Internet & Phone Guide for Puerto Escondido — Remote Work Setup

Internet Providers

Telmex is the most widely available ISP in Puerto Escondido, though speeds vary significantly by neighborhood. Fiber (Infinitum) is available in Centro and some parts of Rinconada and Bacocho, offering 200-1,000 Mbps plans from $389 MXN/month (200 Mbps) to $999 MXN/month (1,000 Mbps). Older copper (DSL) lines are much slower; ask what technology reaches the address. Installation typically takes 5-10 business days.

Totalplay does not currently list coverage in Oaxaca; check its coverage tool if a landlord says otherwise.

Izzi coverage is spotty and mainly concentrated in Centro and Rinconada. Cable internet offers 50-100 Mbps for $500-700 MXN/month. Service reliability has been inconsistent based on user reports.

Starlink is increasingly popular among digital nomads and expats. Monthly service costs about $1,050-1,350 MXN plus $5,000-7,600 MXN for the kit (promotions vary by zone; check starlink.com/mx with your address). Installation is immediate once equipment arrives. Coverage is excellent throughout Puerto Escondido.

Important: Availability varies dramatically by neighborhood. Zicatela and La Punta have the most limited options, while Centro and Rinconada have better infrastructure. Always verify service availability at your specific address before signing a lease.

Expected Speeds

Be realistic about internet speeds in Puerto Escondido — this is not Mexico City or Playa del Carmen. Here's what to actually expect:

Telmex Fiber: 80-150 Mbps download, 20-40 Mbps upload when working properly. Speed drops significantly during peak hours (7-10 PM) and can slow to 30-50 Mbps.

Telmex DSL: 15-35 Mbps download, 3-8 Mbps upload. Speeds fluctuate based on distance from the exchange and line quality.

Izzi Cable: 40-80 Mbps download, 10-20 Mbps upload. Can be unreliable during storms.

Starlink: 50-200 Mbps download, 10-30 Mbps upload. Speeds vary by weather and network congestion but generally consistent.

Reliability Issues: All terrestrial internet providers experience outages during heavy rains and storms (common June-October). Power outages also affect service — invest in a UPS backup battery. Starlink is most reliable during weather events but can slow or drop during very heavy rain.

For video calls, expect occasional drops. Have backup plans ready.

Phone & SIM Cards

Telcel dominates mobile coverage in Puerto Escondido and has the best signal on outlying beaches (Chacahua, Roca Blanca, the Mazunte road). Coverage is strong in town centers but can be spotty in some residential areas of Zicatela.

Prepaid plans start at $200 MXN for 6GB data + unlimited WhatsApp. Popular plans:

• $300 MXN: 10GB + unlimited social media
• $500 MXN: 15GB + unlimited social media + international calls
• $800 MXN: 25GB + unlimited everything

AT&T (and its budget brand Unefon) has decent coverage in Centro and main tourist areas but weaker signals in residential neighborhoods and beach areas. Plans are slightly cheaper:

• $250 MXN: 8GB + unlimited WhatsApp
• $400 MXN: 12GB + unlimited social media

Where to Buy: OXXO stores are everywhere and sell both Telcel and AT&T SIM cards and top-ups. Dedicated Telcel stores are located in Centro (Av. Pérez Gasga) and Plaza del Sol shopping center.

Register your line: every Mexican SIM must now be linked to its owner. Foreigners register with a valid passport (or a CURP if you have residency) online at the carrier's site (Telcel: telcel.com/vinculatulinea) or in a carrier store. Unregistered lines are being cut off in stages by the last digit of the number, with the final deadlines running through 31 December 2026, so do this the day you buy the SIM. Foreign SIMs on roaming don't need it.

eSIM Options: Both carriers offer eSIM activation, but the process can be complicated. Physical SIM cards are more reliable for most users.

Important: WhatsApp is essential for daily life in Mexico — everything from ordering food to communicating with landlords happens through WhatsApp. All major carriers include unlimited WhatsApp in their base plans.

Coverage note: If you're staying outside town, Telcel is your best option. AT&T coverage drops significantly outside town centers.

Coworking Spaces

Surfbreak PXM (Brisas de Zicatela) is a coliving/coworking space popular with digital nomads. Day passes around $150 MXN, monthly memberships $2,500-3,500 MXN. WiFi speeds typically 50-80 Mbps. Features AC, dedicated desk areas, and a community of remote workers.

COWORK PUERTO (Centro, Primera Sur) offers professional coworking space in downtown. Daily rates $200 MXN, weekly $1,000 MXN, monthly $3,000 MXN. Reliable internet (60-100 Mbps), meeting rooms, printing services, and AC.

CLÚSTER CORPORATIVO (Brisas Diamante) caters more to local businesses but welcomes remote workers. Monthly rates around $2,000-2,500 MXN. Professional environment with conference facilities.

Coworking Che Puerto Escondido Hostel (Brisas de Zicatela) combines accommodation with coworking. Day passes $100-150 MXN. Basic setup but affordable and social atmosphere.

COWORKING ÑUU RINCONADA (Rinconada) is a newer space with good WiFi and AC. Monthly memberships around $2,500 MXN.

Cafe Alternatives: Many remote workers use cafes when coworking isn't needed. Sandala Café (Los Tamarindos), Orange Coffee & Laundry (Bacocho), RUSKA, and Son & Cafe offer decent WiFi for laptop work, though speeds may be limited during busy periods.

Backup Plans

Your internet WILL go down in Puerto Escondido — plan accordingly:

Mobile Hotspot: Essential backup. Telcel has the best data coverage. A $500-800 MXN monthly plan with 15-25GB is usually sufficient for backup use. Hotspot speeds typically 20-60 Mbps depending on location.

Cafe Backup: Identify 2-3 cafes with reliable WiFi near your accommodation. Sandala Café and Son & Cafe are popular with remote workers. Orange Coffee & Laundry (Bacocho) has good WiFi and washing machines — kill two birds with one stone.

Coworking Day Passes: Keep contact info for nearby coworking spaces. Most offer day passes for $100-200 MXN when your home internet fails.

Starlink as Premium Backup: If your work absolutely cannot tolerate downtime, Starlink is the most reliable option. Monthly cost is high ($1,050-1,350 MXN) but it works when everything else fails.

Power Backup: Invest in a UPS battery backup ($1,500-3,000 MXN) for your router and devices. Power outages are common, especially during storms. A small generator ($8,000-15,000 MXN) provides longer backup for critical work periods.

Multiple ISPs: Some serious remote workers maintain two internet connections (e.g., Telmex + Starlink) for redundancy. Expensive but ensures connectivity.

Communication Strategy: Always have WhatsApp working on your phone to communicate with clients when internet is down. Consider getting a US-based phone number through Google Voice or similar for client calls.

Realistic Expectations: Puerto Escondido is a beach town, not a tech hub. Plan for occasional connectivity issues, especially during rainy season (June-October). Build buffer time into deadlines and communicate proactively with clients about potential delays.