For digital nomads, dwelling in Puerto Vallarta checks all of the packing containers. It’s residence to a global airport, loads of coworking areas and cafes, furnished residences, a novel culinary scene, and excellent nightlife.
Dwelling in Puerto Vallarta, you need to pinch your self continuously. 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.
Once 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 received confused appears after I informed individuals I used to be working on-line in Puerto Vallarta for half the yr.
As of late, the nomad neighborhood is prospering. 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.
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. Town is residence to round 225,000 individuals, and that quantity doubles if you happen to 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 residence if you happen to reside up there, (nevertheless it helps stroll off all the road tacos!).
Lengthy a favourite of cruise ship passengers and a well known LGBTQ+ vacation spot, the 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 lately, so why not? It’s a direct flight from many cities in the US and Canada and is a downright unimaginable 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, after all). Along with extra distant working places, increasingly more areas are getting fiber optic web, which is right for many who choose 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 pals right here who like the identical factor, whether or not climbing, reside music, or simply hanging on the seaside.
One factor I like about PV is that it provides many of the facilities of a giant metropolis with out many 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 visitors and building noise, nevertheless it’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. Typically talking, it is a very secure place to reside. In fact, it’s worthwhile to have your wits about you and take sure precautions, similar to you’d do when in any international nation.
As my grandma all the time says, “Nothing good occurs after midnight.” Whereas I are likely to disagree and am an evening owl by and thru, the midnight is when the unhealthy stuff tends to occur…
In the event you’re wandering the streets of the Romantic Zone drunk at 2 AM, you’re almost certainly making your self a goal. Talking of consuming, control yours on the bar, and don’t let strangers provide you with one.
The cartel is current in PV, however they gained’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 need 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.
Greatest 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 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, nevertheless it packs a critical punch.
For these working remotely in Puerto Vallarta, Versalles has a fantastic coworking house and several 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 unhealthy – purchase one thing apart from only a espresso if you happen to plan to remain just a few hours.
You’ve received 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.
The perfect half about Versalles, although, is the meals. There are such a lot of unimaginable locations to eat right here, and there may be all the time extra opening up. You’ll eat very effectively 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 among the finest bars on the town.
The native delight 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 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 heart beat of the place whereas dwelling in Puerto Vallarta, it takes a number 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 boring 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 pals.
4. Romantic Zone
Any individual as soon as informed me that digital nomads wish to get together. 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.
In the event you can keep centered and never get distracted by the endless get together round you, it is a excellent space to base your self in. You’ve received many cafes, gyms, and eating places to select from in relation 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 individuals who choose being adjoining to the get together, Conchas Chinas may very effectively 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.
In the event you’re planning on spending a number of time south of city, it is a stable handle. 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 it is a nice alternative for the extra introverted digital nomad. And by that I imply it’s not the neighborhood for me, however perhaps it’s for you.
How one can Discover Lodging in Puerto Vallarta
Dwelling in Puerto Vallarta is nice, however discovering an abode generally is a little overwhelming. It is a fairly essential facet of the digital nomad life, so that will help you out, I’ve listed among the best methods to search out lodging.
I’m of the “completely 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 phone individuals, however it may repay if you happen to discover the proper spot for a yr.
2. Hit the Pavement: There’s no substitute for strolling round and on the lookout for “se renta” indicators. In fact, for this selection, you’ll want some endurance 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 all the time a fantastic choice for nomads, trip rental websites are nonetheless a stable choice for a check drive. Discover a place for a few weeks or a month when you pursue Airbnb and VRBO. On the flip aspect, generally you’ll find a great deal if you happen to decide to longer intervals. Think about 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 also be a viable choice. There are a number of hardworking individuals in the true property enterprise right here and the referral charge normally falls on the proprietor, not the renter. Plus, they communicate the native language.
For extra, try our detailed information on methods 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 reside in paradise. Effectively, there’s good and unhealthy information. Puerto Vallarta remains to be inexpensive, nevertheless it’s gotten dearer lately (hasn’t all over the 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 want to be a bit extra strategic lately, nevertheless it’s nonetheless potential to reside on a price range.
Lodging Prices
Right here’s the place you’ll be able to actually wreck your price range. Lodging in Puerto Vallarta has grown dearer, and the inflow of digital nomads definitely doesn’t assist.
You actually need 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. If you need a pleasant place with a pool and an ocean view, you’ll do effectively 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 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 season months.
Eating places and Groceries
In the event you store in native markets and keep on with native meals, PV remains to be inexpensive. I can come residence with a pleasant haul from the nook tienda for beneath 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 a neighborhood grocery store with a good choice, whereas the latter is extra high-end and has plenty of imported objects. I hardly ever spend greater than 1,000 pesos ($56) at Ley nevertheless it’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’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 approach 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 to your price range! 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 a further 10 pesos.
