Mexico City is known for being one of the largest cities in the world where you can find a unique mix of cultures, colors, designs, flavors, and architecture everywhere. In addition to this, it is a great destination for digital nomads and remote workers. Read on for our complete guide to Mexico City for digital nomads.
Say Hello To Your Next Destination: Mexico City
Mexico City, also known as CDMX (Mexico City) or DF (Distrito Federal) is the capital of Mexico and is located more than 2000 meters above sea level in an inland basin called the Valley of Mexico. It has a little over 22 million inhabitants, which leaves New York as the second most populated city in America, impressive, huh?!
While there are no perfect cities for digital nomads, Mexico City comes pretty close. This vibrant and lively destination offers more than 75 neighborhoods, an iconic downtown forest, and endless dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
The openness and friendliness of the people are part of what makes it so appealing, but there are many more things you’re sure to love, such as its huge and abundant green spaces, fascinating museums, cozy neighborhoods, and vigorous nightlife, among others.
If the above sounds good to you, then you’ll be happy to know that in addition to those features Mexico City has become one of the best destinations for digital nomads in the country and the world. If you are considering a long or short-term stay as a digital nomad keep reading because this definitive Mexico City guide for digital nomads has everything you need to know.
7 Reasons To Move To Mexico City
You’ve already read some of the reasons that make this place so great, but let’s break them down in detail.
- It’s the ideal city for digital nomads
Other notable cities in Latin America like Bogota in Colombia and Buenos Aires in Argentina are great for remote workers and digital nomads, but Mexico City is unlike any other.
CDMX’s fame is definitely not overrated, they call it “the tropical New York” for a reason. It has everything a digital nomad could want: easy access to transportation, great (and hundreds) of places to work remotely, an international airport, excellent wifi and data signal, delicious food, and lots of things to do.
- The people
Latinos in general are known for their warmth, friendliness, and approachability, and this is no different with Mexicans, who have all of these traits and more. While foreigners will undoubtedly encounter several cultural differences, they will still be welcomed by the locals.
Generally, city people are expected to be cold and rude, but that’s an exception for most people in Mexico City. The locals are usually polite and welcoming.
- It’s the perfect location to visit other parts of Mexico
As mentioned, one of the highlights of Mexico City is its international airport. If you want to escape the city for a couple of days, you can always catch a flight. Its central location will also allow you to take weekend trips to nearby destinations.
Mexico has a lot of things for a globetrotter to see and do, and Mexico City is the ideal place to be within reach of them.
- Mexican food
Whether you’re a foodie or not, you’ve probably tasted Mexican food where you live, and I hate to be the one to say it, but the meals you’ve tried at home can’t compare to the original.
We’ve probably all had a burrito, tacos or nachos at least once, however, these are totally different from traditional Mexican food. Mexico City and every other state in the country have their own traditional dishes, in addition to other plates that are generally offered throughout the country.
Compared to other cities, Mexico City is one of the —if not the best—veggie-friendly destinations, with many vegan restaurants and cafes, so if you follow this lifestyle you will have no problem finding good options.
- Its neighborhoods
Mexico City has many beautiful and safe neighborhoods, some of which have recently become trendy areas for digital nomads, including Roma Norte and Sur, La Condesa, Reforma, and Juarez.
All areas of the city are pedestrian and cyclist-friendly, and there are many places within walking distance to visit, including grocery stores, shopping malls, and in some cases, hospitals.
- Mexico City is affordable
Unlike other major cities in North America, Mexico is quite affordable. Although prices are notoriously higher here than in other Mexican states, you won’t find a metropolis as connected, modern, and affordable as CDMX in the U.S.
- The ex-pat and digital nomad community in Mexico City
Mexico attracts all types of visitors of all ages, including ex-pats and now digital nomads, which is why meeting new people and building new relationships will be quite easy. Plus, Mexicans in CDMX tend to speak English, so you’ll also be able to connect with amiable locals.
