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Oh, Playa. One of the perfect places for tropical weather-loving, laptop-toting digital nomads is about to enter another busy winter season. If you’re planning to spend some time in Playa del Carmen this winter, whether it be your first time or your 12th time, you might be wondering what to pack for your trip.
My own digital nomad journey has taken me to Playa del Carmen a few times already, and I want to help you out. This digital nomad packing list for Playa del Carmen has everything you need for a stress-free trip.
Travel Adapter
As a digital nomad, it’s extra important that your devices can be charged in a new country! You won’t necessarily need a travel adapter in Playa del Carmen if you’re coming from the U.S., Canada, Colombia, or other countries in the Americas, but you will need it if you’re coming from the U.K. and Europe. If you’re a serious nomad, consider investing in a universal adapter so that you’ll be good to go no matter where you end up landing.
Portable WiFi/Hotspot
You’ll most likely be working (at least part of the day) in your apartment, but for those times when you want to work from a cool new cafe, a hotspot can be a lifesaver whenever the internet cuts out. And the WiFi will likely cut out from time to time if there are too many people using it or if there’s bad weather. Not too many cafes in Playa del Carmen have super fast WiFi and air-conditioning (and it’s hard to find both).
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Unlocked Phone
If you’re a digital nomad hopping around different countries, then you are probably aware of using an unlocked phone. An unlocked phone allows you to put a SIM card in the phone and activate local service rather than be locked into a service provider at home. In Mexico, local servers like TelCel offer cheap and convenient plans that you will most certainly make use of if you’re in town for a few weeks or months at a time.
Computer Warranty
Whether it’s online or in print, make sure you have your computer’s warranty plan easily accessible somewhere for your trip. To be prepared when you’re in town, look up the closest laptop repair shop to where you are staying so that if something ever happens, you won’t have the added stress of searching for a repair shop last minute.
For you Apple users, there’s an Apple-authorized retailer located in Quinta Alegria. There are also a few small MacBook repair shops nearby in the Colonia Hollywood ex-pat neighborhood if you have a Mac model from before 2020.
Travel Insurance
Before setting off on any journey abroad, don’t forget to purchase a good travel insurance package. There are international hospitals and clinics in Playa del Carmen, as well as more options just an hour away in Cancun. Lots of basic treatments are affordable (teeth cleaning, ENT doctors, pap tests, for instance), and you’ll probably end up paying out of pocket for them, but it’s important to have coverage for any unexpected medical costs.
Sand-Free Beach Towel
Have you heard of these? They are truly the beach travelers’ dream. These compact, colorful, and quick-drying towels get rid of that lingering sand in just one shake. This product comes in a variety of styles and is the perfect size for beach lounging, picnics, and so much more. Your vacation rental will probably provide beach and shower towels, but these things are extra handy for your daily (you know it’s gonna be daily) beach chills as they roll up and fit so easily into your bag.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
You don’t want all of those chemicals from traditional sunscreens swimming in those beautiful waters with you. Pick up a container (or two) of your favorite sustainable sunscreen so that you don’t find yourself scrambling last minute before your first trip to the beach. The same goes for your makeup or whatever cosmetic/toiletry products that you like using.
A Good Carry-On Bag
Are you a wheelie suitcase person or a backpacker? Either way, you want something that you’ll be comfortable with as you wander between your vacation rentals and beach bungalows for those weekend getaways.
Screenshot this digital nomad packing list and save it for later! Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!
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