Working remotely from Tulum,When we decided to spend some time in Tulum I was apprehensive about the internet speed, which is key to working remotely. Granted, I'm always apprehensive of wifi speed in Mexico and mostly without warrant. I've found that in general, internet speed, access, and reliability are pretty in line with what you'll get in the USA. There have certainly been plenty of times in the US that the wifi cuts out in my office, or a call drops. It's just that when you're surrounded by a bunch of people in a similar situation, you don't feel like you're on an island.
I'd heard mixed reviews of internet access in Tulum. Some people said that it would be impossible to work there. Other people said they had no problems, and that there were a few great places in town with reliable wifi. With everything I'd researched and read, I tried to remember that some of these accounts were probably written by people on vacation who sought out eco-lodges or places that wouldn't necessarily have the best internet. Also, since Tulum is developing so quickly, reviews that are more than a year old don't really count. So what's the situation? What I've found so far is that there is great, fast wifi in Tulum. But it's not super reliable. The only place I've found so far that has wifi that never drops is PPP (Papaya Playa Project). Which is a great spot, but don't schedule any meetings on Friday because the DJ will start right around 10:30am. I've put together a list of the best places I've found, but almost every coffee shop here has decent wifi. Summary is that you can 100% work remotely from Tulum. But don't be dismayed if the power goes out if it's cloudy. Or windy. Or Tuesday. That's why they call it "Flexico". |
Best Spots to work remotely in Tulum
1. Ki Bok - they have (by far) the very best espresso in Tulum. Nothing else compares to Ki Bok. Their chai is amazing as well. Even better - get the chai latte with a shot of espresso. They also have quick and (kind of) reliable wifi. The nice thing about the internet at Ki Bok is that if it gives out, you can connect to Batey (which is next store and the signal is really strong) since they aren't the same line. So you sort of have a back up. They have a great Pandora station going, which they like to play at top volume - so this is more of a place to do email and not hold calls or meetings.
2. Teetotum - they have a decent menu but it's super overpriced (even for Tulum). This is a good spot to work though, the wifi is reliable and quick and it's pretty quiet. They have an upstairs deck where you can hang out, and it's quiet enough to hold calls if needed.
3. PPP (Papaya Playa Project) is probably the most reliable wifi in Tulum (that I've found). I think that they are connected to a high speed line from Playa del Carmen. The wifi has never dropped, and it's always at least 3mbps download and 1.5 upload. It's an incredible setting (right on the beach) and there is parking for your car or bike. They make the best smoothie I've ever tried (Flamingo Rosa!) and the only noise is the waves. Unless you're there on a Friday. Then the DJ will be spinning at 10:30am, so you might want to try a different spot on Friday.
4. NEST coworking space in Playa del Carmen is a really good backup. It's $15/day, and the wifi is connected through a fiber optic line, so you can be 100% positive that you'll always be connected. It's a great option if you have a call, meeting, or time-sensitive work and need that reliability.
2. Teetotum - they have a decent menu but it's super overpriced (even for Tulum). This is a good spot to work though, the wifi is reliable and quick and it's pretty quiet. They have an upstairs deck where you can hang out, and it's quiet enough to hold calls if needed.
3. PPP (Papaya Playa Project) is probably the most reliable wifi in Tulum (that I've found). I think that they are connected to a high speed line from Playa del Carmen. The wifi has never dropped, and it's always at least 3mbps download and 1.5 upload. It's an incredible setting (right on the beach) and there is parking for your car or bike. They make the best smoothie I've ever tried (Flamingo Rosa!) and the only noise is the waves. Unless you're there on a Friday. Then the DJ will be spinning at 10:30am, so you might want to try a different spot on Friday.
4. NEST coworking space in Playa del Carmen is a really good backup. It's $15/day, and the wifi is connected through a fiber optic line, so you can be 100% positive that you'll always be connected. It's a great option if you have a call, meeting, or time-sensitive work and need that reliability.