Tulum for Expats
Tulum, Mexico is an increasingly popular tourist destination and a great place to live for expats and digital nomads looking for a change of scenery. The city offers incredible views, culture, food and activities. If you’re planning on moving here or just need some tips for enjoying your stay, this Tulum guide for expats is here to help you out!
Tulum has something for everyone! From beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters to cenotes (sinkholes) teeming with life, Tulum has plenty of amazing activities to explore.
There are also archaeological sites like the Mayan ruins of Coba and Tulum that you can explore, as well as some amazing eco-parks like Xel-Ha which provides snorkeling opportunities and animal encounters. Get your heart racing at the incredible Tulum Jungle Gym!
Whether you’re looking for an intense workout or a relaxing yoga class, this gym has something to offer everyone.
Get ready to sweat, strengthen and tone in one of the most unique training environments around! In addition to all the sightseeing opportunities Tulum also offers many cultural attractions like local markets where you can buy artisanal goods and restaurants featuring delicious regional cuisine.
When selecting a neighborhood in Tulum there are several factors to consider including proximity to amenities, atmosphere and cost of living. Some of the most sought after neighborhoods in Tulum include Aldea Zama which is known for its luxury beachfront properties as well as its vibrant nightlife scene; La Veleta which is known for its laid-back atmosphere and easy access to the beach; Cancun which has an eclectic mix of restaurants and cafes; and Las Palmas which is known for its affordable housing options as well as its close proximity to numerous shops and services.
The cost of living in Tulum will depend on various factors such as type of accommodation, lifestyle choices etc., but it is generally considered cheaper than US cities given that rent prices are cheaper due to low demand from expats who prefer property rentals over buying property outright.
Additionally, utilities are also quite cheap compared to other countries due to government subsidies while food costs tend to be lower than urban areas due to abundance of fresh produce available nearby. However transportation costs can be higher than other cities due to lack of public transport infrastructure in Tulum so having a car or bike is recommended if you plan on staying here long term.
Tulum is an ideal destination for expats looking for a change of scenery, a vibrant nightlife, resorts, and plenty of activities to explore. The cost of living in Tulum is generally considered cheaper than US cities due to lower demand for property rentals and government subsidies on utilities.
I recommend these travel resources for Mexico that I personally use:
🏨 Hotels: I have found that Expedia and Booking.com consistently have the best deals on hotels and resorts in Mexico. If you prefer to stay at a vacation rental, check VRBO that is usually cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: To find the best flight deals to Mexico, I always use Kayak. Remember to subscribe to their price alerts for the travel dates you want. Another great alternative for flight deals is Expedia.
🚗 Rental Cars: I always use and highly recommend Discover Cars because it allows me to compare several car rental companies and view ratings on various factors such as overall value, pick-up procedure, agent efficiency, car condition, and total time taken.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: For the fastest and easiest way to travel, I suggest arranging a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation. Honestly, no better way to travel from the airport to your hotel or resort.
🤿 Tours & Activities: For tours and activities in Mexico, I highly recommend using either Viator or GetYourGuide. These websites offer a full refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the start of the tour, and they also provide excellent customer service in case of any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: I always suggest purchasing travel insurance as a precaution before traveling, especially after a recent accident in a taxi in Mexico. For short trips, I recommend Travel Insurance Master, whereas for digital nomads, Safety Wing is a better option.
📷 Best Camera for your trip: I always carry with me a GoPro, It’s light, compact, takes great video and pictures, and most importantly, it’s waterproof! You just can’t go wrong with one. If you are interested in higher quality video and photography, I always carry with me on my trips and highly recommend the Sony A7IV which I think is the best travel DSLR Camera out there.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Remember to include a good sunscreen to protect yourself from the summer sun. I always use and suggest Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is vegan, reef-friendly, and cruelty-free.
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2 Responses
Hello, how does one connect with other expats in Tulum?
I’m asking for a young woman who wants to stay for a while and is looking for a place where she can trade some duties for room and board…thank you!
Hi Katherine,
There are plenty of Tulum Expat groups on Facebook so I would for one of those.
Hope this helps