Business
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $1,800 USD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000 USD).
- Corporate Tax
- 30% (Standard Mexican ISR).
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 10% for residents.
- Tax System
- Residency based; worldwide income for tax residents.
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 35%
- VAT
- 16% (IVA).
- Property Tax
- Predial - Very low, usually $100-$300 USD annually for standard homes.
- Property Transaction Tax
- ISAI (Acquisition tax) is 2-5% depending on the municipality.
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- Mexico offers a Temporary Resident Visa; if earning from abroad, you may not trigger local tax residency immediately.
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $2,200 USD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $88,000 USD).
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $1,400 USD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $56,000 USD).
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $2,500 USD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $150,000 USD).
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $1,600 USD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $96,000 USD).
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $2,800 USD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $224,000 USD).
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- Yes, Mexico has 'REFIPRE' rules for tax havens.
Food and Drink
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- Zicatela Strip (Cactus Bar, Xcaanda) for late-night dancing.
- Best Food Delivery App
- Didi Food is the primary service; many locals use WhatsApp delivery directly.
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Tlayudas with Tasajo (Approx. 120 MXN) at El Polvorín.
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- Papa Tots (La Punta) for vegan bowls and Spirulina (Zicatela) for healthy smoothies.
- Best Dessert Spots
- Panna e Cioccolato (Rinconada) for artisan Italian gelato.
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- Mercado Benito Juárez (Centro) for fresh produce and local cheese.
- E-commerce/Online Store
- Mercado Libre is the go-to; Amazon Mexico delivers but can take 5-7 days.
- Grocery Delivery
- Chedraui (Main supermarket) offers online ordering via their website.
- Local Brewery
- Cervecería de la Costa - Try the 'Marea Roja' amber ale.
- Wine Bars
- Metxcalli (Zicatela) for high-end Mexican wines and Mezcal pairings.
- Street Food Stalls
- Tacos David in La Punta (Al Pastor tacos, 15 MXN each).
- Popular International Cuisine
- Espadin (Rinconada) for upscale fusion; Piyoli (La Punta) for Mediterranean-Mexican.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Mirador Romance Summer (Bacocho) for the best sunset views.
- Birdwatching Locations
- Rio Colotepec estuary for pelicans, herons, and kingfishers.
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Playa Zicatela South (La Punta end) - Common nightly social fires.
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Laguna de Manialtepec for kayaking and birdwatching (15 km north).
- National Parks Nearby
- Lagunas de Chacahua National Park (2 hours away) for remote beaches and mangroves.
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- The Bacocho 'Andador' - A paved walking path above the cliffs.
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- Estafeta or DHL (Located in Centro).
- Tech Repair Services
- Hospital de Celulares (Centro) for screen and battery repairs.
- Table Tennis Spots
- Selina Zicatela common area.
- Language Classes
- Oaxaca International (Rinconada) - $15-20 USD per hour.
- Libraries & Study Spots
- Biblioteca Pública Municipal in Centro.
- Community Centers
- Impact Hub (Occasional pop-ups and startup meetups).
- Gaming Lounges
- None; limited to private VR setups in high-end rentals.
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- Not permitted under local Oaxacan state law.
Culture and Attractions
- Local Heritage
- Chatino and Zapotec indigenous roots, reflected in the local crafts and festivals.
- Must-See Landmarks
- The Zicatela Pipeline (World-class surf break) and the bioluminescent lagoon at Manialtepec.
- Museums & Art Venues
- Casa Wabi (30 mins away) - Tadao Ando designed art foundation and residency.
- Historical Sites
- Centro Cultural de Puerto Escondido for local history and community art.
- Religious Sites
- Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad (Centro).
- Annual Events
- Fiestas de Noviembre (Month-long festival with surfing tournaments and concerts).
- Cultural Districts
- The Adoquín (Oldest tourist street in Centro).
- Theater Venues
- Teatro del Pueblo (Outdoor community stage used during festivals).