Must Know Basics About Mexico
Language: Spanish but since Mexico City is a very touristy destination many people speak and understand English.
Currency: Mexican peso but if you have a Visa or Mastercard card from your country you’ll most likely be able to use it anywhere.
The max ATM withdrawal is 9,000 pesos.
Time Zone: Mexico has 4 time zones, but Mexico City uses Central Standard Time (GMT-6).
Emergency numbers:
Police – 911
Ambulance – 911
Firefighters – 911
Country phone code: +52
Health: tap water is non-drinkable.
Vaccinations required to enter: none
Is Mexico City safe?
Mexico City, and Mexico as a country in general, has a bad reputation for being unsafe. Unfortunately, that’s true, although it doesn’t necessarily mean that all parts of Mexico are dangerous or that something bad is going to happen to you, in general, Mexico City is generally safe for digital nomads to live in.
In General
The city is not very dangerous, the most common crimes are pickpocketing and petty theft, but as long as you take some basic precautions the chances of having a bad experience are very low.
Many areas throughout the city are just as safe as the nicer parts of places like New York, Los Angeles, and London, so you’re likely to be safe. That’s not to say there aren’t some neighborhoods you should avoid, especially at night.
How to stay safe
Like anywhere else, the easiest and best way to stay safe is to always know where you are and be aware of everything going on around you.
At night, it is best not to walk in unfamiliar or unsafe areas and avoid carrying or wearing items that look expensive, such as phones, jewelry, cameras, etc. Never leave your belongings unattended, including drinks, in bars or nightclubs, do not walk down the street using your phone, especially if using headphones, and always check the legitimacy of cabs.
To keep your valuables safe, leave them in your accommodation and take only what you will use when you go out.
As for transportation, the public transportation system is safe during the day, but avoid rush hour, because that is when theft can occur, as everything is very crowded. If you find yourself out at night, taking an Uber to get around will be the most sensible option.
How to know if a taxi is safe in Mexico City
To identify an authentic and safe taxi in Mexico City you just need to check the following 5 characteristics which will be physically visible in the unit:
1. The vehicle must be painted pink and white.
2. The license plate numbers must be followed by the letters A if it’s free, B if it’s of a site, or M if it’s of rural zones.
3. It must have a top plate on the awning indicating if the unit is free or occupied as well as the type of cab it belongs to free, site, or rural areas.
4. Digits of the plates on the front, on the sides, and in the trunk.
5. A card placed on the windows of the vehicle with a photo of the driver, his full name, license plate number, and the number to call in case of complaints, questions, or suggestions.
Mexican etiquette
As mentioned above, Mexicans are typically known for their warm and friendly nature, but as you travel to different regions and states within the country, you may notice different customs and attitudes.
Basic Etiquette
- It is customary for men to hold doors open and offer their seats to women
- When dining out, men are generally expected to pay for the meal or drinks, even if it was the woman who prompted the outing
- Saying goodbye before leaving is important as it conveys a positive meeting experience.
- Respecting elders is also essential, you can do this by offering them your seat and allowing them to be served first.
- It’s common courtesy to say “por favor” (please) and “gracias” (thank you) when asking for or receiving something.
- Lastly, saying “salud” after someone sneezes is considered polite, I know it sounds funny, but it’s like saying “bless you”.
Greetings
Making a good first impression is crucial when interacting with others. In Mexico, it is customary to make physical contact when greeting someone. While a handshake is still acceptable, the traditional Mexican greeting involves a hug and a kiss on the cheek (although men usually don’t kiss each other on the cheek). The same gestures are used when bidding farewell. If you’re unsure about which greeting to use, a handshake is a safe option.
When meeting a group of people, it’s important to individually greet each person with a handshake and/or a kiss and hug, rather than addressing the group as a whole. This will ensure that everyone has a positive impression of you.
