Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Zacatecas is a historic city in north-central Mexico, known for its colonial architecture and silver mining history. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 240,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Mexican Peso (MXN); 1 USD ≈ 20 MXN. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 127V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Telcel and AT&T; prepaid options are widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks such as BBVA Bancomer and Santander provide services; international cards accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and hotels ranging from budget to luxury. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted at many locations, but cash is still common. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local platforms like Inmuebles24 offer various short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel El Flandes and Hotel Emporio are good budget options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Centro Histórico, known for its vibrant atmosphere and proximity to major attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Zona Centro, with easy access to cafes, coworking spaces, and cultural sites. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Espacio 212 is a popular coworking space with excellent amenities and networking opportunities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | La Casa de La Cultura offers a quiet space with good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups are organized by local expat groups; check Facebook groups for updates. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The 'Zacatecas Expat Community' Facebook group is active and hosts various events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Didi and Uber operate in Zacatecas, offering safe transportation options. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available through local shops; scooter rentals are less common but can be found. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | No beaches nearby; closest coastal area is Mazatlán, approximately 7 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Aeroméxico is a major regional carrier with flights to Mexico City. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | All American and major regional airlines provide good connectivity via Leon or Guadalajara. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via the Mexico 45 and Mexico 54 highways. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Zacatecas has a central bus terminal serving regional and national routes. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses run frequently; no specific transit pass systems are in place. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Zacatecas to nearby cities like Guadalupe and Sombrerete. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital General Zacatecas is the main healthcare facility offering comprehensive services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Estudio de Yoga Zacatecas offers a variety of classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Smart Fit and Gym Fit are popular fitness centers providing good facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería La Nueva is a local laundromat with convenient services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Domicilios.com are popular for food delivery in the city. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Tacos de Birria and Enchiladas Zacatecanas are must-try local dishes. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurante Verde offers a variety of plant-based dishes and healthy options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Casa de las Galletas is famous for its artisanal cookies and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Gonzalez Ortega offers local food products and snacks at budget prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon Mexico and Mercado Libre are popular online shopping platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Walmart and Superama offer grocery delivery services in Zacatecas. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Plaza de Armas is a lively area with numerous bars and nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Minerva is a well-known local craft brewery with tours available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Vinoteca offers a wide selection of Mexican wines for tasting. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Look for street vendors around Mercado de Abastos for authentic local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Olive Garden and La Mansion offer international dining options. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Zacatecas Cathedral and the Mina El Edén offer stunning architecture and history. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Rafael Coronel features a significant collection of masks and folk art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historic center of Zacatecas is a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Templo de Santo Domingo is an iconic Baroque church worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Zacatecas Cultural Festival occurs every September, showcasing local arts. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Centro Histórico is vibrant with galleries and shops reflecting local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Calderón hosts various cultural events and performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de Abastos is the main market for local produce and artisan goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found in various bars around the Historic Center. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore the graffiti around El Centro for urban art experiences. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cook with locals at classes available through Zapata Kitchen. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte Zacatecas showcases local and contemporary artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Palacio de Gobierno is a beautiful historical building with impressive murals. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The region is known for its silver mining history; visit historical sites to learn more. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Sierra de Órganos National Park offers beautiful landscapes and hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Cumbres de Monterrey National Park is about a 6-hour drive away, ideal for a weekend trip. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paseo del Mineral is a scenic path perfect for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | El Cerro de la Bufa offers stunning panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Reserva de la Biosfera Sierra de Huautla is a good spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated campsites in nearby parks allow for bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx provide reliable parcel delivery options in Zacatecas. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like TechFix offer device repair services at reasonable prices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Centro Deportivo offers facilities for table tennis and other sports. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto Cultural Zacatecano offers Spanish language courses for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Publica del Estado is a quiet place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centros de Desarrollo Comunitario offer cultural activities and community engagement. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game On Lounge hosts gaming events and local tournaments. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Golden Lion provides options for gambling entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $84,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $104,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on residency status; residents taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | 16% standard Value Added Tax (IVA). |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules applicable for foreign investments. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is calculated based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 2% tax applied during property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Special provisions exist for foreign income; consult a tax advisor. |