Mexico is a well-known haven for digital nomads. And Playa del Carmen has become one of the most popular destinations for sun-seekers looking to escape the dreary winters of the Northern Hemisphere. With a great community, consistently fantastic weather, fast wifi, co-working spaces, and heaps of accommodation options — Playa del Carmen has all the amenities you need to work and live happily.
If you're thinking of nomad-ing in Playa del Carmen with your dog (or cat), there are a few things you'll need to account for before and during your stay.
Continue reading because this is your digital nomad guide to Playa del Carmen with a pet.
Overview of Being a Digital Nomad with a Dog in Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is a fantastic destination for digital nomads and quite pet-friendly, especially compared to Canada and the United States. Flying into Mexico from Canada or the United States is straightforward regarding documentation; usually, only a rabies vaccination is required. The National Service of Agrifood Health, Safety and Quality (SENASICA) website outlines all the requirements. However, the website is in Spanish only. To reach Playa del Carmen, Cancun is the closest airport to fly into. Then, taking a taxi, a private driver, or renting a car to drive into the city is recommended.
You'll find a number of pet-friendly condos and accommodation options, which you can book through Airbnb or, if you're staying longer, through a real estate agency. The co-working spaces are pet friendly, and so are the numerous nomad-friendly cafés and restaurants.
Playa del Carmen is well situated, so you can easily take weekend trips to explore stunning cenotes and other natural wonders.
About Playa del Carmen
Traveling to Playa del Carmen with a Dog
Accommodation in Playa del Carmen for Pet Owners
Co-working Spaces and Internet Connectivity
Pet Care in Playa del Carmen
Safety and Health Considerations
Playa del Carmen Digital Nomad with Dog FAQs
Conclusion
About Playa del Carmen
Known for its breathtaking white-sand beaches, Playa Del Carmen is fast becoming a hot spot for location-independent workers. As a digital nomad in Playa Del Carmen with a dog, you can bask in the perfect fusion of modern city life and tropical paradise. The city offers a warm, pet-friendly culture, an array of co-working spaces with high-speed internet for seamless remote working, and plenty of pet-friendly parks, restaurants, and beaches.
The compact city layout makes exploring on foot easy for you and your pet. Playa del Carmen operates on a grid system, so it's nearly impossible to get lost. Life as a digital nomad in Playa del Carmen with your dog will gift you some of the best beach life experiences and a vibrant digital nomad community to connect with.
Best Time to Go as a Digital Nomad
The ideal time to visit Playa Del Carmen is during its dry season, typically from December to April when the weather is pleasantly warm with average temperatures ranging from 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C), and rainfall is minimal. These months offer perfect conditions for outdoor activities and beach time with your pet. However, for digital nomads who enjoy less crowded settings and can tolerate occasional showers and high humidity, the off-peak season from May to November is also a great time to experience Playa Del Carmen without the tourist crowds. Another thing to consider is the seaweed that washes up on beaches, which is notorious for putting a damper on otherwise beautiful Caribbean beaches. Seaweed, or sargassum, is typically most active in warmer summer months. While it impacts most of the Caribbean islands and isn't dangerous, it has a strong pungent smell and can put a damper on swimming.
Digital Nomad Cost of living in Playa del Carmen with a dog
Typically, you can rent a pet-friendly, one-bedroom apartment in a decent neighbourhood for around US $750 to $1,500 per month, if you're renting midterm (i.e. for a 3-6 month contract). Regular groceries for both you and your pet are reasonably priced, and eating out at local eateries remains affordable. Utilities and internet services are reliable and relatively cheap as well, although electricity is one of the most expensive costs. Make sure to budget for this as you will want to run air conditioning during the hottest and humid months.
The cost of living in Playa Del Carmen does depend on your lifestyle and preferences, but generally, it offers an economical choice for digital nomads.
Traveling to Playa del Carmen with a Dog
Depending on where you're traveling from, you'll likely want to fly into Cancun airport. There are a number of options to get from the airport to Playa del Carmen. There is a bus called the ADO, which only allows guide dogs. So unless your dog is a guide dog, your best option is to take a private transfer. Ask your AirBnB host if they offer the service or take a taxi upon arriving if need be. There are always taxis at the airport, however be warned that they are more likely the most expensive option.
