5 tips for working remotely from another country

• May 30, 2022
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By Samantha Lynn, Creative, Notch Video
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Normally, I work from a small desk in the corner of my kitchen. I stare at my computer, a wall, and a large stack of sticky notes.

That is, until I jumped on the Publicis Groupe Work Your World program for six weeks and swapped my suburban desk for one near the beach in Costa Rica.

A few years ago, I wouldn’t have thought it possible — not to mention permitted — to work from another country. But things are different here at N2 (North and Notch for the uninitiated). Working for a network that values flexibility and is committed to the “future of work” means we are supported and encouraged to grow, evolve, and broaden our horizons, literally.

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As the first employee from our N2 team to give Work Your World a try, here are a few things I learned in Costa Rica:

Use Marcel

Through Publicis Groupe, we have access to the super-helpful Marcel, the AI platform with features and services connecting everyone in the Groupe. On the special Work Your World page, you can determine which of your most desired destinations will work best, and you’ll find a range of useful tips for each, including time zone considerations, the latest COVID-19 developments, and a handy to-do list. Plus, you can find Groupe employees offering free accommodations around the world.

Bring a Second Device

I could tell you how a waterfall and a jar of lentils made me learn the hard way why a secondary device is needed, but that’s a story for another time. Be sure to bring a a tablet or an extra cell phone and download the Microsoft Authenticator app so you can work securely. Trust me.

Assess Accommodations

While I never had any prolonged issues with Wi-Fi, the infrastructure is less advanced than I’m used to and prone to power outages. When choosing your accommodations, check reviews for Wi-Fi speeds or screenshots of speed tests. To prepare for virtual calls, log onto speedtest.net to make sure you have an upload speed of at least 10Mbps to join most conference calls successfully.

Get a Local SIM Card

This is a great tip for any kind of travel in general, but it’s especially essential for working remote. If your power cuts while on a call, you can send a quick message to your team using data. It’s a relatively cheap safeguard: I spent around $40 and got 20MB of data for six weeks.

Try Co-working Spaces

Many destinations will have lots of backup workspace options if you’re having Wi-Fi or power issues. A lot of hostels and hotels offer co-working spaces for a small fee, which is usually worth the price for a dedicated workspace or call booth. Plus it’s a great way to meet new people from around the world and sneak into free “guest-only” activities.