For digital nomads, residing in Puerto Vallarta checks all of the packing containers. It’s house to a global airport, loads of coworking areas and cafes, furnished residences, a singular culinary scene, and very good nightlife.
Residing in Puerto Vallarta, you must pinch your self continually. The Sierra Madre mountains and the Bay of Banderas mix to create postcard-worthy surroundings that always leads to these “Is that this actual life?” moments. This is likely one of the high locations for digital nomads.
After I first frolicked in PV a number of years in the past, it was largely a city for vacationers, snowbirds, and retirees. Again then, I typically obtained confused appears to be like once I informed individuals I used to be working on-line in Puerto Vallarta for half the 12 months.
As of late, the nomad group is flourishing. I’ve seen the transformation through the years, and whereas rising pains include this development, I’ve completely loved being a digital nomad residing in Puerto Vallarta.
Irrespective of the place the highway takes me, all indicators at all times level again to PV. It’s only a particular place, plain and easy, and I’m excited to inform you all about it.
About Puerto Vallarta
On the Pacific Coast of Mexico, within the state of Jalisco, you’ll discover Puerto Vallarta. The town is house to round 225,000 individuals, and that quantity doubles in case you depend the entire metro space.
With the ocean in entrance and the mountains behind, the central neighborhoods in PV lengthen up into the hills. It may be fairly the exercise getting house in case you dwell up there, (nevertheless it helps stroll off all the road tacos!).
Lengthy a favourite of cruise ship passengers and a widely known LGBTQ+ vacation spot, town has additionally wooed digital nomads. This is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in Mexico, and it appears everyone seems to be working remotely in Puerto Vallarta nowadays, so why not? It’s a direct flight from many cities in the US and Canada and is a downright unbelievable place to dwell.
Digital Nomad in Puerto Vallarta: Private Expertise
Since my spouse and I first visited PV in early 2017, the nomad scene has grown exponentially. Again then, I hardly ever met anybody my age who was there working and never simply on a fast trip. There have been no coworking areas in sight.
Quick ahead to 2023 and there are a number of choices for coworking. Loads of cafes and eating places are fairly used to nomads typing away for some time (so long as you purchase one thing, in fact). Along with extra distant working places, increasingly areas are getting fiber optic web, which is good for many who favor to make money working from home.
An enormous Fb group could be very energetic and has common meetups. Being a digital nomad in Puerto Vallarta is kind of the social expertise. No matter you’re into, likelihood is you’ll discover buddies right here who like the identical factor, whether or not mountain climbing, dwell music, or simply hanging on the seashore.
One factor I like about PV is that it presents many of the facilities of an enormous metropolis with out many of the complications. You may fly on to the US or Canada, store at Costco, and catch a brand new launch within the cinema. Positive, there’s some visitors and development noise, nevertheless it’s nothing in comparison with the likes of residing in Mexico Metropolis.
Is Puerto Vallarta Secure?
This query comes up when speaking about residing in Puerto Vallarta. Usually talking, this can be a very secure place to dwell. After all, it’s worthwhile to have your wits about you and take sure precautions, identical to you’d do when in any international nation.
As my grandma at all times says, “Nothing good occurs after midnight.” Whereas I are inclined to disagree and am an evening owl by and thru, the nighttime is when the dangerous stuff tends to occur…
Should you’re wandering the streets of the Romantic Zone drunk at 2 AM, you’re most certainly making your self a goal. Talking of consuming, regulate yours on the bar, and don’t let strangers offer you one.
The cartel is current in PV, however they received’t hassle you in case you don’t hassle them. Reassuringly, there’s a considerable police existence right here, because it’s a vacationer city that brings in some huge cash.
For the aspiring Puerto Vallarta digital nomad, you’ll additionally wish to watch out along with your electronics. By no means depart your costly laptop computer and cellphone unattended when out in a restaurant or coworking area that appears secure. Click on right here for extra details about security in Puerto Vallarta.
