Playa del Carmen for Expats
Playa del Carmen is a beautiful and vibrant city located on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. It’s an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads looking to live in the sun-drenched paradise of the Yucatan Peninsula.
This guide will provide all the tips and advice you need to make a smooth transition to living in Playa del Carmen as an expat. From flying in, to finding the perfect neighborhood, to getting accustomed to the local culture, to exploring all of the amazing activities that Playa del Carmen has to offer, this guide is sure to get you off on the right foot.
When it comes to finding a place to call home in Playa del Carmen, there are a few great neighborhoods for expats from which to choose.
The downtown area near La Quinta Avenida offers plenty of shopping, dining, and nightlife options for those who want an upbeat atmosphere with plenty of excitement. If you’d prefer something more laid-back and residential, head south towards Xcalacoco Beach or Puerto Aventuras for quieter neighborhoods with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.
Once you’ve settled into your new digs, it’s time to take your exploration further! Playa del Carmen offers a plethora of activities and attractions that are sure to please any type of traveler. Spend your days scuba diving in one of its many cenotes; lounging on its pristine white sand beaches; or checking out ancient Mayan ruins like Tulum and Chichen Itza or one of the amazing cenotes. Shopping enthusiasts can wander down La Quinta Avenida and explore its chic boutiques filled with Mexican handicrafts; while foodies can savor delicious Mexican cuisine like tacos al pastor or cochinita pibil at one of its many lively eateries.
The cost of living in Playa del Carmen also varies depending on whether you’re renting or buying property. On average, typical monthly expenses like rent/mortgage payments, groceries, utilities, transportation costs etc., can range anywhere from $500 – $1,500 USD (4,000 – 12000 MXN) per month per person – with housing typically making up 40 – 50% of total expenses.
And if you’re able to negotiate prices directly with local vendors at markets or stores (which isn’t hard considering most people speak Spanish), you may be able to find even better deals!
Overall, playa del Carmen is an amazing place for expats looking for adventure and sun-filled days by the sea! With so much culture and activity packed into such a small corner of paradise – it’s no wonder why so many people have chosen playa del Carmen as their home away from home.
I recommend these travel resources for Mexico that I personally use:
🏨 Hotels: I have found that Expedia and Booking.com consistently have the best deals on hotels and resorts in Mexico. If you prefer to stay at a vacation rental, check VRBO that is usually cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: To find the best flight deals to Mexico, I always use Kayak. Remember to subscribe to their price alerts for the travel dates you want. Another great alternative for flight deals is Expedia.
🚗 Rental Cars: I always use and highly recommend Discover Cars because it allows me to compare several car rental companies and view ratings on various factors such as overall value, pick-up procedure, agent efficiency, car condition, and total time taken.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: For the fastest and easiest way to travel, I suggest arranging a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation. Honestly, no better way to travel from the airport to your hotel or resort.
🤿 Tours & Activities: For tours and activities in Mexico, I highly recommend using either Viator or GetYourGuide. These websites offer a full refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the start of the tour, and they also provide excellent customer service in case of any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: I always suggest purchasing travel insurance as a precaution before traveling, especially after a recent accident in a taxi in Mexico. For short trips, I recommend Travel Insurance Master, whereas for digital nomads, Safety Wing is a better option.
📷 Best Camera for your trip: I always carry with me a GoPro, It’s light, compact, takes great video and pictures, and most importantly, it’s waterproof! You just can’t go wrong with one. If you are interested in higher quality video and photography, I always carry with me on my trips and highly recommend the Sony A7IV which I think is the best travel DSLR Camera out there.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Remember to include a good sunscreen to protect yourself from the summer sun. I always use and suggest Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is vegan, reef-friendly, and cruelty-free.
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