After five and a half years of freelancing on Upwork as a digital nomad, I’ve experienced highs and lows, and seen the platform evolve. Whether you’re just starting your remote work journey or you’re an experienced freelancer looking to expand your client base, I’m here to help you decide if Upwork is the right fit.
I’ve found some of my clients on Upwork, using the platform to submit work and communicate through direct messaging, or only for billing, and I have other clients that I found and work with directly. In this review, I’ll break down what Upwork offers for freelance digital nomads, including how to find work, manage clients and get paid while travelling the world.
What Is Upwork and How Does It Work?
Upwork is a global freelancing platform that connects businesses with independent professionals. It supports a range of categories from content writing and web design to software development, virtual assistance and accounting.
Signing up for an Upwork account allows you to:
- Create a profile and portfolio showcasing your skills and experience
- Submit proposals for posted jobs
- Communicate with clients directly on the platform
- Receive payments securely with built-in protections through hourly tracking or milestones
The platform takes a percentage of your earnings as a service fee.
The Pros of Using Upwork as a Digital Nomad
Access to Freelance Work
One of Upwork’s biggest advantages is volume. There are active job posts in nearly every niche, from copywriting to blockchain development. Especially in the beginning, I found work quickly and built up my rating with good client reviews, which in turn attracts more clients.
If you’re wondering how to find freelance work as a digital nomad, Upwork is a good starting point—especially while building your portfolio.
Global Client Base and Remote-Friendly Projects
Upwork is built for remote work. As a digital nomad, I’ve worked with clients literally across the world, from the US to Europe, Asia and Australia, while travelling from the UK to Asia and the Caribbean. Most clients on Upwork clients embrace async communication, making it easier to work in different time zones.
Payment Protection and Platform Trust
Upwork’s escrow system is designed to protect freelancers and make sure you get paid. For hourly work, the time tracker records your activity; for fixed-price contracts, clients have to put the money into escrow for each milestone before you start work on it. And if the client ghosts you, Upwork still releases the funds. This gave me confidence when working with new clients, especially early on, and has ensured I’ve still been paid even after a client stopped communicating.
Long-Term Client Relationships
Some of my best clients have come from small, one-off jobs that evolved into ongoing, higher-paid contracts. Upwork facilitates this kind of long-term collaboration, which is ideal if you want predictable income while traveling.
The Cons of Upwork for Freelance Digital Nomads
High Competition and Proposal Fatigue
There’s no shortage of freelancers on Upwork, and for many jobs, you’re competing with dozens of others. Some of these freelancers are based in countries with a low cost of living, meaning they’re prepared to take lower pay in US dollars. This means your proposals need to be strong and strategic. It can take time and persistence to win contracts. You may need to submit a lot of proposals to snag a good client.
Tip: Focus on a niche and write custom proposals that speak directly to the client’s needs.
Algorithm Visibility and Profile Ranking
Your visibility when a client searches for freelancers on the platform depends on Upwork’s algorithm. A lull in activity can lower your ranking, making it harder to get noticed. To stay visible, try logging in regularly, submitting proposals, and updating your profile. You can also pay to boost the visibility of your profile as well as your job proposals. More on that below.
Platform Fees Can Add Up
Upwork charges a service fee for each payment you receive from a client. This has varied in recent years, but it’s currently 15% plus 20% VAT for the life of a client contract. This means for every $100 you earn, Upwork will deduct
While it’s worth it for the security and access, these fees can eat into your profits—especially when you’re just getting started.
How Upwork’s Connects System Works
To apply for jobs on Upwork, you’ll need Connects, a virtual currency the platform uses to manage how freelancers submit proposals. Each job post requires you to spend a certain number of Connects (which seems to be constantly increasing these days), and you can boost your visibility by spending more.
Here’s how Connects work:
- New freelancers get a one-time free allotment of Connects for signing up.
- Monthly Connects: You receive 10 free Connects per month on the basic plan (more with a paid Plus membership).
- Purchasing Connects: You can buy additional Connects for $0.15 each.
- Job application costs: Listings require anywhere from 5+ to 20+ Connects to apply.
- Boosting proposals: You can spend extra Connects to “boost” your proposal and land in the top three spots for a job—sort of like bidding for visibility.
- Availability badge: You have to spend a certain number of Connects weekly to keep your availability badge set to “On” and indicate to potential clients that you’re active and open to work.
What to watch for:
- You don’t get Connects back if a client ignores your proposal (unless Upwork refunds them for specific reasons).
- It’s easy to burn through Connects quickly if you’re applying for multiple jobs a day—especially if you’re boosting proposals.
Managing Connects:
- Target high-quality, well-written job posts from verified clients with previous Upwork history.
- Don’t boost every proposal—only spend extra Connects when the project is a strong match for your skills.
- Keep a few Connects in reserve in case an ideal job pops up unexpectedly.
