Is it worth being a digital nomad in Mexico?
During this pandemic something that we learned is that work does not necessarily need to be done from a permanent office. The speed of communications has shortened distances, and remote work is not just an option, but a way of life that many people and companies already consider a new reality.
But how can we define this new generation of people who want to work abroad?
In the last few years the term “Digital Nomads” has been born. But, what are the benefits of adopting this new way of life?
Why should you choose Mexico as a destination to be a digital nomad?
During the pandemic Mexico was one of the only countries that allowed access to international tourists, this allowed the digital nomad scene to grow, and it became one of the favorite countries among digital nomads. Here are some of the reasons why Mexico may be your best travel destination of choice.
- The freedom to work from anywhere at any time, no more shirts and ties, 6 am alarm clocks, boardroom meetings, or lunches at your desk. Adventure, have cool and exciting hobbies whether it’s skiing, surfing, kayaking, or rock climbing – you can set yourself up in the perfect spot so that you can enjoy amazing activities when the working day is done.
- Inspiration from non-stop travel since you can work from literally anywhere, you get to see all the amazing places you’ve always wanted to see and experience fascinating cultures.
- Personal growth: living and working in different cultures will also enlarge your world. You grow with new influences and experiences. You discover what you are capable of and broaden your horizon. Become the best version of yourself!
- Opportunities not only work, but also get to know new ways of thinking, try eating different foods, or why not learn a new language since you have to speak it all day to get along, your language skills will soon improve.
The culture
First of all, Mexico is a country that offers you too much culture, in every place of Mexico you will find something new to discover, from big cities, great pyramids and beautiful magical towns, ruins, festivals, and traditions. Secondly, Mexico is also a country that offers adventure.
From the sparkling deep cenotes of the Yucatan to the dense green jungles of Chiapas, Mexico is a gem of a destination with plenty of versatility to explore and adventure. Whether you’re looking for a culture-rich trip in the city of Oaxaca or a spiritual retreat on the beach in Tulum, you can find virtually any travel experience.
And although the experience of living on “full-time vacations” sounds amazing, it is important to create local connections, and that is where the language can help you as meeting local people who are not moving around will help you adapt and get to know the culture better and avoid experiencing long periods of loneliness in front of a screen.
Mexico is cheap
Compared to many other destinations around the world there is no doubt that Mexico offers a lot for a lower budget, you can find a place to live with all the amenities at not so high prices, also if you speak Spanish you can negotiate better prices and transactions during your stay, not to mention the incredible Mexican gastronomy.
On every corner you can find amazing food at relatively low prices and not only on the street, going to a restaurant also becomes very affordable, even the most limited budgets can find something to suit their needs and budget.
Of course, if you’re looking for more luxury, you can expect to pay more for accommodation, food, and activities, but you’re sure to get your money’s worth. Many digital nomads living in Mexico take advantage of the affordable prices to live in luxury apartments and enjoy the finer things in life that would undoubtedly be more expensive in countries like the United States.
Weather
That means that, in Mexico, you can choose the destinations that best suit your climatic preferences. If you like to relax on a hot beach on a Saturday, you can settle into the rays of the Caribbean in the state of Quintana Roo. Those who prefer cooler climates can head to cities like Mexico City or San Cristobal de la Casas. It is important to consider the rainy seasons that can be very complicated since the humidity can be very strong and mosquitoes can be very annoying, you must do your research before deciding your final destination.
Internet, Community and Coworking Cafes
As remote working has grown and grown in popularity, Mexico has developed as a thriving hub for digital nomads, especially in cities like Playa del Carmen and Mexico City. Many of Mexico’s major cities and tourist destinations have a buzzy community of expats and digital nomads, so making like-minded friends is super easy. Most big cities and beach towns in Mexico also have co-working spaces such as Selina and cafes with decent WiFi where you can settle down to work, collaborate, and make friends with other digital nomads.
However, you have to take into consideration that the farther you get away from the main cities the internet tends to drop in quality, we recommend you always have a spot insight in case you have a Zoom meeting or have to upload very large files. Also before arriving at your destination we recommend you ask your landlord about the speed of the internet provider.
