David Baddiel Tries to Understand is a BBC Radio 4 series where David explores a topic suggested by someone. After research, he shares his understanding back to them. Inspired by this, today’s post should, perhaps, be called Phil Tries to Understand AI Agents. Nvidia’s CEO says, The age of AI Agentics is here. That sounds important, I thought. Hence, this week I’m asking a rhetorical question: What are AI agents and how would I go about building one? Time to channel my inner Radio 4 presenter.

Types of AI apps

Workflows are best suited for predictable, structured tasks, whereas agents excel in flexible and adaptive environments. - Anthropic

AI apps are software programs that use artificial intelligence techniques, e.g. natural language processing, to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, e.g. ChatGPT. AI apps are of two types:

1. AI Workflows follow predefined paths with rigidly encoded logic and tool use, executing tasks in a structured manner, e.g. customer support chatbot that follows a strict decision tree.
2. AI Agents autonomously manage their processes, making dynamic decisions to accomplish tasks, e.g. AI powered research assistant that searches databases, summarises findings and refines answers based on feedback.

Simplicity as a design principle

Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler. - Albert Einstein

When developing AI apps, it is tempting to build complex systems. However, simplicity is the most effective design principle. Overly complex AI Agents are slow, costly and hard to debug.

Anthropic, Claude ai makers, advise, Start with the simplest solution that works and add complexity only when absolutely necessary. In AI app design, workflows should be prioritised for structured, predictable tasks, while agents should only be introduced when a problem demands flexibility and autonomy. Developers should resist the urge to implement agents when a straightforward script or deterministic model can achieve the desired outcome.

Common design patterns for AI Agents

By leveraging well established agentic patterns, developers can design systems that are both scalable and maintainable. - Anthropic

To build effective AI Agents, developers often use a set of established design patterns, including:

1. Augmented LLMs: Enhances large language models (LLMs) with additional tools such as retrieval augmented generation (RAG) and memory. The model pulls relevant data dynamically rather than relying solely on training data.
2. Prompt Chaining: Instead of a single LLM call attempting to solve a complex problem, tasks are broken into sequential steps where each prompt builds on the previous response. Reasoning is more effective and traceable.
3. Routing Systems: An AI Agent classifies inputs and directs them to subprocesses. Useful in multi functional systems where different requests require different workflows.
4. Orchestrator Worker Model: A central AI (orchestrator) breaks a task into smaller subtasks, assigns them to specialised worker models and then synthesises the results. Effective for complex problem solving.
5. Evaluator Optimiser Loops: One model generates responses, while another evaluates and refines them iteratively. Commonly used in self improving AI agents that optimise their own performance over time.

AI Agent development tools

Black box AI leads to black box decisions. If we want reliable AI, we need visibility into its reasoning. - Sam Altman

Tools and frameworks to build and deploy AI Agents include:

• Hugging Face Transformers: The most widely used framework for integrating pre-trained language models into AI systems. Has become an industry standard with broad adoption in research and production applications.
• Make.com: Workflow automation tool. Primarily used in broader automation contexts rather than AI agent development specifically. It integrates AI agents into business processes effectively. I find it intuitive.
• LangChain: Framework for building LLM powered applications, heavily used for implementing reasoning, memory and tool usage in AI agents.
• OpenAI's Function Calling: A rapidly growing tool for improving LLM interactivity with APIs and external systems. Widely used in OpenAI’s ecosystem for structuring AI interactions.

By leveraging these tools with appropriate design patterns, developers build reliable, scalable and useful AI agents.

Other resources

Blockchain: Fad or future? post by Phil Martin

My 5 Step Learning Process post by Phil Martin

When David Baddiel plays back his understanding, he has a topic expert listening in who gives him a score out of 10. How would you score my answer?

Have fun.

Phil…

Has anyone used a quasi-credential to get a pay raise in another country? Like a certificate that is easy to get or a quasi masters (like a titulos propios)?

Hi all!

Will begin remote work in April, mainly in Norway. Due to it's location StarLink is not ideal, so I was thinking to optimise my cellular setup.

From my googling, I came to the following two cellular routers:
GL.iNet Puli AX https://www.gl-inet.com/products/gl-xe3000/
Netgear Nighthawk M3 https://www.netgear.com/uk/home/mobile-wifi/hotspots/mh3150/

They're both about the same price. But I don't know which one to pick.. does anyone have experience with which one has better reception? I'd feel like the GL.iNet with it's extra antennas, but hard to say...

