For digital nomads, dwelling in Puerto Vallarta checks all of the bins. It’s house to a global airport, loads of coworking areas and cafes, furnished residences, a singular culinary scene, and excellent nightlife.
Residing in Puerto Vallarta, you must pinch your self continuously. The Sierra Madre mountains and the Bay of Banderas mix to create postcard-worthy surroundings that always 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 largely a city for vacationers, snowbirds, and retirees. Again then, I usually bought confused seems to be after I informed individuals I used to be working on-line in Puerto Vallarta for half the 12 months.
Today, the nomad group is prospering. I’ve seen the transformation over time, and whereas rising pains include this development, I’ve totally loved being a digital nomad dwelling in Puerto Vallarta.
Irrespective of the place the street 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. Town is house to round 225,000 individuals, and that quantity doubles in the event 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 the event you stay up there, (but it surely helps stroll off all the road tacos!).
Lengthy a favourite of cruise ship passengers and a well known LGBTQ+ vacation spot, town has additionally wooed digital nomads. This is among the finest locations to go to in Mexico, and it appears everyone seems to be working remotely in Puerto Vallarta today, so why not? It’s a direct flight from many cities within 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 more areas are getting fiber optic web, which is right for many who want to earn a living 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, stay music, or simply hanging on the seaside.
One factor I like about PV is that it gives a lot of the facilities of a giant metropolis with out a lot of the complications. You’ll be able to fly on to the US or Canada, store at Costco, and catch a brand new launch within the cinema. Positive, 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 Secure?
This query comes up when speaking about dwelling in Puerto Vallarta. Usually talking, this can be a very secure place to stay. In fact, you want to have your wits about you and take sure precautions, identical 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…
In case you’re wandering the streets of the Romantic Zone drunk at 2 AM, you’re almost certainly making your self a goal. Talking of ingesting, control yours on the bar, and don’t let strangers provide you with one.
The cartel is current in PV, however they received’t trouble you in the event 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 together with your electronics. By no means depart your costly laptop computer and telephone 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 are within the metropolis. Some nomads love the vibe of the smaller seaside cities up and down the coast, however these are the most effective ‘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 facet 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 area 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 the event you plan to remain just a few hours.
You’ve bought quick access 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 all the way 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 in the event you name this neighborhood house.
2. 5 de Diciembre
I’ll admit I’m a bit biased right here, as I referred to 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 seaside, and among the finest bars on the town.
The native satisfaction 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 identical to I did. It’s a spot I’ll all the time contemplate “house,” 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 heart beat 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 mates.
4. Romantic Zone
Any individual as soon as informed me that digital nomads wish to social gathering. I wouldn’t know, after all (winky face)… for all you evening owls on the market, the Romantic Zone is the place to be in PV.
In case you can keep targeted and never get distracted by the endless social gathering round you, this can be a excellent space to base your self in. You’ve bought many cafes, gyms, and eating places to select from on the subject of 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 individuals who want being adjoining to the social gathering, 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 in the event you relaxation your head right here.
In case you’re planning on spending quite a lot of time south of city, this can be 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 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 perhaps it’s for you.
The right way to Discover Lodging in Puerto Vallarta
Residing in Puerto Vallarta is nice, however discovering an abode could be a little overwhelming. This can be a fairly essential facet of the digital nomad life, so that can assist you out, I’ve listed among the best methods to seek 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 get in touch with individuals, however it may well repay in the event you discover the proper spot for a 12 months.
2. Hit the Pavement: There’s no alternative for strolling round and on the lookout for “se renta” indicators. In fact, for this feature, you’ll want some endurance and an honest degree of Spanish. That is how you discover the native offers although, that’s for positive.
3. Airbnb/VRBO: Whereas these aren’t all the time an awesome possibility for nomads, trip rental websites are nonetheless a stable 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 facet, typically you will discover deal in the event 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 possibility. There are quite a lot of 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 how one can discover high quality long-term leases in PV.
Value of Residing in Puerto Vallarta
By this level, I’m positive you’re questioning how a lot it prices to stay in paradise. Effectively, there’s good and dangerous information. Puerto Vallarta remains to be reasonably priced, but it surely’s gotten costlier lately (hasn’t in every single place, although?).
The current 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. You should be a bit extra strategic today, but it surely’s nonetheless attainable to stay on a finances.
Lodging Prices
Right here’s the place you’ll be able to 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 at the very least a 6-month deal if you wish to discover one thing respectable 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 seek out it for lower than 25,000 pesos ($1,400).
Leases are sometimes furnished right here and most utilities are included within the hire. You’ll possible be on the hook for electrical energy if your home has A/C, which may rack up an enormous invoice within the scorching summer season months.
Eating places and Groceries
In case you store in native markets and keep on with native meals, PV remains to be reasonably priced. I can come house with a pleasant haul from the nook tienda for beneath 200 pesos ($11). This sometimes 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 a lot 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.
