This past spring 2026, 5 weeks were spent in Mérida, a city located in Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula. The initial impression once landing was very wholesome. The cars held basic features, with many rides having the windows down. The streets were not as polished as the states, but it never compromised the safety of rides.

The barrio where the stay took place consisted of a Super Aki, multiple OXXOs, and popup food stands operating daily, all within walking distance of the unit. The neighborhood would come alive as soon as the sun rose around 7am. Joggers, dog walkers, shop workers, and commuters began their course around this time, with Sunday being the main exception.

I specifically loved the terrain. Peak heat usually arrived around 1pm at roughly 95°F / 35°C, making runs more arduous but rewarding. Obtaining cash was a breeze through ATM withdrawals at local shops. Neighbors and service workers were friendly as well, usually greeting with a quick “buenas” while walking past.

Laundry service was conveniently located directly across the street. Downtown Mérida, referred to locally as “El Centro,” was explored frequently throughout the first 2 weeks. Very community-oriented atmosphere overall. The Mayan influence runs deep across the Yucatán peninsula, with the architecture and color choices displaying it heavily throughout Mérida specifically. Lots of opportunities to obtain a colorful photo dump.

El Centro holds a variety of brunch spots, cafés, and restaurants throughout the strip, along with selections of bars and nightclubs. Cafés consistently hosted several remote workers whenever visited.

Overall, the first 2 weeks were very pleasant.

A 1 month stay in Mérida can average as low as ~$400 USD for a studio unit, with prices rising closer to ~$700+ depending on proximity to El Centro or main tourist hubs. As of April 2026, weekly stays for studio units average around ~$300+, again depending on location and proximity to attractions.

The barrio where your stay takes place will likely include a public park equipped with a standard playground setup, workout machinery, and pullup bars. One of the most polished and popular public parks in Mérida is Parque La Plancha. The park includes multiple playground sections, a walking and running track, and a dedicated calisthenics area. Located on the east side of el Centro, it remains within walking distance of snack shops and refreshment stops afterwards. The park also includes a food court with a wide range of cuisine options.

Throughout the day the area stays active with joggers, walkers, skaters, tourists, and families.

The main rideshare options offered throughout the city include Uber and DiDi, with the latter being significantly cheaper in most cases. DiDi also allows riders to pay with cash at the end of trips if preferred. Mérida International Airport (MID) serves as the main arrival point for international travelers. When leaving the airport, rideshare pickup directly outside of arrivals is not permitted. Common workarounds include walking slightly outside of the airport surroundings and meeting the driver at a nearby checkpoint if comfortable doing so.

Be mindful when requesting rides from the airport, as some drivers may attempt to charge higher rates to foreign travelers before beginning the trip, even through rideshare platforms. You may politely decline or accept the adjusted fare offered.

Food delivery apps mainly used throughout the stay included DiDi Food and Rappi. DiDi Food proved to be the more reliable option overall, as several Rappi orders were canceled shortly after being placed. Payment methods include both card and cash. Lunch or dinner delivery orders averaged around ~$10 USD.

Would not recommend ordering pizza from Domino’s or other chain pizza franchises through the DiDi Food app, as delivery times were often prolonged and tracking updates became inconsistent throughout the process. Arrange for pickup instead.

Many cafés throughout Mérida offered reliable internet service, with passwords openly displayed for customers. Public wifi zones also appeared frequently throughout Paseo de Montejo and surrounding areas. Recommended coworking-friendly locations include Manifesto Casa Tostadora Calabrese, Bengala Kaffeehaus, Bengala Café de Barrio, and Starbucks Paseo Montejo. A coffee and pastry order averaged around ~$6 USD.

If you’re a brunch fanatic, the Centro area offers a wide range of options. These include La Libertad and Nutcafé, both located near Calle 47. Both locations offer plenty of outdoor seating as well. La Libertad tends to fill up during peak midday hours, so arriving before 1pm is recommended if you want to avoid waiting 20–30 minutes for a table. If you prefer a more local-style dining experience, La Chaya Maya on Calle 57 is a solid option. They also accommodate non-Spanish speaking visitors with English menus available upon request.

