About me

Hello, I'm Alex

I'm a Norwegian full stack developer living in Playa del Carmen with my small family.

History

A little bit about me

Before ending up here I lived in Stavanger, Barcelona, and Las Vegas. Each place taught me something different about life, culture, and what it means to feel at home. I came here searching for freedom, good weather and the beach.

I write about life here, useful local tips, and the places we actually enjoy.

I've always loved building websites and systems, and I wanted to create a guide I would personally enjoy using, something I felt was missing on my own journey here in Playa del Carmen.

At Mojitoo Creative Media, I work on custom systems, design and build clean, fast, modern websites for local and foreign clients.

My wife is a cabaret and circus artist, and my kid is studying to become a chef, so our family life is full of creativity, movement, and good food.

This site is part travel guide, part family journal, and part professional portfolio.

If you want local stories, practical guides or help with a project, feel free to contact me.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know before you visit or move here.

✈️ Travel & experiences

When is the best time to visit Playa del Carmen?

December through April offers the best weather - dry, sunny, and around 28°C (82°F). If you're on a budget, September to November is low season with cheaper hotels, but it's also rainy season and sargassum seaweed can hit the beaches. Living here year-round, my pick is January or February: perfect weather without the holiday price surge.

Do I need a visa to visit Mexico?

Most visitors from Europe, the US, Canada, and many other countries get a tourist permit on arrival - typically up to 180 days, though immigration officers decide the actual length. Make sure your passport is valid for your entire stay, and keep your entry document if you're given one.

How do I get from Cancún airport to Playa del Carmen?

Three solid options: a pre-booked private transfer (easiest with family or luggage), the ADO bus (cheapest and surprisingly comfortable), or a rental car if you plan to explore the region. Avoid hailing a taxi at the terminal without agreeing on a price first.

Is Playa del Carmen safe for tourists?

Yes - the tourist areas are generally safe, and I live here with my family. Use common sense: don't flash valuables, stick to official taxis or pre-arranged transfers, and watch out for classic tourist traps like bad exchange rates at currency booths.

Which day trips are worth it?

The cenotes - natural limestone swimming holes unique to the Yucatán - are a must. After that: the Tulum ruins, Cozumel for snorkeling, and Chichén Itzá if you want to see one of the New Seven Wonders. Book ahead in high season.

🏡 Living & moving here

What does it cost to live in Playa del Carmen?

Far less than most of Europe or North America for rent, eating out, and transport - often half or less. Imported goods, international schools, and some insurance can surprise you, though. A comfortable lifestyle for a couple typically runs well below what you'd spend back home.

Can I work remotely from Mexico?

Many remote workers do it on a tourist permit, but if you plan to stay long-term, look into temporary residency. Tax residency is the part people underestimate - rules depend on your home country, so talk to an accountant before you commit to the move.

How do banking and payments work for foreigners?

Foreign cards work fine, but currency conversion fees add up fast. Most expats here combine their home bank account with Wise or Revolut for exchange, then pay locally in cash or by card. ATMs inside actual banks (not standalone machines) give the best rates.

Which neighborhoods are best to live in?

Depends on your lifestyle: downtown for walkability, the northern areas for quieter family life, and a few blocks inland for better price per square meter. For long-term rentals, local Facebook groups and realtors beat vacation rental sites on price every time.

How is the internet for remote work?

Surprisingly good. Fiber is standard in most newer buildings, with speeds of 100–500 Mbps common. Power outages happen but rarely last long. With a local SIM or eSIM as backup, you're well covered for video calls - just plan around the time difference with your home office.

🤝 Why you can trust me?

There are thousands of guides about Playa del Carmen. Most are written by people who were here for a week - or never.

I live here. For real. I shop at the local market, pay utility bills in pesos, know the difference between tourist prices and local prices, and know which beaches are actually nice in February. I speak Spanish, Norwegian and English, and everything I recommend on this site I have either tested myself or would recommend to a good friend.

Honestly about money: Some of the links on this site are affiliate links. That means I can get a small commission if you book through them - without costing you anything extra. That's how the site stays free. But my rule is simple: I never recommend anything I wouldn't use myself. If something is bad, I write it. If something is overpriced, I say so.

You won't find any sponsored testimonials here. Just what I actually mean.