The once-famous fishing village of Playa del Carmen has gained striking popularity over the recent years. Over time, this city has become one of the most desirable digital nomad destinations and tourist attractions in all of Mexico. Tourists, digital nomads, and remote workers come here from all over the world to experience the authentic way of life. If you are planning on packing your bags and moving to this multifaceted area then make sure to learn some essentials.
Life in Playa del Carmen Mexico offers a lot, here’s a rough overview of what you should expect. The digital nomad lifestyle will certainly keep you content.
Where is Playa del Carmen located?
Located on the Yucatan peninsula, Playa del Carmen lies right alongside the Caribbean sea. It’s a beautiful resort city in the state of Quintana Roo.
Fact: Did you know that Playa del Carmen is a part of the municipality of Solidaridad?
Why Choose Playa del Carmen as a Digital Nomad? Pros and Cons
Playa del Carmen has a lot to offer but every place has its fair share of flaws. Let’s see some of its pros and cons to evaluate whether this city is a good place for you.
| Pros | Cons |
| Low cost of living | Average education |
| Good wifi | Crowded |
| Friendly locals | Medium healthcare |
| Good weather | |
| Good food | |
| Plenty of things to do | |
| Digital nomad community |
As you can see, Playa del Carmen has some cons that may appear too problematic for some people. For instance, digital nomads traveling with family members and children may find “average education” to be a deal breaker while others may find traffic intolerable. However, make sure to note that Playa del Carmen has tons of benefits too. All in all, this place promises a great experience and a good lifestyle.
How to Get to Playa del Carmen?
If you are already in a Mexican city such as San Miguel de Allende, Puerto Vallarta, or Oaxaca city then you can get to Playa del Carmen by below mentioned ways. It is suggested to consider distance and time before taking a pick.
Car drive
The smartest way would be to rent a car and drive it to Playa del Carmen. The roads are safe and renting a car will give you some freedom as well. If you’re lucky, you won’t face any construction or traffic and get there in a decent amount of time.
Bus
While a car ride is as effective as it gets, taking a bus will be a lot cheaper. Buses run between cities all over Mexico and you can seamlessly travel to Playa del Carmen. If we take into account factors such as departures, peak hours, and road conditions, the average distance from Cancun International Airport to Playa del Carmen amounts to 35 miles. Mexico is always working on infrastructure which often changes the travelling time.
Services such as the Busbud are reliable options and you can check their route, ticket prices, and other details online.
Plane
Car and bus rides are adequate options when you are traveling to a city such as Cancun and Tulum. However, the same can’t be said about all cities. Since some are far in distance, the smart choice would be to travel via plane.
Air services such as AeroMexico and Volaris offer roundtrip tickets that cost about $100 (93.46€).
Transportation and How to Get Around Playa del Carmen?
Here’s how you can get around on a daily basis.
Taxis
Taxis are a viable way of getting around on a daily basis. They are readily available in the city and pretty reliable. Make sure to check whether the meter is running because taxi drivers tend to overcharge sometimes.
Driving yourself
While the former option is suitable for tourists, it doesn’t apply to remote workers. If you are planning on living in Playa del Carmen for a longer period of time, you’ll have to find a long-term solution. You can buy a secondhand vehicle and drive yourself around.
Public transportation
Playa del Carmen’s local transportation is pretty great and has a variety of options. You can travel via buses and colectivos to get around the city. Both of these modes are well-developed, connected, and maintained by the government. Mexican buses are especially known to be convenient while trains are known for their comfortability. Public transport is also affordable and easily accessible, making it a good option for digital nomads.
Best Accommodation Options in Playa del Carmen
As we have established, Playa del Carmen, Mexico is a relatively small city. Since everything is within walking distance, it doesn’t really matter where you stay as long as it’s comfortable and safe. You can choose the best accommodation for you based on personal preferences. For instance, if you want to live on the street side or opt for a cheaper option, you’ll need to look for housing accordingly.
