Town in Nayarit, Mexico
Sayulita
Small Pacific surf and beach town north of Puerto Vallarta, popular with young travelers and remote workers. Fun and walkable, but crowded in winter, rising prices and thin healthcare.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,870–3,020Comfortable, one person · MX$34,000–55,000Details
- Value for money26/100Better value than 25% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–AprWarmest: Aug, 30°CDetails
- Internet118 MbpsFixed broadband, Mexico medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or purified water; restaurants and hostels use purified ice.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$27–77Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBus to Puerto VallartaWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards in hotels, bigger restaurants and shops; cash for taco stands, taxis, buses and surf rentals.Details
Where to stay in Sayulita
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Centro (around the plaza) | Walkable core: restaurants, bars, beach access |
| Sayulita Beach (north side) | Surf, hostels, easy beach life; noisy at night |
| Playa de los Muertos side | Quieter, scenic, a short walk from Centro |
| Hillside villas | Views and privacy; steep, need a scooter or car |
Apps that work in Sayulita
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Google Translate: Spanish menus and conversations
- Taxis: Ride apps are not reliable here; local taxis set fares. Book a transfer or the bus from Puerto Vallarta in advance.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Mexico.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards in hotels, bigger restaurants and shops; cash for taco stands, taxis, buses and surf rentals. Few ATMs, which often run out.
- Currency: Peso (MXN). US$1 ≈ MX$18.21 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards roughly MXN 30–150 per withdrawal; always decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: 10–15% at restaurants (check whether service is already added), MXN 10–20 for gas attendants and grocery baggers; app rides optional.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work at many card terminals in cities; local bank transfers need a Mexican account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Air arrivals get a digital FMM (QR code) at immigration; the visitor fee is already included in your airfare.
- Officers set your stay and may grant fewer than 180 days; carry a return ticket, accommodation details and proof of funds.
- Land arrivals going beyond the border zone need an FMM; the visitor fee applies for stays over seven days.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · Tourist police 078 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 127 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Telcel or AT&T SIMs at airports, OXXO stores and carrier shops, about MXN 100–300 with data. Bring your passport to register the line. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Mexico
Going to Sayulita solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.