As Mexico City emerges as a major hub for digital nomads and remote workers, understanding the city’s tech infrastructure, workspace options, and remote work culture is crucial for potential expats. Here’s everything you need to know about setting up your remote work life in CDMX.

Internet Infrastructure

Home Internet Options

Major Providers

• Izzi: Widely available, offers fiber optic in many areas
• Totalplay: Known for reliability and good customer service
• Telmex: Extensive coverage but varied service quality
• AT&T: Fiber service in select neighborhoods

Typical Speeds and Costs

• Basic plans: 50-100 Mbps (500-800 pesos/month)
• Mid-range: 150-300 Mbps (800-1200 pesos/month)
• Premium: 500+ Mbps (1200-2000 pesos/month)

Installation Tips

• Schedule installation before moving in if possible
• Keep your CFE (electricity) bill for registration
• Most contracts are 12-month minimum
• Some providers offer month-to-month options at higher rates

Mobile Data

Major Carriers

• Telcel: Largest network with best coverage
• AT&T: Good urban coverage, competitive prices
• Movistar: Budget-friendly option
• WOM: New player with growing coverage

Data Plans

• Prepaid options available
• Monthly plans from 200-1000 pesos
• Most plans include unlimited social media
• 5G rolling out in major areas

Workspace Options

Coworking Spaces

Popular Chains

• WeWork: Multiple locations in prime areas
• IOS Offices: High-end facilities
• Regus: Professional environment
• Selina: Digital nomad-friendly atmosphere

Independent Spaces

• Impact Hub: Social enterprise focus
• El 3er Espacio: Creative community
• Público: Design-focused workspace
• Terminal WorkSpace: Tech-oriented

Typical Costs

• Hot desk: 2,500-4,000 pesos/month
• Dedicated desk: 4,000-7,000 pesos/month
• Private office: 8,000+ pesos/month
• Day passes: 250-500 pesos

Café Work Culture

Remote-Work Friendly Cafés

• Almanegra Café: Multiple locations, great WiFi
• Blend Station: Spacious with many outlets
• Cafebrería El Péndulo: Beautiful bookstore cafés
• Café Avellaneda: Quiet work environment

Tips for Café Working

• Order something every 2-3 hours
• Avoid peak lunch hours
• Check for available outlets beforehand
• Consider buying a cellular backup for internet

Home Office Setup

Power Considerations

• Voltage: 127V (compatible with US equipment)
• Get a surge protector
• Consider UPS for critical equipment
• Power outages are rare but possible

Equipment Shopping

• Liverpool: High-end electronics and furniture
• Office Depot: Basic office supplies
• Amazon Mexico: Wide selection, quick delivery
• Mercado Libre: Local Amazon alternative

Ergonomic Furniture

• Design Within Reach: High-end options
• Gaia: Quality mid-range furniture
• Sodimac: Budget-friendly choices
• Local markets for custom solutions

Digital Services and Tools

Payment Processing

• Wise for international transfers
• Local bank account recommended
• PayPal widely accepted
• Cryptocurrency gaining popularity

VPN Services

• Most major VPNs work well
• Some streaming services may block Mexican IPs
• Consider a dedicated IP for secure work
• Local servers available in Mexico City

Cloud Services

• All major providers (AWS, Azure, GCP) accessible
• Local data centers available
• Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) well-established
• Good connectivity to US servers

Neighborhoods for Remote Workers

Best Areas for Digital Nomads

• Roma Norte: Hip cafés and coworking spaces
• Condesa: Green spaces and good internet
• Polanco: High-end amenities
• Juárez: Central location, growing tech scene

Considerations

• Fiber internet availability
• Proximity to coworking spaces
• Café density
• Power grid reliability
• Noise levels

Building a Remote Work Community

Professional Networks

• Digital Nomads Mexico City (Facebook group)
• Remote Workers CDMX (WhatsApp groups)
• Tech meetups
• Industry-specific Slack channels

Events and Meetups

• First Tuesday networking
• Startup Grind events
• Language exchange meetups
• Tech conferences

Legal and Tax Considerations

Visa Options

• Temporary Resident Visa popular for remote workers
• Some pursue Permanent Residency
• Consider tax implications
• Consult with immigration lawyers

Tax Planning

• Understand tax obligations in home country
• Mexican tax requirements
• Double taxation treaties
• Consider local accountant

Productivity Tips

Time Zone Management

• Mexico City is typically CST/CDT
• Good overlap with US time zones
• European meetings often early morning
• Asia-Pacific usually late evening

Work-Life Balance

• Set clear boundaries
• Take advantage of local lunch hours
• Use time zone differences strategically
• Build in exploration time

Backup Plans

• Secondary internet connection
• Alternative workspaces
• Power banks
• Mobile hotspot

Health and Wellness

Screen Time Management

• Blue light glasses available locally
• Regular eye check-ups affordable
• Standing desk options
• Local ergonomic consultants

Mental Health Resources

• English-speaking therapists
• Online counseling options
• Meditation apps with local content
• Stress management workshops

Final Thoughts

Mexico City offers robust infrastructure for remote work, combining reliable internet, diverse workspace options, and a growing community of international professionals. While there may be occasional challenges, the city’s advantages – including cost of living, quality of life, and cultural experiences – make it an attractive destination for remote workers.

Success as a remote worker in CDMX often comes down to preparation and flexibility. Having backup plans for internet and power, understanding local business customs, and building a strong professional network will help ensure a smooth transition to working remotely from Mexico City.