Digital Nomad Life in Manzanillo, Mexico
Summary: Manzanillo, Mexico is a popular destination for digital nomads due to its low cost of living, beautiful beaches, and vibrant culture. The approximate population of Manzanillo is around 100,000 people. The monthly cost of living for a digital nomad in Manzanillo is around $1,000 USD, including rent, food, and entertainment. The cost to rent a centrally located, one-bedroom apartment with high-speed internet access in Manzanillo is around $400 USD per month. The best neighborhood to live in Manzanillo is La Audiencia, as it is close to the beach and has a variety of restaurants and shops. The weather in Manzanillo, Mexico is typically warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-90s Fahrenheit.
How do I meet people in Manzanillo?
When we asked people living in Manzanillo about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats in Manzanillo can join a variety of clubs and activities, such as golf, tennis, swimming, fishing, and diving. Manzanillo also has a relatively large expat community, so meeting people for social activities is not difficult. Expats can join a variety of informal groups, such as walking groups, movie-viewing groups, pub crawls, lunch groups, and more. Additionally, many expats make use of the city's bustling nightlife scene to meet people, take in the local culture, and have a good time. It is also possible to join organizations such as Facebook expat groups or expat meetups in order to meet other expats and discuss relevant topics," said one person in Manzanillo.
"We have two groups to meet other ex-pats. One is for couples, they meet weekly and go to dinner. Their name is Thirsty Thursdays. The other is a ladies lunch group. we meet once a month at the restaurant El Tablau, at 1 pm. Everyone is welcome and we generally have a speaker. From these two groups you can learn about the charities and opportunities in Manzanillo," said one expat who made the move to Manzanillo.
What is life like in Manzanillo?
When we asked people living in Manzanillo what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Generally the expats are retired and their lives revolve around golf, tennis, bridge, socializing, walking or swimming in the ocean, reading, and whatever else they feel like. We have quite a few artists and others willing to share their knowledge. There are charities and animal welfare groups always looking for help," explained one expat living in Manzanillo, Mexico.
"Manzanillo is a great destination for expats and digital nomads looking for a laid-back lifestyle. The city offers a variety of activities, from swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean to exploring the nearby colonial towns. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive option for those looking to stretch their budget. The city is also home to a vibrant expat community, with plenty of opportunities to meet new people and make friends. The climate is warm and sunny year-round, making it a great place to work remotely. With its stunning beaches, friendly locals, and affordable cost of living, Manzanillo is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads," said one person in Manzanillo.
Where should I live in Manzanillo?
We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"Manzanillo offers a variety of housing options for those looking to move in. The most popular and widely available option is renting an apartment or house. Renters can look for places through online platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo, or search for properties on Mexico-specific websites like Inmosiones that list both long-term rental and sales properties throughout the country. Additionally, visitors can also use a real estate agent or contact a local housing agency to find an up-to-date listing of available spaces. For those looking for more traditional housing options, Manzanillo offers multiple public and private condominiums, gated community developments, and beachfront villas at various price points," said one person in Manzanillo.
"Neighborhood --- I had visited at a hotel at the bottom of the peninsula in front of the port so I knew that the Las Brisas area was safe, moderated by nearly daily breezes in summer. To my everlasting joy, I discovered that there are no scorpions in Las Brisas, a pest we had dealt with at Lake Chapala. As to a specific home here, all we needed was a 2B2B and there is a hotel with rentals for long term, including electricity in the rent. It has worked out very well," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Manzanillo.
What do I need to know before moving to Manzanillo?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Manzanillo, they said:
"Before retiring in Manzanillo, it is important to understand the culture and local language. Additionally, expats should consider their budget and whether they can afford to live in Manzanillo. It is also important to obtain the necessary visas and residency permits in order to retire in Manzanillo, Mexico. It is also wise to research potential healthcare services and develop a plan to stay healthy. Lastly, it is important to be aware of safety concerns in Manzanillo and take steps to secure housing and belongings," explained one expat living in Manzanillo, Mexico.
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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Manzanillo?
"Expats in Manzanillo appreciate the local culture for its friendly and welcoming people, beautiful beaches and delicious food. The people of Manzanillo are known for their hospitality, making it easy for expats to fit in and make new friends. Expats also enjoy the year-round warm tropical climate, which allows for outdoor activities such as snorkeling and kayaking in the stunning blue waters near the city. Manzanillo is a great place for expats to learn and experience Mexican culture, from the traditional music and art, to the vibrant festivals and events held throughout the year," said one person in Manzanillo.
What do people find most challenging about the culture in Manzanillo?
"Expats living in Manzanillo often find the local language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of adjusting to the new culture. The high humidity, heat, and tropical climate can also sometimes be difficult to adjust to. Additionally, the cost of living can be higher than in some other areas, making it more difficult to make ends meet. Locals may also have difficulty understanding foreign customs, which can be confusing for expats. Lastly, the cultural norms, beliefs and values of Manzanillo can also be difficult for foreigners to understand and respect," said one expat who made the move to Manzanillo.
What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Manzanillo for a while?
"To bring your car in and spend more than 180 days you need an FM3 visa. No, it is very easy and the process can be started with the Mexican consulates up north," explained one person living in Manzanillo, Mexico.
"If you intend on staying in Mexico for an extended period of time, you will need to apply for a temporary resident visa. To apply for this visa, you will need a valid passport, two recent passport-sized photographs, medical report and results of a background check. Additionally, you will need proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay and a fee for the visa," said one expat in Manzanillo.
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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Manzanillo?
We asked people in Manzanillo if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:
"Depending on the local customs, it is important to be aware of certain cultural faux pas when traveling in Manzanillo. Firstly, it is polite to greet people with 'buenos dias', 'buenas tardes' or 'buenas noches' depending on the time of day. Secondly, it is important to dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites. It is also considered impolite to be loud or disruptive in public. Thirdly, shouting and whistling are considered rude forms of communication in Manzanillo and should be avoided. Fourthly, it is important to use appropriate physical space when talking or greeting people, as many Mexicans appreciate personal space. Finally, you should respect the local customs and traditions, including honoring religious figures and festivals," explained one expat living in Manzanillo, Mexico.
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What are healthcare services like in Manzanillo?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Manzanillo, they replied:
"Manzanillo offers a variety of healthcare services to its residents. The city has several hospitals and clinics that provide general medical care, as well as specialized services such as obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and orthopedics. Additionally, Manzanillo has a number of pharmacies that offer both prescription and over-the-counter medications. The city also has a number of private medical practices that offer a range of services, including family medicine, internal medicine, and dentistry. Manzanillo also has a number of alternative medicine practitioners, such as acupuncturists, herbalists, and homeopaths. Finally, the city has a number of medical laboratories that offer diagnostic testing services," commented a person living in Manzanillo, Mexico.
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What are the pros and cons of living in Manzanillo?
"Expats and digital nomads living in Manzanillo enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and the friendly locals. They also appreciate the low cost of living and the abundance of outdoor activities, such as swimming, fishing, and snorkeling. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the lack of infrastructure and public transportation to be a challenge. Additionally, the language barrier can be a source of frustration for those who don't speak Spanish," said one foreigner in Manzanillo.
"The existence of the city is like a quiet and never extinguished lamp, watching the world change. From ancient to modern, we have experienced great changes, but the only constant is the charm and strength of the soul of those cities that used to be ancient capitals," remarked one member in Manzanillo.
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Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
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About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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