And in general, anyone got experience with them, over a regular mobile phone? Is reception better? Is it even worth it? Also considering to put an external antenna outside on an extendable pole.

Thank you for any insights!

I’m a Bulgarian citizen flying Sofia → Cologne with Ryanair on Sunday. I checked in online, but my only physical ID is my Bulgarian driver’s license and german health and bank cards(I have my national ID as a PDF and in my RyanAir App but not physically). • Boarded two days ago in Germany with no issues using just the drivers license. • I am concerned I might have problems boarding in Bulgaria, MoI offices in Sofia are closed, so I can’t get an emergency document. • A pilot said I’ll be fine, but airport police said otherwise.

What’s the best strategy?

Has anyone had a similar experience? Will Ryanair care if I already checked in? I really need to be in Cologne on Monday.

I am looking at two countries for a digital nomad visa.

Norway is my top choice. Has anyone made the plunge yet? Any advice?

Okay, I’m looking for an “easy”/“hackable” masters that I can get within 9 months that will also get me a pay raise in Asia as an English teacher?

ChatGPT gave this list: cities where one can feel most and least lonely.

Most Lonely Cities:

1. Tokyo
2. New York City
3. London
4. Dubai
5. Hong Kong
6. Moscow
7. Seoul
8. Berlin
9. Beijing
10. Stockholm

Least Lonely Cities:

1. Buenos Aires
2. Mexico City
3. Naples
4. Barcelona
5. Bangkok
6. Medellín
7. Lisbon
8. Cairo
9. Istanbul
10. Ho Chi Minh City

Do you agree or disagree, and why? Any other notable cities you may add to either section?

Hi everyone.

We currently live in a home we own in a state in the United States. However, we've thought of selling it and moving around full time (both WFH or maybe leanFIRE).

My question is... If we sell our house, are we required to establish domicile in a state? I realize that a driver's license is tied to a state, which I'm not sure how to get around, but any other reasons that one state is required?

We could stay with family (two different states) for part of the year and slow travel the world other times.

I'm very aware of the options to get South Dakota "residence" or other no tax states, but is that required for some reason?

Thanks!

I don't have iPhone so it must pair to Android phone.

I saw that the US and Dubai have lowest prices of tech on average, is there another country?

Olá, everyone! Last year I was recommended to visit a beach town in Brazil that’s slowly becoming a hotspot for digital nomads as there’s surfing, chill vibes and of course, lots of music. So I wanted to share what I’ve learned from working & staying in Pipa for a month.

For context, I’m a digital nomad for 10 years: former web designer but now YouTuber about our lifestyle.

Pros:

Beach. Of course the main attraction is the beach options, starting with a nice open one in downtown but several others to explore around the area. Madeiro beach is great of surfing and you can sometimes possibly find dolphins, but even more possible if you visit the Dolphins Bay that’s next door.

Sports. This is a great place to work while getting fit and brazilian culture is a lot about being sporty. There’s so much offer of outdoor activities, starting with great surfing but also beach tennis (which is a game that I just learnt here), padel, crossfit and even capoeira (brazilian martial art).

Safety. The benefit of a being small beach town, is that people are friendly and it feels very safe to walk around at any time of the day. I even lost my wallet taking the bus, and the drivers helped me found it a few days later.

Food. I was actually surprised of how good the options of food is here. Besides delicious local cuisine like Açai, Feiojada, Tapioca, Pao de Queijo and more, there’s a big Argentinean community here so you get can great empanadas, steaks, pizzas and more.

Cons:

Heat. It can get very hot, most the time of the year, and while you can book a place with air conditioner, most of the coffee shop don’t have that luxury so you’ll be sweating a lot all day long.

Lack of coworking spaces. As it’s still not known, there’s not really good places to spend long day working. It’s mostly coffee shops, home working or gathering with friends in places like Mirante do Pipa where they accommodate tables for the nomads.

City infrastructure. While the beach town is great, is still an undeveloped place (which can be good as construction here is limited because of nature preserve). Uber barely works and you’ll move mostly with buses, and renting scooter is non-existent here. There’s just small supermarkets.