Addressing People
Mexicans typically display courteous and formal behavior when interacting with unfamiliar individuals. When speaking with someone in a professional or elderly capacity, it’s customary to use the formal pronoun “usted” instead of the informal “tu”. Additionally, it is expected to use respectful terms such as “señor” for an older or married man, “señora” for an older or married woman, and “señorita” for a young woman. Occasionally, the word “joven” may be used for young men.
Table Manners And Tipping
When dining with others in Mexico, it is customary to say “provecho” or “buen provecho” before beginning the meal, at the end of the meal, or when leaving early. “Buen provecho” is the equivalent of the well-known French phrase “bon appetit”. It’s also considered polite to wait until everyone is served before starting to eat. In group dining situations, the bill is usually split among all individuals, or each person pays only for what they have consumed, it varies depending on the group’s agreement.
When it comes to tipping, a common practice is to leave 10% or 15% of the total bill. Tipping hotel staff, porters, and airport personnel is optional and varies depending on the quality of the service and the location. The fancier the place or service, the larger the tip should be.
While not required, tipping Uber or taxi drivers for long-distance travel is appreciated, and it’s customary to give a small tip to gas station attendants after refueling.
Mexico Do’s and don’ts to know before visiting
If you want to save yourself from rookie mistakes here are the do’s and don’t’s as a digital nomad in Mexico:
Don’t’s
- Don’t drink tap water
To have a pleasant and healthy experience in Mexico City and anywhere else in the country never drink tap water. Drinking from the tap can make you very sick, as this water is not cleaned or filtered like in other countries. It is very rare for restaurants to serve their customers tap water, especially in big cities, they usually get it from somewhere else, but there are other ways you could accidentally consume it without knowing it, so to avoid this make sure that salads or other food ingredients are not rinsed or washed with tap water and ask if the ice cubes are made with bottled water, if you don’t want to take any risk you can always avoid ice cubes in your drinks.
- Don’t display your valuables
We all love to take photos of our trips, but once you’re done using your camera put it away.
Wearing jewelry is fine but be mindful of the place and area where you are going to choose your accessories, simple jewelry versus fancy chains or rings may be a better choice.
It’s best to leave important documents, such as your passport and visa, at your accommodation.
Be especially careful with your valuables when taking the subway or other public transportation.
- Don’t forget to tip
Although the tipping culture in Mexico is not as prevalent as in the U.S. or other countries, as you have just read, tipping is considered a polite gesture. Tipping rules also apply to cafes and even bars.
- Don’t go crazy with the food and salsas
If you are visiting Mexico for the first time don’t let excitement and curiosity drive you to try everything you can in your first few days or weeks. Mexican meals are tasty, but they can also be heavy, especially if you are not used to spicy flavors and numerous seasonings and ingredients in one dish. It will be better to take it easy and let your stomach get used to the local foods, as a digital nomad you will have plenty of time to try what the exquisite Mexican cuisine has to offer.
- Don’t drink on the street
Although it is technically illegal, you’re likely to find or see people drinking on the street, despite this you should never drink in public in any large city in Mexico because if you do you will probably get caught by the police and therefore get into trouble.
- Don’t flush toilet paper
If you are used to flushing toilet paper in your home country, this will be something to avoid at all costs in Mexico. Most plumbing systems in Mexico are not really capable of dealing with toilet paper, so use the garbage cans in the bathroom to dispose of it there instead.
Do’s:
- Be prepared for earthquakes
Earthquakes are common in Mexico City, so it is possible that you may experience one during your stay there. The city is well prepared for this to avoid any catastrophic events like those that have occurred in past years, so in case of an earthquake there are alarms throughout the city to alert citizens, these will play a sound approximately 20 seconds before the earthquake hits. You can find videos on the Internet to know how the alarm sounds, if you hear it during your stay go to the nearest meeting point.
- Learn some Spanish before your trip
Digital nomads are a prominent community in Mexico City these days, so this means you will encounter many native English speakers and people who communicate in other languages, but most of the country uses Spanish as its main language, so learning some basics before traveling will be very practical, and who knows, if you really like the language you may even take some classes and become a pro.
