Your Essential Guide to San Miguel de Allende
the basics
Fitting in is all about being yourself while embracing a lifestyle filled with respect, genuine connections, and a love for the artistry and craftsmanship that make this community special. Whether you’re visiting for a week or planning to make San Miguel your home, dive into this enchanting city with an open heart and a spirit of adventure.
¡Bienvenidos a San Miguel de Allende – your new favorite place on Earth awaits!
Cortesia
The Joy of a Friendly Greeting
At the core of Mexican culture is a deep sense of respect! You can see it in the simple things, like warmly greeting others when you enter or leave a room, asking for permission before stepping in, and frequently saying "por favor" and "gracias." These little gestures truly create the foundation for wonderful friendships and meaningful connections.
Let's Embrace Mindfulness!
We all want to create a warm and welcoming environment for everyone. When you’re out and about, try to give a little extra room to folks on the sidewalk. And when you meet someone, make eye contact—it’s a lovely way to connect! And remember we like to smile here!
Taking a Moment
The wonderful people of Mexico are not only friendly, but they genuinely love to engage in conversations and get to know you on a personal level! They'll ask about your family, your interests, and they truly care about your thoughts and opinions. Their warmth and hospitality make you feel welcome and valued. So take your time, savor each moment.
You might just find a new friend in the process!
Mealtime Matters!
People in Mexico not only love their food, but they also truly enjoy it! They take the time to cherish their meals and engage in warm conversations with those they share their table with. And if you happen to walk into a room while someone is eating, it's always nice to say "buen provecho" to them!
Spanish Effort versus perfection
Warren Hardy Spanish
Warren Hardy Spanish, established in 1990, has welcomed over 20,000 students! The school focuses on speaking skills and mastering verbs with simple English explanations. They offer engaging on-campus programs and flexible home study materials.
Liceo del la Lengua Espanola
Liceo de la Lengua is a welcoming place with dedicated teachers who make learning enjoyable. Located just five minutes from the Jardin, we offer group and individual courses for all levels, starting every Monday, along with specialized programs for kids aged 4-12!
Academia Hispano Americana
Established in 1959, this is the first Spanish language school in San Miguel, dedicated to making Spanish learning enjoyable! They offer immersive programs, including intensive and personalized instruction, in a charming 18th-century colonial building just 3½ blocks from the main square.
Instituto Allende
At Instituto Allende, you can enjoy a fantastic Spanish course with 12 hours of one-on-one classes focusing on grammar and conversation. Explore San Miguel's historical sites on walking tours and receive textbooks along with online materials.
Tips for Staying Safe
General Safety
San Miguel de Allende is one of Mexico's friendliest cities! Popular spots like El Jardin and Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel are well-guarded by local police. With a low crime rate and petty theft as the main concern, you can relax and enjoy your time safely!
Water & Health
While exploring San Miguel de Allende, drink bottled or purified water to stay hydrated. Do the same for beverages made with tap water and when brushing your teeth. Pack sunscreen too, as the sun can be strong around midday! Enjoy your visit!
Practical Safety Tips
Keep your belongings safe, especially in busy markets and festivals where pickpockets lurk. Avoid displaying valuables. Nighttime walks are lovely in well-lit areas; stick with crowds and avoid dark spots. For late-night travel, consider taking taxis for comfort.
Bottom Line
San Miguel de Allende boasts a vibrant tourism scene and a welcoming expat community, prioritizing safety. While staying alert is wise, visitors often feel secure while enjoying the charm of this historic city. Embrace your adventure and remain aware of your surroundings.
Getting Around
Walking
San Miguel is a lovely place to explore on foot, especially in the charming Centro. The compact colonial streets are delightful, but the cobblestone paths can be tricky, so wear comfy, supportive shoes instead of stylish ones. The hills add character, so be prepared for a bit of a workout!
