CANCUN – TIPS BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

General information:

Cancun was a place of rest for Mayan Emperors. After the ancient Mayas occupied this region, nobody else was interested in it. It was in the early 1960’s that Cancun began to take shape revealing its many treasures.

Cancun, (population approx. 750,000) is synonymous with Mexican vacations. It is a resort city where modern comfort coexists with the beauty of nature and splendor of the Mayan culture. Cancun is situated 87 miles from Chichen Itzá, 70 miles from Tulum and 6 miles from Isla Mujeres.

The City is divided into Downtown Cancun and the Hotel Zone (where most of the tourist hotels are located). Many people flock to the Downtown area to haggle with the merchants in the giant Mercado. At night, the Hotel Zone comes alive with a pleasing offering of nightlife

Today, it is one of the most modern vacation spots in the world. For relaxing, admiring the beauty of nature, exploring archeological wonders, or scuba diving in crystal clear Caribbean waters, there is not really any other place like Cancun.

Where do I fly into?

Airport Name: Cancun International Airport

IATA Code: CUN

ICAO Code: MMUN

Phone: +52 998 848 7200

Address: Carretera Cancun-Chetumal KM.22 Cancun, Q. Roo, México75220

Website:  http://www.cancun-airport.com/index.htm

Cancun Weather:

Cancun has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round and distinct dry and wet seasons. The dry season runs from November to April and is slightly cooler; the wet season is from May to October and is slightly hotter. The period from June to July is the hottest time, and temperatures remain in the mid-30s.

Cancun, a city of international tourism development certified by the World Tourism Organization, is located on the northeast coast of Quintana Roo in southern Mexico. Although the weather in Cancun hardly varies across the year, specialists divide it into two distinct seasons; wet and dry.

Wet season the wet season, from May to October, is little hotter than the other season of Cancun, especially, from June till July is the hottest time when temperatures fluctuate in the mid-30s. Since Cancun is located on the coast and there is almost always a cooling sea breeze; it does not become as hot as inland areas. During the last months, September and October, the city experience plenty of rainfall, which is shorter yet heavy. Sea temperature remains suitable enough for swimming and boating year round with averaging around 27ºC. However, it varies from about 23ºC at its coolest to 30ºC, which can feel like a warm bath.

Dry season the dry season in Cancun starts in November and lasts till April. Generally, the period sees cooler temperatures. It remains cooler because of the north trade winds which are strongest in these dry months and bring cooling breezes to the coast. Among all the months January and February are the coolest with an average of 23 ºC, but the temperature rarely drops much below 20ºC even at night. The dry season is the best time to visit the city. On the other hand, March and April are the driest and sunniest months in the year. Humidity can be high throughout this season, often around 80%. It falls dramatically in April and May.

Cancun Monthly averages

JANUARY          23°C      73°F

FEBRUARY        23°C     73°F

MARCH              25°C     77°F

APRIL                26°C      79°F

MAY                   27°C      81°F

JUNE                28°C      82°F

JULY                 28°C      82°F

AUGUST           28°C     82°F

SEPTEMBER    28°C    82°F

OCTOBER         27°C     81°F

NOVEMBER       25°C   77°F

DECEMBER       24°C   75°F

Passport and Visa Information:

Those citizens of the following countries or regions do not require a visa to travel to Mexico and apply for admission as a visitor without permission to engage in gainful activity. In the revision filter migration, must submit:

Passport or valid identification and travel that is valid under international law.

FMM duly completed.

The immigration authority may request the foreign person to check the reason for your trip, using one of the following documents:

1. Hotel reservation, return ticket (itinerary), tour tickets (path).
2. Letter mandate in Spanish parent company, subsidiary or foreign subsidiary to indicate that the alien is employed by her and that payment of the services provided in the country shall be borne by it.
3. Copy of the transfer of technology, patents and trademarks, purchase of machinery and equipment, technical training of personnel, or any other related to the production process of a company based in Mexico or linking to the foreign with the Mexican, or proof of appointment by the shareholders of companies legally established in Mexico.
4. Letter of organization or public or private institution in which the foreign person invited to participate in unpaid activity in Mexico revealed the purpose of the visit and the estimated time of stay. Where the organization or institution to bear the costs of travel and stay of the alien in national territory should be annexed responsive letter.
5. Letter of invitation or acceptance of any institution belonging to the National Education System for courses, studies or research projects or training for a maximum of one hundred eighty temporality days.

