Playa del Carmen, Mexico 🇲🇽
#150
25.92306, -100.37944
Nomad Score:
74%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Playa del Carmen is a coastal resort town known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 200,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of around 25-100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 MXN ≈ 0.059 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable - bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 127V, 60Hz, ⚡ Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Telcel, AT&T, and Movistar. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cash is widely accepted, and credit cards can be used in many places. Additionally, banks like BBVA and Citibank offer services for expats. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from beachfront condos to budget hostels, with popular platforms including Airbnb and Booking.com. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Vrbo, and local rental agencies are popular for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Che and The Yak Hostel. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Selina Playa del Carmen. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Cito - offers free Wi-Fi and a cozy atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized by the Playa del Carmen Expats Facebook Group. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Local expat events and community gatherings often advertised on Facebook. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available and popular in the area. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Several local shops offer bike and scooter rentals, such as Playa Bici. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Mamitas is one of the most popular beaches. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Volaris and Aeromexico operate from Cancun International Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest Airlines fly into Cancun. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Direct access to the Caribbean highway (Highway 307). |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no train services; buses are the primary mode of intercity transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses run frequently between Playa del Carmen and nearby cities. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | ADO buses provide reliable transport to cities like Tulum and Cancun. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Playa del Carmen, equipped with modern facilities. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga by the Sea and The Yoga House. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Smart Fit and The Gym Playa del Carmen. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavanderia Playa is a popular laundry service. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and UberEats operate in the area. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Tacos al Pastor at Taqueria El Fogon. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Vegan Nest offers a variety of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Chocoganas is famous for its artisanal chocolates. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like the Playa del Carmen Market offer budget-friendly food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon Mexico operates for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Superama and Walmart offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | La Quinta Avenida is the main nightlife district. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza artesanal Playa del Carmen offers local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Casa de las Fuentes has a great selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try the tacos from street vendors along Calle 30. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | La Famiglia serves excellent Italian food. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the iconic 5th Avenue for shopping and entertainment. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Frida Kahlo and various art galleries in town. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Explore Coba ruins, about 45 minutes away. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Catholic Church of Playa del Carmen is worth a visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Day of the Dead celebrations in early November. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Centro Maya offers a glimpse into local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Cinepolis for film exhibitions. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The handicraft market near the beach is a must-visit. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at clubs like CocoBongo. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Check out murals along Calle 12. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes at Atelier Cocina. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galleria Luis Sottil showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The former railway station building adds historical charm. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | It's a blend of Mayan history and modern tourism. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cenote Azul and Parque Nacional Tulum offer stunning natural beauty. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is close by for nature lovers. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The promenade along the beach offers scenic views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Rooftop bars like Zenzi provide great sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Cenote Xul-Ha is a fantastic spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public beaches allow bonfires after official hours. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx have locations in Playa del Carmen. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iPhone Repair Playa del Carmen is a reliable tech repair shop. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public parks often have tables set up. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish school like Playa del Carmen Spanish School offers various courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries are available but often have limited resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Fundación Yucatan promotes cultural exchange. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | E-Sports Playa del Carmen is a venue for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Playa del Carmen offers gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €112,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,300 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €92,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €180,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €150,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €280,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €224,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Worldwide income basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 16%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes apply based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically ranges from 2% to 4% during property purchases. |