Avenue meals is in every single place in PV and it’s tremendous reasonably priced. You’ll be able to 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 beneath 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 in every 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’ll be able to 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 an extra 10 pesos.
In case you’re staying in 5D, Centro, or Zona, it’s fairly straightforward to only stroll round. I want strolling on the Malecon to go to city after which taking a bus or a taxi again house – 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 likely be upfront, nonetheless, as some are unscrupulous. A experience 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 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’ll be able to pop into an OXXO and deal with 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 all the time high up in the event you run out of information.
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 be able to conveniently arrange previous to your arrival. Goats On The Street readers obtain 5% off HolaFly eSIMs utilizing this hyperlink.
Most telephone firms within the US embrace protection in Mexico, so you might not even want an area SIM. After I stayed in PV for some time, I merely paused my T-Cellular service and used a Telcel SIM because it labored out means cheaper. See Extra: 7 Straightforward Methods to Keep Linked Overseas.
Cash Saving Ideas for Puerto Vallarta
I’m fairly the frugal man (a nicer means of claiming I’m low-cost!) and I all the time attempt to watch my finances. Listed here 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 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 an area: Avenue tacos and menu-of-the-day joints are your mates – make use of them.
- Follow 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 must 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 that you could work from.
Whether or not you’re on video calls, importing content material, coding, or instructing on-line, the bandwidth has bought your again. The one concern is the wet season, which ends up in some energy outages once in a while. Greatest be ready with a backup energy and WiFi supply.
That being mentioned, listed here are among 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 most effective coworking area on the town.
They’ve a wide range 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 snug area 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 area and a resort proper within the coronary heart of the Romantic Zone and it has an awesome vibe.
I like how they provide a half-day cross 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 cross 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 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 beneath development 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 area, so if you want 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 setting, myself included. Fortunately, there are many glorious 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 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 once in Centro however they moved as much as Versalles. The espresso choices listed here are implausible, 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’ll be able to take chocolate-making workshops. You can even simply deliver your laptop computer and sit upstairs, having fun with the wonderful 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 laptop. The true enjoyable right here begins once you energy down and get on the market to get pleasure from your self. Listed here are just a few recommendations for the most effective issues to do in Puerto Vallarta:
1. Enjoyable on the Water
This can be a seaside city, so a giant perk for nomads is with the ability to get pleasure from some solar and sand. It’s nice with 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 want snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding in a nationwide marine park. Or, if it’s the season, be part of a whale-watching journey. The world is your oyster – actually, you’ll be able to even get pleasure from some contemporary oysters on the seaside once you get again.
2. Day Journeys
PV is nice and all, however even once you stay in paradise it’s your decision a change of surroundings every so often. 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’ll be able to go online on the seaside, or simply relax and chill in these enjoyable bohemian cities.
In case you’d want to go 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 in regards to the well-known spirit that comes from proper there, in Jalisco.
3. Hike to Las Animas
That is one in every 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 hitch 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 primary 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. Ultimately, 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 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 once you’re prepared.
4. Adventures
For individuals who must get the adrenaline flowing, you’ve bought loads of choices. For instance, you’ll be able to go horseback driving within the mountains after which soar on an ATV.
One other enjoyable strategy to spend a time 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 mates. 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 on your tastebuds. My mouth is watering simply serious 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 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 daily. The “off-season” can characteristic some gnarly storms, though PV is usually shielded from hurricanes because of its location within the bay.
In case 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 true on the earth once more.
Execs and Cons of Residing in Puerto Vallarta
As with wherever on the earth, there are each professionals 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:
Execs of Residing in Puerto Vallarta
- The individuals: Locals in PV are referred to as Pata Salada (Salty Ft) and they’re the most important professional to dwelling right here. Individuals are pleasant and welcoming, and make you are feeling at house 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 facet and the seaside on the opposite.
- The meals: Apart from all of the mouth-watering native meals, you will discover nearly any delicacies possible right here.
- The nightlife: In case you wish to exit and have time after darkish, this city is unquestionably your type 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 development happening evening 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 may 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 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.
In case you meet the necessities, you may 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 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 rather more reasonably priced than locations within the USA and Canada. Today, a 2-bedroom house may be had for round $1,500 per thirty days (on a long-term foundation), whereas native meals may be had for just a few {dollars}. Buses are very reasonably priced as is native booze.
Puerto Vallarta is a superb place for digital nomads and distant employees to stay. The local weather is ideal outdoors 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 a lot of development and new builds taking place, 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 could be 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 converse English. It should, nonetheless, make your keep rather more pleasurable and immersive in the event you choose up just a few Spanish phrases.
There are various 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
In case you’ve made it this far, chances are high you’re actually eager about calling PV house, at the very least for some time. I’ve been a digital nomad for over seven years now and luckily, have a lot 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 identical to anyplace, however the professionals 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.
