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For digital nomads, dwelling in Puerto Vallarta checks all of the bins. It’s residence to a world airport, loads of coworking areas and cafes, furnished flats, a singular culinary scene, and very good nightlife.
Dwelling in Puerto Vallarta, you must pinch your self consistently. 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 likely one of the high locations 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 received confused appears once I advised folks I used to be working on-line in Puerto Vallarta for half the 12 months.
Lately, the nomad neighborhood is prospering. I’ve seen the transformation over time, and whereas rising pains include this development, I’ve completely loved being a digital nomad dwelling in Puerto Vallarta.
Irrespective of the place the highway takes me, all indicators all the time 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 folks, 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 prolong up into the hills. It may be fairly the exercise getting residence if you happen to stay 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, the town has additionally wooed digital nomads. This is likely one of the finest locations to go to in Mexico, and it appears everyone seems to be working remotely in Puerto Vallarta as of late, so why not? It’s a direct flight from many cities in the US and Canada and is a downright unbelievable place to stay.
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, after all). Along with extra distant working places, increasingly areas are getting fiber optic web, which is right for individuals who choose to do business from home.
An enormous Fb group could 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 associates right here who like the identical factor, whether or not climbing, stay music, or simply hanging on the seaside.
One factor I like about PV is that it gives a lot of the facilities of an enormous metropolis with out a lot 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. Certain, there’s some site visitors and development noise, but it surely’s nothing in comparison with the likes of dwelling in Mexico Metropolis.
Is Puerto Vallarta Protected?
This query comes up when speaking about dwelling in Puerto Vallarta. Usually talking, this can be a very secure place to stay. After all, it’s worthwhile to have your wits about you and take sure precautions, similar to you’d do when in any overseas nation.
As my grandma all the time says, “Nothing good occurs after midnight.” Whereas I are likely to disagree and am an evening owl via and thru, the midnight is when the dangerous stuff tends to occur…
For those who’re wandering the streets of the Romantic Zone drunk at 2 AM, you’re more than likely making your self a goal. Talking of consuming, keep watch over yours on the bar, and don’t let strangers provide you with one.
The cartel is current in PV, however they gained’t hassle you if you happen to 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 together with your electronics. By no means depart your costly laptop computer and cellphone unattended when out in a restaurant or coworking house that appears secure. Click on right here for extra details about security in Puerto Vallarta.
Finest Areas to Reside in Puerto Vallarta
To maintain this a digital nomad information to Puerto Vallarta, I’m sticking with the neighborhoods which might be within the metropolis. Some nomads love the vibe of the smaller seaside cities up and down the coast, however these are the perfect ‘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 aspect of the freeway from the seaside, but it surely packs a critical punch.
For these working remotely in Puerto Vallarta, Versalles has an ideal coworking house and a number of other cafes the place you may arrange store for the day. Only a pleasant reminder to not make different digital nomads look dangerous – purchase one thing aside from only a espresso if you happen to plan to remain just a few hours.
You’ve received easy accessibility to the seaside by dwelling right here. It’s solely a bus experience 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’s all the time 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 referred to 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 delight 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 all the time think about “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 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 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 associates.
4. Romantic Zone
Anyone as soon as advised me that digital nomads wish to social gathering. I wouldn’t know, after all (winky face)… for all you night time owls on the market, the Romantic Zone is the place to be in PV.
For those who can keep targeted and never get distracted by the unending social gathering round you, this can be a very good space to base your self in. You’ve received many cafes, gyms, and eating places to select from relating to being productive.
Dwelling 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 choose being adjoining to the social gathering, Conchas Chinas might very properly be calling your identify. 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 if you happen to relaxation your head right here.
For those who’re planning on spending numerous time south of city, this can be a stable deal with. Issues just like the Boca to Las Animas hike or taking the boat to Yelapa are simple 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.
The best way to Discover Lodging in Puerto Vallarta
Dwelling 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 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 provide you with 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 speak to folks, however it will possibly repay if you happen to discover the right 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 feature, you’ll want some persistence and an honest degree of Spanish. That is how you discover the native offers although, that’s for certain.
3. Airbnb/VRBO: Whereas these aren’t all the time an ideal possibility for nomads, trip rental websites are nonetheless a stable possibility for a check drive. Discover a place for a few weeks or a month when you pursue Airbnb and VRBO. On the flip aspect, typically you’ll find an excellent deal if you happen to 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 possibility. There are numerous hardworking folks in the actual property enterprise right here and the referral price often falls on the proprietor, not the renter. Plus, they communicate the native language.
For extra, take a look at our detailed information on the way to discover high quality long-term leases in PV.
Price of Dwelling in Puerto Vallarta
By this level, I’m certain you’re questioning how a lot it prices to stay in paradise. Effectively, there’s good and dangerous information. Puerto Vallarta continues to be inexpensive, but it surely’s gotten dearer lately (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 as of late, but it surely’s nonetheless attainable to stay on a finances.
Lodging Prices
Right here’s the place you may actually wreck your finances. 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 at the very least a 6-month deal if you wish to discover one thing first rate 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 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 probably 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
For those who store in native markets and follow native meals, PV continues to be inexpensive. I can come residence 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 a neighborhood 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.
Road meals is all over the place in PV and it’s tremendous inexpensive. 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 below 100 pesos ($5.70), which features a drink and dessert.
Going out to fancy eating places prices considerably extra, however nonetheless manner 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 on your finances! You possibly can 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.
For those who’re staying in 5D, Centro, or Zona, it’s fairly simple to only stroll round. I choose strolling on the Malecon to go to city after which taking a bus or a taxi again residence – you get some train in and absorb that superior PV vibe alongside the way in which.