Greatest Areas to Stay in Puerto Vallarta
To maintain this a digital nomad information to Puerto Vallarta, I’m sticking with the neighborhoods which can be within the metropolis. Some nomads love the vibe of the smaller seashore cities up and down the coast, however these are one of the best ‘hoods’ in PV:
1. Versalles
In the previous few years, the small native neighborhood of Versalles has blown up as a nomad and foodie scorching spot. It’s an unassuming place on the opposite aspect of the freeway from the seashore, nevertheless it packs a critical punch.
For these working remotely in Puerto Vallarta, Versalles has an important coworking area and several other cafes the place you possibly can arrange store for the day. Only a pleasant reminder to not make different digital nomads look dangerous – purchase one thing apart from only a espresso in case you plan to remain a number of hours.
You’ve obtained easy accessibility to the seashore by residing right here. It’s solely a bus trip or a fast journey in a cab if you wish to head right down to the Romantic Zone or as much as the airport.
One of the best half about Versalles, although, is the meals. There are such a lot of unbelievable locations to eat right here, and there may be at all times extra opening up. You’ll eat very effectively in case you name this neighborhood house.
2. 5 de Diciembre
I’ll admit I’m a bit biased right here, as I known as 5D house for a number of years, however that is the quintessential PV base. Right here, you’ll discover cobblestone streets, taco stands galore, a chilled-out seashore, and a number of the greatest bars on the town.
The native satisfaction is powerful right here in Cinco, and also you’ll really feel such as you’re residing in Mexico and never some Disney model of it.
Discover a place on one of many hilly 5D streets and settle in for some time, and also you’ll fall in love with it identical to I did. It’s a spot I’ll at all times take into account “house,” wherever I could roam.
3. El Centro
Heading south from Cinco, you’ll end up within the heart of all of it. If you wish to really feel the heartbeat of the place whereas residing in Puerto Vallarta, it takes numerous work to high El Centro.
This neighborhood has all of the crown jewels of PV – the Malecon, the cathedral, and the cross on the hill. There’s by no means a boring second right here within the central a part of city.
One of many largest attracts for a nomad is Vallarta Cowork. That is the OG for PV coworking areas; it’s a splendid place to get the laptop computer out, be productive, and make some buddies.
4. Romantic Zone
Any person as soon as informed me that digital nomads prefer to get together. I wouldn’t know, in fact (winky face)… for all you night time owls on the market, the Romantic Zone is the place to be in PV.
Should you can keep centered and never get distracted by the endless get together round you, this can be a very good space to base your self in. You’ve obtained many cafes, gyms, and eating places to select from in terms of being productive.
Residing in Zona additionally means being a stone’s throw away from Los Muertos Seaside. Nothing is extra reaffirming why you reside the nomad life than dipping your toes within the sand whereas sipping a Pacifico and watching a mariachi band.
5. Conchas Chinas
For many who favor being adjoining to the get together, Conchas Chinas may very effectively be calling your identify. It’s simply up the hill (or over the rocks) from the Romantic Zone, so that you received’t hear the thumping beats of the nightclubs in case you relaxation your head right here.
Should you’re planning on spending numerous time south of city, this can be a strong handle. Issues just like the Boca to Las Animas hike or taking the boat to Yelapa are straightforward peasy from right here.
There’s not a lot of a “scene” in Conchas Chinas, so to talk, so this can be a nice alternative for the extra introverted digital nomad. And by that I imply it’s not the neighborhood for me, however perhaps it’s for you.
Learn how to Discover Lodging in Puerto Vallarta
Residing in Puerto Vallarta is nice, however discovering an abode is usually a little overwhelming. It is a fairly essential facet of the digital nomad life, so that will help you out, I’ve listed a number of the best methods to search out lodging.
I’m of the “totally different strokes for various people” mentality, so let me offer you a number of choices that ought to work for many of you:
1. Fb Teams: There are a number of energetic FB teams for leases in PV. It takes time to navigate all of the posts and make contact with individuals, however it might repay in case you discover the proper spot for a 12 months.
2. Hit the Pavement: There’s no alternative for strolling round and in search of “se renta” indicators. After all, for this selection, you’ll want some persistence and an honest stage of Spanish. That is how you discover the native offers although, that’s for certain.
