City in Quintana Roo, Mexico
Playa del Carmen
Walkable Riviera Maya beach city with a big nomad and expat community, good food, coworking and easy ferries and buses. Busy, touristy Fifth Avenue and some sketchy nightlife are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$2,090–3,290Comfortable, one person · MX$38,000–60,000Details
- Value for money20/100Better value than 19% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–AprWarmest: Aug, 30°CDetails
- Internet118 MbpsFixed broadband, Mexico medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or purified water.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$38–99Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards in resorts, bars and chains; cash for colectivos, tianguis, tacos and tips.Details
Where to stay in Playa del Carmen
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Centro (5th Avenue) | First-timers: restaurants, beach access, bars, noisy at night |
| Playacar | Gated, quiet, resort-style, beach and golf |
| Playa Magna / Gonzalo Guerrero | Cheaper long stays with local food, short taxi to beach |
| Colosio / Bosques | Local neighborhoods with cheaper rents; need a car or bike |
Apps that work in Playa del Carmen
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Limited by taxi unions; may refuse pickups near tourist areas |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Google Translate: Spanish menus and conversations
- Taxis: Local taxi unions restrict apps in tourist zones; expect to use taxis, colectivos or walk. Agree fares first.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Mexico.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards in resorts, bars and chains; cash for colectivos, tianguis, tacos and tips.
- Currency: Peso (MXN). US$1 ≈ MX$18.21 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards roughly MXN 30–150 per withdrawal; always decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: 10–15% at restaurants (check whether service is already added), MXN 10–20 for gas attendants and grocery baggers; app rides optional.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work at many card terminals in cities; local bank transfers need a Mexican account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Air arrivals get a digital FMM (QR code) at immigration; the visitor fee is already included in your airfare.
- Officers set your stay and may grant fewer than 180 days; carry a return ticket, accommodation details and proof of funds.
- Land arrivals going beyond the border zone need an FMM; the visitor fee applies for stays over seven days.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · Tourist police 078 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 127 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Telcel or AT&T SIMs at airports, OXXO stores and carrier shops, about MXN 100–300 with data. Bring your passport to register the line. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Mexico
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.