What is it like to move to and live in Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen, or ‘Playa’ as it’s often lovingly called, is a popular tourist destination in Mexico’s Riviera Maya region. Located on the Caribbean coast it has also grown into a popular place for people to move to. Either more temporarily, as digital nomads, or more long-term to work or retire, and to enjoy life in Mexico.
For this article, I’m interviewing Allison who moved to Playa several years ago. She’ll share both personal experiences and practical tips for anyone who is interested in living in Playa del Carmen.
This interview is part of the Ask an Expat series. In this series I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. I try to help paint an honest picture of the ups and downs of life abroad, share tips for anyone thinking about moving abroad, and information about the place the expat now lives in.
Living in Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Name: Allison Sicking
Age: 33
Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Her Story:
”Hola! I’m an American expat who has been living in Playa del Carmen, Mexico since 2018.
I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. I got a degree in International Business and Spanish and always dreamed of living abroad in a Spanish-speaking country.
After college, I started working at the front desk of a luxury hotel brand as I also had a passion for travel and was intrigued by the international opportunities.
After a couple of transfers to various departments, I eventually landed in the corporate marketing office in Chicago.
I really loved this job but there were few opportunities for advancement and my dream of living abroad still seemed out of reach.
I had also become pretty comfortable in my routine and lifestyle in Chicago and deep down I knew I needed a change. And the cold winters certainly didn’t help!
So that’s when Playa del Carmen came into the picture.”
Why Did You Move to Playa Del Carmen?
”I had some friends who were living in Playa del Carmen and I had been to visit them many times. So I was already somewhat familiar with the area and felt more comfortable making the move.
I started looking for jobs in the area and my friends were able to help me make some connections. It wasn’t long before I got a job offer to work for a Mexican hospitality company in Playa del Carmen.
I was excited but also extremely nervous as it was such a big change. But I knew that this was my chance to live out my dream of living abroad.
So, I found a subleaser for my apartment in Chicago, sold most of my belongings, and bought a one-way ticket to Mexico!
After packing my life into just two suitcases, I arrived in Playa del Carmen ready to start my new life in Mexico.
Much has changed since then, but I am so grateful for the decision I made to move here. It was a stepping stone that has led me to a whole new chapter in my life as a full-time travel blogger.
Ultimately, my decision to move to Playa del Carmen was driven by my desire for a change and a chance to live abroad in a Spanish-speaking country.
I had been learning Spanish for years and wanted to immerse myself in the language and culture. Plus, the warm weather and beautiful beaches were a major draw for me too!”
What Do You Like About Living in Playa Del Carmen?
”There are so many things I love about life in Playa del Carmen. Of course, the year-round warm weather and gorgeous Caribbean beaches are a major draw.
But beyond that, I love the laid-back vibe of this town. It’s extremely walkable, the people are friendly and welcoming, and there’s a strong sense of community here.
The interesting thing about Playa del Carmen is that since it’s a relatively young town there are few people that are actually from here. Everyone is from somewhere else in Mexico or even another country, so it’s a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds.
I also love that Playa del Carmen is the perfect central hub to explore the rest of the region. From here, I can easily travel to other nearby cities like Cancun, Tulum, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Holbox, and Bacalar as well as further towns like Merida or Valladolid. Or I can book a cheap flight to explore other cities in Mexico!”
Also Read: Important Travel Tips for Mexico
What Do You Dislike About Living in Playa Del Carmen?
”As much as I love Playa del Carmen, there are definitely some downsides to living here.
One of the biggest challenges for me is dealing with the humidity, especially during the summer months. It can get pretty intense and you won’t be able to leave the house without dripping in sweat!
Another aspect that can be frustrating at times is the lack of modern technology and conveniences that I was more accustomed to in the United States. For example, there’s no Uber here, not all places take credit cards, and there can sometimes be power outages.
And while Playa del Carmen is a beautiful beach town, it’s not as culturally rich as other cities in Mexico. It has its own charm and Mayan cultural heritage, but if you’re looking for a more traditional Mexican cultural experience, you have to venture outside of Playa del Carmen.”
Is Playa del Carmen Safe as a Place to Live?
”Yes, I do think Playa del Carmen is a safe place to live. It’s extremely walkable and there’s always a lot of people out and about during the day and at night.
But at the same time, I’m not naive to the fact that cartel violence is a risk here. However, this is mainly because Playa del Carmen is a popular vacation destination and there’s a market for selling drugs.
Personally, I have never felt unsafe living here but I have also learned to live very cautiously and always be aware of my surroundings.
Just like in any city, it’s important to use common sense, avoid staying out late alone, never leave your bag unattended, and stay away from illegal activities.
While there may be certain safety risks, they are not unique to this town and can happen in most major cities around the world. For me, the perks of living in Playa del Carmen far outweigh the potential risks.”
Is Playa del Carmen Expensive as a Place to Live?
”Playa del Carmen can be as expensive or as cheap as you make it. It’s definitely not the cheapest place to live in Mexico, but it can still be affordable if you budget wisely.
Housing is one of the biggest expenses here, especially if you choose to live in a nicer condo building with extra amenities like 24/7 security, a pool, and a gym.
But there are also more budget-friendly options such as shared apartments or living further away from the beach.
Food and transportation can also add up, especially if you’re constantly eating out at touristy restaurants or are taking taxis everywhere. But there are plenty of local eateries and public transportation options that can help cut costs.
Plus, the downtown area is almost entirely walkable, so I rarely need to spend money on transportation.”
What Is Your Favorite Thing to Do in Playa Del Carmen?
