For digital nomads, dwelling in Puerto Vallarta checks all of the packing containers. It’s dwelling to a global airport, loads of coworking areas and cafes, furnished flats, a novel culinary scene, and excellent nightlife.
Dwelling in Puerto Vallarta, you need 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 likely one of the high locations for digital nomads.
Once 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 usually bought confused appears once I instructed individuals I used to be working on-line in Puerto Vallarta for half the yr.
Today, the nomad neighborhood 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.
Regardless of the place the highway 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 let you know 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 dwelling 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 dwelling if you happen to reside up there, (however it 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 likely one of 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 unbelievable 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 not often 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 right for many who choose to work at home.
An enormous Fb group may be very energetic and has common meetups. Being a digital nomad in Puerto Vallarta is kind of the social expertise. No matter you’re into, likelihood is you’ll discover mates right here who like the identical factor, whether or not mountaineering, reside music, or simply hanging on the seaside.
One factor I like about PV is that it presents 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 site visitors and development noise, however 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. Usually talking, it is a very protected place to reside. In fact, you should 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 and thru, the nighttime is when the dangerous stuff tends to occur…
When you’re wandering the streets of the Romantic Zone drunk at 2 AM, you’re more than likely making your self a goal. Talking of ingesting, control yours on the bar, and don’t let strangers offer you 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 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 protected. Click on right here for extra details about security in Puerto Vallarta.
Greatest Areas to Reside 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 the very best ‘hoods’ in PV:
1. Versalles
In the previous few 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 facet of the freeway from the seaside, however it packs a critical punch.
For these working remotely in Puerto Vallarta, Versalles has an important coworking area and several 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 a couple of hours.
You’ve bought easy accessibility to the seaside by dwelling right here. It’s solely a bus trip 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 may be at all times extra opening up. You’ll eat very nicely if you happen to name this neighborhood dwelling.
2. 5 de Diciembre
I’ll admit I’m a bit biased right here, as I referred to 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 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 at all times think about “dwelling,” wherever I’ll roam.
3. El Centro
Heading south from Cinco, you’ll end up within the middle 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 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 mates.
4. Romantic Zone
Any individual 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.
When you can keep targeted and never get distracted by the unending get together round you, it is a excellent space to base your self in. You’ve bought many cafes, gyms, and eating places to select from in terms of being productive.
Dwelling in Zona additionally means being a stone’s throw away from Los Muertos Seaside. 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 get together, Conchas Chinas may 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 if you happen to relaxation your head right here.
When you’re planning on spending quite a lot of time south of city, it is a strong 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 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.
Learn how 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 vital facet of the digital nomad life, so that can assist you out, I’ve listed a number of the best methods to search out lodging.
I’m of the “completely different strokes for various of us” mentality, so let me offer you a couple of choices that ought to work for many of you:
1. Fb Teams: There are a number of energetic FB teams for leases in PV. It takes time to navigate all of the posts and get in touch with individuals, however it might 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 feature, you’ll want some endurance and an honest stage 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 important choice for nomads, trip rental websites are nonetheless a strong choice for a check drive. Discover a place for a few weeks or a month when you pursue Airbnb and VRBO. On the flip facet, typically you’ll find a superb 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 also be a viable choice. There are quite a lot of hardworking individuals 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, take a look at our detailed information on the right 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 reside in paradise. Nicely, there’s good and dangerous information. Puerto Vallarta remains to be inexpensive, however it’s gotten dearer in recent times (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. It is advisable to be a bit extra strategic lately, however it’s nonetheless doable to reside on a price range.
Lodging Prices
Right here’s the place you may actually wreck your price range. 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 would 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 lease. You’ll probably be on the hook for electrical energy if your house has A/C, which might rack up an enormous invoice within the sizzling summer time months.
Eating places and Groceries
When you 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 underneath 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 an area grocery store with an honest choice, whereas the latter is extra high-end and has a number of imported objects. I not often spend greater than 1,000 pesos ($56) at Ley however 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 bit (round $1). There are additionally loads of native eating places which have a meal of the day for underneath 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 often swipe considered one of 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 in 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 right down to Mismaloya and Boca is a further 10 pesos.
When you’re staying in 5D, Centro, or Zona, it’s fairly simple to simply stroll round. I choose strolling on the Malecon to go to city after which taking a bus or a taxi again dwelling – you get some train in and absorb that superior PV vibe alongside the way in which.
Native taxis are trustworthy for essentially the most half. It’s at all times a good suggestion to ask how a lot the journey shall be prematurely, nevertheless, as some are unscrupulous. A trip on the town often 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 supply or counter. It’s a bit foolish however you get used to it.
SIM Playing cards and Information
It’s simple to get an area SIM in Puerto Vallarta. You’ll be able to pop into an OXXO and care for 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 may at all times high up if you happen to run out of information.