-

After a month living in Pipa, Brazil, I’d truly say it’s a hidden gem for digital nomads, especially if you are into playing sports and you truly enjoy the beach lifestyle. It’s small enough to feel safe, but also big enough that takes a while to explore all the restaurants and shops around.

And of course, the best is that you get to experience the Brazilian culture in its fullest with the music, food, capoeira and its happy people.

I actually made a full documentary on my YouTube channel where I explain everything about Pipa, and also shared a cost of living at the end.

Hopefully this review helps you decide if you want to explore a new spot in Brazil!

I'm generally traveling around to blue cities but not necessary blue states. Wondering if there's any new considerations traversing state lines this year with the new administration. Thoughts?

Hey everyone,

Maybe not a typical question for this sub, but i thought you guys might help.

My girlfriend and I will be in Chiang Mai (Thailand) for few days and then plan to ride a rented scooter to Pai. We have a few questions and would love to hear your experiences and advice! 1. Are there any special scooter rental options for the Chiang Mai → Pai route? Maybe rental companies that specialize in this trip? 2. Our biggest concern is luggage: We both have pretty large backpacks and are wondering if there are scooters with luggage racks where we could secure our backpacks with straps. Has anyone done this before? 3. Are there motorcycles with sidecars available for rent? Or is that uncommon? 4. Is it even a good idea to ride this route with two people on one scooter? We know the road has a lot of curves and some steep sections. Is it doable with luggage, or is it too risky? 5. Are there alternative ways to transport luggage? Maybe a bus luggage service or another solution?

If you’ve done this trip before or have any good tips on scooter rentals, we’d really appreciate your insights. Looking forward to your advice!

Thanks in advance! :)

I'm having trouble figuring out what I could do. I'm used to blue collar warehouse work and I want a change and I want to see the world. I'm used to physical demanding 60 hour weeks making 60K a year. I'm not exactly confident in my ability to provide valuable assets to a remote position. I used to travel around the country (US) working at temp agencies before I ended up with a permanent job in Kansas and bought a house. I'm 25. Any suggestions?

Looking for inspiration from parents who no Ad with young children around the world. How do you find it? How are your children finding it?

Hey r/digitalnomad

This thread is for chatting about being a DN. This includes the news about travel and visas, where people are living, commonly asked questions, as well as a general free chat throughout the week.

Example topics include:

• Regularly asked questions such as "What jobs do you do?"
• Where you are currently living and where you are heading next
• Questions about DN visas or Tax clarifications
• What gear you like to travel with
• Updates on the COVID-19 situation in different countries
• Best places to go out to eat or drink wherever you are
• General questions that you feel do not require an entire thread

Please be civil and keep things SFW.

Self promotion of DN related events, blogs, activities, and news is allowed from regular contributors so long as it is related to being a Digital Nomad and not spammy.

If there is something you'd like to see here please message the moderators and let us know.

Just curious what were your reasons? Or if you changed your mind twice about being a DN? Was being a DN the second time around different than your first time?

I’m the developer behind CarcinogenX, an app that helps you quickly identify potential carcinogens in everyday products. If you’ve ever wondered what’s really in your groceries or household items, give it a try—your feedback is welcome!

I am planning to apply for a digital nomad visa in Spain this year. I’m trying to figure out what is the work around for someone like me who technically doesn’t work for a company but a set of individual clients - I have my own LLC but I don’t have an employment contract with myself. Has anyone here done this? If so, what did you do - did you write yourself a contract from your LLC?

Thank you in advance to anyone who has advice!

Seriously thinking about a couple-few months there, starting in April. Southern Peru too - I’m interested in the Atacama.

I recently became nomadic. US citizen traveling in Europe atm.

I’ve been looking into getting a virtual mailbox in the US. Some services offer addresses that don’t look like mailboxes. But a lady from America’s Mailbox told me that banks can often tell anyway, and some banks (like Wells Fargo) categorically reject such addresses.

I don’t maintain a US address and I have no one in the US whose residential address I could use.

How worried do I need to be about my financial institutions closing my accounts because I can’t receive their mail? I’ve set notification preferences to electronic but during tax season a lot of them send snail mail anyway. They’re bound to find out sooner or later that their letters can’t be delivered, especially during tax season…

I’m kind of panicking, any advice much appreciated… TIA

Hello all! I’m looking for someone who is currently nomading or has recently spent time in Chile to share their experiences and wisdom. I’m looking at the possibility of spending a few months to start in Chile as my first experience as a nomad. And potentially a longer-term spot for asylum. May I chat with you 1-on-1?