3. Airbnb/VRBO: Whereas these aren’t at all times an important possibility for nomads, trip rental websites are nonetheless a strong possibility for a take a look at drive. Discover a place for a few weeks or a month whilst you pursue Airbnb and VRBO. On the flip aspect, generally you’ll find an excellent deal in case you decide to longer intervals. Think about asking the host in the event that they’re open to longer-term stays.
4. Brokers: For a digital nomad residing in Puerto Vallarta, utilizing an agent can be a viable possibility. There are numerous hardworking individuals in the true property enterprise right here and the referral price normally falls on the proprietor, not the renter. Plus, they converse the native language.
For extra, try our detailed information on the way to discover high quality long-term leases in PV.
Value of Residing in Puerto Vallarta
By this level, I’m certain you’re questioning how a lot it prices to dwell in paradise. Properly, there’s good and dangerous information. Puerto Vallarta remains to be inexpensive, nevertheless it’s gotten dearer lately (hasn’t in every single place, although?).
The latest rise of the peso in opposition to the greenback is nice for locals, however not so good for digital nomads. It hovered round $20 MXN to $1 USD for some time, however now it’s round $17. It’s essential be a bit extra strategic nowadays, nevertheless it’s nonetheless attainable to dwell on a price range.
Lodging Prices
Right here’s the place you possibly can actually wreck your price range. Lodging in Puerto Vallarta has grown dearer, and the inflow of digital nomads actually doesn’t assist.
You really want to place in some work and signal not less than a 6-month deal if you wish to discover one thing respectable for 15,000 pesos ($850) a month or much less. If you need a pleasant place with a pool and an ocean view, you’ll do effectively to search out it for lower than 25,000 pesos ($1,400).
Leases are usually furnished right here and most utilities are included within the hire. You’ll doubtless be on the hook for electrical energy if your home has A/C, which might rack up an enormous invoice within the scorching summer season months.
Eating places and Groceries
Should you store in native markets and follow native meals, PV remains to be inexpensive. I can come house with a pleasant haul from the nook tienda for underneath 200 pesos ($11). This usually features a bunch of fruit and veggies, eggs, tortillas, yogurt, beans, and rice.
For larger retailers, I head to locations like Ley in 5D or as much as La Comer in Fluvial. The previous is extra of a neighborhood grocery store with an honest choice, whereas the latter is extra high-end and has a number of imported objects. I hardly ever spend greater than 1,000 pesos ($56) at Ley nevertheless it’s extra like 2,000 pesos ($110) if I do an enormous store at La Comer.
Avenue meals is in every single place in PV and it’s tremendous inexpensive. You may nonetheless get tacos and tostadas for 20 pesos a bit (round $1). There are additionally loads of native eating places which have a meal of the day for underneath 100 pesos ($5.70), which features a drink and dessert.
Going out to fancy eating places prices considerably extra, however nonetheless means lower than up north. I normally swipe one among my bank cards to get factors and the invoice is normally round $50-$70 for 2 of us, with drinks.
Transportation Prices in Puerto Vallarta
Right here’s some excellent news on your price range! You may take the bus wherever on the town for simply 10 pesos ($0.60). The bus that goes right down to Mismaloya and Boca is an extra 10 pesos.
Should you’re staying in 5D, Centro, or Zona, it’s fairly straightforward to simply stroll round. I favor strolling on the Malecon to go to city after which taking a bus or a taxi again house – you get some train in and soak up that superior PV vibe alongside the way in which.
Native taxis are sincere for essentially the most half. It’s at all times a good suggestion to ask how a lot the journey will likely be upfront, nevertheless, as some are unscrupulous. A trip on the town normally prices $50-$60 pesos ($2.80 – $3.50).
Uber works right here however inDrive is the popular rideshare app. You place in a worth and drivers can settle for your supply or counter. It’s a bit foolish however you get used to it.
SIM Playing cards and Knowledge
It’s straightforward to get a neighborhood SIM in Puerto Vallarta. You may pop into an OXXO and handle it there. Telcel is the main firm, and you will get a card for round 200 pesos ($11.40) after which load it up. It additionally prices about 200 pesos a month for a primary plan, and you’ll at all times high up in case you run out of information.