The Connects system aims to help limit spammy applications and reward focused effort, but it also means you need a strategy when applying for jobs—especially if you’re freelancing full-time and want to maximise your ROI.
How to Avoid Scammers
While Upwork is generally a secure freelancing platform, scams still slip through—increasingly so unfortunately—especially in entry-level job categories. As a digital nomad relying on remote income, it’s crucial to recognize red flags early to avoid wasting time or compromising your security.
3 Common Upwork Scams to Watch Out For:
1. Clients asking to move off-platform to avoid fees
Be cautious if a client insists on moving to WhatsApp, Telegram, or email before hiring you, or hiring you to work off-platform. This violates Upwork’s terms and removes any payment protection. It’s a tactic used by scammers to disappear after work is delivered.
2. Fake jobs with overly generic descriptions
Be wary of vague listings offering high pay. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
3. Requests for free work as a “trial”
It’s fine to do a small paid test project, although you want to avoid this as much as possible. But if someone asks for significant unpaid work upfront, it’s likely not a legitimate job.
Stay Safe on Upwork:
- Check client reviews and hiring history: Look for verified payment and past freelancer feedback.
- Use Upwork’s messaging and file system: It creates a record in case of disputes.
- Don’t start work until a contract is in place: Ensure the client has funded a milestone or approved hourly work.
- Trust your instincts: If something feels off, it probably is. Report suspicious activity to Upwork.
Upwork has reporting tools and a Trust & Safety team, but it’s up to you to stay alert. With a little awareness, you can avoid scams and focus on building genuine relationships with quality clients.
Tips for Succeeding on Upwork as a Digital Nomad
If you’re looking to build a location-independent freelance career, here’s what helped me grow on Upwork:
- Specialize in a niche. Clients are more likely to hire experts than generalists.
- Collect testimonials. Ask every happy client for a review—social proof matters.
- Optimize your profile. Use keywords related to your services so clients can find you in search.
- Set a proposal routine. Apply to 2-3 relevant jobs every day.
How to Get Paid on Upwork (and Withdraw Money)
Getting paid through Upwork is straightforward and secure, which is one of its biggest advantages—especially for digital nomads working across multiple countries.
How Upwork Payments Work
- For hourly contracts:
- You log time using Upwork’s desktop time tracker or manual input calendar (which I prefer for privacy reasons).
- Payments are processed with a five-day security hold before funds become available.
- For fixed-price contracts:
- Clients fund milestones in escrow.
- You submit your work through the platform, which releases the funds to your Upwork balance once the client approves it (or after 14 days with no response).
Withdrawing Funds
Upwork supports multiple withdrawal options, so you can access your freelance earnings wherever you are in the world. Here are the main methods:
Direct to Local Bank Account
- Available in many countries
- Low fees (or free in some locations)
- Typically arrives within 1–3 business days
PayPal
- Fast and flexible
- Useful if you manage expenses in PayPal
- Currency conversion fees may apply
Payoneer
- Great for digital nomads who want multi-currency accounts
- Can be connected to local banks or used with a Payoneer card
- Ideal for regions with limited banking options
Wire Transfer (SWIFT)
- Best for high-value withdrawals
- Higher fees and longer processing times
- Useful if other options aren’t available
US Dollar Payment (for US freelancers)
- Direct transfer to a US bank account
- No conversion fee
Tips for Digital Nomads Getting Paid on Upwork
- Set a minimum withdrawal threshold or monthly withdrawals to avoid fees on frequent small transfers (you can automate this in your account settings).
- Watch currency conversion fees: Use tools like Wise or Revolut to get better exchange rates if you’re transferring across currencies.
- Track payments and invoices: Upwork provides downloadable tax reports and earnings summaries for easy bookkeeping.
Using Upwork has helped me avoid having to chase clients to pay invoices. Once you’ve set up your preferred withdrawal method, payments are automatic, giving you more time to focus on your work (or your next destination).
Is Upwork Worth It for Digital Nomads?
Yes, with realistic expectations. Upwork is not a passive income source. It takes strategy, consistency, and communication skills. But if you’re committed, it can become a steady source of freelance income.
It’s ideal for digital nomads who want:
- A trusted platform to find freelance jobs remotely
- Built-in tools for client management and payment
- Flexibility to work from anywhere in the world
If you’re willing to be persistent and sort through the low-paying gigs and potential scams, you can find the gems of clients that make it possible to establish a long-term remote freelance career.
Final Thoughts: Five Years, No Regrets
After five years on Upwork, I still use the platform as part of my diversified freelance strategy. It’s frustrating at times, and frankly not as good a source of real, professional clients as it used to be, but it has been instrumental in helping me build a sustainable, location-independent lifestyle.
If you’re a digital nomad looking for freelance clients, Upwork is definitely worth trying.
If you’re interested in more info and advice on freelancing with Upwork, check out my comprehensive ebook. And if you’re looking for guidance on getting started as a digital nomad, book a 1:1 session with me.