Et Africa is a popular destination among digital nomads seeking adventure and a vibrant cultural experience. From Tanzania's stunning landscapes and Kenyas beautiful Diani beaches to Rwanda’s mountain gorillas, East Africa offers a unique environment for digital nomads.

’East Africa is a mostly politically stable region with favourable policies for digital nomads, e.g., Rwanda and Kenya’s digital nomad visa program. To thrive in East Africa as a digital nomad, you should have the right tools and resources to stay productive.

This article will explore  13 essential tools and resources for digital nomads in East Africa.

But first, let’s learn why digital nomads should have tools when travelling in East Africa.

• Collaboration: Without some of these tools, collaboration between teams might be impossible. Tools like Notion and Trello simplify collaboration even if the employees aren’t in some location.
• Some tools, like Duolingo, will enable digital nomads to communicate easily with locals, while others, like Slack, will simplify their communications with clients.
• Accommodation can be expensive in East Africa, but tools like Couchsurfing and Airbnb can simplify searching for cheap accommodation.
• Internet connection might be challenging in East Africa, but with Vpn’s help, you can access the Internet even during a shutdown.

1. Duolingo

Swahili, English and French are the most spoken languages in East Africa; therefore, as a digital nomad, understanding a few phrases in these languages will help you navigate the country seamlessly.

An app like Duolingo will help you learn these languages easily, quickly, and cheaply. Duolingo has a free version with some ads and a paid version with no ads that costs $12.99 monthly.

2. Grey

As you step onto East African soil, you must understand the currencies used there: RWF, KSH, TZS, and UGX. As a digital nomad, we expect you will need an app to help you receive funds from clients and convert them into these currencies.

Grey will help you receive funds directly from your clients worldwide and convert them to East African currencies (TZS, UGX, KSH, and RWF). Besides that, Grey offers a virtual card to help you spend in popular online stores and malls like Nakumatt, Naivass, Mlimani City, and many others.

3. Zoom

The working from-anywhere concept is what makes a digital nomadic lifestyle possible today. Tools like Zoom have replaced physical meetups, unlike previous traditional work settings, which will require an employee to be available physically at the workplace now, all you need is your Zoom login credentials.

Through Zoom, you can join other people’s meetings and host your meetings, such as consultation calls and team standups. Zoom has a free version that is limited to 40 minutes, and a paid version that starts at $14.99 monthly, with add-ons like spatial audio, unlimited recording, and unlimited call time.

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Also, read Top 5 time trackers for freelancers to boost productivity.

4. Airbnb

Airbnb has revolutionised the hospitality industry. Previously, accommodation would have cost thousands of USD or a big hotel, but now digital nomads can rent accommodation at a cheaper price, up to 10 USD per night. If you travel on a budget in East Africa, an Airbnb app is necessary.

The app doesn’t have a subscription cost; you only need to download it, sign up, and rent a room. Also, as a digital nomad, being an Airbnb host or virtual assistant might be a great way to start a side hustle.

5. Insured Nomads

Travelling always comes with uncertainties, such as accidents, health problems, etc. Therefore, having health/travel insurance is crucial. Insured Nomads offer insurance services which cover medications for digital nomads.

We’ve partnered with insured Nomads to ensure you get a 10% discount on travel and health insurance plans from Insured Nomads. All you have to do is use the promo code “Grey10” at checkout.

6. Google Drive

There’s a small line that differentiates between digital nomads and content creators. Some digital nomads are content creators and some work in the creative industry. Tools like Google Drive work as alternatives to physical shelves for traditional workers.

Google Drive will not only assist you in storing but also in organising your files into different nomads. It also gives you the ability to backup your folders at any time. Apart from that, Google Drive can be easily integrated with other tools, such as Trello and Asana and can be accessed on Windows and Mac OS.

Google Drive has a free version with 15GB storage and a paid version that starts at $19.99.

7. Couchsurfing

Sometimes, travelling goes beyond staying in fancy hotels and beaches. For some occasions, you will need to experience local living. Apps like Couchsurfing allow local hosts to host travellers in their local countries.

Through Couchsurfing, you will interact directly with locals and learn from them. Couchsurfing is free, but it’s advised that you buy at least a drink or food for your host. Lastly, don’t forget to verify your Couchsurfing account, as it will increase your credibility and chances of being accepted by other hosts.

Also, read 11 must-have tools for freelancers in 2024.

8. International eSIM

Tired of swapping SIM cards? An eSIM is the perfect solution for digital nomads hopping between countries.

Airalo is the largest eSIM store, offering plans for over 200 countries. Pro tip: Save 20% on Airalo by using the discount code Grey24 at checkout and paying with your Grey virtual card.

9. Power banks

Power outrage is a problem not only in East Africa but also all over Africa’s continent, so having a power bank is a wise idea for a digital nomad living in East Africa. Also, some places in East Africa still don’t have access to electricity, so you can consider having a power station.

Brands like Anker and Mi are leading brands producing power banks, particularly for digital nomads. Xiaomi has a 10,000 mAH power bank, and Anker has a power bank with the same aMH, famously known as Anker power core, designed for digital nomads.

10. VPN services

Internet issues, such as internet outrages and geolocation problems, such as the unavailability of some websites in East Africa, make having a VPN service a survival skill for digital nomads. Proton VPN and Nord VPN are popular VPN services in East Africa, and their prices start at $2 to $10 per month.

Also, read 25 essential tools and resources for digital nomads in Latin America.

11. Canva

The design has become a part and parcel of digital nomads’ lifestyles. Tasks like looking for new clients and preparing reports for your clients require a design tool like Canva. Through Canva, you can create designs in seconds with a little graphic design skills.

You can also build a career around Canva graphic design and sell your skills on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. Canva Pro costs $15, while the free version gives you some basic features.

12. Grammarly

If English isn’t your first language, Grammarly is your new best friend. It polishes your writing, fixes grammar mistakes, and suggests the right tone for your audience.

The free version is excellent, but monthly subscriptions for advanced features start at $12.

13. Ride-hailing apps

Public transport, popularly known as “daladala” in Tanzania, Matatu in Kenya, and minibuses in Rwanda, is the most used mode of transport by locals. Navigating minibuses, Matatu, and daladala might be difficult and time-consuming for a digital nomad. So, using ride-hailing apps like Bolt, Uber, Faras, Little Ride, and Yego Rwanda might be the best option.

These apps offer different means of transport, such as taxis, motorbikes, and Bajaj, which you can choose depending on your preference. Connecting your Grey virtual card with your ride-hailing app will enable you to pay for your transport seamlessly.

Create a Grey account to make your trip to East Africa meaningful and seamless. This will enable you to pay for your subscriptions quickly and securely.

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