Mexico is one of those countries that has everything. From pristine tropical beaches to glorious mountain ranges and impressive cities, Mexico truly has something for everyone. It’s no wonder that thousands of digital nomads choose to call this Central American country “home.”
7 reasons why digital nomads choose Mexico as their home base
There are many reasons why digital nomads and online workers choose certain places to settle. After living and working in Mexico for five months and talking to other digital nomads, these are the top seven reasons why many choose Mexico as their home base.
1. Generous tourist visa
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One of the biggest reasons why Mexico is becoming a hotspot for digital nomads is the ease of the immigration process to the country. A standard tourist visa lasts 180 days (6 months) compared to the usual 30 or 90 day visas in other countries.
It is a great advantage to be able to stay in Mexico for six months at a time without any immigration concerns. If you want to renew, you must leave the country after six months and return with a new stamp.
You can also apply for a Temporary Resident Visa, which requires you to prove a certain monthly income. You’ll also need proof of global health insurance, but this visa allows digital nomads to stay even longer.
2. Affordable cost of living
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Compared to the United States and other Westernized countries, Mexico is a relatively “cheap” place to live while still offering a high quality of life. You get a lot for your money, especially if you earn in USD.
Living in Mexico is perfect for digital nomads because it can be adapted to any budget. You can live very comfortably on about $2,000 a month, and you can live on much less if you have a stricter financial plan.
For reference, according to LivingCost.org, the average cost of living in Mexico is 63% lower than in the United States. Rent for one person in Mexico averages about $900, compared to $2,400 in the United States, and food costs are almost 50% lower.
3. Large cities with solid infrastructure
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A big draw for digital nomads staying in larger cities in Mexico is the reliable infrastructure. This is great news for online workers who rely on reliable, high-speed internet to get their work done.
Smaller seaside resorts often have WiFi, but this is less reliable than the connection in large cities such as Mexico City, Guadalajara or Cancun. Weather often plays a major role in internet outages, which often impact Mexico’s smaller, less developed cities.
Anyway, in most popular Mexican cities, both big and small, you can often find internet cafes and coworking spaces with reliable internet. The average internet speed in Mexican cities is around 61 Mbps.
4. Great culture and hospitality
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Many expats and digital nomads, including myself, are drawn to Mexico for its warm, welcoming and vibrant culture. Mexico’s history and heritage run deep, and the laid-back lifestyle is more than inviting.
Expect warm smiles and friendly faces wherever you go, with people ready to lend a helping hand on every corner. The Mexican people are known to welcome others with open arms, and speaking a little Spanish can go a long way.
The food is also some of the best in the world, with different cuisines in different regions of the country. Each region of Mexico has something unique and charming to offer.
5. Warm weather
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If you’re like me, you prefer to travel to places with a warm and pleasant climate. A big draw for digital nomads is that the weather in Mexico is warm all year round (with the exception of some mountainous cities and inland regions).
The average temperature in Mexico during the summer is about 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and during the winter months the temperature averages around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
In addition to the desirable climate, Mexico also has an impressive coastline with beautiful beaches, lush jungles and vast mountain ranges. You will certainly find a climate that suits you.
6. General safety
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An attractive factor in Mexico for digital nomads is the overall safety of the country. During my five months in Mexico, I can honestly say that I was never afraid for my safety or well-being.
According to International Living, San Miguel de Allende, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta and Merida are the safest cities in Mexico for tourists and digital nomads. However, most tourist-oriented cities are considered very safe.
Of course, no country is completely exempt from crime. It’s important to always be aware of your surroundings and do your due diligence before traveling anywhere. You can sign up for travel advisories through the US Department of State.
7. Endless activities and trips
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One of the biggest benefits of being a digital nomad is having a healthy work-life balance. Going out and participating in fun activities is always a great de-stressor when you’re not at work. Fortunately, Mexico has almost endless options for trips and activities to fill your free time.
If you’re near the coastline, hanging out on one of Mexico’s beautiful beaches is always an option and one that in my opinion never gets old. Some of the most popular beach resorts include Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita, Zihuatanejo and Tulum. There are also museums, amusement parks, festivals and outdoor excursions that can be found in almost every city.
Mexico’s nightlife is vibrant with many bars and nightclubs open until the early morning hours. Mexico is a fantastic country to go out, socialize and meet other digital nomads, like-minded explorers and locals.
Finally
Mexico is a fast-growing destination for remote workers, and for the reasons mentioned above, it’s easy to see why. From affordable housing, great infrastructure and an incredible climate, there are endless reasons why Mexico could be your next digital nomad destination.
The next time you’re looking for countries to call home, consider putting Mexico at the top of your list.