Digital Nomads in Mexico- You NEED These Tips

Are you considering moving to Mexico because you’ve heard about the Mexican people’s warmth, the culture’s richness, the beautiful landscapes, or because you’ve seen how others are living a better life on less money? But you’re finding it challenging to get remote work opportunities?

Don’t give up. You can also become a digital nomad in Mexico. CNBC recently declared Mexico the number 1 destination to live and work abroad.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share some tips to help you find remote work and shed light on the upsides and downsides of being a digital nomad. So, let’s dive in and discover how you can make your dream of living in Mexico a reality while maintaining a flexible and fulfilling career.

The Freedom of Being a Digital Nomad

Being a digital nomad offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing on a Mexican beach, sipping your morning coffee while working from your laptop. Or, if you’re more of a city person, imagine being able to set your own schedule and work from one of the thousands of coffee shops or coworking spaces in Mexico.

As a digital nomad, you can choose where and when you work, allowing you to explore the wonders of Mexico during your downtime. Whether exploring ancient ruins, indulging in delicious street food, making new friends, experiencing a new culture, or immersing yourself in the many events, the possibilities are endless.

Strategies for Finding Remote Work in Mexico

While finding remote work may seem daunting at first, with the right approach, it is entirely achievable. Here are some strategies to help you secure remote job opportunities:

Here are some great sites where you can find remote work: 

• Just Remote
• FlexJobs
• Career Vault
• Remote.co
• Virtual Vocations
• Upwork
• Fiverr
• Pangian
• Working Nomads
• Remote okay
• Authentic Jobs
• Arc
• We Work Remotely
• Indeed Remote Jobs

With new technology and the explosion of remote working in recent years, there are seemingly endless opportunities for earning money in a less conventional way than you may have for most of your career. So, take this opportunity to find a job that excites you (or you don’t dread) and start applying.

Networking is also super important. You probably know someone that has a nice work-from-home position. Reach out to them and ask their advice on how they were able to make it work. Just look at your circle of friends or acquaintances- chances are you know someone that can give you some advice or, better yet, might be able to offer you a job.

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Let your sphere of influence know that you are open to remote work and share what you’re good at.

And let’s not forget about freelancing. You probably already have a skill that someone can use in Mexico. Consider offering your skills as a freelancer. Leverage your skills and market yourself to potential clients or companies worldwide. Websites like Freelancer and Fiverr can help showcase your services and attract clients.

However, it’s important to remember that if you offer your services in Mexico, you MUST have a residency visa, a work permit, an RFC, and pay taxes in Mexico.

The Downsides of Being a Digital Nomad

While the digital nomad lifestyle has numerous benefits, it’s not all roses and vacations. You should be aware of the potential downsides.

For starters, it can get lonely when you work at home, especially if you live by yourself. I have suffered from loneliness A LOT since working from home. I get to connect with our awesome followers by email or through youtube comments. But I never really see anyone in person other than Dustin. And if I don’t push myself to meet people in person, I can easily get consumed by work and get lonely fast!

And if you’re very nomadic, constantly being on the move can lead to feelings of isolation, as you may not have a stable social circle or support system. It’s essential to proactively seek out communities, co-working spaces, and events to foster connections and combat loneliness.

Unpredictable WiFi or Internet!

Depending on where you work, you may encounter unpredictable Wi-Fi connections or limited access to necessary resources. Mexico has made leaps and bounds in putting optic fiber in many cities and various neighborhoods within those cities. But it isn’t a given. And the most desirable places for digital nomads like Sayulita, Puerto Escondido, and those kinds of beach towns tend to have very spotty internet.

So, if you’re aiming to get a remote job that requires you to have a set schedule of Zoom meetings or other Facetime meetings- consider your WiFi everywhere you go. Of course, bad internet is less common in my hometown of Mexico City or other large cities.

Don’t forget to askthese questions before renting in Mexico.

Balancing Work and Travel in Mexico

It’s a hard balancing act to work and also plan travel in between. For starters, traveling costs money takes time out of your work schedule, and takes up energy. We all think that remote work will be this ideal balance of sitting on a hammock by the beach while answering emails or getting work done. But the reality is that few people can get any work done that way.

At least not me- I need a sturdy chair, a comfortable table, and two monitors! Ha! So balancing work commitments and exploring your new surroundings can be challenging. As a new digital nomad in Mexico, be honest with yourself. You’ll have to set boundaries, maintain a disciplined work routine, and allocate dedicated time for leisure and exploration. That means saying no to events with friends if you have work.

But then again, unless all of your friends are also digital nomads, or retired, chances are they’ll be working during the day.

Best Cities in Mexico for Digital Nomads

• Mexico City
• Guadalajara
• Oaxaca
• Queretaro
• Playa del Carmen
• La Paz
• Merida
• San Cristobal de Las Casas
• Puerto Escondido
• Sayulita
• Puerto Vallarta

Remote Work Can Be Awesome!

Even though there are some downsides to working from home, I can tell you that it’s also the best thing that could’ve happened to me. For starters, I am A LOT more productive because I work when motivated. I don’t have to get burned out from the regular 9-5. If I happen to be more productive after 11 am through 8 pm, who cares? As long as I get valuable work out of my day.

It also has given me a sense of freedom like no other. I get to take my dog to the park when it’s nice outside instead of wishing I could from an office. And I can also take my laptop when I travel. That way, I don’t get swamped, and I also get to explore a new place or visit a family member.

I enjoy the freedom and flexibility that being a digital nomad provides. My advice to you, if you want to live this life, is to embrace the upsides of this lifestyle while being mindful of the potential challenges, and you’ll be well on your way to living your dream life in Mexico.

¡Vámonos!