PLAYA DEL CARMEN FOR DIGITAL NOMADS | PRICES, COWORKING, CAFES & MORE

This is Playa Del Carmen for Digital Nomads, my full evaluation of the Mexican Costal Town specifically for those who work and travel.
In the video, I briefly cover coworking spaces, cafes, cost of living and things to do in Playa Del Carmen. If you're looking for more detail, definitely check out the full post at
christhefreelan...
Skip Ahead to Specific Sections
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0:34 Overview of the City
1:36 - Cost of Living
10:47 - Cafes and Coworking
13:08 - Lifestyle and Things to do
15:58 - Final thoughts
Playa del Carmen is one of the 14 Destinations profiled in my new 'Digital Nomad Guide to the World 2018'
Check out the guide here:
christhefreelan...
Music: Voices - Daniel Kadawatha (via Epidemic Sound)
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[@JohnnyFD]

Glad you liked Playa! It’s on my list of potential Nomad hotspots to live in.

[@stevencicalese2595]

Love Playa! I've lived there for over 5 months this year. Make sure you go to Papa Charlys, 500 gramos and Blue Point for amazing inexpensive meals

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Already left but thanks for the tips

[@MrJohn360]

Yo, Mexican here. Have been there before and still got a lot of value out of this video. Thanks for sharing 🤓

[@tiffanyjoseph1555]

Loved it (as usual). I really liked the map highlighting and features at the beginning, it's something I would come back and look at again when I plan my first trip to Mexico. Can't wait to see your take on NYC and Vegas!

[@nobodyspecial8380]

Could not have asked for a more informative vid on Playa Del Carmen. Very much appreciated, and 2 enthusiastic thumbs up!!

[@FlatlinerInk]

I was traveling through Thailand a few weeks ago and now traveling the Yucatan Peninsula. Im here in Playa Del Carman now at "Nest" the coworking space you recommended trying to upload some videos and get some work done. Thanks for the advise on this place just wish you had mentioned how tucked away it is, but once my phone started working I called and then came out to great me and show me around the space. Thanks again!

[@fruitopia5461]

Playa is really awesome! I love the accessibility of it coming from the US and it’s always summer there 😊 ☀️ and it’s much cheaper than US lol

[@digitalnomade366]

Great job, Chris. Spent five months in Playa and it`s just a really good place in so many ways. Nest is the best as well. Hopefully, there will be coworking in Tulum as well which is nice alternative away for some days. Would add that there are loads of nice work-friendly rooftops in playa with pools and drinks, like Be Roof.

[@BeeboiZam]

Love that you went back into "...For Digital Nomads" Series. Absolutely loved this episode. Keen on checking it out in the future.

[@debsmith7050]

Very helpful as always Chris. Thanks

[@DanegerAndStacey]

Doing some research on Mexico for early next year - super helpful mate, thanks 🤙🏼

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Glad to help!

[@cylon5741]

Great video! The geography lesson on where to stay and go is very informative.

[@i_would_but_i_wont]

You're making good content. Keep it up.

[@travelmodernmanmastery6099]

Great videos, Chris! Glad you're enjoying Playa!

[@hockey_hungry]

Your channel is so underrated

[@MrJosera89]

Hi Chris, I'm a fellow digital nomad from Mexico who has also been all around the world. I really enjoy your video I think that you portrait a very accurate picture of Playa del Carmen, I was working there this summer for a small startup. Next time if you can try visiting Oaxaca and the pacific side of mexico (center part is also nice). Keep up that digital nomad lifestyle!

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Thanks Jose!

[@littlemike9080]

As a Mexican, I

[@debbiee7850]

my y1st trip to Playa was in 1993. it was sooo tiny compared to now. but... El Fogon is still there !!!! yummy ! we like Carboncitos also.

[@Auf_dem_Sonnendeck]

Good job, Chris! Thanks!

[@gabrilondon]

Awesome video Chris! Planning to go there in January 😉

[@ChristopherChiu]

Chris waddup brother! I've been in NYC/ Cali for past month. Seems we just missed each other. Anyways, I may move to PDC in March...we'll see. Also looking at Guatemala/ Nicaragua / Panama. Will be in Costa Rica in Feb. Thanks for this super useful video (and your other day in life of PDC). I watched them to learn more about this place before I commit. The MMA Gym I found as well. Why was it closed? I miss muay thai training in Thialand :) Awesome work buddy!

[@Donoprez]

Man I enjoy your video, I have my trip to Playa the first week of November. Thanks for the info!!!!

[@Donoprez]

By the way are you related to the Hemsworth's???? You look a lot like them!!!!!

[@ВадимЛипатов-ю4ь]

Thanks, Chris! Your content is very good! Good luck!

[@chewie5870]

Can u do more food tours and show us the best eats on the locations you visit because the main reason for me to travel is trying different foods

[@Lisamakes]

El Fogon is our fave, too!!

[@Lisamakes]

Casa Sofia is also good, and great pizza.

[@mixnmichael1]

Very good. I luved Playa del Carmen also. Trying to get my friends to go back.

