All the essential facts and information on living in Tulum as an expat.
Tulum, a charming coastal town on the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, has become an increasingly popular destination for expats seeking a laid-back beach lifestyle.
Tulum’s highlights.
Natural Beauty: Tulum has stunning beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a lush tropical jungle backdrop. The town is nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, offering breathtaking natural scenery.
Tropical Climate: Tulum enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. It’s not too hot, with cooler breezes compared to some other Mexican coastal areas.
Mayan Heritage: Tulum is home to a rich cultural heritage blending Mayan and Mexican influences. You can explore ancient Mayan ruins, visit local markets, and enjoy traditional Mexican cuisine.
Plenty of outdoor activities: If you love nature, Tulum’s proximity to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve and outdoor activities like snorkeling, diving, and exploring cenotes will appeal to you.
Beachfront Living: Tulum offers beachfront living options, allowing you to wake up to the sound of the waves and enjoy breathtaking sunrises over the Caribbean Sea
Visa options for expats moving to Tulum
Temporary Resident Visa: Perfect for those planning to stay in Mexico for a year or more but less than four years. This visa is most suitable for retirees, remote workers, or anyone considering long-term tourism.
Permanent Resident Visa: If Tulum is your final destination, a permanent resident visa is your best choice. After four years of living with a Temporary Resident Visa, you become eligible to apply for Permanent Residency.
Investor Visa: Individuals looking to invest in Tulum or other parts of Mexico can opt for the Investor Visa. This allows the holder to engage in profitable activities, including setting up and managing their business.
Travel connections
Tulum does not have its own airport, but Cancún International Airport is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive away. It offers both domestic and international flights.
Tulum is connected to major highways, providing access to neighboring cities and attractions.
Tulum is 130 kilometers south of downtown Cancun and 65 kilometers from Playa del Carmen. Bacalar and Chetumal are 210 and 250 kilometers to the north, respectively. Highway 307 connects Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.
Public transportation is limited to the colectivos/combis (minibusses) connecting Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Most residents prefer to have a car.
Shopping in Tulum
Tulum offers a variety of shopping venues, ranging from supermarkets and large malls to quaint boutique stores and open street markets.
Chedraui is the largest supermarket with a huge variety of goods available. It is also quite pricey.
Super Aki also stocks a great variety of products and brands while being a bit less expensive.
Bodega Aurrera is the cheapest option when it comes to supermarket shopping; it offers all the essentials you need.
OXXO Minimarket – a chain of convenience stores mostly open 24 hours and are all over Tulum.
Tip: Gypsea Market is a trendy spot to get your organic and eco-friendly produce, artisan bread, and gourmet cheese, and enjoy a complete gourmet French breakfast.
Shopping centers
Most popular shopping centers in Tulum include Plaza Andador, Plaza Faeli, and a handful of other locations, including:
Tulum Art Club: This is a gem for art lovers. Not only could you buy local art, but you can also enjoy events and workshops hosted here.
Tulum City Center: As it suggests, it’s right in the heart of Tulum. It’s a great spot for shopping, eating, and people-watching.
Ki’bok Coffee: Not necessarily a shopping center, but definitely worth a visit. It’s the perfect spot to sip on a cup of locally sourced coffee and pick up bags of beans for your morning brew.
Mixik: For all things homeware and decor. You’ll find an assortment of quintessentially Mexican pieces that elegantly mesh modern design with traditional elements.
Tip: Tulum has emphasis on sustainability and supporting local businesses, you won’t find many shops selling mass-produced items, rather, they focus on artisan-crafted works that reflecting the traditions of the local commun
Internet and mobile connection
In the town center, internet connection is mostly consistent. If you are going to work remotely in Tulum, coworking-tulum.com has a list of places with fast wifi, and fiber optic.
Hospitals and facilities in Tulum
Here is the list of the major medical facilities available in Tulum:
Tulum General Hospital: This state-run hospital offers comprehensive medical services, including emergency care.
Costamed Tulum: Part of a group of private hospitals in the region offering high-quality medical care. It’s also one of the preferred medical facilities among expats.
Red Cross Tulum: The Mexican Red Cross provides emergency services in case of accidents and natural disasters. They also run health clinics offering general healthcare to citizens and non-citizens alike.
Tulum Medical Center: This reputable medical center offers a broad spectrum of specialized medical care services, including surgery, gynecology, dentistry, and general medicine.
Leisure and socializing
Living in Tulum is less about sophisticated cultural activities and more about nature, beaches, and the outdoors, made comfortable by some modern facilities like shops and restaurants. It’s also a great place for partying and music festivals.
Meeting people and making friends is easy, especially if you’re young or young at heart and like parting. If partying is not your cup of tea, here are just some of the expat groups and events that could serve as the perfect springboard for your social life in Tulum:
Expat groups in Tulum
Tulum Expat Community: This Facebook group is a great platform for both getting your questions answered and making new connections.
The Girl Gang: A supportive and empowering network for women, this group organizes regular meetups and activities in Tulum.
International Meetup Tulum: An informal group for expats to hang out, make new friends, and share their experiences about living in Tulum.
Events and festivals
Art With Me: An annual festival combining art, music, and culture, you’re sure to meet an eclectic mix of locals and expats here.
Tulum Vegan Fest: If you’re vegan or curious about a plant-based lifestyle, this event is perfect for meeting people with similar interests.
The Zamna Festival is the epicenter of electronic music, with the most incredible production in Latin America.
Day Zero Tulum is an annual dance music festival celebrating the end of the Mayan calendar.
Things to do in Tulum
No matter what your interest is, you’ll find plenty of incredible ways to spend your time. Here’s a collection of outdoor activities that Tulum has to offer:
Exploring Mayan ruins: Take a step back in time as you visit the well-preserved, ancient Mayan ruins perched atop a cliff right on the Caribbean Sea. This is an ideal place to absorb a bit of history and take some stunning photographs.
Cenote hopping: In the cavernous depths of Tulum, there are numerous natural freshwater sinkholes known as cenotes. They are perfect for a refreshing swim, snorkeling, or simply lazing around in pure solitude.
Beach yoga: With its crystal clear waters and pristine white beaches, Tulum is a paradise for yoga enthusiasts. Participate in one of the many beach yoga classes available daily.
Biking: Tulum is a haven for cyclists. Whether you fancy cycling along the coastline, through the bustling town, or even delving into the jungle, there are endless opportunities.
Snorkeling and diving: Tulum offers the golden opportunity of snorkeling and diving in its extensive coral reefs, providing a chance to see a stunning array of vibrant, exotic marine life.
Sian Ka’an Reserve: Discover Sian Ka’an – a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its exceptional biodiversity. Here, you can see turtles, dolphins, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species.
Final thoughts on living in Tulum
It’s been discovered and is developing rapidly, the rich experiences and unique lifestyle it offers make it worth every penny.
Tulum thrives on its vibrant expat community, making it an easy place for newcomers to assimilate.
We hope this guide makes your decision to move to Tulum, Mexico, a bit more informed. Happy planning, and we hope to see you soon in the tropical paradise of Tulum!Klein, J. (2024, 21 febrero). Living in Tulum, Mexico: Insight for expats. Expatra. https://expatra.com/guides/mexico/living-in-tulum/
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