In the event you’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 essentially the most half. It’s all the time a good suggestion to ask how a lot the journey shall be prematurely, 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 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’ll be able to pop into an OXXO and handle 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 may 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. An alternative 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 firms within the US embody protection in Mexico, so you could not even want a neighborhood SIM. Once I stayed in PV for some time, I merely paused my T-Cellular service and used a Telcel SIM because it labored out approach cheaper. See Extra: 7 Simple Methods to Keep Related Overseas.
Cash Saving Ideas for Puerto Vallarta
I’m fairly the frugal man (a nicer approach of claiming I’m low cost!) and I all the time attempt to watch my price range. 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 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 respectable 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.
- 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 lower down in your must run the A/C and can prevent cash.
Coworking Areas in Puerto Vallarta and WiFi Pace
Working remotely from Puerto Vallarta is a breeze. There’s fiber optic web throughout city now, and a stable choice of locations which you can work from.
Whether or not you’re on video calls, importing content material, coding, or educating 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. Greatest be ready with a backup energy and WiFi supply.
That being stated, 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 one of the best coworking house on the town.
They’ve a wide range 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 if 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 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 a fantastic 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 a daily 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 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 instances. The WiFi is quick, the espresso is nice, they usually have some actually good meals.
Their web site is beneath 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 it’s worthwhile to be on calls it is best to look elsewhere. Click on right here for instructions.
Greatest Cafes to Work From in PV
Not everyone seems to be lower out for the workplace atmosphere, 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 previous residence, nevertheless it actually is a good alternative. 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 once in Centro however they moved as much as Versalles. The espresso choices listed here are improbable, together with Chemex. There’s a full menu as effectively if it’s worthwhile to keep for some time and are in want of gas.
- 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 carry your laptop computer and sit upstairs, having fun with the superb view whereas working. Scorching chocolate is the drink of alternative however they’ve espresso as effectively.
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 if you energy down and get on the market to get pleasure from your self. Listed here are just a few ideas for the finest issues to do in Puerto Vallarta:
1. Enjoyable on the Water
It is 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 choose 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 – in reality, you’ll be able to even get pleasure from some contemporary oysters on the seaside if you get again.
2. Day Journeys
PV is nice and all, however even if you reside in paradise you might have considered trying a change of surroundings every so often. Fortunately, there are many choices for enjoyable day journeys at your fingertips right here.
One of the well-liked choices is cruising up the coast to go to the cities of Sayulita and San Pancho. You’ll be able to log on on the seaside, or simply sit back and chill in these enjoyable bohemian cities.
In the event you’d choose to go to the mountains, a day journey to San Sebastian del Oeste is a enjoyable choice. You’ll get to benefit from the superb 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 may get there through the orange bus from the Romantic Zone for simply $10 pesos. An alternative choice is to be part of 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 sit back or swim. Finally, you find yourself at Las Animas Seashore the place you’ll be able to take your decide 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 if you’re prepared.
4. Adventures
For individuals who must get the adrenaline flowing, you’ve received loads of choices. For instance, you’ll be able to go horseback using within the mountains after which leap on an ATV.
One other enjoyable technique 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 actually is a foodie’s paradise. There are many meals excursions that make for a enjoyable weekend exercise with nomad pals. 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 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 good.
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 yr, 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 shielded from hurricanes because of its location within the bay.
In the event 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 correct on this planet once more.
Execs and Cons of Dwelling in Puerto Vallarta
As with wherever on this planet, 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 Dwelling 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. Persons are pleasant and welcoming, and make you’re 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: Apart from all of the mouth-watering native meals, you’ll find nearly any delicacies conceivable right here.
- The nightlife: In the event you wish 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 Dwelling in Puerto Vallarta
- The development: As PV will get increasingly more well-liked, there’s building happening night time and day throughout city.
- The noise: For these of you who like peace & quiet, you could need to look elsewhere. It is a noisy place, plain and easy.
- The climate: It’s nice for just a few months of the yr, however the stretch from June to October could be fairly tough.
- The rising value: This isn’t precisely a price range 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 the event you meet the necessities, you may need to apply for momentary 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 pricey in comparison with different, lesser-known cities in Mexico and cities away from the coast. Prices have elevated over time, nevertheless it’s nonetheless far more inexpensive than locations within the USA and Canada. As of late, a 2-bedroom residence could be had for round $1,500 per 30 days (on a long-term foundation), whereas native meals could 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 reside. 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 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 plenty of building 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 effectively 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 reside in Puerto Vallarta as most locals communicate English. It can, nonetheless, make your keep far more pleasant and immersive if you happen to decide up just a few Spanish phrases.
There are lots of nice locations to reside in Puerto Vallarta for digital nomads, expats and distant staff. The favored neighborhoods embody the Marina, Versalles, 5 de Diciembre, Romantic Zone, and El Centro.
In Conclusion
In the event you’ve made it this far, chances are high you’re actually keen on calling PV residence, at the very least for some time. I’ve been a digital nomad for over seven years now and happily, 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 anywhere, 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 road tacos and a few beers from OXXO, and we’ll sit within the sand and watch the sundown. See you there, amigo.