[@AliceHannam]

your videos are invaluable! Thanks and keep it up!

[@ltjohnson7552]

El Fagon right across the street from the Mega Super Market. Excellent tacos!!! Don Sirloin as well

[@MSmixVids]

Hey Chris, thanks for showing us Playa del Carmen. I hope there will be another nomad cruise bringing me to Latin America again in next winter, so I can get a chance to visit as well.

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Hi Martin. Did you go back to Europe already?

[@cthoadmin7458]

Belize is within easy striking distance of Tulum and Playa. Well worth it if you are into diving.

[@claudiadeplaya]

Thank you Chris, great video! Great information =)

[@markozeman1871]

Hey, can you please elaborate more about why to stay in Centro and not little more far away?

[@ChristheFreelancer]

It just feels safer in centro plus it's easier to get around when you don't have a car.

[@MrSocalreoking]

Was the internet not good at your Airbnb to have worked there. I have a lap top and two monitors so working from Airbnb is ideal

[@emilyrodrii5483]

There's another cowork with really good location and facilities. It's the cowork of Selina Playa del Carmen, 2nd street in between 5th and 10th!

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Ah cool. Not sure if that was around in 2017. Thanks for sharing!

[@aneeshaero005]

Really enjoyed this.... Didn't know Mexico has this kinda hot destinations.

[@Luther-dj8si]

I had to laugh about the Free Lancer. I enjoyed your vids when you were apt. shopping in Chiang Mai...and I was thinking the other day about Mexico since I enjoy their food the best. So I put 2 and 2 together and wondered if you did Mexico yet. haha I'll follow you around Mexico hoping you'll be in a busy yet non touristy area. Good job.

[@bradley_Bradley]

The area has soo much to offer, so if you are a digital nomad you owe it to yourself to checkit out

[@النفس-م6ط]

Hello Chris! thanks for the positivity 👍🇲🇦🇲🇦🇲🇦

[@mmttpp4477]

Ya!

[@ajmassage3799]

Nest looks really nice!

[@bryancole842]

Great info here Chris. What is your take on the city, Puerto Vallarta for livability/ costs ?

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Never been so can't comment unfortunately.

[@davidcarrillo4570]

Chris thanks so much !!!

[@brandonpierce4959]

I finally get to Thailand from USA, and you go to my backyard!

[@metricmoo]

Was it possible to get a wired internet connection? How was the Internet speed?

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Not sure about the wired internet but I did cover speeds in the video and in the article: christhefreelancer.com/las-palmas-for-digital-nomads/

[@metricmoo]

Chris the Freelancer Thanks. I saw you listed the coworking space speeds. Teaching online requires a private space with a wired connection. Maybe you could include that another time 😀

[@MZONE3D]

Hi chris... Your videos are great, but theres a lack of actual "Co working" videos. So far your videos have been about getting your work online, and sitting in a so called "Co Working" space? The definition of coworking is.... the use of an office or other working environment by people who are self-employed or working for different employers, typically so as to share equipment, ideas, and knowledge. "the whole idea of co-working is to bring bright, creative people together and let the ideas collide". ((But most people stare at a screen all day, and are often times quite introvert)). So far, its been a nice guide to where you can travel to and work, how to get work online, and getting on a Cruise ship to seemingly get drunk etc, which is great :) The sharing part and examples of actual co-working is lacking from your channel. Just an idea for you mate :) Cheers

[@wkdravenna]

MZONE They seem pretty social at the co working spaces but they also gotta get stuff done.

[@darren340]

Chris the majority of your video is you in your room why don’t you show the town

[@vadahughley1500]

Great video man! Not to sound stupid, but what is a Digital Nomad? What all do they do? And is it true you can't drink the water in Mexico? Thanks have a great day!!!! 😎😎😎😎

[@XYZ-pl4cr]

Digital nomads are a type of people who use telecommunications technologies to earn a living and, more generally, conduct their life in a nomadic manner. Such workers often work remotely from foreign countries, coffee shops, public libraries, co-working spaces, and recreational vehicles. Usually they have their own business IT do freelancer job For example digital marketing, social media managing, graphic designg, web developing, amazon fba selling or programing. ;)

[@Telluwide]

You'll be in the States just in time for Thanksgiving. Hope you have a chance to enjoy a great Thanksgiving meal. The only true American cuisine if there is any. I'm sure you'll have a lot to reflect on as your year of traveling is coming to an end. Curious to see what conclusions you'll have and how you'll want to spend 2018 and where. Great job!

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Thanks! In NYC for Thanksgiving so we may go to the parade.

[@spacafevigorizatuser2407]

Hi,I from México and would like to start a spa and live in playa del Carmen yo. Would you give me your point off view please!

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Sounds good to me :)

[@ghostinc7]

What about the heat? Was most stuff Air conditioned?

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Didn't bother me.

[@koalafrancehk]

for language wise, is that ok for english speakers?

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Yeah. It's pretty ok. Apart from when you buy from street vendors. Then, you'll need a little Spanish.

