Tips & Things to Know Before Traveling To Cancun, Mexico
We love to travel to Mexico, but specifically the Cancun and Riviera Maya area. Many of these tips below apply everywhere in Mexico, but obviously the airport info is all about Cancun. We hope these “things to know” help you get prepared, then get on the beach – and have a fabulous vacation!
Things to Know Before Traveling To Cancun, Mexico
Cancun is Tourist Friendly
We have always found locals happy to have us visit all over the region. Also, while Cancun is known as a party town – it’s not like that at every resort. We tend to go to the Riu Palace Las Americas, which is adults-only and very calm. (But you can definitely find the party too!)
Hurricane Season
Cancun and the Yucatan Peninsula can get directly hit with a hurricane, and that season is June through November – with the highest likelihood from August to October. It’s still pretty rare, but even without hurricanes, this is the region’s rainiest season. Even so, rain in Cancun is most likely an afternoon shower here and there.
Transportation
Some hotels offer shuttles in their packages, and there are many services you can pre-book before your trip. We have used Cancun Shuttle before and have been happy. Uber is finally available in Cancun and taxis are always an option, but can be pricey. Make sure to book your taxi with a reputable agency or through your hotel/resort and get a price beforehand. If you must take a taxi from the street, negotiate the price before you hop in.
Cancun Airport
After you get through customs and baggage claim, there will be a long hallway to the exit doors. That hallway is lined with sales people who can be pretty aggressive. None of them are your shuttle drivers, although they try and convince you they are!
When you exit the hall, you will be outside and the real shuttle drivers are out on the sidewalk. It will still be chaos, but just look for your company. They will be holding a sign with the logo with who you booked with or your name.
Also, alcohol is allowed in cars there, and there is a bar outside the airport and little push carts walking around with refreshments. You can purchase while waiting and take with you.
Keep The Immigration Slip
As you enter, the immigration officer will hand you back one part of the form. Put that into your passport and KEEP IT. You may need to turn it on as you leave, or risk a fine.
COVID Testing
As of 2024, you do not need to take a COVID test to enter Mexico or return to the United States. Keep up with these requirements at the State Department’s site.
Water
Mexico’s water has come a long way, but still drink bottled water. The resort will provide it in your room and everywhere. Bring those bottles to the beach or if you go off site. Also bring Pepto of some sort in case your tummy gets upset.
Bathrooms
Usually they are marked clearly with icons and also English but remember that M = Mujeres (women) and H = Hombres (Men). Also, bathrooms with non-potable water will be marked.
Sargassum (Seaweed)
Sargassum is a brown seaweed that floats on the surface of the water. It can clump together in huge masses, often miles long, and has been known to wash up on the shores of beaches along the Caribbean coast. It has been a big problem in the Cancun region for over a decade, and sadly, it is not going away soon. High season for seaweed is May through October, when the temperatures are the highest. Resorts work hard to clean it up from the beach, but there is usually no way to escape it entirely. Check out maps for latest updates in the area you are visiting.
Money
Roughly, it is 20 pesos to 1 US dollar. You can get pesos at your bank before you leave (call before you go), at the currency exchange at the airport (they only take cash), and also the resort usually has an ATM that gives pesos. You can still use your credit card (tarjeta) in most places (like the gift shops), but it’s good to have cash.
Electricity
Mexico runs on 127V, which is essentially 120V – so people from the United States and Canada do not need to purchase any sort of converter. If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 220 – 240V, you need one.
Tipping at an All-Inclusive Resort
While tips are technically included, they are appreciated. Examples of tips: 20 pesos for a buffet meal, 100 pesos or more at the nicer restaurants, 20 pesos every few drinks at the bar, 20 pesos per day for housekeeping (we usually leave a lump sum at the end). Again, as you see fit. (If you are off resort, it’s normal to tip 10-20% of the bill.)
Safety
Tourist regions of Mexico are generally safe but keep a strong eye out for pickpockets if you go off resort. Don’t bring expensive jewelry or flash around pricey items like big cameras. There will usually be security on resort but many times, people can walk up and down past the resorts on the beach, so be careful of belongings there too. There will usually be in-room safes as well. Also, a ploy that thieves frequently engage in while you are in town is calling out after seeing your all-inclusive bracelet. “Hey! It’s Manuel from the Riu! Don’t you remember me?” Just politely ignore them and only speak with people working directly at stalls or shops.
Spanish Language
English is strongly spoken all over Cancun, especially at the resorts. All the main staff will certainly speak English, but they love to have tourists speak as much as they are comfortable with! Watch some videos on YouTube for the basics. A little goes a long way!
I hope you find these tips helpful and enjoy your vacation. Check out my other posts about travel, too!
P.S. Check out photos from our visit to the other side of Mexico: Riviera Nayarit!