Want to become a Merida digital nomad?
Merida is the capital city of the Yucatan peninsula. The remarkable design, the security and the savory cuisine are what render Merida such a favored tourist spot…
Is Merida capable of becoming an ideal place for digital nomads to live in?
We were living and working as digital nomads in Merida for close to four weeks, and now we are providing all of the information you need for making that same kind of experience successful (including reliable coworking facilities, free wifi access, and an active nomadic community).
But first…
Types of Mexico Digital Nomad Alternative Visas
Mexico does not provide a specific permit for digital nomads, however, people from other countries can still gain legal permission to work in Mexico with either a temporary or permanent residency visa.
Temporary Resident Visa
A “No Lucrativo (non-lucrative) visa,” otherwise known as a temporary resident visa, is created for people who wish to remain in Mexico for an extended period of time. Depends on your nationality, the maximum stay and work duration in Mexico typically ranges from half a year to four years.
This visa allows you to have access to a banking facility, freedom to come and go between Mexico and other countries without limitations, the option to purchase cell phone services and the capability to purchase or lease cars.
To qualify for this visa, you must have earned income from a source in a country other than Mexico.
Permanent Resident Visa
If you wish to remain for an extended period of time, think about obtaining a permanent residence permit. You will have the capability to remain in Mexico for an extended period of time.
Mexico Digital Nomad Visa Alternative Eligibility Requirements
Individuals from all corners of the planet can submit an application for a variation on the Mexico digital nomad visa. You only need to show that you have:
- A monthly tax-free income of $2,473.34 from the previous six months. For each dependent you’ll be bringing, you’ll need an extra $861.
- An average monthly balance of $40,740.89 (during the last 12 months) in your savings account
- An original letter of invitation from a foreigner with a temporary resident visa, marriage or close relationship with someone who has a permanent resident visa or is a Mexican citizen, or ties with someone who holds a migratory status of temporary resident or student visa.
- Mexican property worth at least $164,905.80
Visa issuance is subject to your application and interview.
Taxes for Digital Nomads in Mexico
Will digital nomads have to pay taxes in Mexico? Maybe, maybe not.
As an inhabitant, your taxation rate could range from nothing to 30%. The amount you will shell out will mostly depend on your circumstances and salary.
For instance, if the majority of your total income is derived from a business located outside of Mexico, you will not need to pay Mexican taxes to avoid being taxed twice.
You will need to pay taxes on a portion of your income if you make half of it in the country where you reside, depending on what your tax bracket is.
Tips for Digital Nomads in Mexico
These are 7 of the best pieces of guidance for digital nomads in Mexico.
- Avoid Moving Too Often
Exploring new cultures and encounters can be a great way to spend your time off, however if done excessively in a brief time frame it can put your body and mind under duress. This can have a negative effect on productivity and inspiration at the workplace. Plus, all those trips can get expensive quickly. Be sure to map out your schedule beforehand, and make sure you give yourself breaks in between your adventures to keep from becoming overwhelmed.
- Be Familiar With Time Zone Differences
If you are employed by an organization outside of Mexico, it is a wise decision to remind your coworkers of the time zone disparity. In this manner, all people can be respectful of each other’s job hours and can plan gatherings correspondingly.
- Get Medical Insurance
Medical procedures and medicines are inexpensive in Mexico. We strongly advise that you obtain travel insurance from SafetyWing. For only $40 a month, you can have your medical costs taken care of before you embark on your journey.
- Subscribe to Mobile Phone Services for Internet on the Go
Telcel can provide excellent coverage, text/call plans with no limits, and an ample amount of data to surf the web regularly for an affordable rate of $9.50!
- Start Hunting for Accommodations Through Airbnb
If you’re unfamiliar with Mexico, it is strongly suggested that you begin with a stay at an Airbnb. By choosing this option, you can get a large price reduction (20-50%) on monthly plans. This can aid you in familiarizing yourself with the location in which you desire to reside before making a decision that is more permanent.
- Take Necessary Safety Precautions When Out and About
In large cities, traffic jams can be bothersome, so be prepared for extra time if you are planning to do a lot of driving or for a long journey. Have some flexibility with your itinerary. Be careful if you plan to visit neighborhoods such as Tepito and Doctores, since they tend to have higher levels of crime. Use your usual precautions when going there.
- Work From Coffee Shops To Add Variety to Your work Environment
If you’re looking to do something different, why not try going to a coffee shop and working from there? At cafes, patrons can socialize and indulge in different kinds of caffeinated drinks and treats. There are opportunities to socialize while working, and the comforting sound of background noise.
Think you need more tips? Check out this guide with tips for working remotely. This place has all the amenities necessary to make your workcation satisfying and productive.
Now…
Why Become A Merida Digital Nomad?
You should have heard the fantastic benefits of being a digital nomad in Playa del Carmen.
You may have been informed of the great lifestyle afforded to digital nomads who live in San Cristobal de las Casas.
…but a Merida digital nomad?! At present, this city isn’t the most in-demand destination for digital nomads, but we anticipate that its popularity is increasing.
Here are some reasons why:
If you’re concerned about your security or just want to feel secure when you go out, Merida is one of the most secure cities in Mexico. It has been ranked among the five most secure towns or cities to stay in North America (not solely Mexico) for the past couple of years.
The wifi speeds in Merida are better than any other place we have encountered in our seven-month journey in Mexico. At certain outdoor spaces such as Plaza Grande and Parque San Juan, there is even access to free public wireless internet. The Merida coworking areas have dependable and solid wifi that you can rely on!