180 Tourist Visa Program
Currently, citizens of 69 countries (including all EU member states, the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom) can travel to Mexico visa-free for short periods. All other foreigners must have an approved authorization to enter the country. The vast majority of short-term stayers must complete an FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple, also known as Mexico Tourist Card) before crossing the border. So just verify that you are eligible to avoid any kind of problem.
Best Mexico digital nomad destinations Mexico, City
CDMX is the capital of Mexico and cannot be missed from this list. If you love a bustling city atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, and delectable food choices, CDMX is a must-visit as a digital nomad. Plus, there are plenty of Expats and digital nomads to meet if you’re all about community and networking. The co-working culture is slowly growing too. Not only that, but prices are affordable, and internet speeds are high.
Playa del Carmen:
Playa del Carmen is one of Mexico’s most popular digital nomad hubs and is very livable and comfortable for digital nomads. There are fast internet speeds, trendy coworking cafes, and a strong community of remote workers to meet and socialize with, plus Playa has a party atmosphere, plenty of natural sites to explore, and excellent shopping opportunities.
Located right in the middle of the resort area of Cancun and the hippy paradise of Tulum, Playa del Carmen also offers great access to weekend adventures. In addition to these two points of interest, Playa is also very close to Isla Mujeres and the diver’s paradise that is Cozumel.
Oaxaca city
Food and mezcal are your passion? Then head to the colorful streets of Oaxaca City and enjoy the gastronomic delights of this city. Oaxaca has been growing as a destination for digital nomads over the past few years and is slowly becoming a better-equipped place for remote workers.
For those interested in experiencing the culture, nature, and history of Mexico, Oaxaca is an excellent choice. It is also very affordable, so don’t hold back when it comes to ordering that extra plate of tamales.
Puerto Escondido
Do you like the bohemian and hippie vibe? Then Puerto Escondido, on the west coast of Mexico, may be the ideal place for digital nomads. Puerto Escondido is a laid-back surfer beach town that attracts many people interested in spirituality, consciousness, and health.
The only problem (and it’s a big one for digital nomads) is that WiFi issues in Puerto Escondido are a problem. Come prepared with a data charge on your phone so you can connect when the WiFi inevitably goes out.
Merida
Merida is one of the safest cities in Mexico, which is very valuable. Merida’s WiFi is on the faster side, but overall, Mexico doesn’t compete with places that have a fiber connection. If you need lightning-speed internet or work on huge video files, etc., You might want to consider a portable WiFi device, but if that doesn’t apply to you, you should have no issues. Just keep in mind that the demographic in Merida skews older.
Puerto Vallarta
Located on the west coast, Puerto Vallarta is known for its thriving nightlife, luxury accommodations, and thriving LGBTQ scene. Puerto Vallarta is the gay capital of Mexico, and many LGBTQ digital nomads feel very safe living in this resort town. In Puerto Vallarta it is also relatively easy to get fast WiFi speeds – some neighborhoods have fiber optic cables, and many coworking spaces offer high speeds.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
In general, in these big cities you will find a percentage of people who speak English, but the further you get away from the tourist places, not speaking Spanish can make you not enjoy your experience to the max. We recommend that you at least have the basics, that you can order a meal in a restaurant, take a cab, go to the supermarket, rent a car or go on a sightseeing tour, and of course enjoy your experience with the local people and get into their culture, which is the best thing you can get out of this experience.
Don’t complicate your life, you can study Spanish online wherever you are, without having to interrupt your activities, Wara-Wara Spanish offers a 45-minutes daily learning program designed for digital nomads and travelers. Make the most of your free time and go out and enjoy life in Mexico.
So, why not learn Spanish, and leave your monotonous life in one of these spots, sit down with your laptop to work and enjoy every day and see how wonderful life as a digital nomad is.
So you are ready to leave that boring and monotonous life, drink mezcal in that dreamy sunset?
Responses