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Guide
Tulum, Mexico π²π½
#151
,
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Tulum is a prime destination located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, renowned for its stunning beaches, Mayan ruins, and eco-chic ambiance. |
π₯ Population | Approximate population of 45,000 residents. |
π» Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20-30 Mbps with some coworking spaces offering up to 100 Mbps. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | Currency is Mexican Peso (MXN), with an exchange rate of approximately 1 USD β 18.00 MXN. |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
π Power | Electricity is 127V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Providers include Telcel, AT&T, and Movistar, with good coverage in Tulum. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Widely accepted payment types include credit cards from international banks like HSBC, and digital wallets like PayPal. |
π Accommodation | Options range from beachfront hotels, eco-villas, to numerous Airbnb and hostels. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, most restaurants and shops accept credit cards. |
π Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide a variety of options geared towards short-term stays. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Che and La Nave provide budget-friendly dormitory and private room options. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Tulum Beach area is recommended for tourists due to its proximity to beaches and restaurants. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Aldea ZamΓ‘ is popular among digital nomads for its community vibe and coworking space proximity. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Casa Madera and Selina Coworking are top choices for remote work, offering high-speed internet and a vibrant community. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Matcha Mama is a popular cafe that offers a friendly environment for remote work with Wi-Fi and great smoothies. |
πΌ Networking Events | Events like Tulum's Digital Nomad Meetups provide excellent networking opportunities for freelancers and entrepreneurs. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Groups like 'Tulum Digital Nomads' on Facebook facilitate social gatherings and community support. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Tulum, but local taxis are also readily available. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes and scooters can be rented from places like Tulum Bike Rentals and Scooter Tulum. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Paraiso is renowned for its white sands and turquoise waters, located just a short bike ride from the center. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Volaris and Aeromexico provide regional flights from CancΓΊn International Airport. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | American Airlines, Delta, and United offer multiple international flights to CancΓΊn. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Federal Highway 307 connects Tulum to major cities like Playa del Carmen and CancΓΊn. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Calle Sol offers various local shuttles, but Tulum does not have a train system. |
π Public Transport Passes | Public buses run frequently to Playa del Carmen and nearby cenotes. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses from ADO connect Tulum with major destinations including Cancun and Merida. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Hospital de Tulum provides general medical services and is the main healthcare facility in the area. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogablu and Sanara Tulum offer yoga classes, wellness retreats, and holistic treatments. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | BODYPLEX Tulum is a modern fitness center equipped with various workout facilities. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | LavanderΓa El Cubano provides reliable laundry services with drop-off and pick-up options. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Domi Pizza are popular for food delivery in Tulum. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Tacos al Pastor, a local specialty available from various roadside vendors. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Raw Love and Casa Banana offer an extensive range of vegan and vegetarian dishes. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Bakery NaΓ‘, known for its organic pastries and desserts. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit Tulum's local market for affordable groceries and local produce. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Use Amazon Mexico for online shopping; many local products are also available. |
π Grocery Delivery | Tulum Groceries offers online grocery shopping with delivery services. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Avenida Tulum is the main street filled with bars and nightlife venues. |
π» Local Brewery | Brewery Tulum offers craft beers and tours for beer enthusiasts. |
π· Wine Bars | Casa Trejo serves a fine selection of local wines and tapas. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Street vendors along the beach offer fresh ceviche and tacos at very affordable prices. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Trattoria Romana serves a popular Italian cuisine option. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The Tulum Ruins, set atop a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, are a must-visit archaeological site. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Sferico showcases contemporary art inspired by the surrounding nature. |
π° Historical Sites | Tulumβs ancient Mayan ruins are one of the most photographed sites. |
π Religious Sites | Templo de las Pinturas is a notable historical temple within the ruins. |
π Annual Events | Tulum Art Fest each January attracts artists and visitors from around the world. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Explore the local community in Aldea Dos, known for its art and cultural events. |
π Theater Venues | Various pop-up theaters and community events occur throughout the year, particularly for art and performance. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Tulumβs artisan market offers handmade crafts, jewelry, and clothing. |
πΌ Music Scene | Venues like Papaya Playa Project host international DJs and live music events. |
π¨ Street Art | Tulum is famous for its colorful street murals and vibrant artistic expressions. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Cooking classes at Coqui Coqui teach traditional Mexican cuisine techniques. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Galeria Tulum exhibits contemporary works and local artists. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The historic ruins and colonial-era churches in nearby cities are worth a visit. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Mayan heritage is deeply rooted in Tulum, reflected in the local culture and customs. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Cenote Dos Ojos, a popular limestone sinkhole, is nearby for snorkeling and swimming. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, which includes a range of ecosystems, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The beachfront boardwalk offers stunning views perfect for walking and biking. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Clifftop views from the Tulum ruins provide breathtaking views of the Caribbean. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Cenote Calavera is a great spot for birdwatching and appreciating nature. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Many beach areas allow bonfires, especially along the north beach strip. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx provide parcel delivery and shipping services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Tulum IT Services can assist with device repairs. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have ping pong tables available for use. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Instituto de Lenguas de Tulum offers language classes for expats. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Study spaces are limited; cafes and coworking spaces are popular for work and study. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Cultural events are hosted at the Tulum Cultural Center. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Video game spots are rare, but some cafes have gaming sessions. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos are located in Tulum; the closest are in Cancun. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,500 per mΒ² (e.g., a 40 mΒ² studio averages $140,000). |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,800 per mΒ² (e.g., a 40 mΒ² studio averages $112,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,200 per mΒ² (e.g., a 60 mΒ² average $192,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,500 per mΒ² (e.g., a 60 mΒ² averages $150,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² averages $240,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,300 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² averages $184,000). |
πΌ Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is 30%. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend withholding tax is 10%. |
π¦ Tax System | Tax resident system with taxes based on worldwide income. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
π§Ύ VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 16%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Mexico has CFC rules. |
π Property Tax | Annual property tax rates vary but are usually low, around 0.1-0.25%. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Property transaction tax is approximately 2% of the sale price. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Residency for financial independence is favorable for digital nomads, with low tax rates. |