Travelers visiting Tulum have long faced one recurring inconvenience: taking a taxi without knowing the fare in advance. In the absence of meters or consistent regulation, visitors often find themselves negotiating rates after the ride — a frustrating and unpredictable experience.

To address this, a Mexican-developed app called Eiby has recently entered the market, offering users pre-determined fares, driver verification, and live trip tracking. The app aims to reduce misunderstandings, improve accountability, and provide both tourists and residents with a more transparent alternative to traditional street hailing.

The taxi system in Tulum has historically been criticized for rate inconsistencies, lack of receipts, and limited oversight. Complaints range from inflated prices to disputes that escalate when passengers challenge unclear charges. While authorities have introduced enforcement campaigns over the years, the problems have persisted — leaving room for digital innovation.

Eiby’s model is simple: once a trip is entered, the app displays the fare, route, and vehicle information, including the driver’s name and license plate. This data can be saved or screenshotted, which becomes especially useful in the event of disputes or when reporting issues to consumer protection agencies.

For visitors unfamiliar with local pricing, this structure offers a reliable point of reference — something particularly valuable in high-traffic tourism hubs like Tulum.

The app, available for iOS and Android, is active in several Mexican cities and now gaining traction in Tulum. While cash remains the dominant form of payment for rides, Eiby streamlines the booking process and provides travelers with a sense of structure, especially for those wary of street-side negotiations.

As Tulum continues to attract global travelers, tools that build trust and reduce friction become essential to maintaining the destination’s reputation. When users know the cost of their trip in advance and feel safer doing it, the ripple effect benefits everyone — from local businesses to tourism operators.

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In a strategic effort to strengthen its international presence, Tulum will ramp up its tourism promotion in key European markets during the final quarter of 2025. The initiative includes participation in two major industry events: the International Tourism Fair (IFT) in Paris, scheduled from September 23 to 25, and the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, taking place on November 4 and 5.

Led by the Tulum Tourism Promotion Council, this campaign is part of a broader strategy to expand the destination’s appeal beyond traditional beach tourism. According to Council President Mario Cruz Rodríguez, the promotional agenda will target a more diverse range of segments including wedding tourism, culinary travel, eco-experiences, and wellness retreats—niches that have seen notable growth in recent years.

Tulum will join the Mexico Pavilion at both events, sharing space with other national destinations while building connections with European tour operators, agencies, and wholesalers. These partnerships are expected to generate direct bookings for the 2025–2026 winter season, traditionally a high-demand period for the region.

Buying property in another country can feel intimidating—but in Mexico, the process is actually very straightforward when you have the right guidance. Whether you’re looking for a vacation home, an investment property, or a full-time residence in the Riviera Maya, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you understand how it works.

Step 1: Find the Right Realtor

The very first step—and one of the most important—is choosing an experienced realtor who knows the Riviera Maya market and can guide you through every stage of the buying process. Your agent will help you:

Explore the best property options based on your goals.

Explain how the legal and financial aspects of buying in Mexico work.

Connect you with trusted professionals like attorneys and notaries.

Having a realtor who speaks fluent English makes everything much easier, especially when making such an important investment in a foreign country.

Step 2: Get Your Questions Answered

Once you’ve chosen your realtor, they’ll arrange a call with an English-speaking Mexican attorney. This is where you’ll get answers to your initial questions about title, taxes, and ownership structures. Clarity at this stage helps you move forward with confidence.

Step 3: Make an Offer to Purchase (OTP)

With your realtor’s guidance, you’ll prepare an Offer to Purchase that clearly outlines the price, terms, and conditions you want to present to the seller.

Step 4: Submit the Offer and Deposit

The OTP is submitted along with a Good Faith Deposit (earnest money).

For pre-construction projects, deposits are usually wired directly to the developer.

For resale properties, deposits are typically held in escrow by your attorney or a neutral third party.

Step 5: Secure the Good Faith Deposit

Your attorney holds this deposit in a trust account until closing. For added peace of mind, you can also open a separate escrow account with a local title company (available for an extra fee).

Step 6: Sign the Sales Contract

Once the offer is accepted, your attorney drafts the Promise to Purchase Agreement (sales contract). At this stage, a larger deposit—usually 40–50% of the purchase price—is made, officially taking the property off the market.

Step 7: Closing the Transaction

Your attorney will:

Establish the ownership structure—either a bank trust (fideicomiso) or a Mexican corporation.

Conduct a full title search and due diligence to ensure the property is free of liens.

Schedule a closing date with a Notary.

On closing day, you’ll sign the deed, pay the balance plus closing costs, and officially become the owner. Closing costs usually range between 5–7% for cash purchases and 7–10% if financing is involved.

Bonus: Do You Need to Attend the Closing?

You don’t necessarily need to be in Mexico for closing. With a properly notarized and apostilled Power of Attorney (POA), a trusted representative can sign on your behalf.

Final Thoughts

Owning property in Mexico as a foreigner is not only possible—it’s safe and highly rewarding when done with the right team. With an experienced realtor guiding you from day one, and a trusted attorney ensuring all legal aspects are covered, you can confidently secure your dream property in the Riviera Maya.

Ready to take the first step?

Contact me today, and let’s explore the best opportunities for you in this beautiful region.