Automatic check-in in Mexico City. Help!

,
1

Hi everyone! I’m planning to start renting out a short-term cozy flat in Mexico City and trying to understand how hosts usually handle check-in there.

My goal is to make the whole process fully remote if possible. Ideally no key handovers at all. Smart locks, access codes, remote access. If keys are involved, then at least some modern lockbox, not the old mechanical ones.

I’ve been looking at what’s available on the market and find this entraya.mx But they seem like pretty new, so I’m not sure if solutions like this are already common in Mexico or if it’s better to stick with something more established…

Would love to hear from you:

  • How do you handle check-in in Mexico City or nearby areas?
  • What setups actually work there in real life?
  • Anything you’d avoid based on experience?

P.S. If you’re not in Mexico but use a fully automated setup elsewhere, I’d still love to hear what systems you’re using.

Thanks in advance!
Happy New Year everyone, and fully booked calendars in 2026 :blush:

2

I can’t help you out with your question, as although I host in Mexico, my listing is a homeshare where I live, so check guests in in person, and don’t require automating anything.

But do you have Mexican residency? If not, are you are aware of the taxes charged on Mexican rentals for non-resident hosts?

2 Likes
3

I regularly rent an apartment in Mazatlan, México where the owner uses a mechanical lockbox with the keys inside. It’s a system that works for her since she has local relatives who can run over if someone loses keys or has a problem with the door.
For my rental, I use a digital key paid where the code is changed for every guest.

1 Like
4

Good point, thanks! I’m aware there are tax implications for non-resident hosts and checking it with a local advisor. I’m looking into that separately.

Right now I’m focused on understanding how hosts handle check-in and access in real practice.

5

Thanks for your reply! I keep hearing the same setup a lot: mechanical lockbox + a local person who can run over if something goes wrong. For me that’s exactly what I’d like to avoid.

Quick question please, what digital lock are you using for your rental, and why did you choose it? And am I right that you can manage everything remotely and change codes without being physically there? I’ve seen some locks where codes can only be updated on-site, in my case it’s doesn’t work.

6

I use PointCentral. https://www.pointcentral.com
It costs $20/month. You can do everything remotely … change door code, monitor indoor climate, etc.

1 Like
7

Thanks for the link! $20/month sounds great. Do they also handle installation?

8

Not sure. My management company set everything up for me.

1 Like
9

@Jackson_Freeman Am I understanding correctly that you want to run your Airbnb remotely, without anyone to be boots-on-the-ground managing it?

That is likely to be unworkable. What happens if there is a emergency situation- the plumbing bursts or gets stopped up, the hot water heater goes on the blink, or there is no water? (Mexico City has had water issues, as have many areas of Mexico).

And while infrastructure may be better in Mexico City than in smaller Mexican towns, relying on the Wifi always working to only use a remote digital keypad may present problems, especially if you don’t have a local co-host to come over with a physical key (or have a regular lock-box).

The reason I asked if you were aware of tax implications for non-residents is that it would be wise to run the numbers and see if it is even sufficiently lucrative for you to do STR, before getting into the details of remote entry options.

First of all, you will have 20% of your rental fee withheld for income tax (Mexicans and residents with tax numbers only have 4% withheld).

Then, if you don’t have your payouts sent to a Mexican bank (and you can’t open a Mexican bank account without residency), Airbnb will withhold the entire 16% IVA that is charged to the guests, instead of releasing half of that to the host, that can be used to reduce the 16% IVA you will owe the tax dept. by deducting the IVA you paid on expenses for which you get official facturas. (And you can’t get official facturas for expenses without a tax number)

I’m just trying to let you know what you are looking at financially, as you may be putting the cart before the horse. I have read numerous posts on other hosting forums from non-resident hosts saying the 20% income tax withholding and the new regs about withholding the 16% IVA and not being able to deduct expenses unless payouts are sent to a Mexican bank, is killing them.

If you can charge enough to make a reasonable profit considering those withholdings, great. But what you can charge and get bookings is dependent on competition and what they are charging for a comparable rental.

1 Like
11

I just came here to say that Wi-Fi should not be an issue with your remote keypad. Wi-Fi enabled lock simply means you can access the lock by Wi-Fi. The lock works locally like any other lock. Not having Wi-Fi does not make the lock inoperable.

A usual way to get around ‘failed number’ on a wifi lock is to store into your digital lock a number of emergency style numbers. Let’s say your guest says their number does not work. You can simply say “Use this one” and then you can delete it later. A failed wifi enabled lock is the same issue as a failed lock with a key - it needs to have in-person maintenance. Finally an emergency mechanical solution is always helpful. However - in 11 years of Hosting I have never once needed one because I maintained the walk with good quality, batteries and good mechanical maintenance.

1 Like
12

Thanks for sharing your perspective! I appreciate you taking the time to explain all that :handshake:

Yes, you’re understanding it correctly in general, though I won’t go into all the structural details here. There will of course be a local person on the ground in Mexico who can step in for emergencies like plumbing, water issues, etc… That part is covered.

What I’m focused on right now is the operational and technical side: how access and check-in are handled day to day, ideally without physical keys, and what tools hosts actually use for that. Whether that access is managed by me remotely or by my local partner is secondary, but the goal is to keep it as digital and streamlined as possible.

I do appreciate the heads-up on the tax and regulatory side. We’ve already reviewed those scenarios and run the numbers, so for now I’m specifically trying to learn from others’ experience with automated access and check-in systems.

Thanks again for your thoughts!

1 Like
13

Thanks for this, super helpful!!

That’s pretty much how I see it too. I use a similar setup for my place in Pittsburgh, so I’m familiar with how Wi-Fi locks work locally and that they don’t stop working just because the Wi-Fi drops.

I like your point about having a master code as a backup. That’s what I’m thinking as well. And if something ever needs to be reset in person, I’ll have someone local in Mexico who can handle that.

If you don’t mind sharing, what lock brands or systems have you been using over those 11 years without issues? From what you’re describing, it sounds like you manage everything remotely, which is exactly the kind of experience I’m interested in learning from!

Thanks again, really appreciate you sharing your experience

14

I use the open edge, but there are many kinds of locks there all working with the Remote Lock software, which is really excellent

1 Like
15

Oh nice, thanks! I’ve heard of RemoteLock before, they’re Denver-based as far as I know. Didn’t realize they were active in LATAM too, cool

1 Like
16

We use the RemoteLock in St Lucia (Caribbean).

2 Likes