If you wish to live in a residential area, surrounded by friendly locals and modern amenities then consider seeking accommodation in Selvanova, Los Olivos, or Punta Estrella. These gated communities are located a little bit out of town but they promise a great living experience.
Furthermore, if you are looking for affordable accommodation and a budget-friendly living situation, Colosio might just be the perfect place for you. It is close enough to Centro (city center) but you’ll have to get used to the construction noises.
Internet Connectivity in Playa del Carmen
One of the benefits of living in Playa del Carmen, Mexico as a digital nomad is the decent internet connection. While it is not great, the average download speed stands at 10 Mbps. Small towns like Tulum are likely to have a better connection. Not only that but nomads have reported that they have never faced trouble with digital work and video chats.
You can also get a local SIM card after arriving in the city which ensures extra reliability. There are numerous providers in the city so make sure to compare data packages and plans beforehand.
Other than that, most of the coworking spaces and coffee shops offer free and fast wifi. You can expect high-speed internet while working!
ESims
Another good way to go about this is investing in an ESIM. You can avoid the difficulties that come with a physical SIM card and choose your provider/data plan online. Holafly and Airalo offer some great plans. Take a look below to get an overview.
Holafly
| Data Package | Availability | Price |
| unlimited | 7 days | 29.00$ |
| unlimited | 10 days | 37.00$ |
| unlimited | 15 days | 51.00$ |
| unlimited | 20 days | 62.00$ |
| unlimited | 30 days | 75.00$ |
Airalo
| Data allowance | Validity | Price |
| 1 GB | 7 days | 6.00$ |
| 2 GB | 15 days | 11.50$ |
| 3 GB | 30 days | 15.50$ |
| 5GB | 30 days | 23.50$ |
| 10 GB | 30 days | 42.00$ |
3 Best Places to Work from in Playa del Carmen
A good thing about Playa del Carmen is that it’s extremely accommodating to digital nomads. There are plenty of good coworking spaces where you can work from. Here are some of the best options.
Selina Cowork
The famous Selena Cowork is also found in Playa del Carmen and needless to say, it’s one of the best options. Located at a convenient location, this coworking space is close to various coffee shops, restaurants, and taco stands. With friendly staff, fast wifi, comfortable seating, and great memberships, the Impact Hub offers a great working environment. Lastly, its close proximity to the beach makes work enjoyable for digital nomads. They offer various facilities including standing desks,meeting rooms, and private rooms.
Cowork IN
Cowork IN is a contemporary co-working space that is perfect for remote workers and digital nomads. This space is designed to be accommodating with great wifi, comfortable seating, and high-quality service. In addition, Cowork IN offers a great working environment that is desired by most digital nomads. They also happen to offer great wifi and reliable internet speeds.
Nest coworking
Nest Coworking is undoubtedly one of the best coworking spaces in the city. This place is usually crawling with digital nomads but don’t worry, there is plenty of room for everyone. There is high-speed Internet available on the premises along with numerous desks and office spaces. Their contemporary architecture also attracts remote workers.
Cost of Living in Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen’s affordable cost of living is one of the many factors that make it a popular destination. Not only is it a great place but it is way cheaper than some other destinations such as Mexico city.
You can enjoy a high quality of life without having to spend a lot of money. Here’s a rough breakdown of average prices there.
| Meal at a restaurant | 4.89$ |
| Coffee | 2.74$ |
| one-bedroom apartment (in the city centre) | 807$ |
| Beer | 2.57$ |
| Fitness club | 44.26$ |
| Internet | 21.75$ |
| Basic utilities | 90.99$ |
As you can see, Playa del Carmen is a lot cheaper than other major cities and digital nomad destinations. However, make sure to remember that these costs are average estimates. Your cost of living will be ultimately determined by your spending patterns and lifestyle.
Culture, Nature, and Food in Playa del Carmen
With its historic architecture, rich history, live performances, and museums, Playa del Carmen is nothing short of a masterpiece. You can always learn more about the culture by engaging with the locals and exploring the city. It can also be enjoyed in the free events happening all year long.