- Ask around among locals to get info
If you want to know something outside the digital world and directly from the source, you can always approach a local citizen to ask for information, people usually respond in a friendly manner.
Weather
Mexico City is not Cancun, but this doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy a pleasant climate. Yes, there is a constant probability of an earthquake hitting the city, but every destination has its downside, regardless of this the weather in Mexico City is very nice.
Mexico’s capital city experiences weather changes during all seasons, but they tend to be fairly constant and not extreme. Winters are not deathly cold and summers are not sweltering. There will be sunny days, rainy days, and cold days, but nothing extreme.
Mexico City has a warm, cloudy wet season and a pleasant, partly cloudy dry season. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 43°F to 80°F, and rarely drop below 37°F or rise above 86°F.
Late March to late May is the ideal time to visit Mexico City for warm-weather activities.
What paperwork do you need as a digital nomad to enter Mexico?
If you’re traveling for 6 months or less
Entering Mexico City as a digital nomad is rather easy. Most countries can get into Mexico without a visa, however, citizens from these nations will still be required to fill out a tourist card called the Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM). You can check the list of those who don’t need a visa to enter Mexico here.
As you go through immigration you’ll be given the FMM tourist card, it costs only $575 MXN ($35 USD) and it will allow you to stay for up to 180 days (6 months). Many travelers leave the country via plane or cross the border sometime before the permit ends and re-enter to receive 180 more days, if you do this just be sure to have proof of where you’ll stay and maybe even a flight departure ticket.
6 months is a pretty good time to explore the country, but if you want to extend your stay I’ll share below how to do it.
If your country is not on the Mexico Visa Exemption
In case your country isn’t among the visa-exempt countries you’ll need to apply for one at a Mexican Embassy near you.
You can find a list of the Mexican embassies around the world here. The Mexican visa application process and requirements may vary from embassy to embassy along with the working hours and days, so be sure to contact them before submitting your application.
Mexico temporary residence
If you’d like to stay longer in Mexico there are two Visa options for you, the first one is the Visa de Residente Temporal (Temporary Resident Visa). This long-term Mexican Visa gives you temporary resident status and after being issued you will get 365 days to be in the country which can then be renewed for 1-3 years. With it, you’ll also be allowed to enter and exit the country as many times as you want.
You can only apply for this visa at a Mexican consulate outside of Mexico. You will need to prove that you have a stable income or sufficient funds to support yourself. The Mexican Temporary Resident Visa costs about $200 USD.
Permanent resident Visa
The second long-term option is the Permanent Resident Visa. This alternative is ideal for those who plan to relocate to Mexico permanently and wish to apply for Mexican nationality. Compared to the Temporary Resident Visa, the requirements for the Permanent Resident Visa are more stringent; generally, people are eligible for it only after completing four years on the temporary visa.
If you are on a tight budget, you can always hire an attorney to do all the hard work for you.
Cost of living
Mexico City is undoubtedly the most expensive place to live in Mexico, but one of its highlights is that it’s still very affordable compared to other major cities in the world. Despite the high prices, it is possible to have a good quality of life in Mexico City even on a limited budget.
Prices for housing or rent will vary depending on the neighborhood you choose to live in and the type of property you want to rent, but average monthly prices for a one-bedroom apartment in a nice neighborhood range from $600 to $1,500 USD. Utilities cost about $100 per month.
If you like to eat out, there are tons of restaurants of all kinds where you can spend as much or as little as you want. You will find delicious food regardless of your budget. On the other hand, grocery shopping in Mexico is really cheap, you can get a week’s worth of food for about $140 USD.
Whether you choose to get around using the public transportation system or Uber the prices of both will not hurt your pockets.
Estimated monthly expenses for one person, rent not included, are $900 USD ($18,000 MXN).
