Essentials
- City
- San Blas, Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
- Population
- Approximately 10,000
- Internet Speed
- Starlink is common at $1,100 MXN/month; local fiber (Telmex) up to 50 Mbps in central areas.
- Currency & Banking
- 1 USD ≈ 17.00 MXN. Main bank is Banco Azteca on Calle Juárez.
- Tap Water
- Not drinkable; 20L 'garrafones' cost approx. $45 MXN delivered.
- Power
- 127V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B (US Standard). Power surges common during rainy season.
- SIM Card
- Telcel (best coverage); $200 MXN for 3GB/30 days at OXXO stores.
- Banking for Expats
- BBVA and Santander (nearest in Tepic); Revolut/Wise work at local ATMs.
- Accommodation
- Local rentals via Facebook groups; boutique hotels like Hotel Garza Canela.
- Cashless Friendly
- Mostly cash-based; high-end hotels and supermarkets take cards.
- Short Term Rentals
- Airbnb options range from $600 to $1,500 USD per month.
- Budget Accommodation
- Hostal San Blas (Calle Canalizo) - Approx. $400 MXN/night.
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- Aticama or near Playa El Borrego for beach access.
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- Centro (for stable power/fiber) or Matanchén Bay for quieter views.
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- N/A; Hotel Hacienda Flamingos offers reliable Wi-Fi and day passes for $250 MXN.
- Best Cafe for Work
- Kaffee-Klatsch (Calle Juárez) - Reliable connection and great espresso.
- Networking Events
- Informal meetups at 'The Social' bar near the town square.
- Social Events for Expats
- San Blas Community Facebook group organises beach cleanups and trivia nights.
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- No Uber; Site Taxis at the Plaza (Approx. $50-$80 MXN within town).
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- Cyclo San Blas - Beach cruisers for approx. $200 MXN per day.
- Best Beach Nearby
- Playa Las Islitas - Famous for long waves and palapa restaurants.
- Top Regional Airline
- Aeroméxico (via Tepic Airport - TPQ).
- Top International Airline
- Alaska Airlines or United (via Puerto Vallarta - PVR, 3 hours away).
- Highway Access
- Federal Highway 15D (Autopista) connects to Tepic and Guadalajara.
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- Central de Autobuses San Blas (Pacifico and Estrella Blanca lines).
- Public Transport Passes
- No passes; local 'Combis' cost $10-$15 MXN per ride.
- Regional Travel
- Buses to Tepic ($120 MXN, 1.5 hours) or Puerto Vallarta ($350 MXN).
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- Centro de Salud San Blas (Basic); Sanatorio Guadalupe in Tepic for emergencies.
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Yoga classes at Hotel Playa Hermosa (Seasonal, $150 MXN/session).
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- Gimnasio Municipal near the sports complex - $30 MXN drop-in.
- Laundry Services
- Lavanderia El Delfin - $15 MXN per kilo for wash/dry/fold.
Food and Drink
- Best Food Delivery App
- None; call local restaurants directly for 'servicio a domicilio'.
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Pescado Zarandeado (Grilled Snapper) at Restaurante El Delfin.
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- Walla Walla on the beach for fresh salads and fruit bowls.
- Best Dessert Spots
- Pan de Plátano (Banana Bread) sold by street vendors near the plaza.
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- Mercado Municipal for fresh produce and seafood.
- E-commerce/Online Store
- Mercado Libre (3-5 day delivery); Amazon Mexico.
- Grocery Delivery
- OXXO and local grocers offer phone delivery for small orders.
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- Calle Batallón de San Blas (Main strip near the pier).
- Local Brewery
- Sayulita Brewing Co. (bottles found at local specialty shops).
- Wine Bars
- Tuna Blanca (high-end selection in Matanchén).
- Street Food Stalls
- Taco stands at the Plaza Principal (Tacos al Pastor $15 MXN each).
- Popular International Cuisine
- Chef Jimmy's for Italian-Mexican fusion.
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- Contaduría (Fortress) overlooking the town and ocean.
- Museums & Art Venues
- Casa de la Cultura San Blas.
- Historical Sites
- The ruins of the Temple of Our Lady of the Rosary (built 1769).
- Religious Sites
- Iglesia de San Blas (Parroquia de San Blas de Tarento).
- Annual Events
- Blessing of the Fleet (February 3rd) and San Blas Jazz/Blues Festival.
- Cultural Districts
- The Historic Center (Zona Centro) and the Old Port.
- Theater Venues
- Occasional performances at the Plaza Principal open-air stage.
- Local Markets
- Sunday Tianguis Market for crafts and textiles.
- Music Scene
- Live Mariachi and Bolero at the restaurants in Matanchén.
- Street Art
- Murals depicting Huichol (Wixárika) art near the waterfront.
- Cooking Classes
- Offered seasonally by Hotel Garza Canela’s Chef Betty Vázquez.
- Art Galleries
- Galería de Arte Huichol (various shops near Juárez).
- Historic Buildings
- Antigua Aduana (Old Customs House).
- Local Heritage
- Huichol/Wixárika indigenous crafts and beadwork.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- La Tovara National Park - Mangrove boat tours ($250 MXN).
- National Parks Nearby
- Parque Nacional Isla Isabel (The 'Galapagos of Mexico').
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- The 7km paved path from San Blas to Matanchén Bay.
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Mirador de la Contaduría for panoramic sunset ocean views.
- Birdwatching Locations
- San Blas is a global birding hotspot; visit the El Pozo estuary.
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Playa El Borrego (far ends allow respectful small fires).
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- Estafeta and DHL (Drop-off points in local papelerias).
- Tech Repair Services
- Compucentro (Tepic - 1 hour away for serious repairs).
- Table Tennis Spots
- None; local sports center focuses on soccer and basketball.
- Language Classes
- Private tutors available via 'Spanish in Mexico' Facebook group.
- Libraries & Study Spots
- Biblioteca Municipal on Calle Batallón.
- Community Centers
- DIF San Blas (Services for locals and expats).
- Gaming Lounges
- Small internet cafes (Cibers) near the secondary school.
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- Casino Joy Tepic (nearest facility, 70km away).
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $22,000 MXN per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $880,000 MXN / $52k USD)
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $16,000 MXN per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $640,000 MXN / $38k USD)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $20,000 MXN per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $1,200,000 MXN / $70k USD)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $15,000 MXN per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $900,000 MXN / $53k USD)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $19,000 MXN per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $1,520,000 MXN / $89k USD)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $14,000 MXN per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $1,120,000 MXN / $66k USD)
- Corporate Tax
- 30% standard rate in Mexico.
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 10% for residents and non-residents.
- Tax System
- Worldwide income basis for tax residents (183+ days).
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 35% for individuals.
- VAT
- 16% (IVA).
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- Yes, Mexico has 'REFIPRE' rules for tax havens.
- Property Tax
- Predial - Very low, usually $1,000-$3,000 MXN per year.
- Property Transaction Tax
- ISAI (Acquisition Tax) - 2% to 5% depending on the state of Nayarit.
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- RESICO (Simplified Trust Regime) for low-income brackets (1% to 2.5% tax).