From Office Cubicle to Beach Paradise: Living as a Digital Nomad in Tulum

Digital nomadism is a lifestyle that allows people to work remotely while traveling the world. With the rise of technology and the internet, more and more people are choosing this lifestyle and making Tulum, Mexico, their home base. Tulum is a beautiful beach town located on the Yucatan Peninsula, famous for its stunning turquoise waters and ancient Mayan ruins. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of being a digital nomad in Tulum, and provide tips for aspiring nomads to make the most of their time in this vibrant and dynamic destination.

Pros of being a digital nomad in Tulum

Flexibility and freedom

One of the biggest advantages of being a digital nomad is the ability to work on your own terms. You can work from anywhere in the world, at any time that suits you. This means you can take advantage of Tulum’s beautiful beaches and warm weather during the day, and work in the evening or at night. You can also take time off whenever you want, without having to worry about requesting time off from a boss.

Unique Lifestyle

One of the main benefits of being a digital nomad in Tulum is the unique lifestyle it offers. The combination of beach, jungle, and historical ruins makes Tulum an attractive destination for those who seek a balance between work and leisure. Tulum’s laid-back vibe and the abundance of wellness activities, such as yoga, meditation, and healthy food options, make it a popular spot for digital nomads who prioritize their wellbeing.

Low Cost of Living

Compared to other popular digital nomad destinations, Tulum offers a relatively low cost of living. Rent, food, and transportation are all affordable, allowing digital nomads to live comfortably while still saving money. Additionally, there are many co-working spaces and cafes with free Wi-Fi, making it easy to work without spending a lot of money.

A Vibrant Community of Digital Nomads

Tulum is home to a vibrant community of digital nomads. This community is made up of people from all over the world who are working remotely and living a location-independent lifestyle. Being part of this community is a great way to network and meet like-minded people who share the same interests and goals. The community also offers support, inspiration, and a sense of belonging.

A Beautiful and Inspiring Environment

Tulum is a beautiful and inspiring place to live and work. The natural surroundings, including the jungle, the ocean, and the ancient ruins, offer a unique and inspiring environment for creativity and productivity. The warm climate and sunny weather are also conducive to a relaxed and comfortable lifestyle.

Limited access to Internet

Cons of being a digital nomad in Tulum Limited access to reliable internet One of the biggest challenges of being a digital nomad in Tulum is the limited access to reliable internet. While many cafes and co-working spaces offer Wi-Fi, it can be slow and unreliable at times, which can make it difficult to work efficiently. This can be frustrating, especially if you have deadlines to meet or need to attend online meetings.

Language barrier

While many people in Tulum speak English, the town is predominantly Spanish-speaking, which can make it difficult to communicate if you don’t speak the language. This can be challenging if you need to interact with locals or navigate the town on your own.

Limited Infrastructure and Services

One of the main disadvantages of living as a digital nomad in Tulum is the limited infrastructure and services. While the town is equipped with the basic necessities, such as electricity and water, the internet service can be unreliable and slow. Additionally, medical facilities are limited and not as advanced as in other cities.

Potential isolation

Living as a digital nomad can be a lonely experience, especially if you’re traveling solo. While Tulum has a vibrant digital nomad community, it can still be difficult to make connections and build relationships, especially if you’re only there for a short time.

Tourist Crowds and Noise

Tulum is a popular tourist destination, which means that it can be crowded and noisy, especially during peak season. The influx of tourists can also drive up prices for accommodation and other services. Additionally, some of the popular areas can be overrun with tourists, making it difficult to find a quiet and peaceful place to work.

Environmental Challenges

The natural environment in Tulum can also present some challenges for digital nomads. The humid climate can cause problems with mold and insects, and the proximity to the ocean can lead to corrosion of electronic equipment. Additionally, the town has struggled with waste management and pollution, which can be a concern for those who value sustainability and eco-friendliness.

Life as a digital nomad in Tulum offers a unique blend of work and leisure, surrounded by stunning natural beauty and a vibrant community. While there are challenges to consider, such as the quality of the internet connection and the language barrier, the benefits of living and working in Tulum outweigh the challenges. If you are looking for a destination that offers a relaxed lifestyle, a diverse community, and opportunities for personal and professional growth, Tulum is definitely worth considering.