The best neighborhoods to live in
The following are the best neighborhoods for digital nomads to live in in Mexico City. Around them, you’ll find co-working spaces, coffee shops, a good ambiance, and great apartments.
Roma Norte and Roma Sur
Known for their bohemian atmosphere and beautiful architecture, the Roma Norte and Roma Sur areas are excellent places to live in Mexico City. Their popularity has been on the rise in recent months as many remote workers and digital nomads have moved here. The Roma neighborhoods offer cozy cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and galleries along with a buzzing nightlife. They are also very well connected by public transportation.
La Condesa
Right next to Roma is La Condesa, also known as Condesa. This is another great option, especially if you like nice parks and a party atmosphere. La Condesa is one of the trendiest areas of the city and in addition to its thriving nightlife scene, it has a great cultural offer. Its central location is ideal for being connected to other areas by public transportation. Bars, hotels, international cuisine restaurants, nightclubs and bars, and picturesque streets are some of the things you can find here.
Centro Histórico
If you want to be in the heart of the city, the Centro Historico will be perfect for you. Here you will find many tourist attractions such as the Palace of Fine Arts, the Zocalo, the Government Palace, and the Cathedral, among others. This area was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and if you decide to choose it as your residential neighborhood you will be connected not only to amazing cafes, restaurants, and stores but also to the rich history and culture of the city. The Centro Historico area is also ideal for those who want something more affordable.
Polanco
If money is not one of your concerns and you want to experience one of Mexico City’s most luxurious neighborhoods, Polanco is your go-to place. Colonia Polanco is a chic, wealthy, sophisticated, and exclusive neighborhood, with modern buildings and first-class attractions. It offers a wide and exquisite gastronomic offer, bars, shopping malls, VIP bars and luxury hotels. Nearby you will also find the Chapultepec Forest, a monumental park that houses the Chapultepec Castle, the Museum of Natural History, and the Museum of Anthropology.
Areas To Avoid In Mexico City
Areas to avoid in Mexico City are Tepito, Del Valle, Iztapalapa, Doctores, Ciudad Neza and La Merced Market, where crime tends to be higher, especially at night.
How To Find An Apartment Or Accommodation In Mexico City
There are plenty of ways to find a great apartment in Mexico City, both Long and Short term, but you do need to do your research and know the red flags to look out for. If you are looking for a long or short-term rental in Mexico City we have a detailed guide to renting in Mexico City here!
Wifi and SIM Cards
Wifi is usually fast and reliable in Mexico City, this may vary slightly depending on the area you are in and the internet provider, but in general, you can expect it to be good in most areas. Getting good wifi will not be a problem at all for digital nomads in Mexico City.
If you want to get a Mexican SIM card you can easily acquire one at an Oxxo or Mobo store. Telcel, AT&T, and Movistar are 3 cell phone providers in Mexico, but Telcel has the biggest and best coverage of all. You can get prepaid SIM cards or pay for a monthly phone plan. To use any SIM card remember to unlock your phone with your local provider before traveling.
Transportation in Mexico City
The extensive transportation system in Mexico City is anchored by its 207-kilometer underground network, which ferries almost 4.5 million passengers daily. In addition to this, there is a bus service and over 250,000 taxis available.
To navigate Mexico City, the transportation you choose will depend on your budget and time availability. Opting for Uber, taxi, or metro would be the best call. The metro system is efficient and covers the most popular tourist attractions, while also being affordable at roughly 0.25 USD. However, it can be crowded during peak hours and pickpocketing is more likely, especially in the mornings and evenings, so it’s advisable to carry only small bags for safety. The first two cars of each train are reserved for women and children, so make sure to board the correct one.
Mexico City’s Metrobús is a cost-effective and efficient mode of transportation, similar to the subway, but is often overcrowded. The buses are red and white and have dedicated lanes that run along Avenida de los Insurgentes. To use this service, you’ll need to purchase a smart card from vending machines in metro stations, which costs approximately 0.84 USD, and each ride costs about 0.31 USD. As in the metro, there are separate Metrobús cars designated exclusively for women.
