Living in nature and working remotely: Nomading in Tulum, Mexico
If you're a digital nomad looking for a vibrant community with warm weather and exotic beaches, Tulum might just be the destination for you. It's a breathtaking combination of rich jungle, bright beaches, and historic cenotes that draws in tourists, long-term visitors, and digital nomads alike.
Its popularity amongst remote workers has increased considerably since the beginning of the pandemic. When travelers couldn't make it to their usual nomad hot spots across the world, Mexico stayed open and scooped up the wandering souls.
Today, Tulum has a thriving community of digital nomads that gather there for the scenery, reasonable cost of living, and laidback lifestyle. If you're considering settling here for a short or long while, here's what you need to know:
Why Tulum?
Considering Mexico's copious amounts of beautiful beaches, varied landscapes, and inexpensive cost of living, it makes sense that it would be a digital nomad hot spot. But the once off-the-beaten-path Mexican town of Tulum has become a popular destination for those who work on the go.
Tulum is really a diamond among gems when it comes to warm-weather destinations. While it's a little bit more expensive than other choices around the country, its laid-back vibe, warm sandy beaches, and rich nightlife all bend together for a destination that suits adventure and relaxation seekers alike.
Can I travel to Mexico in 2022?
Yes! Mexico is open for international tourists. Most visitors enter Mexico on a standard or tourist visa that they receive on the way into the country.
Mexico is one of the easiest countries to travel to for many digital nomads right now. Always check the entry requirements and restrictions before you go! Here’s what you should consider preparing for your trip to Mexico this year:
Register on the Mexico Vuela Seguro Platform before boarding your flight to Mexico (you’ll get a QR code to show on arrival)
Have your accommodation bookings ready to show if asked
Return flight ticket
Travel insurance that has Covid-19 and unexpected quarantine coverage
While you don’t need a PCR test, it’s not a bad idea to take one (or an at home antigen test) before flying, just to make sure you’re keeping yourself and those around you safe.
The shift to remote work
Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve seen many companies switch to fully remote - and decide to stay that way indefinitely. A lot of employees are now not only working from home, but are allowed to work remotely from anywhere in the world. Location-independence has become one of the best benefits you can offer to your team.
So, if you can go anywhere you want, how do you choose? A lot of remote workers opted for gorgeous spots like Tulum and are joining communities of remote working professionals such as CoWorking Tulum. Here are a few reasons why many more might flock to this stunning place in Mexico:
Live in nature
As mentioned above, Tulum has stunning scenery everywhere. Combine that with boutique hotels and coworking spaces - it’s exactly what remote workers want. Would you rather work remotely in a bustling metropolis, or be able to walk a few steps to the beach after you close your laptop?
For the first time ever, workers can create the lifestyle they truly want instead of settling down in a city just because the company they work for has an office there. Do you want to learn how to snorkel or spend a few months getting really good at surfing? There’s no reason to wait for your few weeks of holiday per year - you can work remotely from a location that allows you to fulfill your personal goals.
Where you can travel will largely depend on how flexible your company is when it comes to working hours. This is another reason why Mexico might be so popular amongst remote workers and nomads - it’s a great time zone to be in whether you work for a US-based or European company.
Quality of life vs. Cost of living
While staying anywhere in Mexico is cheaper than most places in the US, Tulum is one of the higher-priced destinations. But you can find accommodations, food, and activities to do for a cheaper price if you plan well. Housing can be found for as low as $500 USD per month, but can go up substantially if you're looking for something fancier.
Even if it’s not as budget-friendly as some of the other destinations in Mexico, the nature and quality of life make it well worth the money. Since all of our arguments in favor of nomading in Tulum hinge on working remotely, we should mention that coworking spaces in the city are incredible.
You’ll get to enjoy hi-speed internet surrounded by all kinds of local flora and fauna. CoWorking Tulum has over 20 locations all over Tulum where you can comfortably work with a community of like minded remote workers, enhancing your quality of lift!
Staying productive in Tulum can be a challenge, especially considering you’d probably rather be chowing down on some great eats or exploring one of the historic cenotes. But there is a huge community of digital nomads here that make the best of both worlds.
The biggest complaint among remote workers in Tulum is with the Wifi access. While this small town is ideal to work in during the winter and summer months for those of us from cooler places, the internet can sometimes be a little touchy. Luckily, there are easy-to-work-with solutions.
Co-working spaces are an easy and affordable way to get work done and stay connected. Not only can it connect you with others on the digital nomad scene, but the internet tends to be more reliable and easier to access. For internet access in a pinch, getting a Mexican SIM card and 10 GB of internet access for less than $30 per month.
If you’re an entrepreneur or have a great idea for a startup, choosing a base in Mexico might be a good strategy. You’ll cut down on the cost of essentials like rent, utilities and food, while being surrounded by fellow entrepreneurs and potential co-founders. It’s a fantastic place to bootstrap your startup!
Ready to head to Tulum?
Tulum is a beautiful place to hang your hat for a week, a month, or even a year. Filled with good food, adventurous nomads, and sunny beaches, you’re bound to have a grand time!