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Hey guys,
I was thinking of heading to Mexico for a month (or longer, depending on how I'm liking it) later this year. I was planning to stay at a hotel for a week while I look at airbnb's/rentals. I've had bad experience with airbnb in the past and want to scout a bit first. Alternatively, if someone can recommend a good person to rent from I'm interested in that as well.
Some general questions:
1) Are there many foreigners living in the area besides poker players?
2) How's the dating scene? What's the website to use or is it Tinder? Is there a university nearby?
3) Does power or internet go out ever?
4) Are foreigners targetted by criminals?
5) How are noise levels? I want to be somewhere reasonably quiet at night but not too far from shopping/gyms/nightlife etc.
I would also be interested if there is one or some kind of community for poker players out there.
If anyone's out there now feel free to shoot me a PM.
Its been a few years since I lived there so someone with more recent experience can give a better update, but I'll add what I know.
1. Yes a lot of different foreigners live there not interested in poker. I always felt like there were a lot of Argentines and Italians that lived or vacationed there.
2. Dating scene is great but will shrink over time as its a smallish beach town and not a major city. Tinder was pretty limited and I think you run out of swipes in a day or two. Day game is perfect as its a very open relaxed place. Plenty of hot girls willing to be approached and give their number. Nearest major university is in Cancun. Lots of hotties around playa so no need to be near a university.
3. Internet was a little slow during peak evening time 5-8pm. It cut out maybe once a month, but seems pretty decent. I didn't think it was a problem.
4. I don't think foreigners are targeted. Stay away from the drug scene or be very cautious. Mostly its cartel vs cartel, nothing to do with foreigners. Use common sense. If there's a opportunity to steal something it will be gone so take care of your valuables.
5. Calle 12 is the party street so there's a lot of noise around there. 5th avenue is the main walking street.
I exercised at Evolve Gym. Its pretty small, but has everything you need. Very crowded around 7pm with a already small space so if you can get there another time it would be better.
Mega is a supermarket that I used for groceries. There's also a Walmart near it too. A bit further down is a Sam's club if you can drive there.
If you live past 30th avenue housing prices should go down a lot. I lived just past there near Mega on Calle 18 across from Mayalav laundry. They have some rooms they own across the street. You can talk to them and ask if anything is available. I think I paid just over 300 usd for a 1 bedroom that was completely renovated. You're a 15 min walk to the beach so if you plan on going everyday maybe its too far and you want something right on your doorstep.
I wouldn't stay at a hotel for a week if you're just using it as a base until you find a longer term place. There's hostels around there you can crash at for 5-7 usd while you get a feel for the place and can often get good information or a connection through someone there. I use hostelworld.com to view places then just walk in without booking online. Very cheap way to explore before getting settled.
There was a Skype group that was pretty big, but I don't have it. Plenty of guys were willing to meet up. Played volleyball in the morning or basketball in the evening from those Skype groups. I think most have moved on, but it was fun times. Someone else can update on the poker community in its current state.
Going later this year would be the best time with the coolest temperatures and a lot of travelers gives the place a energetic vibe. It gets very hot in the summer so November to March is the ideal time.