Mexico is one of those countries that has it all. From pristine tropical beaches to glorious mountain ranges and impressive cities, Mexico truly has something for everyone. It’s no wonder thousands of digital nomads choose to call this Central American country “home”.
7 Reasons Why Digital Nomads Choose Mexico as Their Home Base
There are many reasons why digital nomads and online workers choose certain places to settle down. After living and working in Mexico for five months myself, and speaking with other digital nomads, these are the top 7 reasons why many choose Mexico as a home base.
1. Generous Tourist Visa
One of the biggest reasons Mexico is becoming a hot spot for digital nomads is the ease of the immigration process into the country. A standard tourist visa is a lengthy 180 days (6 months) compared to the common 30 or 90-day visas in other countries.
Being allowed to stay in Mexico for six months at a time without any immigration worries is a major perk. You’ll need to leave the country after six months and return with a new stamp if you want to renew.
You can also apply for a Temporary Resident Visa, which requires you to prove a certain monthly income. You’ll also need proof of global health insurance, but this visa allows an even longer stay for digital nomads.
2. Affordable Cost of Living
Compared to the United States and other Westernized countries, Mexico is a relatively “cheap” place to live while still offering a high quality of life. You get a lot of bang for your buck, especially if you’re earning in USD.
Living in Mexico is perfect for digital nomads because it can be tailored to any budget. You can live very comfortably for around $2,000 per month and can live off far less if you’re on a stricter financial plan.
For reference, according to LivingCost.org, the average cost of living is 63% less in Mexico than in the United States. Rent for one person in Mexico averages around $900 versus $2400 in the States, and food expenses are almost 50% less.
3. Major Cities with Solid Infrastructure
A major appeal for digital nomads staying in larger cities in Mexico is its dependable infrastructure. This is great news for online workers who depend on reliable, fast internet to get their work done.
Smaller beach towns will often have WiFi, however, it’s less reliable than the connection in major cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, or Cancun. Weather often plays a big role in internet outages, which tend to impact the smaller, less-developed towns in Mexico.
Regardless, in most popular Mexican towns, both big and small, you can often find internet cafes and coworking spaces that have reliable internet. The average internet speeds in Mexican cities are around 61Mbps.
4. Amazing Culture and Hospitality
Many expats and digital nomads, including myself, are drawn to Mexico because of its warm, welcoming, and vibrant culture. Mexico’s history and heritage run deep, and the laid-back lifestyle is more than inviting.
Expect warm smiles and friendly faces wherever you go, with people willing to lend a helping hand on every corner. The Mexican people are known to welcome others with open arms, and speaking a little Spanish can get you a long way.
The food is also some of the best in the world, with different cuisines being showcased throughout different regions of the country. Each region of Mexico has something unique and charming to offer.
5. Warm Weather
If you’re anything like me, you prefer to travel to places with a warm and pleasant climate. A major draw for digital nomads is that the weather in Mexico is known to be warm all year round (with the exception of some inland, mountainous cities and regions).
The average temperature in Mexico during the summer is approximately 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and during the winter months, the temperatures average around 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
In addition to the desirable climate, Mexico also has an impressive coastline with gorgeous beaches, lush jungles, and expansive mountain ranges. You’re sure to find a climate that’s ideal for you.
6. Overall Safety
An appealing factor about Mexico for digital nomads is the overall safety of the country. During my five months in Mexico, I can honestly say that I never once feared for my safety or well-being.
According to International Living, the safest cities in Mexico for tourists and digital nomads include San Miguel de Allende, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, and Merida. However, most tourist-centric cities are considered very safe.
Of course, no country is entirely exempt from crime. It’s important to always be aware of your surroundings and do your due diligence before traveling anywhere. You can sign up for travel advisories through the U.S. Department of State.
7. Endless Activities and Outings
One of the biggest perks of being a digital nomad is having a healthy work-life balance. Going out and participating in fun activities is always a great de-stressor when you’re not working. Thankfully, Mexico has nearly endless options for outings and activities to fill your downtime.
If you’re near the coastline, hanging out at one of Mexico’s amazing beaches is always an option and one that in my opinion, never grows old. Some of the most popular beach towns are Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, Sayulita, Zihuatanejo, and Tulum. There are also museums, amusement parks, festivals, and outdoor excursions that can be found in almost any city.
The nightlife in Mexico offers a vibrant scene with many bars and nightclubs open until the early morning hours. Mexico is a fantastic country to go out, socialize, and meet other digital nomads, like-minded explorers, and locals.
In Conclusion
Mexico is a fast-growing destination for remote workers, and for the reasons listed above, it’s easy to see why. From affordable living, great infrastructure, and an incredible climate, there are endless reasons why Mexico could be your next digital nomad destination.
The next time you’re seeking countries to call your home base, consider placing Mexico at the top of your list.