You don’t want your passport to get a SIM, however you may want a primary stage of Spanish. An alternative 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 embody protection in Mexico, so you could not even want an area 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 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 at all times 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 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 first rate 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 pals – make use of them.
- Persist 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 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 strong number of locations that you would be able to work from.
Whether or not you’re on video calls, importing content material, coding, or educating on-line, the bandwidth has bought 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 mentioned, listed below 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 very best coworking area 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 area (3,944 pesos/$225). It’s a cushty area 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 a giant storm a couple of 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 important vibe.
I like how they provide a half-day move 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 a daily factor, a month-to-month move is 1,750 pesos ($99.50). Click on right here for instructions.
3. Natureza
For these dwelling in 5D or Versalles, Natureza is a strong choice. 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 instances. The WiFi is quick, the espresso is nice, and so they have some actually good meals.
Their web site is underneath 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 area, so if you should be on calls you must 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 wonderful cafes in PV the place you may arrange store. Listed here are a couple of of my high picks:
- The Inexperienced Place: I’m biased towards this place because it’s proper down the road from my outdated condo, however it actually is a superb 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 below are incredible, together with Chemex. There’s a full menu as nicely if you should keep for some time and are in want of gasoline.
- Choco Museo: Positioned proper on the Malecon, this place is a vacationer attraction the place you may take chocolate-making workshops. It’s also possible to simply deliver your laptop computer and sit upstairs, having fun with the superb view whereas working. Sizzling 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 pc. The true enjoyable right here begins whenever you energy down and get on the market to take pleasure in your self. Listed here are a couple of ideas for the finest 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 take pleasure in some solar and sand. It’s nice with 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 part of a whale-watching journey. The world is your oyster – in actual fact, you may even take pleasure in some recent oysters on the seaside whenever you get again.
2. Day Journeys
PV is nice and all, however even whenever you reside in paradise you might have considered trying a change of surroundings occasionally. Fortunately, there are many choices for enjoyable day journeys at your fingertips right here.
One of the crucial widespread 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 sit back and chill in these enjoyable bohemian cities.
When you’d choose to move 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 considered one of my all-time favourite issues to do in PV. Begin by heading right down to Boca de Tomatlan. You will 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 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 stage of health is sufficient.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll stroll throughout hidden seashores the place you may cease to sit back or swim. Ultimately, you find yourself at Las Animas Seaside 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 must get the adrenaline flowing, you’ve bought loads of choices. For instance, you may go horseback using within the mountains after which leap on an ATV.
One other enjoyable solution 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 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 in your tastebuds. My mouth is watering simply eager 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 may 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 daily. The “off-season” can function some gnarly storms, though PV is usually protected against hurricanes because of its location within the bay.
When 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 the planet once more.
Execs and Cons of Dwelling in Puerto Vallarta
As with wherever on the 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:
Execs of Dwelling in Puerto Vallarta
- The individuals: Locals in PV are often known as Pata Salada (Salty Ft) and they’re the largest professional to dwelling right here. Persons are pleasant and welcoming, and make you’re feeling at dwelling whilst 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: In addition to all of the mouth-watering native meals, you’ll find nearly any delicacies conceivable right here.
- The nightlife: When you prefer to exit and have a superb time after darkish, this city is certainly your form of place. The nightlife in Puerto Vallarta is great.
Cons of Dwelling in Puerto Vallarta
- The development: As PV will get increasingly more widespread, there’s development happening night time and day throughout city.
- The noise: For these of you who like peace & quiet, you could wish to look elsewhere. This can be a noisy place, plain and easy.
- The climate: It’s nice for a couple of months of the yr, however the stretch from June to October may 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 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.
When 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.
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, however it’s nonetheless rather more inexpensive than locations within the USA and Canada. Today, a 2-bedroom condo may be had for round $1,500 monthly (on a long-term foundation), whereas native meals may be had for a couple of {dollars}. Buses are very inexpensive as is native booze.
Puerto Vallarta is a wonderful place for digital nomads and distant employees 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 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 a number of development and new builds taking place, which implies extra noise. Other than 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 reside in Puerto Vallarta as most locals communicate English. It’ll, nevertheless, make your keep rather more fulfilling and immersive if you happen to choose up a couple of Spanish phrases.
There are various nice locations to reside in Puerto Vallarta for digital nomads, expats and distant employees. The favored neighborhoods embody the Marina, Versalles, 5 de Diciembre, Romantic Zone, and El Centro.
In Conclusion
When you’ve made it this far, likelihood is you’re actually excited by calling PV dwelling, at the very least for some time. I’ve been a digital nomad for over seven years now and luckily, have a number of choices for the place to spend my time (and cash). Puerto Vallarta is a spot I’ve returned to many times 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 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, likelihood is 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.