Living here allows you to take weekend trips and enjoy nearby historical sights as well. Cities like Merida and Cancun are merely hours away while ancient ruins like Chichen Itza aren’t all that far either. If not that, you can always enjoy the trendy cafes and natural reserves here. Nature lovers will certainly thrive here.
When it comes to the food in Playa del Carmen, it’s unforgettable, to say the least. Cafes, restaurants, and bars are located all over the city that offer delicious and amazing food. The local Mexican cuisine is flavorful and several people still follow the traditional recipes. Additionally, the street food scene is also pretty big in the city as there are vendors on every corner. The food also tends to be affordable and budget-friendly!
Best Time to Visit Playa del Carmen
The coastal resort town of Playa del Carmen is essentially pleasant all year long. However, the best time to visit is between April and May. This is the period when tourist crowds are limited and the weather is good enough for exploring.
Other than that, note that the wet season lasts from April to September and June is the rainiest month. You can expect the monsoon rainy season to last until October while the dry season stretches from November to May.
As long as you are well informed about the weather conditions and seasons, you can choose a suitable time to visit Playa del Carmen.
12 Best Things to Do in Playa del Carmen
Despite being small, Playa del Carmen has a lot to offer. You can engage in a range of activities and have a great time. Either way, make sure to do these 12 best things.
1. Enjoy a city tour
Playa del Carmen is a city that has a lot to offer. If you happen to find yourself in this mesmerizing place, take advantage of the situation and explore it properly! We recommend you take one of the many guided tours and learn more about the place. City tours are also recommended because you get a chance to learn essential details.
2. Go hiking
If you are looking for a fun outdoor activity, consider going hiking and spending some time in refreshing nature. Since this city is mountainous, there are plenty of good hiking spots in the west of the city. You can go to
- Quinta Avenida
- Playa del Carmen
- Playa Punto Uno
- 5ta Avenida – Palacio Municipal
- Pista Deportiva Mario Villanueva
- Parque Fundadores – Xaman-Ha Aviario
- Sendero Selva Grand Sirenis
- Playa 88
Hiking also allows you to see beautiful and scenic views once you have reached the top.
3. Take a food tour
Playa del Carmen has a foodie culture and the only way to experience the best of it is by joining a food tour. You can meet other foodies, interact with Mexican people, and enjoy amazing Mexican food all at the same time. While it is possible to explore the best food on your own, a professional guide will make it so much more interesting and easier.
4. Visit the art galleries.
Whether you are an art enthusiast or not, make sure to visit the popular art galleries in Playa del Carmen. This city is a creative hub filled with unique talent and innovation! You can visit the art galleries to appreciate art, support artists, and see some of the best exhibitions. Here are some great options:
- Gastón Charó Art Gallery Playa del Carmen
- La 5ta Hacienda
- Casa Tzutujil
- Caminarte
- Sol Jaguar
5. Visit the museums
If you want to learn about Playa del Carmen’s rich history, make sure to visit the historical museums in the city. They are a great way to appreciate the heritage and understand the city. Some of the best options include:
- 3D museum of wonders
- Gastón Charó Gallery
- Museo Frida Kahlo
6. Attend the cultural festivals
For those of you who want to experience Playa del Carmen’s rich culture to its very core, attend the local events and participate in the cultural festivities and community events. This city houses friendly locals and welcoming people who make you feel right at home. You can blend in with them at such events. Some of the best ones include the following.
- Transcendence Festival: “The Butterfly’s Awakening”
- FESTIVAL MOON
- DÍA DE MUERTOS
- Hanal Pixan
- ¿POR QUÉ NO?
7. Visit the markets
Playa del Carmen’s markets are popular tourist areas and something else entirely. With a bustling environment and colorful aura, the local markets are simply vibrant. Some markets offer delicious street food, fresh produce, and clothing while others are known for their architecture. The popular options include the Sunday market, the public market Playa del Carmen, and marketplace playa.
