Living in Playa del Carmen Guide: A Soft Landing In Paradise
Playa del Carmen, a vibrant beach town in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, has become a popular destination for many expats seeking a blend of tropical beauty and modern amenities. Known for its stunning beaches, lively culture, and welcoming community, living in Playa del Carmen offers a unique lifestyle for those looking to move abroad. We currently calling PDC home. It’s where our son was born in 2022 and I love to suggest Playa Del Carmen as a soft landing for anyone considering moving abroad as it can be quite easy to navigate compared to the other countries we’ve lived in.
Why You May Want to Live in Playa del Carmen
Tropical Climate and Lifestyle
Playa del Carmen boasts a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, making it an ideal location for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The town’s laid-back lifestyle is characterised by a focus on relaxation, socialising, and enjoying the natural surroundings. Whether you’re interested in water sports, yoga, or simply soaking up the sun, Playa del Carmen offers a wealth of activities to suit your interests.
Vibrant Culture and Community
The city is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with a mix of local traditions and international influences. From lively festivals and music events to art galleries and culinary experiences, there’s always something happening in Playa del Carmen. The expat community is diverse and welcoming, making it easy to connect with like-minded individuals and build a supportive network.
Language
While many locals in Playa del Carmen speak English, particularly in tourist areas, learning Spanish can significantly enhance your experience and integration into the community. When you live abroad you are forced to converse in your everyday experiences from ordering a meal to bartering prices on a taxi ride. Being fully immersed in a place and the language is the quickest way for you to learn your new host country’s native language. Making an effort to learn the language is often appreciated and can open up more opportunities for social and professional interactions. Our 7 year old daughter was fluent within 3 months of attending school here. It’s an amazing skill to acquire that will only enhance your experience.
Proximity to Major Attractions
Playa del Carmen’s location on the Riviera Maya provides easy access to some of Mexico’s most famous attractions, including the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum and Chichen Itza, the eco-parks of Xcaret and Xel-Há, and the islands of Cozumel, Isla Murejes and Hobox. This makes it an excellent base for exploring the region’s rich history and natural beauty.
Residency Requirements For Playa Del Carmen
Yes, if you plan to stay in Mexico for more than 180 days or want to get a job locally, you will need residency. The type of visa required depends on your circumstances, such as work, study, family connections or retirement. It’s important to research the specific requirements and apply in advance.
For us, we chose the family unity route to residency. Mexico offers birthright citizenship which means that our son a Mexican citizen because he was born here and through him we were able to gain our permenant residency without any need to prove financials.
How You Can Earn an Income to Live in Playa del Carmen
Remote Work and Freelancing
As a tourist destination the bulk of this town’s income comes from the tourism industry so you’ll find the most Mexican’s here work within that sector.
Could you get a job here in Mexico? It’s possible or you could also start a business here in Mexico that caters to the Expat community but I caution against doing anything that could take jobs or opportunities away from Mexicans who already live here. We must always be careful of our impact on the local community.
Personally I don’t recommend in-person work in Mexico unless it’s highly specialsed like teaching English in a local school that requires a Native English speaker or bringing a service that exclusively caters to an expat audience like Afro-Caribbean hair services.
If you’re specifically coming from a Western country then my suggestion is you need to work remotely for a western company that allows you to lives abroad and will pay you in US dollars, Pounds or Euros. If not that then you could also start an online business that you can operate from home as well.
The rise of remote work has made it possible for many expats to choose live wherever they want. With reliable internet access and a growing number of co-working spaces, the city is an attractive option for digital nomads and freelancers.
If you’re looking for a remote job that allows you to work from anywhere then you have so many options available to you from teaching English online. The possibilities are endless.
Being Black in Playa del Carmen
People often ask about what it’s like to be Black in Playa Del Carmen and whether we have experienced any racism in our time here. In almost 5 years I’ll say that we have personally not experienced any direct racism. I’ll say that yes people are curious about us and we do get asked questions about our hair. We’ve had a couple of odd experiences but nothing to put us off living here. I could definitely give more counts of negative experiences living in London.
