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Guide
Essentials
🏙️ City | Cancún is a popular tourist destination located in the eastern part of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife. |
👥 Population | Approx. 888,000 |
💻 Internet Speed | 30-50 Mbps (varies by provider and location) |
💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 18.50 MXN |
🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
🔌 Power | 127V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Telcel, Movistar, and AT&T, offering prepaid options. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Popular services include HSBC, Citibanamex, and BBVA. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options range from luxury resorts to budget hostels, with Airbnb popular among digital nomads. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards widely accepted; however, having cash for smaller establishments is advisable. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo are popular for short-term stays. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostal Mayapan and Selina Cancun offer affordable lodging. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera) is ideal for tourists due to its beaches and amenities. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Downtown Cancún is recommended for its local vibe and affordability, with easy access to Coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Nest Coworking offers a vibrant community and great amenities. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Nader is a popular spot for remote work with good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
💼 Networking Events | Events hosted by Digital Nomads Cancun Facebook group. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Weekly meetups organized through the Expats in Cancun Facebook group. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates smoothly and is preferred for safety and convenience. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Biking along the Hotel Zone is popular; options include Bacalar Bike Rentals. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Delfines is commonly regarded as one of the best beaches. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Volaris and Interjet offer regional connections. |
✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and Aeromexico provide numerous international flights. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Autopista 180 connects to Playa del Carmen and Tulum. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Cancún International Airport (CUN) serves as the main transit hub. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses are cheap; a colectivo to downtown costs around $10 MXN. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Buses like ADO connect Cancún to regional destinations such as Playa del Carmen and Tulum. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Hospiten Cancún is a top-rated private hospital with various services. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Cancun and Power Yoga offer classes for all levels. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Smart Fit and Anytime Fitness have locations in Cancún. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería Express offers convenient laundry services. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Domicilios.com is a popular food delivery service. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Cochinita Pibil (slow-roasted pork) is a must-try local dish. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Green Spot offers great plant-based options. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Churros El Charro serves delicious churros. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado 28 offers local handicrafts and street food. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon Mexico is widely available for online shopping. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Superama and Walmart offer grocery delivery services. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Coco Bongo and Mandala are popular nightlife destinations. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería Cancun is a local brewery offering craft beers. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Vinoteca offers a great selection of wines. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street tacos abound in downtown Cancún; try La Habichuela. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like La Destileria offer Mexican and international cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | El Rey Ruins is a fascinating archaeological site worth visiting. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Maya de Cancún showcases the region's history and culture. |
🏰 Historical Sites | The Tulum Ruins are nearby and a major tourist attraction. |
🕍 Religious Sites | Parroquia de Cristo Resucitado is an iconic church in Cancún. |
🎉 Annual Events | Cancún Jazz Festival and Day of the Dead celebrations are noteworthy. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | Downtown Cancún offers a more local and cultural experience. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro de Cancún hosts various performances and events. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado 28 is a vibrant local market with crafts and food. |
🎼 Music Scene | Live music is abundant in local bars and restaurants, especially near the Hotel Zone. |
🎨 Street Art | Explore Calle de los Muertos for vibrant murals and street art. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Eat with Gusto offers cooking classes for traditional Mexican cuisine. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte Mexicano presents local artists and exhibitions. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | The archeological site at El Rey is a historic gem. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Cancún is known for its rich Mayan heritage and traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Isla Mujeres is a beautiful nearby island for a day trip. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Hotel Zone has dedicated bike lanes for safe cycling. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Punta Nizuc offers stunning ocean vistas. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Las Lagunas de Zazil-Nak offers great opportunities for wildlife observation. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some beach areas allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx offer reliable parcel delivery services. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech Repair Cancun specializes in mobile and computer repair. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Visit local parks like Parque de las Palapas for public table tennis. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto Cultural Mexicano offers Spanish language classes. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Pública de Cancún offers reading and study areas. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural de Cancún hosts various community events and activities. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming hotspots include various cafés in the downtown area. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Palace and Play City are popular gaming venues. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $100,000) |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $80,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $168,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $138,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $240,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $200,000) |
💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
🧾 VAT | 16% |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Mexico has strict regulations for CFCs. |
🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax rates hover around 0.1% of property value. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 2% payable at the time of transfer. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | 0% tax on income earned outside Mexico, making it attractive for remote workers. |