Native taxis are sincere for probably the most half. It’s all the time a good suggestion to ask how a lot the journey will probably be prematurely, nonetheless, as some are unscrupulous. A experience 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 simple to get a neighborhood 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 primary plan, and you’ll all the time high up if you happen to run out of knowledge.
You don’t want your passport to get a SIM, however you may want a primary degree 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 utilizing this hyperlink.
Most cellphone corporations within the US embrace protection in Mexico, so you might not even want a neighborhood 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 manner cheaper. See Extra: 7 Simple Methods to Keep Related Overseas.
Cash Saving Ideas for Puerto Vallarta
I’m fairly the frugal man (a nicer manner of claiming I’m low cost!) and I all the time attempt to watch my finances. Listed below are a few of my finest 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 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 a neighborhood: Road tacos and menu-of-the-day joints are your folks – make use of them.
- Stick with Mexican booze: It’s low cost to drink Pacifico and tequila; not a lot for imported beers and spirits.
- Reside on the hill and/or have a pool: Each of those will lower 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 number of locations which you can work from.
Whether or not you’re on video calls, importing content material, coding, or instructing on-line, the bandwidth has received your again. The one concern is the wet season, which ends up in some energy outages every so often. Finest be ready with a backup energy and WiFi supply.
That being mentioned, listed here are a number of the finest 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 the perfect 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 whenever 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 just a few years in the past. It’s a coworking house and a resort proper within the coronary heart of the Romantic Zone and it has an ideal vibe.
I like how they provide a half-day go 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 a daily 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 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, and so they have some actually good meals.
Their web site is below 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 house, so if it’s worthwhile to be on calls it’s best to look elsewhere. Click on right here for instructions.
Finest Cafes to Work From in PV
Not everyone seems to be lower out for the workplace surroundings, myself included. Fortunately, there are many wonderful cafes in PV the place you may arrange store. Listed below 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 outdated house, but it surely actually is a good selection. 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 in Centro however they moved as much as Versalles. The espresso choices listed here are incredible, together with Chemex. There’s a full menu as properly 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 may take chocolate-making workshops. You can too simply convey your laptop computer and sit upstairs, having fun with the wonderful view whereas working. Sizzling 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 laptop. The true enjoyable right here begins whenever you energy down and get on the market to get pleasure from your self. Listed below are just a few strategies for the finest issues 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 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 choose 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 – actually, you may even get pleasure from some contemporary oysters on the seaside whenever you get again.
2. Day Journeys
PV is nice and all, however even whenever you stay in paradise you might have considered trying a change of surroundings infrequently. Fortunately, there are many choices for enjoyable day journeys at your fingertips right here.
One of the standard choices is cruising up the coast to go to the cities of Sayulita and San Pancho. You possibly can go online on the seaside, or simply relax and chill in these enjoyable bohemian cities.
For those who’d choose to move to the mountains, a day journey to San Sebastian del Oeste is a enjoyable possibility. 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 right down to Boca de Tomatlan. You may get there through the orange bus from the Romantic Zone for simply $10 pesos. Another choice is to be a part of this highly-rated tour.
When you get there, you may 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 degree of health is sufficient.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll stroll throughout hidden seashores the place you may cease to relax or swim. Finally, you find yourself at Las Animas Seashore the place you may 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 whenever you’re prepared.
4. Adventures
For many who have to get the adrenaline flowing, you’ve received loads of choices. For instance, you may go horseback using within the mountains after which leap on an ATV.
One other enjoyable option 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 really is a foodie’s paradise. There are many meals excursions that make for a enjoyable weekend exercise with nomad associates. 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 eager about 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 excellent.
In these months, you may 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 function some gnarly storms, though PV is generally protected against hurricanes because of its location within the bay.
For those who 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.
Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in Puerto Vallarta
As with wherever on the earth, there are each execs and cons of dwelling in Puerto Vallarta (and Mexico as a complete). I’ve skilled all of them, so right here’s my take as a seasoned PV digital nomad:
Professionals of Dwelling in Puerto Vallarta
- The folks: Locals in PV are often known as Pata Salada (Salty Toes) and they’re the largest professional to dwelling right here. Individuals are pleasant and welcoming, and make you are feeling at residence at the same time as a wandering digital nomad.
- The surroundings: It actually doesn’t get significantly 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’ll find nearly any delicacies possible right here.
- The nightlife: For those who wish to exit and have an excellent time after darkish, this city is unquestionably your form of place. The nightlife in Puerto Vallarta is great.
Cons of Dwelling in Puerto Vallarta
- The development: As PV will get increasingly standard, there’s development happening night time and day throughout city.
- The noise: For these of you who like peace & quiet, you might 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 price: This isn’t precisely a finances 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.
For those who 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.
Dwelling 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 over time, but it surely’s nonetheless far more inexpensive than locations within the USA and Canada. Lately, a 2-bedroom house might be had for round $1,500 monthly (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 superb place for digital nomads and distant employees to stay. The local weather is ideal exterior of the highly regarded 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 numerous 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 properly 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 stay in Puerto Vallarta as most locals communicate English. It’s going to, nonetheless, make your keep far more pleasing and immersive if you happen to choose up just a few Spanish phrases.
There are a lot of nice locations to stay 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
For those who’ve made it this far, chances are high you’re actually excited about calling PV residence, at the very least for some time. I’ve been a digital nomad for over seven years now and thankfully, have numerous choices for the place to spend my time (and cash). Puerto Vallarta is a spot I’ve returned to repeatedly 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 sooner or later. 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.
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