Real answers about the Riviera Maya
Everything you need to know about visiting, living, and owning property in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and the Riviera Maya.
Popular Questions
Popular Questions
Start with what visitors and owners ask us most often.
How do I get to Playa del Carmen from Cancún Airport?
Three real options: pre-booked private transfer (~$60–95 USD, door-to-door, easiest), ADO bus ($16–20 USD, drops you at Playa's central bus…
Is Playa del Carmen safe?
Yes for visitors who use city-trip judgment. Tourist zones (Playacar, Centro, Coco Beach, Zazil-Ha) are calm day and night; petty theft is…
Where are the best tacos in Playa del Carmen?
El Fogón for al pastor (skip the 5th Ave location, go to the original on Av. 30). La Floresta for pescado/camarón. Taquería La Soriana…
How do I know if a property manager in Mexico is honest?
Honesty shows up as paperwork. A trustworthy PM will hand you a sample owner statement, a vendor list, a 12-month repair log from a…
Can foreigners buy property in Mexico?
Yes. In coastal areas like Quintana Roo, foreigners buy via fideicomiso (a 50-year renewable bank trust) — fully legal, fully transferable…
How do I avoid rental scams in Playa del Carmen?
If you're being rushed to wire a deposit before a live video walkthrough, it's a scam — full stop. Stolen photos relisted at 30–50% under…
What should I do if my Airbnb has no water?
Document in the Airbnb app first: time it stopped, photos, and whether neighbors/building staff see the same issue. Ask for an ETA and…
What should I do if the AC stops working in my rental?
Don't sit in a 32°C/90°F unit waiting for a callback. Try the 60-second checklist (remote batteries · breaker reset · drain unblock), then…
Browse by Category
Browse by Category
Seven clear topics — every answer sorted once, no overlap.
Getting Here & Transportation
Airport transfers, taxis, buses, ferries, and late arrivals.
10 answersAreas & Where to Stay
Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Puerto Morelos, Isla, Cozumel, and neighborhoods.
8 answersBeaches & Things to Do
Best beaches, ruins, cenotes, diving, and day trips.
15 answersFood, Drink & Nightlife
Tacos, brunch, coffee, restaurants, bars, and where locals eat.
10 answersPractical Information
Money, internet, safety, groceries, weather, and mid-stay problems.
16 answersProperty Ownership & Management
Airbnb, buying, PM vetting, compliance, utilities, and owner protection.
13 answersLiving & Working in the Riviera Maya
Long-term rent, remote work Wi‑Fi, pets, and digital-nomad basics.
5 answersAll answers
Property Ownership & Management
Search or filter the full library.
Are smart locks and Wi‑Fi upgrades worth it for my Mexico rental?
Often yes for turnovers and guest confidence — prioritize lock reliability + mesh coverage before gimmicks; budget ongoing battery/firmware…
Can foreigners buy property in Mexico?
Yes. In coastal areas like Quintana Roo, foreigners buy via fideicomiso (a 50-year renewable bank trust) — fully legal, fully transferable…
Can my HOA ban Airbnb in Mexico?
Building regimes often restrict short-term rentals — sometimes outright. Review bylaws before buying or listing.
How do I find a property manager in Playa del Carmen?
Interview systems — guest messaging SLAs, cleaning, maintenance tickets, owner statements, emergencies, pricing, compliance — not just a…
How do I know if a property manager in Mexico is honest?
Honesty shows up as paperwork. A trustworthy PM will hand you a sample owner statement, a vendor list, a 12-month repair log from a…
How do I know when to switch my property manager in Mexico?
Five red flags: monthly statement is opaque or late, occupancy is below market without explanation, you don't get photos of the unit after…
How does the Mexican hospedaje (lodging) tax work for vacation rentals?
Quintana Roo's hospedaje tax is 6% on the nightly rate for all short-term rentals (under 30 nights). Owners are legally responsible for…
Our Puerto Morelos home is barely occupied — bills still feel high. How do we interpret usage and find someone to verify solar and wiring?
"Fridge only" almost never explains 11–17 kWh/day in a vacant Puerto Morelos house. Hidden loads, CFE tariff slip, or solar/CT mis-wiring…
What are red flags when hiring a property manager in Mexico?
Opaque pricing, no agreement, ghost comms, no reporting, vague repairs, unrealistic revenue promises.
What should a property manager charge in Playa del Carmen?
Fees vary — compare scope: inspections, linens, revenue ops, statements, emergencies, compliance — not only %.
What should I ask before hiring a property manager?
Cover money (statements, fees, repair approvals), operations (cleaning QA, maintenance SLAs), compliance (hospedaje tax, HOA), and exit…
What's the checklist for owning a Mexican vacation rental remotely?
Six pillars: (1) legal structure (fideicomiso + RFC), (2) tax compliance (hospedaje + RETUR-Q + ISR), (3) property manager with transparent…
Which Riviera Maya city is best for buying a rental property?
Depends on goals. Playa for steady year-round occupancy + lowest management complexity. Tulum for highest peak-season ADR but higher…
About these answers
Written or fact-checked by our Playa del Carmen operations team. We update entries as ferry schedules, regulations, and vendor lists change.