For digital nomads, dwelling in Puerto Vallarta checks all of the packing containers. It’s dwelling to a world airport, loads of coworking areas and cafes, furnished residences, a novel culinary scene, and very good nightlife.
Residing in Puerto Vallarta, it’s important to pinch your self always. The Sierra Madre mountains and the Bay of Banderas mix to create postcard-worthy surroundings that usually ends in these “Is that this actual life?” moments. This is among the high locations for digital nomads.
After I first hung out in PV a number of years in the past, it was principally a city for vacationers, snowbirds, and retirees. Again then, I typically acquired confused seems once I instructed folks 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 over time, 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. Town is dwelling to round 225,000 folks, and that quantity doubles in case you rely the entire metro space.
With the ocean in entrance and the mountains behind, the central neighborhoods in PV prolong up into the hills. It may be fairly the exercise getting dwelling in case you dwell up there, (but it surely 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 among 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 within 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 areas, increasingly more areas are getting fiber optic web, which is good for many who favor 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 kind of the social expertise. No matter you’re into, chances are high you’ll discover buddies right here who like the identical factor, whether or not mountaineering, dwell music, or simply hanging on the seaside.
One factor I like about PV is that it presents a lot of the facilities of a giant metropolis with out a lot of the complications. You may fly on to the US or Canada, store at Costco, and catch a brand new launch within the cinema. Certain, there’s some site visitors and building noise, but it surely’s nothing in comparison with the likes of dwelling in Mexico Metropolis.
Is Puerto Vallarta Secure?
This query comes up when speaking about dwelling in Puerto Vallarta. Typically talking, it is a very secure place to dwell. In fact, it’s good to have your wits about you and take sure precautions, similar 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 means of and thru, the nighttime is when the dangerous stuff tends to occur…
If you happen to’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 gained’t trouble you in case you 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 along with your electronics. By no means depart your costly laptop computer and telephone unattended when out in a restaurant or coworking house 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 are within the metropolis. Some nomads love the vibe of the smaller seaside cities up and down the coast, however these are one of the 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 sizzling spot. It’s an unassuming place on the opposite aspect of the freeway from the seaside, but it surely packs a severe punch.
For these working remotely in Puerto Vallarta, Versalles has an awesome coworking house and a number of other cafes the place you’ll be able to 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 just a few hours.
You’ve acquired quick access to the seaside by dwelling right here. It’s solely a bus journey 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 most effective 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 nicely in case you name this neighborhood dwelling.
2. 5 de Diciembre
I’ll admit I’m a bit biased right here, as I known as 5D dwelling 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 among the greatest bars on the town.
The native pleasure is robust 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 “dwelling,” wherever I’ll 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 quite a lot of 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 uninteresting second right here within the central a part of city.
One of many greatest 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 instructed 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.
If you happen to can keep targeted and never get distracted by the unending get together round you, it is a very good space to base your self in. You’ve acquired many cafes, gyms, and eating places to select from with regards to being productive.
Residing in Zona additionally means being a stone’s throw away from Los Muertos Seashore. 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 might very nicely be calling your title. It’s simply up the hill (or over the rocks) from the Romantic Zone, so that you gained’t hear the thumping beats of the nightclubs in case you relaxation your head right here.
If you happen to’re planning on spending quite a lot of time south of city, it is a stable 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 it is a nice alternative for the extra introverted digital nomad. And by that I imply it’s not the neighborhood for me, however possibly it’s for you.
The way 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 vital facet of the digital nomad life, so that can assist you out, I’ve listed among the best methods to search out lodging.
I’m of the “totally different strokes for various of us” mentality, so let me offer you just a few 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 call folks, however it could actually repay in case you discover the right spot for a 12 months.
2. Hit the Pavement: There’s no alternative for strolling round and searching for “se renta” indicators. In fact, for this feature, you’ll want some persistence and a good degree 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 awesome choice for nomads, trip rental websites are nonetheless a stable choice 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, typically you could find a great deal in case you decide to longer intervals. Contemplate 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 choice. There are quite a lot of hardworking folks in the true property enterprise right here and the referral price often falls on the proprietor, not the renter. Plus, they communicate 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. Nicely, there’s good and dangerous information. Puerto Vallarta remains to be inexpensive, but it surely’s gotten costlier in recent times (hasn’t all over the place, although?).