Situating oneself in Merida is an optimal position to live the digital nomad lifestyle in Mexico. The international airport is within a half hour of the downtown area, and Progreso beach is also in the same vicinity. If you want to take a dip in a cenote, there are numerous of them a two hour drive away.
We definitely have to choose Merida due to all the convincing reasons she has! It should be noted that not all locations appropriate for digital nomads are flawless. Merida could certainly make some changes that would enable it to be more attractive to digital nomads.
Merida Digital Nomad Guide 2023
If you have thought of making Merida your home as a digital nomad, this guide will aid you in settling down, searching for a place to share your workspace, or identifying coffee bars and getting involved with the digital nomad society.
How To Get To Merida From The Airport
You have arrived at the airport and now you are prepared to investigate your new city! What is the best way to travel from the airport to the city center?
You have three choices: get a cab, request a ride from Uber or engage the services of a chauffeur.
Hailing an Uber is the simplest choice, however, the drivers are not permitted to enter the vicinity of the airport. We didn’t know this and we ordered one. The chauffeur requested that we head outside of the terminal region, and we accepted that it was customary and didn’t seem to be an issue. We took a walk outside and then noticed that he wanted us to go much farther away from where we started, so we journeyed 15-20 minutes with all of our belongings to get to the main road. This wasn’t enjoyable whatsoever and we ended up paying the entire charge (about $15 US dollars).
It may be a wise decision for you to choose this option, above all if you would rather not have to bargain with a taxi operator or be charged a lot of money for an exclusive vehicle. Remember that it is possible that you might need to speak with your chauffeur and organize the pickup.
How to Get a SIM Card in Merida?
Purchasing a mobile SIM card in Merida is very comparable to buying one in Playa del Carmen. You have 3 telephone company options to choose from in Mexico:
- Telcel
- MoviStar
- AT&T Unidos
How much does a SIM card in Mexico cost?
When you initially purchase a SIM card, the common deal is that you will be given unrestricted access to social media and approximately 3GB of data. You won’t receive any phone calls or messages, however, it’s not usually necessary. The SIM card costs around $12 USD.
One can purchase the SIM card from any Telcel stand or even from a shop. You can top up your data allowance for the following month at most grocery stores, such as Chedraui or Mega Soriana.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Merida for Digital Nomads?
Planning the location of your next digital nomad journey should include taking the weather into consideration. And Merida, Mexico is no exception!
Merida isn’t rainbows and sunshine all year-round. It may be prudent to vacate the area occasionally, but generally the climate in this tropical region is delightful.
Best Months To Visit Merida
The optimal period for a trip to Merida is from November to April. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy lots of sunny weather without the humidity being too intense. If you travel to Merida in the coming months, you can look forward to less rainfall and more opportunities to explore the city and make day trips.
Worst Months To Visit Merida
The least ideal time to journey to Merida is during the period of May through September. Why? The level of moisture in the air can become uncomfortably high and nobody enjoys going around on a tour when they are drenched in perspiration. The residents choose to remain indoors with their air-conditioners running. In Merida, hurricanes are not terribly problematic, but precipitation can be more of an issue especially during this time of year.
How To Get Around Merida – Transport Options
Navigating Merida, the most extensive city in the Yucatan region, can be a challenge.
There are several ways to get around Merida:
You could opt for the public bus, but it would take up a lot of your time. The timeframe for its arrival is unpredictable, so one cannot be sure when it will get here. We tried it a few times and the cost was really economical, but unfortunately undependable! Our pals have endured a long period of time of anywhere between 10 minutes to two hours for a bus to show up. You’ve been warned
Using Uber is the most convenient way to get around Merida. It can be found everywhere in the town and they come pretty quickly. A 20-minute ride is roughly going to be $5 in United States Dollars. Be careful though because it does add up!
The price of taxi rides in Merida appeared to be reasonable. If you know some Spanish, you can talk things over with them. A TTA suggestion: Calculate the cost of travelling with Uber from one place to another, so that you are aware of approximately how much a taxi ride may cost.
If you need to wander around the coast or take a short vacation to the Riviera Maya, the ideal option is to rent a car so that you can have more freedom.
Rent
Rent prices vary across cities but are overall affordable. Puerto Vallarta has an extremely high cost of living for single dwellers, renting at $405 monthly for accommodation and utility costs combined. In Playa del Carmen, rental rates and bills for utilities amount to around $310, whereas a flat used by only one person in Merida may cost approximately $385. One person can go to Oaxaca for only $292.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long can you stay in Mexico as a digital nomad?
You can remain in Mexico for between 6 months and 4 years with a digital visa which is valid for a temporary period. If you want to remain in the same place for an extended period, you can request a long-term residence permit when your short-term visa comes to an end.
Can I legally work remotely in Mexico?
Mexico permits people from outside the country to do their job from a distance. The only demand is that you cannot work in Mexico and must make money from somewhere outside the country.
Do I have to pay taxes in Mexico if I work remotely?
If you possess a short-term residence permit, you must pay taxes on all funds you earn from working in Mexico. With the Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM) you may be able to bypass any taxation completely.
Is Mexico good for digital nomads?
Mexico possesses a wealth of culture and boasts facilities that provide beneficial opportunities to remote workers. There are lots of chances for amusement and leisure activities.
Where do digital nomads go in Mexico?
Most remote workers decide to work and play in Mexico City, but Oaxaca, Merida, Guanajuato, Puerto Vallarta, and Tulum are also hot spots for digital nomads and expats.
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