Mexico is one of the great places to attract digital nomads from around the world with its vibrant lifestyle, affordable culture and supportive time zones for North American businesses.
Undoubtedly, it is the right choice to make to move there. But for all those who are excited to work remotely, reaching there without effective preparation can turn the situation into a frustrating one.
Continue reading to explore common mistakes digital nomads make in Mexico. Prepare better and lead a better, stress-free working life.
Key Takeaways
- Mexico does not offer a digital nomad visa; it is better to understand the Temporary Resident Visa requirements before moving.
- Search for destinations apart from social media recommendations to end on locations that meet your working goals.
- To build better relationships with the locals, it is better to learn basic Spanish and respect local cultures.
Newcomers eyeing Mexico are often taken aback by its lack of a specific nomad visa. Staying legally in Mexico calls for you to obtain a Temporary Resident Visa instead. Many of the roles and rights overlap, but there are differences emerging nomads need to be aware of.
On the bright side, the Temporary Resident Visa allows you stay in Mexico for up to four years. It also offers a standard route to citizenship, should you want to make Mexico your permanent home.
There are some barriers, though. You can’t just apply online like you would for most nomad visas and have to do an oral test at your nearest Mexican office. The earnings level is also high, well higher than your actual living costs will be. Unlike other nomad-friendly regions, Mexico doesn’t offer any tax incentives, either.
This is another mistake tied to relying on non-existent information. While Mexico is still a much cheaper place to live and work than its northern neighbors, prices in the most prominent nomad hubs have gone up. The cost of living in Mexico City, Playa del Carmen, and Oaxaca City now rivals budget-oriented European cities like Zagreb or Krakow.
Put together a budget centred on current trends and consider either rising nomad hubs like Mérida and Puerto Escondido, or avoid the most high-cost neighborhoods in larger cities.
Similarly, it would be illogical to suppose that places travel influencers rave about make for good digital nomad spots. Finding ways to get work done in Tulum or Cancun with non-stop gambling around you is a bad idea.
On the opposite side, a great idea would be to become involved in expat and digital nomad groups a few weeks before taking the leap. This will give you ample time to collect specific first-hand advice and make the best possible choices.
Mexico’s major cities and digital nomad hubs have excellent internet systems. The same can’t be stated for more remote places you might wish to step out into. Plus, sometimes you just don’t want to go searching for Wi-Fi, and the connection in a coworking space might be patchy.
The simplest action is to get an eSIM plan for Mexico. That way, you don’t have to switch out your physical SIM and can remain with your number, yet you can go online using the local mobile network infrastructure. It’s also less expensive than roaming, especially in the long term.
For a reliable internet connection, find which cell towers does nomad internet use.
Mexico’s pristine beaches, strong café culture, and friendly locals give it a legitimate laid-back status. Young digital nomads choose to take this as a license not to be on guard, with probable fatal effects.
There’s nothing wrong with dreaming of typing away on your expensive laptop, Paloma in hand, from a beachside resort. However, this can rapidly turn into a disaster if you don’t physically store that laptop and securely lock your drives. Being aware of theft goes a long way.
Like other popular places, Mexico’s digital nomad hubs are no opponents to digital crime. You can never be 100% sure that the Wi-Fi you earn money from isn’t being analyzed or misused to steal your passwords and confidential client files. Always take safeguards when connecting from public Wi-Fi. Ideally, turn on a VPN and the best next gen antivirus you can find to both encrypt your connection and keep malware from impacting you.
Mexico might be the USA’s current neighbor, but saying that this makes them the same is asking for a more difficult time than necessary. Many people might speak English, but a casual greeting in Spanish is more likely to start meaningful conversations and open doors.
The best advice here is to polish up on your conversational Spanish and learn about the local customs of the area(s) you’ll be living in. Accept that goodwill is king, genuine personal relationships are valuable, and that wanting the team to start moving faster is likely an act in futility.
By and large, Mexicans are friendly and embracing people. However, the rapid gentrification that speaks to digital nomads is being introduced in some places, testing that hospitality. Mexico City is strongly affected, so much so that organized protests have garnered nationwide attention.
Also, learn how to refine digital life with smarter tech and connectivity.
At the end of the day, living and working remotely in Mexico can be an amazing experience. Planning your time right, taking into account the visa rules, budgeting wisely, and getting to know locals will guarantee a safe and fulfilling stay from the start.
In fact, the best remote workers are those who can adapt to the environment they are in. However, this does not mean that they simply follow the rules and traditions of the locals. It means that they understand the culture and fit right in.
Yes, it is possible, but Mexico does not currently have a digital nomad visa.
It depends more on the style of living. When decided and planned, it is actually possible to live at affordable prices.
While English can work in various areas, learning basic Spanish will definitely help to make life easier.