The latest 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 must be a bit extra strategic nowadays, but it surely’s nonetheless doable to dwell on a funds.
Lodging Prices
Right here’s the place you’ll be able to actually wreck your funds. Lodging in Puerto Vallarta has grown costlier, and the inflow of digital nomads actually doesn’t assist.
You actually need 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’d like a pleasant place with a pool and an ocean view, you’ll do nicely 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 seemingly be on the hook for electrical energy if your home has A/C, which might rack up an enormous invoice within the sizzling summer time months.
Eating places and Groceries
If you happen to store in native markets and keep on with native meals, PV remains to be inexpensive. I can come dwelling with a pleasant haul from the nook tienda for below 200 pesos ($11). This usually features a bunch of fruit and veggies, eggs, tortillas, yogurt, beans, and rice.
For larger outlets, 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 a good choice, whereas the latter is extra high-end and has plenty of imported gadgets. 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 a giant store at La Comer.
Road meals is all over the place in PV and it’s tremendous inexpensive. You may nonetheless get tacos and tostadas for 20 pesos a chunk (round $1). There are additionally loads of native eating places which have a meal of the day for below 100 pesos ($5.70), which features a drink and dessert.
Going out to fancy eating places prices considerably extra, however nonetheless approach lower than up north. I often swipe one among my bank cards to get factors and the invoice is often round $50-$70 for 2 of us, with drinks.
Transportation Prices in Puerto Vallarta
Right here’s some excellent news to your funds! You may 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 favor strolling on the Malecon to go to city after which taking a bus or a taxi again dwelling – you get some train in and soak up that superior PV vibe alongside the way in which.
Native taxis are sincere for probably the most half. It’s at all times a good suggestion to ask how a lot the journey might be upfront, nevertheless, as some are unscrupulous. A journey on the town often prices $50-$60 pesos ($2.80 – $3.50).
Uber works right here however inDrive is the popular rideshare app. You set in a value and drivers can settle for your provide 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 may pop into an OXXO and maintain 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 fundamental plan, and you may at all times high up in case you run out of knowledge.
You don’t want your passport to get a SIM, however you would possibly want a fundamental degree of Spanish. Another choice is an eSIM, which you’ll be able to conveniently arrange previous to your arrival. Goats On The Street readers obtain 5% off HolaFly eSIMs utilizing this hyperlink.
Most telephone corporations within the US embrace protection in Mexico, so it’s possible you’ll not even want an area 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 approach cheaper. See Extra: 7 Simple Methods to Keep Linked Overseas.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Puerto Vallarta
I’m fairly the frugal man (a nicer approach of claiming I’m low cost!) and I at all times attempt to watch my funds. Listed here are a few of my greatest money-saving suggestions for all times in Puerto Vallarta:
- Discover a place in September or October: That is the top 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 an area: Road tacos and menu-of-the-day joints are your folks – make use of them.
- Keep on 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 Velocity
Working remotely from Puerto Vallarta is a breeze. There’s fiber optic web throughout city now, and a stable collection 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 acquired your again. The one concern is the wet season, which leads to some energy outages every now and then. Greatest be ready with a backup energy and WiFi supply.
That being mentioned, listed below are among 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 house on the town.
They’ve quite a lot of choices right here, from a weekly sizzling 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 once 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 severe harm in a giant storm just a few 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 awesome 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 dwelling in 5D or Versalles, Natureza is a stable choice. 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, and so they have some actually good meals.
Their web site is below building so I’m not capable of finding the present costs. Nonetheless, 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 it’s good 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 wonderful cafes in PV the place you’ll be able to arrange store. Listed here are just a few of my high picks:
- The Inexperienced Place: I’m biased towards this place because it’s proper down the road from my previous residence, but it surely actually is a good alternative. It’s open-air so it doesn’t really feel all stuffy. They’ve wonderful vegan meals and actually good espresso right here too.
- Miscelanea: This spot was once in Centro however they moved as much as Versalles. The espresso choices listed below are improbable, together with Chemex. There’s a full menu as nicely if it’s good 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’ll be able to take chocolate-making workshops. You may also simply carry your laptop computer and sit upstairs, having fun with the wonderful view whereas working. Scorching chocolate is the drink of alternative however they’ve espresso as nicely.
