Essentials
🏙️ City | San Miguel de Allende is a picturesque town in central Mexico known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and vibrant arts scene. |
👥 Population | Approximately 150,000 residents. |
💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is 25 Mbps, with fiber optic options available in many areas. |
💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 18.50 MXN. Major banks include BBVA, HSBC, and Citibanamex. |
🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable without filtration; bottled water is widely available. |
🔌 Power | 127V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Telcel, AT&T, and Movistar with prepaid options available. |
💳 Banking for Expats | International debit/credit cards widely accepted; services like Revolut also popular. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options range from upscale hotels to mid-range Airbnbs, frequently found throughout the city. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, major credit cards are accepted at most establishments. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are popular for short stays. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable hostels include Hostal La Casona and Casa Mia. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Centro Histórico is popular for tourists due to its vibrant atmosphere. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The colonia San Antonio district offers quieter streets and many coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Rooftop Coworking offers a great atmosphere and reliable internet. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café de la Plaza is known for its good coffee and reliable Wi-Fi. |
💼 Networking Events | Events hosted by San Miguel Expats are good for networking and meeting locals. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Meetups and social events often organized through Facebook groups and local community boards. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates here, providing a safe and easy way to get around. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available at local shops such as Bici San Miguel. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach (San Felipe) is about a 4-hour drive away. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Aeromexico operates flights from nearby Querétaro airport. |
✈️ Top International Airline | United and American Airlines offer flights from larger cities like León. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways include Mexico 57 and Mexico 90, connecting to cities like León and Querétaro. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There's no train service; major bus stations include Terminal de Autobuses de San Miguel. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transit mostly relies on local buses; no formal passes available. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Buses available to nearby cities like Querétaro, León, and Guanajuato. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital San Miguel is known for its reliable emergency and general care services. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga San Miguel offers various classes and wellness workshops. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centers like Club Deportivo are popular among locals and expats. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería La Moderna offers affordable wash and fold services. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and UberEats are commonly used for food delivery in the city. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Don't miss out on Enchiladas Mineras, a local traditional dish. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Café de la Plaza offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian meals. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Dulce Patria is famous for its delicious desserts and pastries. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Ignacio Ramírez, or the 'Mercado de Artesanías,' offers great local food at low prices. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon Mexico delivers to San Miguel, offering a variety of goods. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Superama offers a delivery service for groceries. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The bars near El Jardín are lively and popular for nightlife. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería de Colima is known for producing local craft beers. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Bodega De La Calle offers local wines and a cozy atmosphere. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Tacos at Tacos Don Felix are a must-try for street food lovers. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Rooftop serves various international dishes with great views. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel is the iconic landmark of the city. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museo Histórico is an excellent place for history lovers. |
🏰 Historical Sites | The Bellas Artes building offers insights into the city's artistic heritage. |
🕍 Religious Sites | The Oratorio de San Felipe Neri is a must-visit for architecture and history. |
🎉 Annual Events | The San Miguel International Festival is held annually in November. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | Centro Histórico is the heart of the city's culture and activity. |
🎭 Theater Venues | The Teatro Angela Peralta hosts various cultural performances. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de San Miguel is a vibrant market with local crafts and food. |
🎼 Music Scene | Various live music venues like La Posada de las Monjas host regular events. |
🎨 Street Art | San Miguel is known for its impressive mural art across many neighborhoods. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary Institute of San Miguel offers cooking classes for various cuisines. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Instituto Allende hosts numerous art exhibitions and workshops. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | Casa de la Comunidad is a significant historical building to visit. |
🏴 Local Heritage | San Miguel de Allende is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its baroque architecture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cañada de la Virgen, a nearby archaeological site, offers beautiful trails. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | El Jardín de la Vida is a popular local park ideal for relaxation. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The streets around Parque Juárez offer lovely walking paths. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at El Mirador offers stunning views of the city. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Nearby Bofecillos is great for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | There are designated areas for bonfires in the countryside surrounding the city. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Estafeta provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like San Miguel Electronics offer tech repairs. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | The Community Center has facilities for table tennis. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto de Lengua offers Spanish language classes tailored for expats. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Biblioteca Pública has a range of resources for study and reading. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural offers various classes and community events. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Esports arenas like Mega Party are available for gaming enthusiasts. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in San Miguel, but many people enjoy local gaming nights. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,400 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $96,000) |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $132,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $102,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $128,000) |
💼 Corporate Tax | 30% standard corporate tax rate. |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% withholding tax on dividend distributions. |
🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on global income. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% maximum personal income tax rate. |
🧾 VAT | 16% standard Value Added Tax rate. |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply to foreign subsidiaries. |
🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on local property value. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | A 2% tax is applied during property purchases. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | There are no capital gains taxes for foreigners selling real estate. |