For digital nomads, dwelling in Puerto Vallarta checks all of the containers. It’s residence to a world airport, loads of coworking areas and cafes, furnished flats, a novel 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 usually leads to these “Is that this actual life?” moments. This is without doubt one of the top places for digital nomads.
Once I first frolicked in PV a number of years in the past, it was principally a city for vacationers, snowbirds, and retirees. Again then, I typically obtained confused seems to be once I informed individuals I used to be working on-line in Puerto Vallarta for half the 12 months.
Nowadays, the nomad group is prospering. I’ve seen the transformation through the years, and whereas rising pains include this progress, I’ve totally loved being a digital nomad dwelling in Puerto Vallarta.
Regardless of the place the street 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 residence to round 225,000 people, and that quantity doubles if you happen to rely 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 residence if you happen to reside up there, (but it surely helps stroll off all the road tacos!).
Lengthy a favourite of cruise ship passengers and a widely known LGBTQ+ destination, town has additionally wooed digital nomads. This is without doubt one of the best places to visit 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 reside.
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 right for individuals who want to do business from home.
An enormous Fb group may be very lively and has common meetups. Being a digital nomad in Puerto Vallarta is sort of the social expertise. No matter you’re into, chances are high you’ll discover mates right here who like the identical factor, whether or not mountaineering, reside music, or simply hanging on the seaside.
One factor I really like about PV is that it presents many of the facilities of an enormous metropolis with out many of the complications. You possibly can 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 building noise, but it surely’s nothing in comparison with the likes of living in Mexico City.
Is Puerto Vallarta Secure?
This query comes up when speaking about dwelling in Puerto Vallarta. Typically talking, this can be a very secure place to reside. After all, you want to have your wits about you and take sure precautions, similar to you’d do when in any overseas 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 way of and thru, the midnight is when the unhealthy stuff tends to occur…
If you happen to’re wandering the streets of the Romantic Zone drunk at 2 AM, you’re more than likely making your self a goal. Talking of ingesting, regulate yours on the bar, and don’t let strangers offer you one.
The cartel is current in PV, however they received’t trouble you if you happen to don’t trouble 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 together with your electronics. By no means depart your costly laptop and cellphone unattended when out in a restaurant or coworking house that appears secure. Click here for extra details about security in Puerto Vallarta.
Finest Areas to Dwell 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 seaside cities up and down the coast, however these are the very best ‘hoods’ in PV:
1. Versalles
In the previous couple of 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 facet of the freeway from the seaside, but it surely packs a severe punch.
For these working remotely in Puerto Vallarta, Versalles has an ideal coworking house 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 unhealthy – purchase one thing aside from only a espresso if you happen to plan to remain a couple of hours.
You’ve obtained quick access to the seaside by dwelling right here. It’s solely a bus trip or a fast journey in a cab if you wish to head all the way down to the Romantic Zone or as much as the airport.
The perfect half about Versalles, although, is the meals. There are such a lot of unbelievable locations to eat right here, and there’s at all times extra opening up. You’ll eat very properly if you happen to name this neighborhood residence.
2. 5 de Diciembre
I’ll admit I’m a bit biased right here, as I known as 5D residence 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 seaside, and a number of the finest bars on the town.
The native satisfaction is powerful right here in Cinco, and also you’ll really feel such as you’re dwelling 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 similar to I did. It’s a spot I’ll at all times take into account “residence,” 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 dwelling in Puerto Vallarta, it takes a whole lot of work to prime 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 uninteresting 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 mates.
4. Romantic Zone
Anyone as soon as informed me that digital nomads prefer to get together. I wouldn’t know, in fact (winky face)… for all you evening owls on the market, the Romantic Zone is the place to be in PV.
If you happen to can keep targeted and never get distracted by the unending 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 relating to being productive.
Residing in Zona additionally means being a stone’s throw away from Los Muertos Beach. 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 individuals who want being adjoining to the get together, Conchas Chinas might very properly be calling your title. 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 if you happen to relaxation your head right here.
If you happen to’re planning on spending a whole lot of time south of city, this can be a strong tackle. 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 selection for the extra introverted digital nomad. And by that I imply it’s not the neighborhood for me, however possibly it’s for you.
