Mérida, Mexico 🇲🇽
#153
20.967075, -89.62374
Nomad Score:
72%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Mérida is the capital city of the Mexican state of Yucatán, known for its colonial architecture, vibrant culture, and a growing community of expats. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 1,000,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | average of 60 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 18.00 MXN; local ATMs widely available, but fees apply. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 127V, 60Hz, ⚡ Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Telcel and Movistar are popular providers with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like BBVA and Citibanamex offer services; online banking is common. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and expat-friendly housing agencies like Yucatán Home. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely; cash still preferred for small vendors. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo dominate the short-term rental market. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Catedral offers bed prices starting from $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Impact Hub Mérida is a modern coworking space with great amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Club is popular among remote workers, offering reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups at Impact Hub and local expat groups on Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Mérida Facebook group hosts activities and gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is the most reliable ride-hailing app in Mérida. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikesharing services like BiciRuta are available for local travel. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Progreso Beach, approximately 30 minutes away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Viva Aerobus connects Mérida to Mexico City and Cancun. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Aeromexico offers flights to various international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major roads include Highway 261 to Tixkokob and the Mérida-Cancun Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The main bus terminal is located at CAME Mérida. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific passes; buses are cheap and run frequently. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate to major cities like Tulum and Cancun, with ADO being a preferred service provider. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hôpital Star Médica offers comprehensive services and specialists. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga En La Mañana has various classes and workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Anytime Fitness offers 24/7 access. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería La Estrella provides reliable laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and UberEats are widely used for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Cochinita Pibil, a traditional slow-roasted pork dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Neroli offers an extensive menu with vegan options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Helados Jalisco for authentic Mexican ice cream. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Lucas de Gálvez is a great place for local produce and street food. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon Mexico operates in Mérida for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Walmart and Superama offer delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Paseo de Montejo has popular bars and nightlife spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería de Yucatán produces local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Fundación offers a wide selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Los Tacos de la Calle are popular street food vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Terraza mayan serves a mix of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Paseo de Montejo and Plaza Mayor are iconic attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Casa de Montejo showcases Yucatán's history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Catedral de Mérida and Palacio de Gobierno are must-visit sites. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Santuario de la Virgen de Guadalupe is a notable religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Mérida Fest celebrates the city's cultural heritage every January. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Centro Histórico is the heart of Mérida's cultural activities. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Peón Contreras hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado 60 features local artisans and food stalls. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Jazz Fest Mérida is an annual music event. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Mérida has vibrant street art in various neighborhoods. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking Class in Mérida offers hands-on local cooking experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte Contemporáneo is popular among local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Casa de los Montejo is a historic colonial building. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Mayan culture and traditions are a significant part of Mérida's identity. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Celestún Biosphere Reserve is a few hours away, known for its wildlife. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parque Nacional Ría Lagartos, famous for birdwatching. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Paseo de Montejo has dedicated paths for walking and biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit the viewpoint at Monumento a la Patria on Paseo de Montejo. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Ría Lagartos is renowned for its flamingo population. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches near Progreso permit bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | FedEx and DHL offer reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Punto Fix provides gadget and device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Pavillón de la Juventud has table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish classes available at Casa de la Cultura. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Pública Central serves as a quiet study space. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural Olimpo hosts various cultural activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Check out GameStop Mérida for gaming accessories and community events. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Mérida offers entertainment and gaming experiences. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $136,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
| 🧾 VAT | 16% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, exists under Mexican Law. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Varies by municipality; usually low. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 2% for property purchases. |