The Digital Nomad’s Guide to Living in Playa del Carmen
Everything you need to know about remote work in Playa del Carmen: coworking spaces, internet speed, and the best neighborhoods for expats.
Playa del Carmen has firmly established itself as a top global hub for digital nomads. With its perfect blend of reliable infrastructure, vibrant community, and Caribbean lifestyle, it’s easy to see why remote workers are trading their home offices for beach clubs.
If you’re considering making “Playa” your new base, here is your ultimate guide.
Why Playa del Carmen?
Unlike the more rustic Tulum, Playa del Carmen offers city-level amenities with a beach town vibe.
- Walkability: The city is designed in a grid, making it incredibly easy to walk or bike everywhere.
- Internet Speed: Fiber optic internet is standard, with speeds often reaching 100-300 Mbps.
- Cost of Living: While rising, it remains significantly more affordable than the US, Canada, or Europe.
Best Coworking Spaces
Staying productive is key. Here are the top spots to get work done:
- Bunker: Known for its quiet atmosphere and high-speed connection. Perfect for calls.
- Nest: A creative hub near the beach with a great community vibe.
- Selina: Part of the global chain, offering coworking, coliving, and daily events.
Where to Live: Neighborhood Guide
- Centro: The heart of the action. Close to 5th Avenue, restaurants, and nightlife. Can be noisy.
- Gonzalo Guerrero: A trendy area with great cafes and bars, popular with younger nomads.
- Playacar: An exclusive, gated community. Quiet, green, and safe, but requires a bike or taxi to get to the center.
The Expat Community
One of Playa’s biggest assets is its welcoming community.
- Facebook Groups: Join “Expats in Playa del Carmen” or “Digital Nomads Playa del Carmen” to find meetups.
- Networking: Weekly events, language exchanges, and salsa nights make it easy to make friends.
A Typical Day in the Life
Imagine starting your day with a sunrise swim in the Caribbean Sea, followed by a productive work session at a local cafe with Mexican coffee. For lunch, you grab authentic tacos al pastor for under $5. After work, you meet friends for a rooftop sunset drink or a yoga session.
Practical Tips
- Visas: Mexico offers a generous 6-month tourist visa for many nationalities.
- Sim Cards: Telcel offers the best coverage and affordable data packages.
- Safety: Playa is generally safe, but always exercise common sense and avoid walking alone late at night in unlit areas.
Playa del Carmen isn’t just a place to work; it’s a place to live. Pack your laptop and your swimsuit—your new office awaits!