Tips on how to Discover Lodging in Puerto Vallarta
Residing in Puerto Vallarta is nice, however discovering an abode generally is a little overwhelming. This can be a fairly essential facet of the digital nomad life, so that can assist you out, I’ve listed a number of the best methods to search out lodging.
I’m of the “completely different strokes for various of us” mentality, so let me offer you a couple of choices that ought to work for many of you:
1. Fb Teams: There are a number of lively FB teams for leases in PV. It takes time to navigate all of the posts and make contact with individuals, however it could repay if you happen to discover the proper spot for a 12 months.
2. Hit the Pavement: There’s no substitute for strolling round and searching for “se renta” indicators. After all, for this selection, you’ll want some endurance 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 ideal 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 when you pursue Airbnb and VRBO. On the flip facet, typically you could find a very good deal if you happen to decide to longer durations. Take into account asking the host in the event that they’re open to longer-term stays.
4. Brokers: For a digital nomad dwelling in Puerto Vallarta, utilizing an agent can be a viable possibility. There are a whole lot of hardworking individuals in the true property enterprise right here and the referral payment normally falls on the proprietor, not the renter. Plus, they communicate the native language.
For extra, try our detailed information on how to find quality long-term rentals in PV.
Value of Residing in Puerto Vallarta
By this level, I’m certain you’re questioning how a lot it prices to reside in paradise. Effectively, there’s good and unhealthy information. Puerto Vallarta continues to be reasonably priced, but it surely’s gotten costlier in recent times (hasn’t in every single place, although?).
The current rise of the peso towards 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. You might want to be a bit extra strategic nowadays, but it surely’s nonetheless attainable to reside on a finances.
Lodging Prices
Right here’s the place you possibly can actually wreck your finances. Lodging in Puerto Vallarta has grown costlier, and the inflow of digital nomads definitely doesn’t assist.
You really want to place in some work and signal no less than a 6-month deal if you wish to discover one thing first rate for 15,000 pesos ($850) a month or much less. In order for you a pleasant place with a pool and an ocean view, you’ll do properly 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 lease. You’ll doubtless be on the hook for electrical energy if your house has A/C, which might rack up an enormous invoice within the scorching summer time months.
Eating places and Groceries
If you happen to store in native markets and follow native meals, PV continues to be reasonably priced. I can come residence 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 greater retailers, I head to locations like Ley in 5D or as much as La Comer in Fluvial. The previous is extra of an area grocery store with an honest choice, whereas the latter is extra high-end and has numerous imported objects. I hardly ever spend greater than 1,000 pesos ($56) at Ley but it surely’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 reasonably priced. You possibly can 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 method lower than up north. I normally swipe considered one of 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 finances! You possibly can take the bus wherever on the town for simply 10 pesos ($0.60). The bus that goes all the way down to Mismaloya and Boca is a further 10 pesos.
If you happen to’re staying in 5D, Centro, or Zona, it’s fairly straightforward to simply stroll round. I want strolling on the Malecon to go to city after which taking a bus or a taxi again residence – you get some train in and soak up that superior PV vibe alongside the way in which.
Native taxis are trustworthy for probably the most half. It’s at all times a good suggestion to ask how a lot the journey might be prematurely, nonetheless, 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 value and drivers can settle for your supply or counter. It’s a bit foolish however you get used to it.
SIM Playing cards and Information
It’s straightforward to get an area SIM in Puerto Vallarta. You possibly can pop into an OXXO and deal with it there. Telcel is the main firm, and you may get a card for round 200 pesos ($11.40) after which load it up. It additionally prices about 200 pesos a month for a fundamental plan, and you’ll at all times prime up if you happen to run out of knowledge.
You don’t want your passport to get a SIM, however you would possibly want a fundamental stage of Spanish. Another choice is an eSIM, which you’ll conveniently arrange previous to your arrival. Goats On The Highway readers obtain 5% off HolaFly eSIMs using this link.
Most cellphone firms within the US embrace protection in Mexico, so you could not even want an area SIM. Once I stayed in PV for some time, I merely paused my T-Cell service and used a Telcel SIM because it labored out method cheaper. See Extra: 7 Easy Ways to Stay Connected Abroad.
