Tulum essential travel tips

Tulum travel tips – 2022.

Is Tulum expensive? 

It depends on what you consider expensive. Yes, by Mexican standards, Tulum is expensive compared to other beach towns in Mexico. However, traveling to Tulum on a budget is 100% doable. Tulum has everything from budget hostels to more expensive hotels per night than 5-star properties in Paris or London. The meals are equivalent or a little more to what you would pay in the U.S or Canada, and the taxis are the most expensive in Mexico. Gratuity will likely be included on the bill. It doesn’t matter if you are grabbing a quick non-alcoholic drink to go or sitting down at a multi-course dinner. 

Almost 90% of Tulum restaurants will automatically add a 10-20% gratuity to your bill, so make sure you check your bill as some tourists mistakenly add another tip. 

Vegan and vegetarian options are everywhere.

Tulum is a popular destination for hippie/bohemian/new-age types; therefore, their cuisine had to adapt. So you can find an incredible amount of vegan and vegetarian food everywhere you turn. They even have a small vegetarian grocery store called Mr. Tofu, where you can buy things like incredible burgers and other meatless options.   

Beach vendors are all foreigners.  

Most beaches in Mexico always have beach vendors, typically local people; however, in Tulum, most of them are a mix of European, Australian, and North American ex-pats or backpackers, selling their wares to visiting tourists.

Cell service and WiFi.

Tulum is not known for its blazing-fast or reliable connections. When the WiFi goes out, or you’re walking down the beach road, you likely won’t have cell service. You might get a 3G connection here and there, and some data will pass through your phone. 

Most U.S. cellphone carriers include Mexico in their plan. So you don’t have to pay additional fees to use your U.S. cellphone in Mexico (Check with your carrier if Mexico is included). However, once in Mexico, you don’t control what carrier your cellphone gets connected to. Telcel is Mexico’s largest cell service provider. A Telcel SIM Card will provide you the best coverage in most parts of Mexico. You can buy one in whatever amount of data you think you’ll use. Having data for an emergency is essential to travel safely. Telcel’s SIM cards are available on Amazon. SIM cards offer unlimited calls, text, and a set amount of data. Calls between the U.S. and Mexico are included.

Best Neighborhoods in Tulum

Tulum is a small town divided into Tulum Pueblo (Downtown), Aldea Zama, and Tulum Beach. There’s only one road that goes through downtown and one road called the Tulum Beach Road that goes up and down the beach.

Tulum Pueblo is on the north side of town, Tulum Beach is all the way south, and Aldea Zama is located between the two.

Tulum Pueblo

Pros: The least expensive neighborhood; It is the place to stay if you’re traveling on a budget; Lively area with great cheap eats, cute shops, and a unique charm

Cons: The least pretty neighborhood. That’s not to say Tulum Pueblo is ugly, just that it’s not the Tulum you’ve seen all over Instagram.

Aldea Zama

Pros: Luxurious yet affordable; Modern amenities; Best WiFi; Conveniently located between the beach and downtown; Newer constructions with more modern amenities.

Cons: It has a bit of a “suburban” or residential feel to it

Tulum Beach

Pros: The best and most gorgeous resorts; Staying right on the beach; Walkable location; Large-scale art installations; High-end restaurants and bars.

Cons: Very Expensive; Electricity restrictions; WiFi isn’t great.