Police presence remained high throughout the Centro area, which created a strong sense of security overall. At night, certain side streets became noticeably quieter, so remaining on main roads is recommended when possible. During the day it was common to encounter tour groups, protests both large and small, horse-drawn carriages moving alongside traffic, and cars passing closely from both sides of the street.

Mérida currently offers several visa pathways for travelers and expats interested in staying long term within Mexico. As of May 2026, Mexico does not offer a dedicated digital nomad visa for remote workers, but the Temporary Residency pathway is commonly used in place of one. Income requirements currently sit around ~$4.4k USD monthly over a 6 month period, though some consulates may request up to 12 months of proof. Maintaining a savings balance of at least ~$75k USD over a 12 month period may also satisfy the financial requirement.

Other standard application items include a valid passport, visa application, passport photo, and application fee.

Global Country Reforms & Updates

Mexico has recently tightened rules surrounding residence visas tied to local employment. Job offer letters are now expected to clearly show work type, work address, salary details, and payment schedule. Mexican immigration officials have also increased checks around professional qualifications, with some applicants now being asked to provide diplomas, certifications, and other work credentials during the process.

Source: Mexican Government releases and local reporting

Brazil’s immigration landscape continues balancing stricter tourism policies with incentives for remote workers. Citizens from countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia are now required to utilize Brazil’s e-Visa system for tourism under updated reciprocity rules. Brazil’s Digital Nomad Visa remains one of the more financially accessible options globally, requiring roughly ~$1,500 USD monthly income or a ~$15k USD savings balance. However, nomads staying beyond 183 days within a 12 month period are now more strictly classified as Brazilian tax residents, potentially subjecting global income to local tax obligations.

Source: Official government announcements and regional media

Costa Rica’s digital nomad residency pathway has recently undergone operational improvements aimed at reducing processing delays. Applications are now handled through an updated digital portal, with approval timelines moving closer toward the official 15–30 day processing window. Income requirements remain fixed at ~$3,000 USD monthly for individuals and ~$4,000 USD for families. Authorities have also increased scrutiny around bank statements to verify income is being earned from foreign employers or clients, as local income generation remains prohibited under the program.

Source: Public policy updates and regional coverage

Having a reliable setup for remote work is vital for both practicality and confidence in your workflow. This directly translates into your daily output and helps ground your travels in the value being provided to clients and businesses you serve.

Some recommended gadgets to keep while working remotely throughout LATAM include a portable router, power bank, and backup charging cord sets for laptops and other electronic devices. I also recommend owning a backup or burner phone to move around with outside of your stay. SIM cards can usually be purchased directly at the airport or from local phone stores once settled into the city.

If your backup device allows dual SIM capability, both your home country number and local number can often operate simultaneously. A pair of wired headphones is also recommended to keep nearby for calls and impromptu meetings.

Most of these products are easily accessible through Amazon or local electronics stores depending on where you’re staying.

When it comes to remote work communication, it’s important to configure your video conference software to the timezone you’re currently located in. Missing meetings or having to reschedule due to timezone mishaps can negatively affect business relationships. If offering services to clients in another region, setting recurring reminders and alarms around their local business hours becomes extremely important.

One important note: never place these items inside checked luggage during air travel. Keep all essential electronics and work equipment inside your carry-on whenever possible.

Aside from the rigor of the work you may spend your hours doing, experiencing cultures outside of your home base or primary customer market can provide a competitive advantage. Exposure to different languages, etiquettes, and perspectives beyond a North American view of things can encourage broader thinking and different approaches to both business and communication.

Whether that means identifying emerging demand or recognizing trends that only become visible through immersion in another culture, the perspective gained can become extremely valuable. Understanding what drives consumer behavior and what people prioritize within developing regions can often lead to stronger business insight and better long-term decision making.

For a more immersive look into cities and life across Latin America, explore the visual side of the journey below

More relocation observations, immigration updates, remote work insights, and city breakdowns coming soon as Structured Nomad continues documenting life across borders.

Until next dispatch,
Structured Nomad