Essentials
- City
- Ixtapa, Guerrero, Mexico
- Population
- Approx. 10,000 (Ixtapa) / 125,000 (Zihuatanejo municipality)
- Internet Speed
- Average 40-100 Mbps via Telmex Fiber (Infinitum) or Starlink in remote villas
- Currency & Banking
- 1 USD ≈ 17.00 MXN. Most ATMs located at Ixtapa Plaza and major hotels
- Tap Water
- Not drinkable; 20L 'garrafones' cost approx. 45 MXN
- Power
- 127V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets (same as USA/Canada)
- SIM Card
- Telcel (best coverage), 4GB for approx. 300 MXN (Amigo Sin Límite plan)
- Banking for Expats
- HSBC, BBVA, and Banorte have branches in Zihuatanejo; Revolut works at ATMs
- Accommodation
- Beachfront condos (25,000 - 45,000 MXN/month), Boutique hotels, and Airbnb
- Cashless Friendly
- Yes in Ixtapa resorts/upscale restaurants; Cash is essential in Zihuatanejo markets
- Short Term Rentals
- Airbnb, VRBO, and local agencies like Ixtapa Vacation Rentals
- Budget Accommodation
- Hostel Zihua (Zihuatanejo center) - approx. 400 MXN/night
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- Zona Hotelera I (Beachfront high-rises along El Palmar)
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- Marina Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo's La Madera/La Ropa for better community feel
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- The Hub Zihua (Calle Adelita) - approx. 400 MXN/day
- Best Cafe for Work
- Bistro Solei (Ixtapa Marina) - stable Wi-Fi and power outlets
- Networking Events
- Ixtapa Zihua Digital Nomads Facebook Group meetups at Loot (La Ropa)
- Social Events for Expats
- Trivia Nights at Rick’s Bar (Marina Ixtapa)
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- No Uber/Didi; Use official Taxis. Fixed rate Ixtapa to Zihua is ~100-150 MXN
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- Ixtapa Bike Rental at Ciclopista - approx. 250 MXN/day
- Best Beach Nearby
- Playa El Palmar (Ixtapa) or Playa Las Gatas (accessible via water taxi)
- Top Regional Airline
- Aeroméxico (connects via CDMX)
- Top International Airline
- Alaska Airlines, United, and WestJet (seasonal flights from USA/Canada)
- Highway Access
- Highway 200 (Carretera Federal 200) connects to Acapulco and Lázaro Cárdenas
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- Estrella Blanca / ADO Bus Terminal in Zihuatanejo
- Public Transport Passes
- No passes; 'Combis' (white vans) cost 10-15 MXN per ride
- Regional Travel
- Autobuses Costa Line to Acapulco (approx. 450 MXN)
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- Hospital General Ixtapa or Clinica de Especialidades Zihuatanejo
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Playa Viva (Eco-retreat) or Amuleto Yoga Studio
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- Ixtapa Fitness Center (Ixtapa Plaza) - 800 MXN/month
- Laundry Services
- Lavanderia Ixtapa (next to Sunscape) - approx. 20 MXN per kilo
Food and Drink
- Best Food Delivery App
- Pide Directo (local app) or calling restaurants directly
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Tiritas de Pescado (strips of sailfish marinated in lime and habanero)
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- Eco Veggie (Zihuatanejo) - serves plant-based tacos and bowls
- Best Dessert Spots
- La Michoacana (Paseo de Ixtapa) for artisanal popsicles and ice cream
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- Mercado Central in Zihuatanejo for fresh produce and staples
- E-commerce/Online Store
- Mercado Libre Mexico and Amazon.com.mx
- Grocery Delivery
- Soriana Híper Ixtapa via their official website
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- The Marina Ixtapa area for bars; Zihuatanejo for local cantinas
- Local Brewery
- Zihua Tlan Cerveceria (Craft beer taproom in Zihuatanejo center)
- Wine Bars
- Angustina (Mezcal & Wine) located in Zihuatanejo center
- Street Food Stalls
- Taco carts at the 'Kiosko' in Zihuatanejo - 4 tacos for 60 MXN
- Popular International Cuisine
- Beccofino (Italian) at the Marina Ixtapa
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- Isla Ixtapa (accessible via boat from Playa Linda)
- Museums & Art Venues
- Costa Grande Archaeological Museum
- Historical Sites
- Xihuacan Archeological Site (Soledad de Maciel) - 20 mins away
- Religious Sites
- Santa Cruz Church in Ixtapa
- Annual Events
- Zihua Sailfest (February/March) - charity sailing event
- Cultural Districts
- Paseo del Pescador (Fisherman's Walk) in Zihuatanejo
- Theater Venues
- Teatro de la Villa (occasional local performances)
- Local Markets
- Eco-Tianguis Sanka (Saturdays) for organic local goods
- Music Scene
- Live jazz at Barracuda in Zihuatanejo
- Street Art
- Murals along Calle Adelita in La Madera
- Cooking Classes
- Cooking School at Patio Mexica with Chef Ricardo
- Art Galleries
- Suazo Art Gallery (Zihuatanejo center)
- Historic Buildings
- Partenón del Negro Durazo (external viewing only)
- Local Heritage
- The 'Pueblo Mágico' status of Zihuatanejo
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Barra de Potosí (Lagoon and beach 25 mins south)
- National Parks Nearby
- Manialtepec Lagoon (day trip distance)
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- Ixtapa Ciclopista (8km jungle-lined bike path)
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Mirador Ixtapa (cliffside view of the bay)
- Birdwatching Locations
- Playa Linda crocodile and bird sanctuary
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Playa Blanca (authorized seasonal spots only)
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- Estafeta and DHL (located in Zihuatanejo center)
- Tech Repair Services
- PC Clinic Ixtapa (behind Los Patios)
- Table Tennis Spots
- Available at Club Med Ixtapa (guests only) or local sports units
- Language Classes
- Spanish school at 'Zihua Spanish' or private tutors via Facebook
- Libraries & Study Spots
- Biblioteca Publica Municipal (Zihuatanejo)
- Community Centers
- IMSS Cultural Center Zihuatanejo
- Gaming Lounges
- Limited; mostly small internet cafes in Zihuatanejo
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- Casino Emotion Ixtapa (Zona Hotelera)
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $45,000 MXN per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $1,800,000 MXN / $105,000 USD)
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $28,000 MXN per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $1,120,000 MXN / $65,000 USD)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $42,000 MXN per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $2,520,000 MXN / $148,000 USD)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $26,000 MXN per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $1,560,000 MXN / $91,000 USD)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $38,000 MXN per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $3,040,000 MXN / $178,000 USD)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $24,000 MXN per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $1,920,000 MXN / $112,000 USD)
- Corporate Tax
- 30% (Federal rate)
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 10% for residents and non-residents
- Tax System
- Worldwide income basis for residents (Residency after 183 days)
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 35%
- VAT
- 16% Standard Rate
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- Yes, comprehensive REFIPRE rules
- Property Tax
- Predial (Annual property tax, very low, approx. 0.1-0.2% of value)
- Property Transaction Tax
- ISAI (2% to 5% depending on municipal valuation)
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- Residente Temporal visa allows remote work for foreign clients without local tax if not generating Mexican income