You don’t want your passport to get a SIM, however you may want a primary stage of Spanish. An alternative choice is an eSIM, which you’ll conveniently arrange previous to your arrival. Goats On The Street readers obtain 5% off HolaFly eSIMs utilizing this hyperlink.
Most cellphone firms within the US embrace protection in Mexico, so you could not even want a neighborhood SIM. After I stayed in PV for some time, I merely paused my T-Cell service and used a Telcel SIM because it labored out means cheaper. See Extra: 7 Simple Methods to Keep Related Overseas.
Cash Saving Ideas for Puerto Vallarta
I’m fairly the frugal man (a nicer means of claiming I’m low cost!) and I at all times attempt to watch my price range. Listed here are a few of my greatest money-saving ideas for all times in Puerto Vallarta:
- Discover a place in September or October: That is the tip of the off-season and you will get a greater deal. Wait till November and also you’re going to have a tough time discovering respectable costs.
- Stroll and take the bus: One is free and the opposite solely prices $10 pesos per journey.
- Eat like a neighborhood: Avenue tacos and menu-of-the-day joints are your pals – make use of them.
- Persist with Mexican booze: It’s low cost to drink Pacifico and tequila; not a lot for imported beers and spirits.
- Stay on the hill and/or have a pool: Each of those will minimize down in your have to run the A/C and can prevent cash.
Coworking Areas in Puerto Vallarta and WiFi Pace
Working remotely from Puerto Vallarta is a breeze. There’s fiber optic web throughout city now, and a strong choice of locations which you could work from.
Whether or not you’re on video calls, importing content material, coding, or educating on-line, the bandwidth has obtained your again. The one concern is the wet season, which leads to some energy outages once in a while. Greatest be ready with a backup energy and WiFi supply.
That being stated, listed below are a number of the greatest coworking areas in Puerto Vallarta:
1. Vallarta Cowork
There wouldn’t be a digital nomad scene in PV with out Vallarta Cowork, plain and easy. This was the primary and it stays one of the best coworking area on the town.
They’ve quite a lot of choices right here, from a weekly scorching desk (1,160 pesos/$66) to a month-to-month devoted area (3,944 pesos/$225). It’s a cushty area to work in and it’s proper by the Malecon and the ocean for while you want a fast break. Click on right here for instructions.
2. Joint
The brand new child on the town, Joint is again after they suffered some critical injury in an enormous storm a number of years in the past. It’s a coworking area and a resort proper within the coronary heart of the Romantic Zone and it has an important vibe.
I like how they provide a half-day go for simply 100 pesos ($5.70), as I don’t take pleasure in sitting wherever for a full day. If you wish to take that route, it’s solely 200 pesos ($12). If you wish to make your visits an everyday factor, a month-to-month go is 1,750 pesos ($99.50). Click on right here for instructions.
3. Natureza
For these residing in 5D or Versalles, Natureza is a strong possibility. I’ve by no means used the coworking area however I’ve labored from the cafe downstairs and the restaurant down the road a number of occasions. The WiFi is quick, the espresso is nice, and so they have some actually good meals.
Their web site is underneath development so I’m not capable of finding the present costs. Nevertheless, a fast search turned up $200 pesos for a day or $1,900 pesos for the month, which sounds about proper. It isn’t the largest area, so if it’s worthwhile to be on calls you need to look elsewhere. Click on right here for instructions.
Greatest Cafes to Work From in PV
Not everyone seems to be minimize out for the workplace surroundings, myself included. Fortunately, there are many glorious cafes in PV the place you possibly can arrange store. Listed here are a number of of my high picks:
- The Inexperienced Place: I’m biased towards this place because it’s proper down the road from my outdated residence, nevertheless it actually is a good alternative. It’s open-air so it doesn’t really feel all stuffy. They’ve superb vegan meals and actually good espresso right here too.
- Miscelanea: This spot was in Centro however they moved as much as Versalles. The espresso choices listed below are implausible, together with Chemex. There’s a full menu as effectively if it’s worthwhile to keep for some time and are in want of gasoline.
