypothesize that better sound processing makes for clearer communication when having calls in shared workspaces.

It has been reported that the app is compatible with various conferencing platforms like Zoom, Skype, and Microsoft Teams, making its use more universal. Krisp’s capability of real-time audio processing could enable better team interactions. Reports indicate that a large number of professionals adopted Krisp in the last two years. This large adoption could suggest the need for audio enhancing technologies for digital nomads who work in louder locations.

It has also been suggested that the app improves its noise-reduction by continuously analyzing specific audio input in user environments using some form of AI model. As an added feature, Krisp is available for both mobile and desktop use, thus enabling flexibility for workers who may be constantly moving. While Krisp's free tier may be sufficient for some users, the app offers various subscription options for more continuous usage and additional functionality. All of this has made Krisp an interesting technology and a tool to keep in mind when working remotely from a shared environment.



7 Essential Tech Tools Digital Nomads Are Actually Using in Bali's Co-Working Spaces - Password Manager 1Password Essential at District Canggu





In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital nomadism, 1Password has emerged as a key tool for individuals working from Bali's co-working spaces, especially at locations like District Canggu. Renowned for its robust security features, 1Password utilizes 256-bit AES encryption and implements zero-knowledge technology, ensuring that user data remains strictly confidential. The software not only facilitates secure storage and seamless cross-platform syncing of passwords but also generates strong, unique passwords to mitigate security risks associated with credential reuse. In an environment where remote workers are vulnerable to data breaches, its alerts about potential data leaks are a significant asset, enhancing the overall security awareness of users. As digital nomads increasingly prioritize online safety while navigating varied online accounts, 1Password has positioned itself as an indispensable part of their tech toolkit.

In District Canggu, 1Password appears to be a commonly used tool for password management by those working remotely. It’s not just a convenient way to store logins; it's seemingly also an approach to try and improve online security in a setting where many are accessing different WiFi networks daily. With an average person managing a vast amount of digital credentials - around 100 or more - having a centralized system could reduce the chance of issues due to password reuse. In this space of digital nomadism, where keeping things secure is so important, 1Password seems to act as a secure repository to address security concerns.

A central feature of password managers in general is its capacity to create random passwords, which are far more complex than the passwords people might think up on their own. If passwords are not changed often they may become weak from being in use too long. Many password managers employ 256-bit AES end-to-end encryption - thought to be very secure- to prevent unauthorized access. It also supports cross-platform use and synchronization, which suggests easier use across devices, and provides options for multi-factor authentication, so access is controlled through a second verification step for increased security. Zero-knowledge technology, so that even the password manager provider can't access any information stored in it, has some merit when the system is unknown and perhaps a bit risky. It could be that data leaks can be less of an issue with well designed tools like 1Password, since it can generate alerts to help users change passwords.

While the market for digital security tools is becoming increasingly competitive, the core functionality of password managers appears essential for those who are frequently using various online accounts, and who have a need to stay secure. The increasing usage of password managers signals a growing security awareness, and in coworking locations this concern seems amplified given the often public WiFi environment and the potential for bad actors looking for an easy target. The password manager 1Password’s utility seems to stem from trying to lessen the reliance on people’s memory for passwords. In the case of password reuse, a problem many seem to be facing, the solution seems to rely on the password manager, which in many ways becomes a digital wallet for credentials to many sites. Whether this approach is 100% secure, remains open for questioning.


See how everyone can now afford to fly Business Class and book 5 Star Hotels with Mighty Travels Premium! Get started for free.