Actions and Issues To Do in Puerto Vallarta
Being a digital nomad in Puerto Vallarta is about greater than sitting in your laptop. The actual enjoyable right here begins once you energy down and get on the market to take pleasure in your self. Listed here are just a few ideas for one of the best issues to do in Puerto Vallarta:
1. Enjoyable on the Water
This can be a seaside city, so a giant perk for nomads is having the ability to take pleasure in 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 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 – in actual fact, you’ll be able to even take pleasure in some contemporary oysters on the seaside once you get again.
2. Day Journeys
PV is nice and all, however even once you dwell in paradise it’s your decision a change of surroundings now and again. Fortunately, there are many choices for enjoyable day journeys at your fingertips right here.
Probably the most in style choices is cruising up the coast to go to the cities of Sayulita and San Pancho. You may go online on the seaside, or simply chill and chill in these enjoyable bohemian cities.
If you happen to’d favor to go to the mountains, a day journey to San Sebastian del Oeste is a enjoyable choice. You’ll get to benefit from the wonderful surroundings and go to a tequila distillery to study 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 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 affix this highly-rated tour.
When you get there, you’ll be able to 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 degree of health is sufficient.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll stroll throughout hidden seashores the place you’ll be able to cease to relax or swim. Finally, you find yourself at Las Animas Seashore the place you’ll be able to take your choose from the dozen or so eating places there. I often 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 once you’re prepared.
4. Adventures
For many who have to get the adrenaline flowing, you’ve acquired loads of choices. For instance, you’ll be able to go horseback driving within the mountains after which bounce on an ATV.
One other enjoyable approach to spend a time off 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 a giant 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 to 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’ll be able to put on shorts, T-shirts, and flip-flops on the common. You may want a light-weight 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 day-to-day. The “off-season” can characteristic some gnarly storms, though PV is usually protected against hurricanes due to 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 true on this planet once more.
Professionals and Cons of Residing in Puerto Vallarta
As with wherever on this planet, there are each execs and cons of dwelling 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 folks: Locals in PV are generally 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 are feeling at dwelling at the same time as a wandering digital nomad.
- The surroundings: It actually doesn’t get a lot better than having the mountains on one aspect and the seaside on the opposite.
- The meals: In addition to all of the mouth-watering native meals, you could find nearly any delicacies possible right here.
- The nightlife: If you happen to prefer to exit and have a great 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 more in style, there’s building occurring night time and day throughout city.
- The noise: For these of you who like peace & quiet, it’s possible you’ll wish to look elsewhere. This can be a noisy place, plain and easy.
- The climate: It’s nice for just a few months of the 12 months, however the stretch from June to October might be fairly tough.
- The rising value: This isn’t precisely a funds vacation spot anymore. Certain, 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 non permanent 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 pricey in comparison with different, lesser-known cities in Mexico and cities away from the coast. Prices have elevated over time, but it surely’s nonetheless rather more inexpensive than locations within the USA and Canada. As of late, a 2-bedroom residence might be had for round $1,500 per 30 days (on a long-term foundation), whereas native meals might be had for just a few {dollars}. Buses are very inexpensive as is native booze.
Puerto Vallarta is a wonderful place for digital nomads and distant staff to dwell. The local weather is ideal exterior of the very popular summers, there are quite a few lodging choices, native meals and transportation are very inexpensive, and there are wonderful coworking areas and cafes to work from. Plus, the wifi is tremendous quick.
There are some downsides to dwelling in Puerto Vallarta. There’s plenty of building and new builds taking place, which suggests extra noise. Aside from that noise, it may be a celebration metropolis relying on the place you keep. Prices are rising right here as nicely which generally is 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 communicate English. It’s going to, nevertheless, make your keep rather more fulfilling and immersive in case you choose up just a few Spanish phrases.
There are numerous nice locations to dwell 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 desirous about calling PV dwelling, not less than for some time. I’ve been a digital nomad for over seven years now and luckily, have plenty of choices for the place to spend my time (and cash). Puerto Vallarta is a spot I’ve returned to time and again and can proceed to take action.
It has its downsides similar to anyplace, however the execs 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, 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.
