Welcome to YoNomad!
We're here because moving abroad shouldn't require a PhD in bureaucracy. Whether you're chasing better weather, lower costs, or just tired of the same old routine, we've got your back with guides that actually work - written by people who've been exactly where you are right now.
Why We Do This
Look, moving abroad shouldn't feel like solving a puzzle with half the pieces missing. Yet that's exactly what it felt like when I tried to relocate to Portugal back in 2015. Official websites were outdated, forum advice was conflicting, and YouTube videos were either too vague or sponsored by companies trying to sell me something.
So we decided to create the resource we wished had existed - guides written by people who've actually done this stuff, not just researched it. Here's what drives us:
Real Experience Only
If we haven't personally dealt with a visa office, tried the internet speed, or navigated the healthcare system, we don't write about it. Simple as that.
Actual Solutions
We skip the fluff and get straight to what you need to know. How much does it really cost? Which documents do you actually need? What's the internet speed like when it's raining?
Keep It Current
Visa rules change. Costs go up. New coworking spaces open. We update our guides regularly because outdated information is worse than no information.
Respect Local Communities
We're guests in these countries, and we try to remember that. Our guides emphasize being respectful travelers and contributing positively to local communities.
Our Expertise
What sets YoNomad apart is our first-hand experience and deep research methodology:
- On-the-Ground Research: Our guides are written by people who have lived in or extensively traveled through the countries we cover. We walk the streets, eat the food, and navigate the bureaucracy ourselves.
- Visa Specialists: We consult with immigration experts to ensure our visa information is accurate and up-to-date, helping you avoid costly mistakes.
- Cost of Living Experts: Our team meticulously tracks expenses across different countries to provide realistic budgeting advice for various lifestyles.
- Cultural Integration: Beyond the practical aspects, we focus on helping expats integrate into local communities and understand cultural nuances.
- Digital Nomad Focus: As remote work continues to grow, we offer specialized content for digital nomads seeking the best destinations for productivity, community, and work-life balance.
Each guide undergoes a thorough review process before publication, ensuring accuracy and comprehensiveness. We continuously update our content as conditions change, particularly for time-sensitive information like visa requirements and cost estimates.
Meet Our Team
Andrew Maslovskyi
Founder & Lead Writer
Hey there! I'm Andrew, and I started YoNomad after my own chaotic first expat experience back in 2015. Picture this: I'm standing in a Portuguese immigration office at 8 AM, clutching a folder of documents that I was *sure* were correct, only to be told I was missing three crucial papers that nobody had mentioned online. That frustrating morning sparked the idea for this site.
Since then, I've lived in Portugal, Indonesia, Thailand, and Georgia - each move teaching me something new about bureaucracy, culture shock, and the art of finding a decent coffee shop in a foreign city. I've fumbled through visa applications, celebrated small victories (like finally understanding how Portuguese tax forms work), and learned that "temporary" expat life has a funny way of becoming permanent.
My background is in international business, but honestly, most of what I know about expat life comes from making mistakes and figuring things out the hard way. Every guide on this site is written from real experience - the good, the bad, and the "why didn't anyone warn me about this?" moments that make expat life both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
Our Expert Contributors
Sofia
South America SpecialistSofia fell in love with Medellín's perfect weather and stayed for the incredible coffee culture. She's your go-to person for navigating Latin American bureaucracy and finding the best coworking spaces from São Paulo to Buenos Aires. Her specialty? Helping people understand the real cost of living beyond the Instagram photos.
David
Southeast Asia ExpertDavid's been island-hopping across Southeast Asia for five years and somehow still gets excited about finding the perfect bowl of pho. Currently based in Chiang Mai, he's mastered the art of visa runs and can tell you exactly which border crossings have the shortest queues. His guides save you from the rookie mistakes he definitely didn't make (wink).
Maria
Europe CorrespondentMaria moved to Portugal for the beaches and stayed for the surprisingly complex tax benefits. She's become our resident expert on European visa schemes and has a talent for explaining why Portuguese bureaucracy actually makes sense once you understand the logic. Her apartment tours always feature the best natural light for Zoom calls.
Diego
Latin America ExpertDiego's camera has been to more Colombian coffee farms than most people have been to Starbucks. He documents the real stories behind expat life in Latin America - from the bureaucratic nightmares to the incredible community dinners that make it all worthwhile. His photos capture what guidebooks miss.
Giorgi
Caucasus Region ExpertAs a local Georgian, Giorgi brings insider knowledge that you simply can't Google. He knows which neighborhoods in Tbilisi actually have reliable internet and where to find the best khachapuri at 2 AM. His mission is showing expats that Georgia isn't just a visa-run destination - it's a place you'll want to call home.
Maya
Remote Work SpecialistMaya has worked from beach cafes, mountain retreats, and that one coworking space in Bali where the wifi actually works during monsoon season. She's passionate about helping remote workers find their perfect setup - whether that's a quiet apartment or a buzzing coliving space where you'll make friends for life.
Our Content Approach
Every YoNomad guide follows a comprehensive methodology to ensure you get the most valuable information:
- Research Phase: We combine official sources (embassy websites, government portals) with on-the-ground research.
- Community Input: We interview expats currently living in each location to gather diverse perspectives.
- Verification: All practical information (costs, visa requirements, etc.) is verified by at least two independent sources.
- Regular Updates: Guides are reviewed quarterly and updated as needed to reflect changing conditions.
- Reader Feedback: We incorporate reader experiences and questions to continuously improve our content.
This rigorous approach ensures that when you read a YoNomad guide, you're getting information you can trust to make important life decisions about relocating abroad.
What You'll Find Here
Step-by-step Expat Guides
Comprehensive country guides with everything you need to know about moving abroad.
Travel Tips & Resources
Practical advice to make your international journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Personal Stories
Real experiences from expats living abroad, sharing their challenges and successes.
Visa & Legal Advice
Navigation through complex visa processes and legal requirements for expats.
Thanks for stopping by! We hope our guides save you from at least a few of the headaches we've experienced. And if you have questions or want to share your own expat stories, drop us a line - we're always up for a good travel tale over coffee (virtual or otherwise).