Cash Saving Ideas for Puerto Vallarta
I’m fairly the frugal man (a nicer method of claiming I’m low-cost!) and I at all times attempt to watch my finances. Listed here are a few of my finest 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 may get a greater deal. Wait till November and also you’re going to have a tough time discovering first rate costs.
- Stroll and take the bus: One is free and the opposite solely prices $10 pesos per journey.
- Eat like an area: Avenue tacos and menu-of-the-day joints are your pals – make use of them.
- Follow Mexican booze: It’s low-cost to drink Pacifico and tequila; not a lot for imported beers and spirits.
- Dwell on the hill and/or have a pool: Each of those will reduce down in your have to run the A/C and can prevent cash.
Coworking Areas in Puerto Vallarta and WiFi Velocity
Working remotely from Puerto Vallarta is a breeze. There’s fiber optic web throughout city now, and a strong choice of locations you could work from.
Whether or not you’re on video calls, importing content material, coding, or instructing on-line, the bandwidth has obtained your again. The one concern is the wet season, which ends up in some energy outages every now and then. Finest be ready with a backup energy and WiFi supply.
That being stated, listed below are a number of the best coworking spaces 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 the very best coworking house 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 house (3,944 pesos/$225). It’s a snug house to work in and it’s proper by the Malecon and the ocean for while you want a fast break. Click here for instructions.
2. Joint
The brand new child on the town, Joint is again after they suffered some severe harm in an enormous storm a couple of years in the past. It’s a coworking house and a lodge proper within the coronary heart of the Romantic Zone and it has an ideal vibe.
I like how they provide a half-day move for simply 100 pesos ($5.70), as I don’t get pleasure from 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 move is 1,750 pesos ($99.50). Click here for instructions.
3. Natureza
For these dwelling in 5D or Versalles, Natureza is a strong possibility. I’ve by no means used the coworking house 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, they usually have some actually good meals.
Their web site is underneath building 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 most important house, so if you want to be on calls it is best to look elsewhere. Click here for instructions.
Finest Cafes to Work From in PV
Not everyone seems to be reduce out for the workplace setting, myself included. Fortunately, there are many glorious cafes in PV the place you possibly can arrange store. Listed here are a couple of of my prime picks:
- The Green Place: I’m biased towards this place because it’s proper down the road from my outdated residence, but it surely actually is a good selection. 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 unbelievable, together with Chemex. There’s a full menu as properly if you want 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. It’s also possible to simply convey your laptop computer and sit upstairs, having fun with the superb view whereas working. Scorching chocolate is the drink of selection however they’ve espresso as properly.
Actions and Issues To Do in Puerto Vallarta
Being a digital nomad in Puerto Vallarta is about greater than sitting in your pc. The actual enjoyable right here begins while you energy down and get on the market to get pleasure from your self. Listed here are a couple of strategies for the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta:
1. Enjoyable on the Water
This can be a seaside city, so an enormous perk for nomads is having the ability to get pleasure from some solar and sand. It’s nice having the ability to pop all the way down to la playa for sundown and a drink on weekdays, and there’s lots extra to do as soon as the weekend hits.
How does an all-inclusive yacht trip to Yelapa sound? Or maybe you’d want snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding in a nationwide marine park. Or, if it’s the season, join a whale-watching trip. The world is your oyster – in truth, you possibly can even get pleasure from some recent oysters on the seaside while you get again.
2. Day Journeys
PV is nice and all, however even while you reside in paradise it’s your decision a change of surroundings every now and then. Fortunately, there are many choices for enjoyable day journeys at your fingertips right here.
Some of the in style choices is cruising up the coast to go to the cities of Sayulita and San Pancho. You possibly can log on on the seaside, or simply sit back and chill in these enjoyable bohemian cities.
If you happen to’d want to move to the mountains, a day trip 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 considered one of my all-time favourite issues to do in PV. Begin by heading all the way down to Boca de Tomatlan. You will get there through the orange bus from the Romantic Zone for simply $10 pesos. Another choice is to join 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 fundamental 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 Beach 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 seaside to Pancho’s Paradise.