Local Buses
Local buses are an affordable way to get around, but they have drawbacks. Expect loud music and older seats, with no strict schedule. Buses display their destination on the front, and you can ask the driver or passengers if it goes where you need, though English may be limited.
Taxis
Getting around San Miguel de Allende by taxi is easy and generally safe! Look for the charming green and white taxis, but remember to agree on the fare before getting in. Uber is also available, though experiences may vary, with some users facing cancellations or higher fares. Enjoy your ride!
Airport Shuttles
San Miguel de Allende is served by two airports: Querétaro Airport (QRO), about an 80-minute drive, and León Airport (BJX), approximately 90 minutes away. For transfers, Bajio Go is recommended for its reliable shuttle service to and from both airports. It's advisable to book your transportation in advance, especially for early flights.
Hospitals & doctors
Medical Facilities
The city offers a range of friendly hospitals and clinics for general medical care and specialized services such as cardiology, orthopedics, and obstetrics. It also has private practices for family medicine, pediatrics, and dentistry. Hospital MAC features excellent facilities, including emergency services, respiratory therapy, and intensive care units, staffed by specialists across various fields.
Emergency Services
If you need help in San Miguel, call 066 for ambulances or the familiar 911. Be Well San Miguel offers 24/7 patient advocacy with bilingual staff to assist expats and visitors in navigating healthcare and coordinating care during emergencies.
Quality of Care
Many doctors in San Miguel’s private facilities speak both English and Spanish, making communication easy for visitors. For specialized care like cancer treatment or advanced cardiac testing, patients often travel to Querétaro, just an hour away, where larger hospitals offer more extensive services.
Pharmacies & Medications
San Miguel has friendly pharmacies offering prescription and over-the-counter medications at lower prices. A benefit of healthcare in Mexico is direct access to local labs for tests, without needing a doctor's visit.
money matters
Currency Basics
When you're paying in cash, it's best to use Mexican pesos (MXN) instead of American or Canadian dollars. Some tourist-friendly shops may accept dollars, but you'll usually find that the exchange rate isn't great.
Currency Exchange
You'll be glad to know there are two currency exchange offices in the historic center near the Jardin: Intercam at Relox and San Francisco, and CI Banco at San Francisco and Corregidora. Many travelers also find ATMs convenient and often offer better rates!
ATM
ATMs are widely available in San Miguel de Allende, offering great exchange rates for pesos! You’ll find banks like Santander, Bancomer, and HSBC near the Jardin (the main square). Check out the Banbajio machine at Principal 6 for the lowest fees—it uses a dip-style card reader that doesn’t swallow your card.
Before you go, check with your bank about international ATM fees. Some US and Canadian banks have partnerships with Mexican banks to reduce or eliminate these fees. To save costs, consider withdrawing a larger amount at once!
Look like a local
¡Hablamos Español!
Spanish is the official language here, but English is commonly spoken in tourist areas thanks to the expat community. Many services cater to both languages, making it easy for everyone. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases can enhance your experience and show respect to locals! Google Translate is also a handy tool if needed.
What Should I Bring?
Be sure to wear comfy walking shoes for exploring the cobblestone streets! Pack layers for changing temperatures and don’t forget sun protection like a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. A light rain jacket is wise for unexpected drizzles. Modest clothing is appreciated in churches, and consider dressing nicely for upscale dinners.
The Sunshine Report
Enjoy pleasant spring-like weather year-round with warm days and cool evenings. The dry season from November to April is ideal for outdoor activities, while refreshing afternoon showers can be expected from May to October. February offers the best weather, so mark your calendar! Remember to pack layers, as temperatures can vary throughout the day!
Cultural Considerations
It's nice to greet with a warm "Good morning/afternoon/evening"! When dining out, a tip of 15% is appreciated; for taxis, consider 10 pesos, and for hotel staff, 20-50 pesos. Always respect local customs and support small businesses! Additionally, it's helpful to ask if someone speaks English before starting a conversation!