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Guide
Essentials
🏙️ City | Tulum is a prime destination located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, renowned for its stunning beaches, Mayan ruins, and eco-chic ambiance. |
👥 Population | Approximate population of 45,000 residents. |
💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20-30 Mbps with some coworking spaces offering up to 100 Mbps. |
💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Mexican Peso (MXN), with an exchange rate of approximately 1 USD ≈ 18.00 MXN. |
🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
🔌 Power | Electricity is 127V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets. |
📶 SIM Card | Providers include Telcel, AT&T, and Movistar, with good coverage in Tulum. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Widely accepted payment types include credit cards from international banks like HSBC, and digital wallets like PayPal. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options range from beachfront hotels, eco-villas, to numerous Airbnb and hostels. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, most restaurants and shops accept credit cards. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo provide a variety of options geared towards short-term stays. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Che and La Nave provide budget-friendly dormitory and private room options. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Tulum Beach area is recommended for tourists due to its proximity to beaches and restaurants. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Aldea Zamá is popular among digital nomads for its community vibe and coworking space proximity. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | Casa Madera and Selina Coworking are top choices for remote work, offering high-speed internet and a vibrant community. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Matcha Mama is a popular cafe that offers a friendly environment for remote work with Wi-Fi and great smoothies. |
💼 Networking Events | Events like Tulum's Digital Nomad Meetups provide excellent networking opportunities for freelancers and entrepreneurs. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Groups like 'Tulum Digital Nomads' on Facebook facilitate social gatherings and community support. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Tulum, but local taxis are also readily available. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes and scooters can be rented from places like Tulum Bike Rentals and Scooter Tulum. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa Paraiso is renowned for its white sands and turquoise waters, located just a short bike ride from the center. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Volaris and Aeromexico provide regional flights from Cancún International Airport. |
✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines, Delta, and United offer multiple international flights to Cancún. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Federal Highway 307 connects Tulum to major cities like Playa del Carmen and Cancún. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Calle Sol offers various local shuttles, but Tulum does not have a train system. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public buses run frequently to Playa del Carmen and nearby cenotes. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Buses from ADO connect Tulum with major destinations including Cancun and Merida. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de Tulum provides general medical services and is the main healthcare facility in the area. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogablu and Sanara Tulum offer yoga classes, wellness retreats, and holistic treatments. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | BODYPLEX Tulum is a modern fitness center equipped with various workout facilities. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería El Cubano provides reliable laundry services with drop-off and pick-up options. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Domi Pizza are popular for food delivery in Tulum. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Tacos al Pastor, a local specialty available from various roadside vendors. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Raw Love and Casa Banana offer an extensive range of vegan and vegetarian dishes. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bakery Naá, known for its organic pastries and desserts. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit Tulum's local market for affordable groceries and local produce. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Use Amazon Mexico for online shopping; many local products are also available. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Tulum Groceries offers online grocery shopping with delivery services. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Avenida Tulum is the main street filled with bars and nightlife venues. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery Tulum offers craft beers and tours for beer enthusiasts. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Casa Trejo serves a fine selection of local wines and tapas. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors along the beach offer fresh ceviche and tacos at very affordable prices. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Trattoria Romana serves a popular Italian cuisine option. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Tulum Ruins, set atop a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, are a must-visit archaeological site. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Sferico showcases contemporary art inspired by the surrounding nature. |
🏰 Historical Sites | Tulum’s ancient Mayan ruins are one of the most photographed sites. |
🕍 Religious Sites | Templo de las Pinturas is a notable historical temple within the ruins. |
🎉 Annual Events | Tulum Art Fest each January attracts artists and visitors from around the world. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the local community in Aldea Dos, known for its art and cultural events. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Various pop-up theaters and community events occur throughout the year, particularly for art and performance. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Tulum’s artisan market offers handmade crafts, jewelry, and clothing. |
🎼 Music Scene | Venues like Papaya Playa Project host international DJs and live music events. |
🎨 Street Art | Tulum is famous for its colorful street murals and vibrant artistic expressions. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes at Coqui Coqui teach traditional Mexican cuisine techniques. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galeria Tulum exhibits contemporary works and local artists. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | The historic ruins and colonial-era churches in nearby cities are worth a visit. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Mayan heritage is deeply rooted in Tulum, reflected in the local culture and customs. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cenote Dos Ojos, a popular limestone sinkhole, is nearby for snorkeling and swimming. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, which includes a range of ecosystems, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The beachfront boardwalk offers stunning views perfect for walking and biking. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Clifftop views from the Tulum ruins provide breathtaking views of the Caribbean. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Cenote Calavera is a great spot for birdwatching and appreciating nature. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Many beach areas allow bonfires, especially along the north beach strip. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx provide parcel delivery and shipping services. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Tulum IT Services can assist with device repairs. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have ping pong tables available for use. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto de Lenguas de Tulum offers language classes for expats. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Study spaces are limited; cafes and coworking spaces are popular for work and study. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural events are hosted at the Tulum Cultural Center. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Video game spots are rare, but some cafes have gaming sessions. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos are located in Tulum; the closest are in Cancun. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,500 per m² (e.g., a 40 m² studio averages $140,000). |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,800 per m² (e.g., a 40 m² studio averages $112,000). |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,200 per m² (e.g., a 60 m² average $192,000). |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., a 60 m² averages $150,000). |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² averages $240,000). |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² averages $184,000). |
💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is 30%. |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Dividend withholding tax is 10%. |
🏦 Tax System | Tax resident system with taxes based on worldwide income. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 35%. |
🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 16%. |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Mexico has CFC rules. |
🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax rates vary but are usually low, around 0.1-0.25%. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transaction tax is approximately 2% of the sale price. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Residency for financial independence is favorable for digital nomads, with low tax rates. |