8. Enjoy the nightlife
Playa del Carmen is somewhat famous for its vibrant nightlife so make sure to enjoy that during your time here! You can find amazing bars, tons of nightlife activities, and live music venues in this city. Mexico’s bustling environment and cultural diversity make nightlife so much more interesting. Make sure to visit popular spots such as nightclubs, pubs, and rooftop bars.
9. Go cafe hopping
Another great thing to do in Playa del Carmen is go cafe hopping. Almost every Digital Nomad and remote worker has a special inclination and liking towards coffee shops. You’ll be happy to learn that this city houses tons of them. The cafe culture is pretty big around here and offers a variety of options.
- Marley coffee
- Morning star coffee
- Wow cafe
10. Go bar hopping
An interesting thing to do in Playa del Carmen is go bar hopping. There are tons of good cocktail bars, wine bars, and breweries in the city and each offers a good experience. For a fun night out, consider visiting them and enjoying the lively environment!
11. Connect with the digital nomad community.
One of the best things you can do in any destination is to connect with fellow digital nomads. They can provide a sense of community and companionship, making your trip much more fulfilling. You can meet digital nomads the old-school way (at coworking spaces and cafes) or you can also join WhatsApp groups or Facebook groups.
12. Take a day trip
When you are done exploring the beautiful city of Playa del Carmen, take advantage of your convenient location and visit nearby cities. There is no doubt that Mexico is a stunning country that has a lot to offer. Hence, consider taking a day trip and exploring as much of it as you can. You can go to Chichen Itza, Isla Mujeres, or nearby cities.
Is Playa del Carmen safe?
Generally speaking, Playa del Carmen is considered a safe place. However, this doesn’t change the fact that Mexico has a high crime rate including violent crimes, drug cartels, kidnapping, and armed robbery. We can say that it all depends on your lifestyle. If you avoid the shady neighborhoods, stay away from isolated areas, and keep out of criminal activities then you have nothing to worry about. Playa del Carmen can be dangerous for those who seek trouble but everyone else is pretty much safe. Make sure to take necessary precautions and spend your time in crowded areas.
Despite its safety conditions, digital nomads in a foreign country are recommended to follow some general safety tips.
- Look out for tourist scams
- Trust reputable companies
- Stay away from isolated areas
- Stay on your guard
- Stay away from shady neighborhoods
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash on hand
- Don’t carry flashy items
Visa Requirements in Playa del Carmen
Mexico’s easy visa is something that attracts digital nomads and tourists to visit here. Most passport holders are given a visa waiver by the government in the form of a FMM card. If your country of residence qualifies for that, you can enter Mexico and live here for 6 months no questions asked. You can stay in the country, settle for a while, travel around, and see sights without any commitment or additional costs. In short, a visa waiver gives you a 180-day free pass.
Once the six months have passed, you can leave the country and come back for another six months after a while. This doesn’t always work but it’s worth a try!
Here are some basic requirements for the tourist visa:
- Bank account statements
- Valid passport
- Certificate of employment
- Proof of residence
- 1 colored passport-sized photo
- Completed application form
If you are looking for a long-term option then consider a Mexico digital nomad visa, also known as a temporary residence visa. This is a good alternative for remote workers to stay in the country.
Conclusion
Conclusively, we can say that Playa del Carmen deserves all the hype it is getting. This beautiful place is packed with opportunities and amenities. Digital nomads and remote workers can expect to have a fulfilling time here, thanks to all the facilities. Everything from its natural beauty and internet connection to architecture and culture is splendid. You can settle here for an extended period of time and experience the ultimate digital nomad lifestyle.
We hope this article helped you get a complete insight into what it’s like living in Playa del Carmen. If you have any further questions or doubts, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help.
Did You Like This Playa del Carmen Guide For Digital Nomads?
Sign up for our newsletter to receive more exclusive tips and insights straight to your inbox!