- Local Markets
- Mercado Zicatela (Upper Zicatela) for ocean views and organic goods.
- Music Scene
- Live jazz at Savannah (Zicatela) or Techno sets at Chula (La Punta).
- Street Art
- Murals throughout La Punta depicting ocean conservation and Zapotec culture.
- Cooking Classes
- Las Bugambilias - Traditional Oaxacan mole making classes.
- Art Galleries
- Galería de Arte de Puerto Escondido (Near Bacocho).
- Historic Buildings
- The original Lighthouse (El Faro) nearby Playa Puerto Angelito.
Essentials
- City
- Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Population
- 45,000
- Internet Speed
- Starlink widely available (150-250 Mbps); Local fiber optic (50-100 Mbps) in La Punta and Zicatela.
- Currency & Banking
- 1 USD ≈ 17.50 MXN. ATMs at Santander and HSBC in Centro are most reliable. Many places still cash-only.
- Tap Water
- Not drinkable. 20L 'garrafones' cost approx. 45 MXN delivered.
- Power
- 127V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B (US standard). Power outages common during storm season.
- SIM Card
- Telcel offers the best coverage; 'Amigo' plans cost approx. 200 MXN for 3GB/30 days.
- Banking for Expats
- Santander or Banamex; Revolut and Wise cards accepted at larger restaurants/hotels.
- Accommodation
- Selina Puerto Escondido (Zicatela) or private apartments in Rinconada.
- Cashless Friendly
- No, carry cash. Only high-end hotels and restaurants in Rinconada/Zicatela take cards.
- Short Term Rentals
- Airbnb and local Facebook groups like 'Puerto Escondido Rentals' (Prices: $800 - $1,500 USD/month).
- Budget Accommodation
- Tower Bridge Hostel ($15-20 USD/night) or Bonobo Surfies Hostel.
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- Zicatela (for nightlife/surfing) or Rinconada (for calm beaches and dining).
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- La Punta (vibrant, social) or Bacocho (quieter, better internet infrastructure).
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- Selina Cowork (Zicatela) - $20 USD day pass; Losodeli (Rinconada) - $15 USD day pass with high-speed fiber.
- Best Cafe for Work
- Café de Puerto in Rinconada or Amarisa in La Punta. Both have reliable Wi-Fi and power outlets.
- Networking Events
- Weekly 'Digital Nomad Meetups' at Selina Zicatela every Wednesday.
- Social Events for Expats
- Beach Volleyball at Playa Zicatela (5 PM daily) and the 'Puerto Escondido Community' Facebook group.
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- Didi is available but limited; local Taxis are standard (approx. 50-100 MXN within town).
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- Puerto Moto Rentals (La Punta) - Approx. 400-500 MXN per day or 2,500 MXN per week.
- Best Beach Nearby
- Playa Carrizalillo - Famous for its 167 steps and turquoise swimming waters.
- Top Regional Airline
- VivaAerobus and Volaris (direct flights from CDG/Guadalajara).
- Top International Airline
- United or American Airlines (via connections in Mexico City or Dallas).
- Highway Access
- Highway 200 (Costera); New Barranca Larga-Ventanilla highway connects to Oaxaca City in 2.5 hours.
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- ADO Bus Terminal at Carretera Costera (main link to Oaxaca City and Huatulco).
- Public Transport Passes
- Collectivos (Pick-up trucks with benches) - Flat rate 10-15 MXN per ride along Highway 200.
- Regional Travel
- ADO buses to Mazunte (1 hour) or Chachacual (1.5 hours).
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- Hospital General de Puerto Escondido (Public) or Clinic Ángel del Mar (Private/Better for expats).
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Barbarella (La Punta) or One Love Hostel for ocean-view yoga sessions.
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- Gym de Puerto (Centro) or The Jungle Gym (La Punta) - Monthly passes approx. 700 MXN.
- Laundry Services
- Lavanderia La Burbuja in Zicatela - Approx. 20 MXN per kilo for wash/dry/fold.