- Choco Museo: Situated proper on the Malecon, this place is a vacationer attraction the place you possibly can take chocolate-making workshops. You too can simply deliver your laptop computer and sit upstairs, having fun with the superb view whereas working. Scorching chocolate is the drink of alternative however they’ve espresso as effectively.
Actions and Issues To Do in Puerto Vallarta
Being a digital nomad in Puerto Vallarta is about greater than sitting in your pc. The true enjoyable right here begins while you energy down and get on the market to take pleasure in your self. Listed here are a number of strategies for the greatest issues to do in Puerto Vallarta:
1. Enjoyable on the Water
It is a seashore city, so an enormous perk for nomads is having the ability to take pleasure in some solar and sand. It’s nice having the ability to pop right down to la playa for sundown and a drink on weekdays, and there’s a lot extra to do as soon as the weekend hits.
How does an all-inclusive yacht journey to Yelapa sound? Or maybe you’d favor snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding in a nationwide marine park. Or, if it’s the season, be a part of a whale-watching journey. The world is your oyster – the truth is, you possibly can even take pleasure in some recent oysters on the seashore while you get again.
2. Day Journeys
PV is nice and all, however even while you dwell in paradise you might have considered trying a change of surroundings every now and then. Fortunately, there are many choices for enjoyable day journeys at your fingertips right here.
One of the widespread choices is cruising up the coast to go to the cities of Sayulita and San Pancho. You may log on on the seashore, or simply sit back and chill in these enjoyable bohemian cities.
Should you’d favor to go to the mountains, a day journey to San Sebastian del Oeste is a enjoyable possibility. You’ll get to benefit from the superb surroundings and go to a tequila distillery to be taught all concerning the well-known spirit that comes from proper there, in Jalisco.
3. Hike to Las Animas
That is one among my all-time favourite issues to do in PV. Begin by heading right down to Boca de Tomatlan. You will get there through the orange bus from the Romantic Zone for simply $10 pesos. An alternative choice is to be a part of this highly-rated tour.
When you get there, you possibly can stroll over the bridge and hop on the path. It hugs the coast and goes up and down within the hills a bit, however isn’t too strenuous – a primary stage of health is sufficient.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll stroll throughout hidden seashores the place you possibly can cease to sit back or swim. Ultimately, you find yourself at Las Animas Seaside the place you possibly can take your choose from the dozen or so eating places there. I normally stroll to the quieter finish of the seashore to Pancho’s Paradise.
A water taxi will take you again to Boca or again to PV while you’re prepared.
4. Adventures
For many who have to get the adrenaline flowing, you’ve obtained loads of choices. For instance, you possibly can go horseback driving within the mountains after which bounce on an ATV.
One other enjoyable approach to spend a day without work is flying throughout ziplines earlier than cooling off with waterslides into pure swimming pools. Or maybe you’d like to tear throughout the longest suspension bridge in Latin America on an ATV. There are many choices for the adventurers amongst you.
5. Eat All of the Issues
Puerto Vallarta actually is a foodie’s paradise. There are many meals excursions that make for a enjoyable weekend exercise with nomad buddies. I’m an enormous fan of the “Mexology Tacos & Tequila” tour because it combines two of my favourite issues.
There’s additionally this 3-hour tour of genuine native delicacies that’s a whirlwind on your tastebuds. My mouth is watering simply occupied with it – I extremely suggest giving this a go.
Climate in Puerto Vallarta
Many digital nomads look to PV to flee the chilly winter months up north. From December to April, the climate in Puerto Vallarta is downright good.
In these months, you possibly can put on shorts, T-shirts, and flip-flops on the common. You may want a lightweight lengthy sleeve for the evenings, however that’s about it.
That’s not precisely the case for the remainder of the 12 months, although. As soon as June hits, the warmth, humidity, and rain begin to enhance day-to-day. The “off-season” can characteristic some gnarly storms, though PV is generally protected against hurricanes due to its location within the bay.
Should you ask me, September and October are the worst months to be right here. By this time, you’re simply prepared for the break within the intense warmth and humidity and to cease getting caught in torrential downpours. Till November comes, and all is correct on this planet once more.