Tulum Coworking Tips

Test download speed

While this is an obvious first thing to do while checking out a new coworking space you may call your home for the next little while – a lot of people don’t do this. Before paying for a full month up front at a place, try a test ride at the place for one day or a few hours. Some places will even give you a free trial.

We recommend testing the speed on your phone or laptop with speedtest.net. Make sure the download speed is at least over 30mbps and the upload speed should be at least 10mbps, this is important if you’re doing video conferencing or zoom calls.

For example, the internet may seem fast and reliable at first glance, but that may be because there’s no one there, so the router can handle the bandwidth. Stick around to see how it performs when the place is at full capacity. There may also be random outages throughout the day that you may not notice when just checking out the place for a couple of hours.

Best Coworking Spots in Tulum

Tulum is a hotspot for digital nomads and remote workers, so looking for a place to focus and work is very important – because of this, there are a lot of coworking spots in Tulum to choose from. You can of course work from your hotel or Airbnb but sometimes it lacks the proper amenities or facilities – or you just prefer working in a friendly atmosphere with other like-minded people.

Los Amigos – Cowork

Los amigos Cowork is a stylish place just for coworking and costs around $10 USD per day or $150 per month. The place features lots of plants and open spaces with large desks to work from, and private rooms if you prefer. Free coffee and water are provided, as well as unlimited printer use.

WeNomads

WeNomads is a dedicated coworking spot in Tulum with up to 500mbps download speed located in Aldea Zama. They also have an impressive location on the beach at Distrito Panamera. The membership starting at $35 USD weekly includes both locations as well as free coffee or tea, fruit, water, and printing access. There are also higher-level memberships which include Yoga classes and workshops.

Babel Cafe

Babel Cafe is located in the downtown area of Tulum or the ‘Puebla’, while it’s not a dedicated coworking spot, it is a cozy cafe that is nice to work from and they have great coffee. With wifi is reliable enough to get some light work done.

Selina Tulum

You may know by now that every Selina around the world is digital nomad friendly, and the Selina in Tulum is no exception, being one of the best hostels in Tulum. Located right in the hotel zone this Selina is both a vibrant hostel and coworking spot. So if you want to work during the day and then hit the beach (or pool) later on, then this is one of the best coworking spots in Tulum for you. Because of its fiber optic connection, the wifi here is faster and not spotty like other places in the hotel zone of Tulum.

Digital Jungle

Digital Jungle is more of a bohemian-style coworking spot in La Veleta and a great spot to meet like-minded digital nomads like yourself. Unfortunately, it does close on Saturday & Sunday now, but with daily and weekly passes, it is flexible. It’s a great space with excellent food and lots of large tables to work from and of course excellent wifi.

Ki’bok Coffee

Ki’bok Coffee is both a gourmet cafe and coworking space, which is located on the upstairs terrace. The wifi is speedy and reliable at around 150mpbs and it’s located right in the center of town, so it’s easy to walk to if you’re staying in the Tulum center. In our opinion, it’s one of the best coworking spots in Tulum for the price.

Mayan Monkey

While this coworking spot in Tulum is only accessible to guests staying at the hostel, it is a great hostel in a good location (halfway to the beach) for the price, and also an excellent spot to meet other digital nomads or remote workers.

Ánimo Cowork

Animo specializes in creating versatile workspaces designed to foster productivity and inspiration. These comfortable, well-equipped spaces are designed to meet the needs of professionals and provide all the necessary amenities for a productive work experience.

Situated in the bustling downtown area of Tulum, Animo Cowork is conveniently located near popular eateries, boutique accommodations, and lively nightlife. Catering to individuals and organizations of various sizes and backgrounds, Animo offers a range of workspace options from individual desks to private offices.

All workspaces come with the following features: air conditioning and natural lighting, 24/7 access, unlimited water, tea, and coffee from a top-notch bean-to-cup coffee machine, ultra-fast and dependable internet, engaging social events, and access to Animo’s thriving community both in-person and via their online portal.