San Miguel de Allende: A Month's Worth of Changes for Small Business Owners

It’s been another busy month in San Miguel de Allende, with several changes that impact small businesses like my own grocery store. If you’re an expat or digital nomad here, you might want to pay attention to these updates.

The latest news is about the upcoming changes in local regulations, which could affect how we operate our businesses. As someone who’s been running my grocery store since 2021, I can tell you firsthand that these changes can be costly and time-consuming. For instance, a recent rule change is forcing us to install more advanced security systems, which will not only require an upfront investment but also ongoing maintenance.

The cost of these upgrades is just one of the challenges. Another issue is the potential for increased utility fees, especially with the looming threat of power cuts. While the city promises to improve the infrastructure, the reality is that we might have to budget for these unexpected expenses. Internet speeds are also an ongoing concern, which can impact our operations, especially during peak hours when we rely on digital transactions.

The visa run process is another area that has seen some changes. More frequent and potentially more expensive trips to the city for paperwork could affect our ability to manage the business smoothly. It’s important to keep an eye on these developments and plan accordingly.