Professionals and Cons of Residing in Puerto Vallarta
As with wherever on this planet, there are each professionals and cons of residing in Puerto Vallarta (and Mexico as an entire). I’ve skilled all of them, so right here’s my take as a seasoned PV digital nomad:
Professionals of Residing in Puerto Vallarta
- The individuals: Locals in PV are generally known as Pata Salada (Salty Toes) and they’re the largest professional to residing right here. Individuals are pleasant and welcoming, and make you are feeling at house whilst a wandering digital nomad.
- The surroundings: It actually doesn’t get a lot better than having the mountains on one aspect and the seashore on the opposite.
- The meals: In addition to all of the mouth-watering native meals, you’ll find nearly any delicacies conceivable right here.
- The nightlife: Should you prefer to exit and have an excellent time after darkish, this city is unquestionably your form of place. The nightlife in Puerto Vallarta is superb.
Cons of Residing in Puerto Vallarta
- The development: As PV will get increasingly widespread, there’s development occurring night time and day throughout city.
- The noise: For these of you who like peace & quiet, you could wish to look elsewhere. It is a noisy place, plain and easy.
- The climate: It’s nice for a number of months of the 12 months, however the stretch from June to October may be fairly tough.
- The rising price: This isn’t precisely a price range vacation spot anymore. Positive, it’s nonetheless cheaper than San Francisco or London, however many locations in Latin America are inexpensive.
Digital Nomad Visa for Puerto Vallarta
Mexico doesn’t have a digital nomad visa but. Most individuals right here simply fly in and hope to get the 180-day stamp on their passport. This isn’t a assure anymore, although, and border brokers have began asking extra questions, together with proof of your lodging and return flight.
Should you meet the necessities, you may wish to apply for short-term residency earlier than touring to Mexico. I’ve by no means taken that route however right here’s a useful information.
Residing in Puerto Vallarta: FAQ’s
Puerto Vallarta is dear in comparison with different, lesser-known cities in Mexico and cities away from the coast. Prices have elevated through the years, nevertheless it’s nonetheless way more inexpensive than locations within the USA and Canada. As of late, a 2-bedroom residence may be had for round $1,500 monthly (on a long-term foundation), whereas native meals may be had for a number of {dollars}. Buses are very inexpensive as is native booze.
Puerto Vallarta is a wonderful place for digital nomads and distant employees to dwell. The local weather is ideal outdoors of the extremely popular summers, there are quite a few lodging choices, native meals and transportation are very inexpensive, and there are glorious coworking areas and cafes to work from. Plus, the wifi is tremendous quick.
There are some downsides to residing in Puerto Vallarta. There’s a number of development and new builds occurring, which implies extra noise. Aside from that noise, it may be a celebration metropolis relying on the place you keep. Prices are rising right here as effectively which is usually a con, and (as with many locations in Mexico), the cartel is current right here.
You don’t want to talk Spanish to dwell in Puerto Vallarta as most locals converse English. It should, nevertheless, make your keep way more pleasing and immersive in case you choose up a number of Spanish phrases.
There are various nice locations to dwell in Puerto Vallarta for digital nomads, expats and distant employees. The favored neighborhoods embrace the Marina, Versalles, 5 de Diciembre, Romantic Zone, and El Centro.
In Conclusion
Should you’ve made it this far, likelihood is you’re actually fascinated by calling PV house, not less than for some time. I’ve been a digital nomad for over seven years now and happily, have a number of choices for the place to spend my time (and cash). Puerto Vallarta is a spot I’ve returned to many times and can proceed to take action.
It has its downsides identical to anywhere, however the professionals far outweigh the cons right here. The digital nomad scene is vibrant, there’s tons to do along with your downtime, and the meals and nightlife are each impeccable.
Ought to you find yourself selecting to be a Puerto Vallarta digital nomad, likelihood is I’ll stumble upon you in some unspecified time in the future. When that point comes, let’s seize some avenue tacos and a few beers from OXXO, and we’ll sit within the sand and watch the sundown. See you there, amigo.