Playa del Carmen, Mexico

• Centro - Walkable downtown area close to the beach and 5th Avenue restaurants
• Playacar - Gated community south of town with quiet streets and resort vibes
• Colosio - Affordable residential area popular with long-term nomads and expats
• Gonzalo Guerrero - Local neighborhood with lower rents and authentic taco stands

• Nest Coworking - Modern space with a pool and strong community events
• Selina Playa del Carmen - Part of the global Selina chain with coliving options
• Bunker Coworking - Affordable option with fast internet and a rooftop terrace

• The colectivo (shared vans) to Cancun airport costs a fraction of a taxi - catch them on Highway 307
• Avoid 5th Avenue restaurants for daily meals - they are tourist-priced. Walk a few blocks inland for authentic, affordable food
• Cenotes are everywhere - rent a car for a day and visit several in the Ruta de los Cenotes near Puerto Morelos
• Playa can be hot and humid year-round - make sure your accommodation has good air conditioning
• The water is not safe to drink from the tap - use a garrafon (large water jug) delivery service
• Peak season (December-March) brings higher prices and crowds - the shoulder months offer better value

Mexico is one of the easiest countries for digital nomads. Most nationalities receive a 180-day tourist permit (FMM) on arrival with no application or fees. This is one of the most generous automatic stays in the world. For longer stays, the Temporary Resident Visa allows 1-4 years and requires proof of monthly income of approximately $2,500 or savings of $42,000. Mexico also offers the Residente Temporal con permiso de trabajo for those who want to work locally. Note that spending more than 183 days in Mexico in a calendar year may create tax residency obligations.