Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Cozumel is a beautiful island located off the eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, well-known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 100,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 50 Mbps, with some areas offering higher speeds through fiber-optic connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Mexican Peso (MXN). 1 USD ≈ 18 MXN. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It's recommended to use bottled water for drinking. |
| 🔌 Power | 127V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Telcel and AT&T are popular providers, with good coverage across the island. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major credit cards are widely accepted. Banks such as Banorte and Santander are common. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals through platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is a popular option; prices range from $30 to $150 per night depending on location and amenities. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Hostel La Cangreja offer dorms starting at $15 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The hotel zone along the west coast, near San Miguel, is popular for tourists. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Neighborhoods like Corpus Christi and the waterfront area near Avenida 5 are favored for longer stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Cozumel Coworking Space located downtown offers a great environment for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Casa del agua, known for its fast Wi-Fi and quiet atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups hosted by expat groups on Facebook, often held at local cafes or bars. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Cozumel Expats group organizes social gatherings and events frequently for networking. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available but also consider local taxis for convenience. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooters and bicycles can be rented from various shops near the waterfront. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Palancar is one of the best beaches, famous for its beautiful sand and calm waters. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Volaris and Interjet offer domestic flights to major cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and United operate frequent flights to and from the US. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via coastal roads, primarily through scenic coastal routes on the island. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Cozumel doesn't have a train service; local taxis and shuttles suffice. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is limited; consider renting a vehicle for more flexibility. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferries operate between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen multiple times daily. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de Especialidades, a reputable facility for both emergency and general care. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Cozumel offers a variety of classes for all skill levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Salsa Gym near the town center is a popular fitness facility with various classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lava Laundromat provides self-service and drop-off laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and Uber Eats are popular food delivery options available on the island. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Cochinita Pibil, a traditional slow-cooked pork dish, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | El Moro offers vegetarian and vegan options with fresh local ingredients. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Chiquita offers scrumptious local pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Mercado Municipal provide fresh produce and snacks at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and MercadoLibre are widely used for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Superama offers grocery delivery services within Cozumel. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The nightlife centers around Playa del Carmen and San Miguel with numerous bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Artisan Cozumel is known for local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Casa del Vino offers a great selection of wines to try. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local street tacos at stalls throughout the island are extremely popular and affordable. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Guido's offer excellent Italian cuisine and local seafood. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Mayan ruins at San Gervasio are essential for history enthusiasts. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de la Isla de Cozumel offers insights into the island's history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The San Miguel Church is a historical site reflecting local heritage. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de San Miguel Arcángel is a prominent church with beautiful architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Cozumel Carnival is a vibrant annual celebration that attracts many visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the San Miguel Centro for local culture, shops, and restaurants. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Centro Cultural offers performances and art exhibitions occasionally. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Cozumel Flea Market features a range of local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at various bars, especially during the evenings, offers a great local scene. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street murals can be found throughout San Miguel, showcasing local artists. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Enjoy local culinary classes at Cozumel Cooking School. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Nalu Art Gallery showcases vibrant local artwork from regional artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Cozumel's town hall features beautiful architecture and historical significance. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cozumel's heritage is reflected in its Mayan history and current traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cozumel is surrounded by stunning reefs and marine parks perfect for diving or snorkeling. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel protects the coral reefs and offers great diving opportunities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the coastline provide scenic views for biking and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Punta Sur Eco Beach Park offers breathtaking coastal views and wildlife. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The national park offers opportunities for birdwatching, with various species to be seen. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated beach areas allow for bonfires on specific days. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services provide reliable parcel delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Locally operated tech shops offer various repair services, such as E-Tech Cozumel. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some local community centers have table tennis available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish language classes are offered by various local schools and private tutors. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Localized library resources are available at the Cozumel Public Library. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Casa de la Cultura provides cultural activities and workshops regularly. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Some internet cafes offer gaming options with high-speed connections. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Cozumel does not have large casinos but there are small gaming spots. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $100,000 for a studio in San Miguel). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000 for a studio outside of San Miguel). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $138,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $96,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment outside). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $176,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment outside). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Mexico has a territorial tax system; only income generated within Mexico is taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
| 🧾 VAT | 16% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable regulations in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property taxes are relatively low, approximately 0.1% of the assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 2% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads can benefit from a lack of income tax on foreign-earned income if not residing more than 183 days. |