Town in Guerrero, Mexico
Zihuatanejo
Low-key Pacific fishing town with calm bays, a walkable waterfront and cheap seafood, next to the Ixtapa resort strip. Guerrero's violence advisories, hot humid summers and limited nightlife need weighing.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,100–1,760Comfortable, one person · MX$20,000–32,000Details
- Value for money61/100Better value than 60% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–AprWarmest: May, 33°CDetails
- Internet118 MbpsFixed broadband, Mexico medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink purified water only.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$22–49Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundColectivo vanWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in hotels, tour offices and bigger restaurants; cash needed for colectivos, beach palapas, markets and tips.Details
Where to stay in Zihuatanejo
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Centro and the waterfront | Walkable town: fish restaurants, markets and the pier |
| Playa La Ropa | Long beach, beachfront hotels and quieter stays |
| Ixtapa | Resort strip, marina, malls and nightlife, 15 min away |
Apps that work in Zihuatanejo
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Google Translate: Spanish menus and conversations
- Taxis: No reliable ride apps. Use hotel-arranged taxis or colectivos; agree the fare first, and avoid street taxis at night.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Mexico.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in hotels, tour offices and bigger restaurants; cash needed for colectivos, beach palapas, markets and tips.
- 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
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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.