Part of what’s kept me stuck from just making this move is knowing how much uncertainty there is and having a tendency to make it a flawless experience (I’m also fully aware it’s impossible to make it perfect). I know it would help me map out some solid goals for this transition.

Looking for other people in their 20s/30s looking to work and travel. I havent done this before and would love to have a travel buddy. I already have a job that allows for me to work from anywhere, just need to actually make some plans.

the main consideration for me is time zone, it would be good to stay in eastern time or something close to it but i also would like to spend some time in europe and would be willing to work some goofy hours to make this happen.

not sure if this is the right place, i just want to see if there are other people in my age group (23) who are in a similar spot and would be interested in linking up and planning some travel.

I've been in Puerto Escondido, Mexico for a several months now. You see a lot of couples from all over the world come here to visit. Occasionally I meet women from Europe who are down here for a couple of days or weeks. I don't mind shooting my shot, and every once in a while there's a spark. But I'm a little surprised by how often I've gotten the response "I have a boyfriend back home" from European women.

I assume that they're just trying to let me down gently, but if they're actually being truthful, I'm just curious how common it is for Europeans to take trips or vacations without their partners. I can't recall encountering the boyfriend back home issue with with women from anywhere else.

So I run most of my business of skype but they just removed text messages. Still can't believe it and slowly I think they will start to remove the service. Does anyone else use something similar except google voice? I heard of the app text & call now but never used. I do have an international plan with verizon but living in bali the phone connection is awful and skype was just so well rounded. Any help please.

Note: Apologies if I'm being naive about the relevant financial costs in my question. I've just entered the adult life recently.

I'm a dual-citizen of Poland and the US. I currently live in New Jersey, where I rent an apartment, and I regularly travel to Poland, where I own a house. However, due to a recent family event, it would be best for me to relocate to Poland fully within a year. This is tricky, though, because other aspects of my life require me to be in the US. I can live in Poland, but I need to be able to travel to America several times per year, for anywhere from a couple weeks to three months at a time, and have a ready place to crash there, with all my things.

The two most obvious solutions come with their own issues:

1. Rent a hotel or airbnb anytime I visit.

This would be incredibly expensive, especially for a 2-3 month stay. Plus, I own a car, furniture and various other items that I'd prefer to keep here, and which I'd like to have access to whenever I visit the US. Besides, I will likely have to travel between the two countries for many years to come, so I'd rather put money into a more long-term solution (like a stable living accommodation).

2. Continue paying for the New Jersey apartment, even while mainly living in Poland.

This would be the most convenient, because it would allow me to visit the US anytime, without worrying about scheduling, and I'd also be able to keep all my stuff here, including the car. Unfortunately, it would be even more expensive than the first option.

As I said, I just need an affordable place in the US that would allow me to store all my possessions, and crash at on-demand. It can be a trailer, a basement, etc. The only thing I am picky about are roommates, which I'd prefer to avoid (but, I can tolerate them too, if necessary). The living space doesn't have to be in New Jersey, though I would like for it to at least be within driving distance of northern NJ (but, I'll consider other options too). I would also prefer this to be an accommodation that I could stick with for at least the next few years, and am willing to spend more on something I would actually own (since I may end up moving back to the US after several years). I have up to a year to figure this out. For context, I can currently put about 50K towards a downpayment, and am saving about 35K-40K each year on around a 100K annual salary.

Thank you for any suggestions.

Thinking of Moving to Buenos Aires as a Digital Nomad? Be Prepared for Western European Prices

Hey everyone,

I wanted to share a realistic take on the cost of living in Buenos Aires for digital nomads. If you’ve seen outdated blog posts or YouTube videos saying it’s a cheap paradise, that’s no longer the case. Prices here are now on par with Western Europe, and in some cases, even higher.