”My favorite thing to do in Playa del Carmen is simply spending time at the beach. Whether it’s starting my day with an early morning snorkel session or splurging at a beach club, I never get tired of the crystal clear waters and soft sandy beaches.
Another activity that I have grown to love since moving here is standup paddleboarding. I’m a member of a standup paddleboarding club, which is a great way to meet people in a relaxed environment. And it’s a great workout too!”
What Is Your Favorite Place to Hang Out in Playa Del Carmen?
”If I’d have to pick just one I’d say the Fusion Beach Bar. This chill beach bar has a laid-back vibe with live music and toes-in-the-sand seating.
It’s the perfect spot to grab drinks with friends and enjoy the beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea. The music is never too loud and the atmosphere is always friendly.”
What Is the Expat / International Community Like in Playa Del Carmen?
”The expat community in Playa del Carmen is quite large, and there’s a good mix of retirees, young professionals, and digital nomads.
I typically meet more Canadians than Americans but Playa del Carmen attracts people from all over the world.
There are many active Facebook groups where you can connect, ask for recommendations, and even arrange meetups.
There are also weekly digital nomad meetups and language exchanges that provide opportunities to meet other expats and internationals living here.
I’ve also found that the coworking spaces in Playa del Carmen are a great hub for meeting other like-minded individuals.”
Any Tips for Moving To / Living in Playa Del Carmen?
”If you’re planning to move to Playa del Carmen, I would highly recommend coming here first and staying at an Airbnb or vacation rental in a more residential area to get a more realistic feel for what daily life looks like.
It’s very easy to fall in love with Playa del Carmen while on vacation, but living here can be a completely different story. If you work online, you have to be pretty disciplined to not be distracted by the beach and all the fun activities happening around you.
I would also recommend learning some basic Spanish before moving here. While most tourist-facing people here speak English, there are still many locals who don’t speak English. Knowing some Spanish will make your life a lot easier.
If you want to get your residency, I would highly recommend hiring an immigration lawyer to handle the entire process for you. It’s not that expensive and it will save you a lot of headaches as the process can be extremely cumbersome with a lot of paperwork and requirements.
I worked with an immigration lawyer to obtain my temporary residency visa, which is valid for up to four years before it can be converted to a permanent residency visa.
In order to qualify, you need to prove economic solvency (that you make enough money or have enough savings to support yourself) and have an interview at a Mexican consulate outside of Mexico.
Once approved, you have to re-enter Mexico, where you’ll start a new process (known as the “canje”) to exchange your visa for a physical residency card.
The entire process can take several months so that’s why it’s easiest to work with an immigration lawyer who knows the ins-and-outs and can get it done quickly.”
Also Read: Things to Consider Before Moving to Another Country
Any Resources You Found Useful During the Process of Moving to and Building a New Life in Playa Del Carmen?
”Joining Facebook groups for expats and locals in Playa del Carmen was incredibly helpful for me. Some of the most active groups are:
- Expats & Locals in Playa del Carmen
- Friendly Expats in Playa del Carmen
- Mexpats Club (Expats Living in Playa del Carmen)
- Playa del Carmen and Tulum Digital Nomads
Another thing you’ll want to do immediately is join WhatsApp groups. There are WhatsApp groups in Playa del Carmen for pretty much every interest you can think of and this is the easiest way to ask questions and meet new people.
For example, some groups include Ladies Meetups, Ladies Resources, General Meetups, Beach Volleyball Meetups, Foodies, and Salsa Dancing Lovers. You can ask in the Facebook groups for the master list of WhatsApp groups to join.
As for finding housing, I’ve always had the best luck finding rentals on Facebook Marketplace. There is also a Facebook group called Rentals & Sales in Central Playa del Carmen which is a good place to start looking for rentals.”
Is There Something You Just Have to See or Do When You Are in Playa Del Carmen?
One experience you simply cannot miss when you’re in Playa del Carmen is visiting a cenote. These natural swimming holes are unique to the Yucatan Peninsula and were once revered by the Mayans as the entrance to the underworld.
These freshwater swimming holes come in all shapes and sizes including open and underground with some hidden deep in the jungle and others easily accessible from the main highway.
When visiting a cenote, you can typically swim, snorkel, or just hang out in a beautiful natural setting. Some cenotes also offer more adventurous activities like cliff jumping or overwater ziplines.
There are hundreds of cenotes that can be found in the region and more and more are being discovered each year. Some of my favorites near Playa del Carmen are Cenote Eden, Cenote Cristalino, and Cenote Taak Bi Ha.”
About Allison
Allison Sicking is a travel blogger with a passion for Spanish and a love of Latin America.
She created the travel blog Viva La Travelista after moving to Playa del Carmen in 2018 to empower others to travel safely and confidently in Spanish-speaking countries.
Follow her blog to find out how to travel Mexico like a local with her insider travel tips!
About Playa del Carmen
Located on the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Playa del Carmen is a vibrant and picturesque coastal town that has become a popular destination for expats.
Situated in the state of Quintana Roo, Playa del Carmen offers a blend of stunning natural beauty, a diverse culinary scene, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it an attractive choice for expats from around the world.
Originally a quiet fishing village, Playa del Carmen has experienced rapid growth over the past few decades, transforming it into a lively, cosmopolitan hub. The town’s main attraction is its white-sand beaches, stretching along the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Beyond its beaches, the town’s bustling Fifth Avenue, locally known as “La Quinta,” serves as the heart of the town, lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Here tourists and residents can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere, sampling international cuisine, browsing handicrafts, and enjoying live music performances.
Playa del Carmen’s multicultural environment is another highlight, with expats from various corners of the globe creating a melting pot of cultures. This makes it a welcoming place to move to for individuals and families looking to connect with like-minded people.
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