[@tommy2shots]

Hey don't suppose you were in Venice (in LA) this week? Thought I saw you riding a bike and talking business lol

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Haha nah man but I’ll be there on the 3rd

[@tommy2shots]

have a good trip m8

[@qdog5921]

Man it just goes to show that experience is all relative. I hated Playa Del Carmen cause it's so touristy, unauthentic, very americanised and expensive! Much more a fan of Puerto Escondido.

[@ChristheFreelancer]

Well, it was my first introduction to Mexico so perhaps I will like it much better in somewhere less touristic.

[@qdog5921]

Chris the Freelancer lots to explore in Mexico. Like I said it's all relative to the person. Not knocking you for it! :)

[@TravelThoughts]

Very similar to my experiences. In our video series on youtube we rated Puerto Escondido much more highly in terms of less touristic and better value. Sadly, the Internet is not as good. If you want more bustle, Huatulco, about two hours from PE, is a good alternative.

[@sylvainlefrancois]

Thanks! What about people and language, do they speak English?

[@ChristheFreelancer]

I didn't have many problems. Only people I remember not speaking any English were the street vendors.

[@neb-roqket8739]

But you should learn Spanish. More perks with the locals and ofc it's Mexico you should speak their language.

[@dawnfkahamilton-doerfler6982]

Chris Do you regret leaving after a month? Couldn’t you start a permanent Business there.

[@ChristheFreelancer]

No regrets.

[@ritaepps1055]

I am wondering, will survive there if I don't eat spicy food at all? :-D

[@ChristheFreelancer]

yes. The good thing about Mexican food is the sauces come on the side.

[@ritaepps1055]

yaaay, thanks for the answer!

[@malthus101]

What's the point of a co-working space? Complete waste of money. Just work from your apartment. That's $200 a month saved right there.

[@ApolloBrah]

how come nothing negative? youre keeping it undercover

[@dawnfkahamilton-doerfler6982]

In US a Corona beer was $4. In a bar And a mojito drink was $7. Here in Wisconsin I had to take Taxi for 13 miles and he charged me $34. US. I think this is outrageous. I could rent a car for $27. Per day.

[@SportsIncorporated]

One thing I've noticed is no one talks about India, and coworking in India.

[@ChristheFreelancer]

I've only been to India once as a child but from what I know, it is a very chaotic place. Not sure if I would be very productive there. Would love to see videos on it though if anyone else would like to try it out :)

[@aliciacarbone6047]

There is no Uber in Playa.

[@bikesbeersbeats]

Wish I had visited this site before paying $2000 for 4 nights. fml.

[@Xar14227]

I had some problems with no-English-speaking community... haven't you?

[@ChristheFreelancer]

I speak a tiny bit of Spanish. It's enough to order food.

[@Xar14227]

I was struggling with a mixture of Italian and English being surprised every single time by their pure shock: "What? You don't speak Spanish?!? How do you live?" Or, once when I went to the laundrette the lady was telling me that the laundry will be ready on Thursday, and I couldn't understand why was she talking something about eggs xD

[@Klausjp.ontheroadagain]

jueves = thursday huevos = eggs

[@Xar14227]

I know this now, but still think it's pretty funny

[@alyssaallen8605]

@@Xar14227 I chuckled

[@malthus101]

Lol... checking his laptop to remind him to say "the food is great and the beaches are too" - God forbid he ever has to perform a Shakespeare play!

[@r3nd3rm4n]

That moustache tho

[@bobbrown9079]

Just a word to people from other continents who may not be aware => I have no doubt that Chris is right about Playa Del Carmen. I appreciate his information. I have not been to that specific location, hoping to go there sometime. However, nearly all of Mexico is a third world country with all the accompanying problems. Many parts of Mexico are extremely dangerous for tourists so do extensive research before you venture around. Thanks

[@SoloCourseMakers]

Most of Drug Cartel problems in Mexico are related to locals inside gangs, most of the time you wont find a problem following general safety guidance as if you were anywhere else. Of course, you must be extra safe in third world countries comparing to others but at least speaking of Mexico in particular, definitely not as bad as they make it sound. I would stay away from Acapulco, Guerrero though (used to be a touristic spot) and some certain states that don't offer much, like Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua or Tamaulipas.

[@MarthaRodriguez-dd6gm]

👍🙏🧜‍♀️🧜‍♀️👀

[@foodiemedellin3753]

You look like a damn Hemsworth brother and the girl is there like: 🥔 😭

[@chicagomike]

Not super cheap. Sorry. And there is nothing there.security too.and the water?..

[@Silvia0912ful]

I couldnt live on junk food

[@pharaohphoenix8348]

13:36, why is Denise so miserable lol.

[@2000brisk]

wow you eat a lot of carbs. Just do OMAD then you won't feel so hungry

[@ChristheFreelancer]

What's OMAD?

[@zoomzoom135]

I guess it’s one meal a day :)

[@lukaspialamusic]

Chris the Freelancer ONE MEAL A DAY

[@tclinn2909]

My dad and I got robbed by the Mexican police. They took the cash I had in my wallet. No more going to Mexico! Costa Rica is a much better/safer place IMO.