A water taxi will take you again to Boca or again to PV while you’re prepared.
4. Adventures
For individuals who have to get the adrenaline flowing, you’ve obtained loads of choices. For instance, you possibly can go horseback riding in the mountains after which leap on an ATV.
One other enjoyable strategy to spend a time without work is flying across 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 really is a foodie’s paradise. There are many meals excursions that make for a enjoyable weekend exercise with nomad mates. 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 authentic local cuisine that’s a whirlwind on your tastebuds. My mouth is watering simply fascinated about it – I extremely advocate 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 excellent.
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 improve daily. The “off-season” can characteristic some gnarly storms, though PV is generally shielded from hurricanes because of its location within the bay.
If you happen to 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 the earth once more.
Execs and Cons of Residing in Puerto Vallarta
As with wherever on the earth, there are each execs and cons of dwelling in Puerto Vallarta (and Mexico as a whole). I’ve skilled all of them, so right here’s my take as a seasoned PV digital nomad:
Execs of Residing in Puerto Vallarta
- The individuals: Locals in PV are often known as Pata Salada (Salty Ft) and they’re the most important professional to dwelling right here. Persons are pleasant and welcoming, and make you’re feeling at residence whilst a wandering digital nomad.
- The surroundings: It actually doesn’t get significantly better than having the mountains on one facet and the seaside on the opposite.
- The meals: Apart from all of the mouth-watering local food, you could find nearly any delicacies conceivable right here.
- The nightlife: If you happen to prefer to exit and have a very good time after darkish, this city is unquestionably your sort of place. The nightlife in Puerto Vallarta is superb.
Cons of Residing in Puerto Vallarta
- The development: As PV will get increasingly in style, there’s building occurring evening and day throughout city.
- The noise: For these of you who like peace & quiet, you could wish to look elsewhere. This can be a noisy place, plain and easy.
- The climate: It’s nice for a couple of months of the 12 months, however the stretch from June to October might be fairly tough.
- The rising value: This isn’t precisely a finances vacation spot anymore. Positive, it’s nonetheless cheaper than San Francisco or London, however many locations in Latin America are cheaper.
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.
If you happen to meet the necessities, you would possibly wish to apply for momentary residency earlier than traveling to Mexico. I’ve by no means taken that route however right here’s a helpful guide.
Residing in Puerto Vallarta: FAQ’s
Puerto Vallarta is pricey in comparison with different, lesser-known cities in Mexico and cities away from the coast. Prices have elevated through the years, but it surely’s nonetheless rather more reasonably priced than places in the USA and Canada. Nowadays, a 2-bedroom residence might be had for round $1,500 per thirty days (on a long-term foundation), whereas native meals might be had for a couple of {dollars}. Buses are very reasonably priced as is native booze.
Puerto Vallarta is a wonderful place for digital nomads and distant staff to reside. The local weather is ideal exterior of the very popular summers, there are quite a few lodging choices, native meals and transportation are very reasonably priced, and there are glorious coworking areas and cafes to work from. Plus, the wifi is tremendous quick.
There are some downsides to dwelling in Puerto Vallarta. There’s numerous building and new builds taking place, which implies extra noise. Other than that noise, it may be a celebration metropolis relying on the place you keep. Prices are rising right here as properly which generally is a con, and (as with many places in Mexico), the cartel is current right here.
You don’t want to talk Spanish to reside in Puerto Vallarta as most locals communicate English. It should, nonetheless, make your keep rather more gratifying and immersive if you happen to choose up a couple of Spanish phrases.
There are numerous nice locations to reside in Puerto Vallarta for digital nomads, expats and distant staff. The favored neighborhoods embrace the Marina, Versalles, 5 de Diciembre, Romantic Zone, and El Centro.
In Conclusion
If you happen to’ve made it this far, chances are high you’re actually fascinated about calling PV residence, no less than for some time. I’ve been a digital nomad for over seven years now and luckily, have numerous 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 similar to anywhere, however the execs far outweigh the cons right here. The digital nomad scene is vibrant, there’s tons to do together with your downtime, and the meals and nightlife are each impeccable.
Ought to you find yourself selecting to be a Puerto Vallarta digital nomad, chances are high 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.