How To Set Up A Bank Account In Mexico
If you want to avoid the ridiculous fees and hassle of getting money from ATMs using your usual card you can open a bank account in Mexico to put an end to those issues.
Getting a bank account isn’t as hard as you imagine. You can choose one of the following banks:
- Citibanamex
- Citibank
- Banorte
- BBVA
- Santander
- Scotiabank
- HSBC
To open your account you’ll need your passport, immigration card, proof of address in Mexico, and cash (banks usually require $2000 to $5000 MXN to open your account and add this money to your balance).
Nightlife
Mexico City’s nightlife is exciting and vibrant. The most popular and common places to enjoy a fun nocturnal outing are bars and nightclubs also known as antros. Other places like billiards, traditional canteens, and bowling alleys are good spots to visit at night.
The trendiest neighborhoods in Mexico City for a fun nightlife experience are Condesa, Polanco, Zona Rosa (ideal for LGBTQ+ individuals), and Centro.
Things To Do in Mexico City
Visiting a city as big as CDMX can be overwhelming and you may feel like there is not enough time to check out everything this metropolis has to offer, but don’t worry, here are some of the things you should not miss during your time in Mexico City:
- Chapultepec Forest
- Coyoacán
- The Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes)
- La Condesa and Roma neighborhoods
- The Archeological Site of Teotihuacán
- Museums (there are over 200 but if you can visit the most important ones that will be enough)
Where to buy groceries and other essentials
Mexico has different markets and grocery stores where you can get food and any kind of basic necessities. Markets are known for having fresh produce and the best prices, but if you don’t feel like shopping there, you can always go to a grocery store like City Market, Walmart, or Chedraui, where you can also get medicines, kitchen utensils, personal care items and sometimes even clothes.
There are also small convenience stores throughout the city where you can find chips, sodas, cookies, and other kinds of food.
Best coworking spaces in Mexico City
If you get bored of working from home, want to meet more digital nomads or ex-pats working remotely, and want a more professional setup than a coffee shop these are the best co-working spaces in Mexico City:
Nearby destinations
For a weekend or day trip to a location less than 1-4 hours from Mexico City, you can always visit these other attractive destinations:
- The Teotihuacan Ruins
- Xochimilco
- Puebla City and Cholula
- San Miguel de Allende
- Queretaro
- Peña de Bernal
- Taxco
- Valle de Bravo
- Tepoztlán
- Cuernavaca
- Pachuca
- Tula
Other destinations that are just a flight away
To discover places further afield, you can always take a direct flight to:
- Cancun
- Guadalajara
- Monterrey
- Cabo
- Oaxaca
- Tijuana
- Mazatlan
- Puerto Vallarta
- Acapulco
- La Paz
3 reasons not to move to Mexico City
Mexico City has many pros, but of course, it also has some cons. Here are 3 reasons why Mexico City might not be the right fit for all digital nomads.
- Traffic
This is the main reason that makes many Mexicans and foreigners dislike Mexico City. Due to the dense population, traffic can be a horror experience, so if you’re thinking of living here, not having a car will make things easier for you. The ideal situation for any digital nomad is to live and work in the same area, one that has easy access to public transportation for when you want to get around.
- Mexico City altitude
Those who are not used to high altitudes will probably have a hard time adjusting to Mexico City. If this is your case, you will most likely suffer from altitude sickness, as the city is about 2,250 m above sea level.
- Crime
If being constantly exposed to pickpockets and other types of petty crime is not something you want to deal with, then Mexico City is not your ideal digital nomad destination.
Ready to Move to Mexico City?
If you’ve read this ultimate guide for digital nomads in Mexico City from start to finish, you can now consider yourself ready to move to this unique destination. I’m sure all the tips here will help you start and navigate your digital nomad experience in Mexico in the best way possible. Thanks for reading!
