THIS WEEK ABROAD
Before you click apply on that new nomad visa, know this: scammers are now targeting expats with extremely convincing fakes. (Don’t worry, we got links to the real sites!)
On another note, we want to draw your attention to a few expat-friendly banks and fintechs that our clients love.
Take a few minutes to read this week’s newsletter 👇
Must-Know News
⚠️NEW VISA SCAMS TARGET EXPATS IN ASIA
Over the last year, several countries in Asia have launched new visas in a bid to attract digital nomads and expats.
Predictably, these visas have also attracted an unwanted group: online scammers.
Nomad forums and Reddit groups have been flooded with reports of fake websites and “concierge services” that charge many times the official cost—often with nothing to show for it in the end.
Thailand
In mid-2025, Thailand launched its new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), a 5-year visa geared toward digital nomads and remote workers. Sponsored ads on Google masquerading as the official Thai visa portal have already lured in countless unsuspecting applicants.
Indonesia
Bali, Indonesia holds a longtime reputation as a nomad hotspot, and the country has taken steps to attract long-term stays. The Indonesia digital nomad (E33G) visa, which allows stays of 1-2 years, can be accessed on the official evisa site. Some applicants have reported phishing attempts and scam sites requesting payments outside the government portal.
Philippines
The Philippines recently released its long-anticipated digital nomad visa, albeit without an online application process. Potential applicants should contact their local Filipino consulate, although that hasn’t stopped a cottage industry of scammers promising priority slots or interviews. Needless to say, the government hasn’t authorized any such services. (For regular tourists, the Philippines also maintains an official evisa portal.)
📌Bottom Line
If you’re applying for a visa online, always make sure you use an official government site. Unfortunately, government resources are often buried in Google search results under sponsored listings and copycat sites.
Also, beware of phishing emails and sketchy links that redirect to non-government websites for payment.
When in doubt, contact the country’s consulate or embassy for accurate info.
Video of the Week
🎥BEST BANKS AND FINTECHS FOR EXPATS
One of the biggest headaches for U.S. expats is undoubtedly banking and access money.
Oftentimes, expats face roadblocks like high ATM fees, account freezes, and limited access to international branches. (Indeed, banking can be so painful that many expats consider renouncing citizenship just to make the problem go away.)
Another big issue? Meeting the residential address requirements needed for banking and legal purposes. Under Patriot Act regulations, banks and fintechs must verify their customers’ residency in order to open or maintain a bank account. (Quick plug—here at Savvy Nomad, we provide a service that fixes this problem permanently.)
Check out the full video to explore the best bank and fintech options for American residents living abroad.
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