One of the best things about the Riviera Maya is that there is something for everybody! If you prefer quiet relaxation on the beach, you can find a spot on the unending miles of pristine white-sand beaches. Continue reading
Mexico is seen as a heavenly country by many people. Its turquoise sea, white sandy beaches, and year-round sunshine largely contribute to such a flattering title. Lately, Americans have been leaving their homes and making the move to Playa del Carmen. Continue reading
Although international media often portrays Mexico as a highly dangerous country, this is not the case in many of its beautiful states. We wouldn’t recommend wondering into places such as Guerrero, Michoacán or the northern border. But other destinations like Puerto Vallarta, San Miguel de Allende, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum are quite safe. In fact, it is so safe that many expats have chosen these major cities as their forever homes. Safety in Mexico has long been an issue. However, the government has put forward efforts constantly to keep tourist destinations as safe as possible. There is no need to worry for your safety in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Just recently, the Fund for Strengthening of Performance in Public Security Matters announced that they will be giving just over $70 million Mexican pesos worth of public security to the Yucatan Peninsula. They will be investing around $14 million of these in Merida alone. The four main municipalities in the state of Yucatan will receive just over $120,000 for security measures. This includes Merida, Progreso, Tizimin and Valladolid. The capital will be put forth for possessions to strengthen the presentation of the municipalities and the state of the public security.
Authorites are required to make the millions of annual tourists feel safe and protected in the tourist areas. This is because Mexico has experienced higher crime rates in certain areas, mainly amongst opposing drug cartels. Safety in the Yucatan Peninsula has risen concerns about whether traveling to the country is a good idea or not. However, tourist destinations are far from being dangerous.
Over the past 10 years only four major kidnappings have occurred in the state. Mexico certainly has some red-alert states. We cannot deny that. But in general, Mexico is quite a safe country in comparison to major cities in the United States or Europe. The efforts that the government is putting in to keep safety in the Yucatan Peninsula at bay are major. This is mainly due to its tourism-driven economy. That is why it comes as no surprise that places such as Merida, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum keep growing in tourism (a 4.3% in Quintana Roo, according to SEDETUR), and in real estate sales.
The southeastern region of the country continues to paint an image of relaxation, rejuvenation and of self-discovery. Here, you can find your dream home in the tranquility of the Mayan jungle, steps away from the turquoise Caribbean waters without ever having to second-guess yourself or your surroundings. The Yucatan Peninsula continues to grow and continues to put forth the life you’ve always dreamed of.
One of the first annoyances many expats and retirees face when settling for their new life in Playa del Carmen is finding where to buy things. When relocating to these new places it is important to do some previous research on where all the necessities are located in reference to where you will be living. If you are making the Riviera Maya your forever home, you will surely be in need to find certain things along the line – more than just groceries. From grocery stores to malls to car dealerships, you will find it all in the region. Even more mundane things such as going to the cinema or knowing where to buy fruits and vegetables is important. Here is a list of where to buy things throughout Playa del Carmen.
A routinely activity, grocery shopping is very easy in Playa del Carmen. There are many large supermarket chains throughout – both national and international – where you will find locally-sourced and imported goods. La Mega and Walmart are great for quick shopping. You can find anything from alcohol to groceries, clothing, souvenirs and electronics. Although you might be familiar with Walmart, this is focused on a Mexican market and not always carries the same products you are used to back home.
Here is a list of the largest and most popular grocery shops:
La Mega
Walmart
Chedraui
Soriana
Super Aki
Aurrera
It’s important to know where to get medical attention, whether it’s for a quick check-up or an emergency. As expats and retirees, we highly recommend you always go to a private clinic or hospital for any medical needs. As to where to buy medications and other things, there are many pharmacies throughout the area, as well as inside large hospitals.
Hospiten Hospital
CostaMed
Playa International Clinic
Hospital San Carlos
Consultorio Clinic
Cruz Roja (Red Cross)
Similares
Farmacias del Ahorro
YZA
If you’re thinking of bringing your car down to Mexico, you should definitely check whether the brand you’re driving is available in Playa del Carmen, or at least Cancun. That way, if you need to put it in for a check-up or need to replace any parts, you will be able to visit the dealership. For those who want to purchase a car in Playa del Carmen, it is also best to know what dealerships are available and what cars they carry – it often varies from other countries.
Here are the most popular dealerships in Playa del Carmen:
Volkswagen
Nissan Playa del Carmen
Toyota Riviera Maya
Ford Riviera Maya
KIA Playacar
Expats are often looking where to buy clothes, sports accessories, perfumes and lotions and other things. There are plenty of shopping centers with great local, national and international stores, as well as plenty of entertainment options. You will find movie theaters, cafés, shops, supermarkets, furniture stores and big stores like Sears.
Centro Maya
Quinta Alegria Shopping Mall
Paseo del Carmen
Plaza Playacar
Calle Corazon
Plaza Las Americas
For any needs about visa requirements, passports or any other assistance you may require while living in Playa del Carmen you will need to visit or call the US Consular Agency located in Plaza Progreso on the Federal Highway 307, local 33.