Accommodation in Playa del Carmen for Pet Owners
The first place to look for with accommodation is on AirBnB and Facebook groups. Be aware of scams however, so to be on the safe side you might want to book something on AirBnB for a shorter term, and then find something cheaper on the ground. If you're staying for longer than 2-3 months, it usually makes financial sense to go off of the AirBnB platform. In this case, you'll have to pay for your internet and utilities separately.
There are many rental agencies you can find on Facebook that will help you find a place that allows dogs or cats. Again, use caution, because there are many scammers. Never transfer money to secure something unless you are certain that it is not a scam. One Facebook group specifically to help people find pet-friendly rentals on Facebook is called: "Departmentos en Renta Pet Friendly Playa Del Carmen". You can use that to begin your search.
Co-working Spaces and Internet Connectivity
Wifi and internet connectivity is very reliable in Playa del Carmen. There are two main co-working spaces: Nest and Bunker. These co-working spaces are on different sides of the town, so chances are you'll be close to one of them!
Both co-working spaces are pet friendly and have different pricing packages, including private office availability and call rooms.
To meet the growing demand of digital nomads visiting Playa del Carmen, many AirBnB hosts have invested in good WiFi capabilities. Prior to booking your accommodation, you can ask your host for the internet speed — requesting a snapshot of a speed test. Fortunately, electricity is quite stable in Playa del Carmen and not prone to outages. While it might happen here and again, chances are your WiFi will be reliable.
If you enjoy working out of cafés there are tons of options! While you will find Starbucks on 5th avenue, keep an eye out for a coffee chain called Ah Cacao. Other popular places to work from include Choux Choux (and it's , Bajo Café and Fresco Habito. You can bring your dog with you and grab a healthy meal while working!
Pet Care in Playa del Carmen
If you're needing a dog sitter or any sort of veterinary care, your best bet is to join one of the expat groups for Playa del Carmen digital nomads. Digital nomad and expat communities in Mexico are generally more active on WhatsApp groups than on Facebook groups. Once you join an expat WhatsApp group, you can ask for recommendations for pet sitters or veterinarians.
Safety and Health Considerations
As with all destinations, make sure that your dog (or cat) is up-to-date with their shots. The good news is, Playa del Carmen has a lot of amenities so finding medical care for your dog or cat won't be a problem during your stay. Be warned that there are some street dogs but overall they are quite friendly and not aggressive.
Playa del Carmen Digital Nomad with Dog FAQs
Here are some of the top questions we get from digital nomads looking to live in Playa del Carmen with their dog or cat.
1. Are any of the beaches pet friendly?
Unfortunately, none of the beaches in Playa del Carmen officially permit dogs. But you'll see a lack of enforcement and many individuals walking their dogs, especially at non-peak hours (i.e. sunrise and sunset) at many of the beaches. For example, Coco Beach and Playa 88 is not explicitly 'dog friendly' but most people bring their dogs, especially in the morning. Be discreet.
2. Can I bring my dog to the mall?
Yes, dogs are allowed in open-air shopping malls like Quinta Alegria, though you may not be allowed to bring them into individual stores.
3. What are the entry requirements for bringing my dog into Mexico from the United States or Canada?
Entry requirements to get into Mexico from the United States and Canada have changed. As of writing, only a valid official rabies vaccination certification is required in order to enter Mexico from these countries. Prior to your trip make sure to double check nothing has changed.
3. Are there pet stores in Playa del Carmen?
You will find tons of pet stores in Playa del Carmen. You can either find a store close to where you're staying or check some of the bigger stores like Chedraui — they will have a section for pets or "mascotas" in Spanish. If you're in a pinch and want items to be delivered to you — download Rappi (this is a delivery service where you can buy things online from various stores). It's easy to use and very convenient.
Conclusion
Playa Del Carmen is one of the best destinations for digital nomads — and many digital nomads work and live out of this corner of paradise with their pet! Dogs and cats can live an abundant tropical life with you and be included in your day-to-day activities with no hassles. Many restaurants and cafés are dog friendly and both co-working spaces are too.
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