Town in Quintana Roo, Mexico
Tulum
Beach town with cenotes, Maya ruins and a big wellness and remote-work crowd. Prices are among Mexico's highest, the beach strip is car- and scooter-dependent, and sargassum, traffic and drug crime are real drawbacks.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$2,310–3,840Comfortable, one person · MX$42,000–70,000Details
- Value for money11/100Better value than 10% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MarWarmest: May, 31°CDetails
- Internet118 MbpsFixed broadband, Mexico medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or purified water; cenote water is not for drinking.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$38–99Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundinDriveYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashBeach clubs take cards (and add a surcharge); cash for taquerías, colectivos, bikes, cenotes and taxis.Details
Where to stay in Tulum
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Tulum Pueblo (Centro) | Cheaper stays, local food, coworking, bike-friendly |
| Beach Zone (Zona Hotelera) | Boutique hotels and beach clubs; very expensive |
| Aldea Zamá | Condos, cafés and nomads between town and beach |
| La Veleta | Newer apartments, quieter, popular with long stayers |
Apps that work in Tulum
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| inDrive | Sometimes works; supply varies |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Google Translate: Spanish menus and conversations
- Taxis: Uber and DiDi are blocked or harassed by local taxi unions; assume you will use taxis, colectivos or a bike.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Mexico.
- Mixed: cards and cash Beach clubs take cards (and add a surcharge); cash for taquerías, colectivos, bikes, cenotes and taxis. Beach ATMs 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 Tulum solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Tulum meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
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.