Everything is different in Playa del Carmen than it would be back home. That is why knowing where to buy things or find the help you need is important. As you settle into your new life, you will slowly start finding quirky and odd stores throughout the many neighborhoods. You will find restaurants, cafés, shops, bars, and more that you will start to frequent.
If you’re just beginning to consider your retirement to paradise, make sure you check out the hundreds of listings we have for you. And if you’re ready to start seeing properties, give us a call. We’re here to help you!
Tomorrow is 4th of July… and for many of us we begin to feel a little homesick for Independence Day celebrations back home in good ol’ U.S.A. Backyard BBQs, potluck parties and breathtaking displays of fireworks… Oh how I miss them!
This is Mexico… why would they celebrate the 4th of July in Playa del Carmen?
Well, this cosmopolitan beach town beckons to people from all over the world. In Playa del Carmen you will find Canadians, French, Germans, Chinese… the list goes on and on. Consequently, we also have a large expat community from the United States. With so many expats, there are sure to be great American hangouts celebrating the “red, white and blue” right? Whether you are living in Playa del Carman or just on vacation here… you don’t want to miss out on this beloved holiday.
Related: Yucatan Peninsula: A Safe Haven for Visitors, Expats and Retirees
We have found some fun ways to celebrate Independence Day “beach style” here in Playa del Carmen.
Wah Wah Beach Bar is one of the most popular expat spots in Playa del Carmen. This beach club is located right on the beach and offers free beach chairs, a huge projection screen (where they show all the big games), wonderful food and drinks and great company. Wah Wah has decided to combined two great independence days… Canada (celebrated on July 1st) and the United states (celebrated on July 4th). Wah Wah throws this ultimate celebration, or as they call it, the “…biggest party south of the border”. The party will start at noon on July 4th and carry on into the night. There will be a delicious BBQ with traditional 4th of July treats and many drink specials such as 15 peso drafts, 2 for 1 margaritas and big liter house drinks for only 100 pesos. The live music starts at 7 p.m. filling the tropical night air the sounds of The Nasty Bastards and The Smokin’ Aces. The event is fun for the whole family so bring the kids along, there will be a big bouncy house and face painting!
Additionally, Bad Boys beach bar is also having their annual 4th of July party this Saturday. Bad Boys is another favorite expat hangout for Americans here in Playa del Carmen. The festivities will start here at 3 p.m. with an appealing BBQ potluck style buffet featuring a whole roasted pig provided by your host. Accordingly, make your favorite 4th of July side dish or dessert to share and head over to the annual 4th of July celebration at Bad Boys. So have a couple of drinks, eat some BBQ and jam out to live music by Creizy Toy.
Furthermore, most resorts will have some kind of 4th of July festivity; from BBQs to activity for the kids, from spectacular firework display to fun had by all.
Put on your “red, white and blue” and celebrate the 4th of July in Playa del Carmen.
Happy 4th of July Playa del Carmen!
Yesterday was Canada Day and Canadian expats, tourists and non-Canadians alike gathered at the Blue Parrot beachfront bar to celebrate! For those non-Canadians thinking to themselves… What is Canada day? Well, Canada day is the national day of Canada, celebrating the anniversary of the July 1, 1867 enactment of the British North America Act (today called the Constitution Act), which united three colonies, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and the United Province of Canada into a single country called Canada.
So happy 148th birthday Canada!
You might be asking yourself, why celebrate Canada Day in Playa del Carmen?
The Playa Time wrote that, “Mexico is the second most popular destination for Canadians, attracting 25,000 snowbirds every year. Approximately two million Canadian tourists came to Mexico last year, and around 50,000 Canadian Mennonites live in Mexico out of which 25,000 have dual citizenship.”
Playa del Carmen is home to people from all over the world and has a large Canadian expat community. From year round retires to those just wanting to escape the winter cold and enjoy some fun in the sun. But no matter how long one has been living in Playa del Carmen… you can’t take Canada out of a Canadian. Their Canadian pride runs through and through. This was evident by all the folks that came out yesterday to enjoy the festivities, have a taste of home and celebrate Canada Day in Playa del Carmen.
Related: Why Mexico Consistently Ranks One of the Top Destinations for Retirees
The Canada Day celebration was sponsored by The Playa Times which is owned and operated by a Canadian citizen who wanted to bring this festivity to the local Canadian expat community. The guests enjoyed a barbecue cookout with Canadian specialties such as poutine (French fries smothered in a rich brown grave and topped with homemade cheese curds what took a whole day to perfect) and Canadian sausage… all which were enjoyed by the participants! Additionally, a live band was covering popular Canadian artists throughout the event along with carnival games and other activity to entertain the kids. Fun was definitely had by all.
Not being from Canada myself, by the end of the party I was feeling the true Canadian spirit and felt truly welcomed into the Canadian family. I felt the urge to belt out a verse from, “O Canada! Our home and native land!”… but don’t worry I held myself back.
Related: Cancun Real Estate Celebrates July 4th & Canada Day
So fear not, there is no need to miss out on native nationality celebrations in Playa del Carmen as there is a huge expat community. Yesterday many Canadian expats, Canadian tourists and non-Canadians alike gathered to celebrate the “Canuck” spirit in the Mexican Caribbean. Canada Day, what a wonderful holiday.