For the most part, Mexicans have been nothing but warm, welcoming and friendly to us. We are always greeted with a ‘buenas dias’, often offered beer or to share a taco and there was that one abuelo that wanted to buy us snacks from the local shop every single time he saw and refused to take no for an answer.
Playa Del Carmen is a place that many Black expats like to call home. It’s easy to create community here. There is always a Black hosted event, yoga practice or meet up and plenty of opportunity to patronise Black businesses so you can get your soul food, hair care products or even just a friendly smile from sun kissed folk as you pass through.
Popular Neighbourhoods to Consider for Expats
Centro
Centro is the heart of Playa del Carmen, offering easy access to the beach, shops, restaurants, and nightlife. It’s a bustling area with a mix of locals and tourists, making it a vibrant place to live.
Playacar
Playacar is a gated community located just south of Centro, known for its upscale homes, golf course, and beautiful beaches. It’s a quieter area with a more residential feel, popular among families and retirees.
Gonzalo Guerrero
Gonzalo Guerrero is a residential neighbourhood located just north of Centro, offering a mix of local and expat residents. It’s a convenient location with access to amenities and a more laid-back atmosphere.
Zazil-Ha
Zazil-Ha is a growing neighbourhood located north of Centro, known for its trendy cafes, shops, and proximity to the beach. It’s a popular area for young professionals and digital nomads.
It little further out: Ejido, Selvanova, Real Ibiza, Bali.
These areas are on the other side of the highway so walking to the beach is not really possible for the most part. This is where you are more likely to have Mexicans as neighbours and they are much more affordable than the areas mentioned above. These neighbourhoods are extremely popular with the expat community and you can still find decent connections to the center and beach as you are willing to use public transport like the local buses (colectivos), bicicyles or you drive.
Mayakoba & El Cielo
One of the furthest locations in from the beach. Getting around from here you really need to have a car as it’s considered quite far from the center. It’s probably at least a 20-30minute drive in. There are some restaurants and supermarkets but no public beaches without coming closer to town.
Average Cost of Living in Playa Del Carmen
The cost of living in Playa del Carmen can vary depending on your lifestyle and preferences so take the following with a pinch of salt. On average, a single person can expect to spend around $800-$1500 per month, including rent, utilities, food, and transportation. Rent is typically the largest expense, with prices ranging from $500 to $1200 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in a central location. Groceries and dining out are generally affordable, and public transport is efficient and reasonably priced.
We currently spend about $2500 as a family of four sending our 2 children to a bilingual private school.
If you’d like to see a breakdown of our current living costs then check out this recent YouTube video.
Living in Playa del Carmen offers a unique opportunity to experience a vibrant culture, enjoy a tropical climate, and explore the natural beauty of the Riviera Maya. Whether you’re considering a short-term stay or a permanent move, understanding the practicalities and embracing the local culture can make your experience rewarding and fulfilling. Feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments below.
FAQ: Living in Playa del Carmen and Abroad
2. How can I find accommodation in Playa del Carmen?
There are several ways to find accommodation in Playa del Carmen, including online platforms like Airbnb and Facebook groups, local real estate agents, and expat forums. It’s advisable to visit properties in person before committing to a rental agreement.
3. Is healthcare accessible in Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen has a range of healthcare options, including public and private hospitals and clinics. Many expats opt for private healthcare due to shorter wait times and English-speaking staff. It’s recommended to have health insurance to cover medical expenses.
4. What is the best way to integrate into the local community?
Learning Spanish, participating in local events, and joining social groups can help you integrate into the local community. Building relationships with locals and other expats can also enhance your experience and provide support.
5. How can I manage my finances while living abroad?
It’s important to have a clear budget and understand the cost of living in Playa del Carmen. Consider opening a local bank account to manage expenses and avoid international transaction fees. Additionally, keeping track of exchange rates can help you make informed financial decisions.
