After weeks living between villas, coworking hostels like TRIBAL, and beach towns like Canggu and Uluwatu in Bali, I’ve identified what’s truly essential for digital nomads. 

This guide focuses on practical solutions that helped me, as a U.S. digital nomad, in Bali’s tropical environment and remote work challenges. I learned fast what gear helped—and what failures cost me productivity and comfort—this includes working on the long drives from Canggu to Uluwatu.

Tech Essentials

Tech That Saved Me:

• Power Bank: Saved me during overnight work sessions and during power outages at the villa.
  • Anker 633 Magnetic Battery (MagGo) for iPhone
• International Data Plan as Wi-Fi backup:  Having a real SIM or a travel plan like AT&T was critical when Wi-Fi dropped at coworking spaces and during long drives.
• Adapters: Anker European Travel Plug Adaptor
• StarVPN Subscription: Absolutely critical to maintain remote work security and privacy across unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.
• Logitech H540 Wired Headphones with Boom Microphone: I use these headphones religiously. For U.S. remote workers working late night. While this headphone is ugly, this removes many night sounds, including geckos, and crickets.

Tech You Should Add:

• WiFi Extender for weak signals: Especially at TRIBAL, where signal strength varied by room and floor
• 65W+ Laptop Power Bank for faster charging: When you have a complete blackout–you want to make sure you have enough juice to carry you through the night.
• Portable Router (GL.iNet Beryl): To create your own secured ecosystem with a VPN service.

Gear Used

Clothing Essentials

• Breathable gym shorts (beach/casual work): I recommend Lululemon shorts (from Nordstrom rack)
• Lightweight button-ups (sun protection)
• Swim trunks or swimsuit: At places like Nirvana Life Fitness and Wellness Club—there’s more cheeky and high-end brands (Sommer Swim, Left on Friday, or Minimale Animale). For men, expect to see a range from 2xist to Aussiebum—even at the hostel’s swimming pool.
• Cut-off T-shirts and tank tops for heat: You can get this anywhere in Bali, but I recommend sunnyday clothing store in Canggu). You can also year cut-off shirts at clubs.
• One light packable jacket for flights/layovers.
• Flip-flops (can also be purchased locally at GriPP).

Health & Safety

• First Aid Kit including blister pads and electrolyte powder: Trust me, I stubbed and cut deep into my big toe on Canggu’s jagged sidewalks. That meant I had to wait until it healed—which wasn’t until the end of the trip when I finally got into the pool at Nirvana.
• Prescription medications: Azithromycin for traveler’s diarrhea, Scopolamine transdermal patches for preventing motion sickness
• Over-the-counter medications: Tylenol, allergy meds, PB8 probiotic, multivitamin, vitamin-c, Imodium A-D Diarrhea Relief, Diapet (Kapsul Untuk Mencret)–get this from M Mart
• Sunscreen: I prefer Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick Mugwort+Camelia
• Dude Wipes: Especially if you’re in Lovina and you use a Warung’s bathroom that has no toilet paper and nowhere to wash your hands)
• Energy for working U.S. Time Zones: vitamin-c, multivitamin, ALCAR. 
• Hand sanitizer
• Quick-dry towels

Note: I’m not always one to promote travel insurance. However, if you choose to rent and ride a scooter, you might want to consider coverage. Accidents are common among foreigners. 

Work Setup

• Laptop stand (sometimes this was too heavy to lug around)
• Wired keyboard and mouse: I prefer Fnatic for keyboards (Streak65 LP) and Logitech for mice. Wired devices get rid of the worry of low batteries, Bluetooth or wireless signal interference, and pairing issues. This is something that can be a hassle with juggling time zones and energy levels. 
• Small ring light for evening calls
• Extension cord with multiple outlets (see this Anker one that includes USB-C/USB-A ports)
• Backup WiFi adapter: This is useful when you have laptop driver issues or you just can’t get a strong enough signal or have difficulty joining a network.
• Sandisk 2TB storage
• Anker USB C Hub (7-in-1), with 4K HDMI
• DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter
• Ethernet cable (for Berlyx travel router)
• USB-C, USB-A, iPhone cables

Money & Documents

• More cash than you expect (for scooter rentals, small cafes)
• Visa/Mastercard (AmEx is less widely accepted): I recommend alternating between Capital One and Amex. Use the Capital One SavorOne (3% cashback) or American Express Gold (4x Membership rewards) for restaurant and grocery credits (e.g., Pepito, Crate Cafe), and the Amex Platinum (5X Membership rewards) for hotel and airline reservations. Make sure the card you use earns you points.
• Travel-size folder for important documents

Practical Extras

• Dry bag for protecting electronics during rain
• Reef shoes (useful for beaches and walking around Tanah Lot)
• Waterproof sandals
• Reusable water bottle
• Small gifts for villa staff

Tips, Tricks, and Logistics

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What to Buy in Bali vs. Pack from Home (Full List)

Buy Locally:

• Mosquito repellent (Autan, Soffel–warning this has DEET)
• Rain ponchos
• SIM card (Telkomsel or XL Axiata)
• Diapet (Kapsul Untuk Mencret) – for traveler’s diarrhea

Always Bring:

• All electronics (more expensive in Bali)
• Quality work clothes
• Tech accessories and adapters

Priority Checklist

1. USB-C power banks and chargers
2. Waterproof storage solutions
3. Strong VPN subscription
4. Cash reserves and Visa/Mastercard
5. Fast-drying, breathable clothing
6. Portable work setup essentials