Here are some real-world price examples:

💰 Everyday Expenses

• Gym (nice, but not luxury): €70-90/month (and many exclude pool access, which costs €20+ extra).
• Yogurt (small cup): €1.50 to €3.
• Long-life milk (1L, cheapest option): €1.40.
• Local pasta brands (500g): €1-2, but if you want Barilla or another global brand: €6-8.
• Chicken breast (per kg): €13, while in Barcelona, Lidl sells it for €6-7/kg.
• Coffee in a random café: €3+, often reaching €4-5.
• Beer in many neighbourhoods (not just Palermo): €6-7 for 0.5L.
• Pizza or a simple Italian dish: €14-20 just for a main course.
• Breakfast "offers" (coffee + sandwich) at places like Havanna: €10.
• Empanada at a “mercado” in a less premium zone: €3 per piece. Small quiche: €10+.

🍔 Eating Out

• The best price-to-quality ratio is probably for burgers, as beef remains reasonably priced. But even then, a burger with a side will still cost around €10, which is fair but not "cheap".

🏠 Rentals

• You can find a decent 1-bedroom apartment in Palermo (in a building with no extra amenities) for $800-1000 USD, but you’ll need luck and negotiation skills.
• If you’re not careful, landlords will push for $1200+ USD (incl. expenses) for a decent but not luxury studio or 1-bedroom in a good area (via AirBnb).

🛒 There’s No Real "Budget" Shopping Option
Unlike in many other countries, you can’t save much by shopping at smaller stores or "budget" supermarket chains. These prices aren’t from some high-end luxury supermarket—they’re from a mix of Disco, Día, Carrefour, and Chinese corner shops. No matter where you go, prices are more or less the same, so you don’t get the usual advantage of finding cheaper alternatives by shopping in local markets or discount stores.

💡 The Bottom Line
The blue dollar rate still exists, but landlords and businesses have adjusted their pricing, so don’t expect a low-cost lifestyle just because you earn in USD. Difference between an official blue dollar rate is as per today and what my card provider charges me is around 15% (Revolut exchange rate 1081 pesos for 1 EUR vs 1250 pesos the unofficial rate.

I’ve been living in Barcelona for the past few years, and while prices there have also risen, at least you get premium products and services for the price you pay. Here in Buenos Aires, you can live a decent life, but nowhere close to a luxury lifestyle while paying similar amounts to Barcelona.

Buenos Aires is still an amazing city—great energy, nightlife, and culture—but if you’re coming here expecting to save money, think twice. There are better options in South America if affordability is a top priority.

Would love to hear from others currently living here—how are you finding the cost of living lately?

Does anyone know of DN communities online? I know there are apps like TravelBff etc, but they seem so temporary and only for that event. I just mean more of long term travel friends so that it makes the lifestyle seem less isolating. Thanks 😊

Hello fellow nomads! I've had the pleasure of working remotely from Cape Town for a month and escape the Scandinavian darkness. Here are some takeaways from me that you didn't ask for. I hope that's okay. (Don't take this as an extremely serious post.)

• Every person of European descent here loves to hike. Everyone. No exceptions whatsoever. And they prefer to do it ridiculously early in the morning. Like 5:30 AM or something.
• I live by the sea normally and am used to changeable weather. I knew it could get windy in Cape Town. But it wasn't until I'd been here a month that I realized IT CAN GET REALLY WINDY IN CAPE TOWN.
• Traffic rules are more of a suggestion than something you have to follow. Solid traffic lines? Not so important. A robot (traffic light) is more of a recommendation to some than something you abide by. And if you turn on your hazard lights, you can pretty much park or double park anywhere.
• Speaking of traffic – cars always come first in this city. If you're a cyclist or pedestrian, don't think you have any right of way.
• If you buy a high-visibility vest at the nearest hardware store, pretty much anyone can walk around pretending to be some kind of official person. A parking attendant for instance. Handy!
• The views from some parts of the city are lekker, to say the least. The views from the back alleys around Long Street are not so lekker. (But they can be fun, nevertheless.)
• Capetonians are so damn nice. Talkative, friendly, curious, and happy to have a beer. (And, as mentioned before, quite eager to hike up steep hills ridiculously early.)

I'm looking forward to coming back someday.

Hello digital nomads!! I am a resident of the lovely island of Ireland. In hopes of avoiding the horrible housing crisis here, I plan to travel to Germany over to some friends of mine while still remaining in employment in my job in Ireland.

Anyone have experience with this in Germany? I’d like to stay for 6 months to a year, but I’m nervous I’ll be caught working outside of Germany and thus paying taxes outside of Germany.

Would love to here if anyone has any experiences / advise. Thank you!!