Health and Safety:

Overall, in general, the tourist areas of Cancun and by extension the Mexican Caribbean locations of Isla Mujeres, Riviera Maya, Playa Del Carmen, Isla Cozumel, Tulum etc, all are considered by many to be some of the safest travel destinations in the Caribbean.

Cancun Currency Exchange

Mexico`s currency is Pesos The currency exchange symbol is shown as (MXN Pesos).

The exchange rates fluctuate daily, so check the exchange rate before you go to exchange your money.

Banks:

Most banks in Cancun are open weekdays from 9 AM-5 PM, and some are open on Saturday from 10 AM – 2 PM. Since the hours vary, it’s best to go earlier in the money when the lines are shorter, the service quicker and the money available. Downtown locations are along Avenida Tulum and some of the larger banks have branches in the Hotel Zone.

To change money into Mexican Pesos you must go to the International Money Exchange counter in any bank between 10 am and 1 pm. The exchange rate will be posted at the cashier’s desk and fluctuates daily. If you need to change money after banking hours try one of the money exchange houses (Casas de Cambio) but be aware that their exchange rates may not be the best and varies significantly from one place to the next. The best rate of exchange can be found in the downtown district, followed by the Hotel Zone. The worst rates are at the airport.

ATMs are found at almost every bank branch and major grocery stores. Your ATM card can be used in all the Mexican ATM machines as long as it is hooked up to a banking system such as Plus or Interact. Instructions are in both Spanish and English and the machines operate exactly as they do back home. However, you may have trouble using your ATM card if your PIN number is more than four numbers. In the afternoon, machines at the smaller banks are often out of money or take their computer systems down for servicing. If you are having problems, check one of the larger banks such as Banorte, HSBC, Banamex or Bancomer. All money given out will be in Mexican Pesos.

Clothing:

Light cotton garments and airy sandals are perfect for warm weather in Cancun. You should also have clothes for swimming. Rubber soled shoes are recommended if you are planning to visit archaeological sites.

Long sleeve light cotton shirts, long trousers, and boots are best for those interested in jungle treks.

In the evenings of November, December and January weather may be cold. Therefore, the tourist of the season should bring a light jacket, shawl or sweater.

You should bring your sunglasses as the brightness of the white sandy beaches in the sunshine may be blinding.

Electricity;

The electricity standard is 110 volt AC, the same as in the US and Canada. Three-prong outlets are not readily available so an adaptor is a good idea. Electrical stores in Cancun have them in stock. The larger hotels have converters for most 220-volt devices. Mexico does not use a ground wire in its electrical wiring so power surges are a common problem. If you plan to use a laptop computer, you should invest in a surge protector sold in Mexican electronic stores.

Tipping;

Service is included in the price for all goods and services in the All Inclusive Resort. Usually, a 10 or 15 percent gratuity could be fine for restaurants and bars.

But please keep in mind that Tipping is not an obligation but it is a custom since the minimum wage is $ 56.70 pesos per day.  If you feel you have gotten exceptional service, you are of course free to tip more as you like.

NOTE: The gratuity should not be considered as “obligatory” if the service was poor.

Water:

Don’t drink it outside the hotel zone and even there avoid it. Drink bottled water, just as many of the locals do.

Soft Drinks in cans or bottles, a straw should be used. These items are sanitized with Mexican water. It is always best to be safe than sick for your vacation; even the locals use straws, follow their lead.

Language:

The official language is Spanish. English is spoken by many in the tourism areas.

What to pack for a trip to Cancun:

• I recommend traveling as light as possible without forgetting the items that are essential for your comfort, health, or enjoyment.
• Sun Protection (Essential and easy to find. About the same price as in the US)
• Toiletries (Readily available and only slightly more expensive, assuming you are near a store and want the experience of shopping. If you are just going for a few days, it may be easier to just take what you need).
• You will need some nice clothes to dress up at night for dinner and/or the clubs.
• Men: Pants and proper shoes! (Some other tips say don’t bother to bring them, but you may require them for fancy restaurants and the occasional chilly evening.)
• You may also need something nicer than a T-shirt for admission to some restaurants.
• Women: If you’re traveling during winter months, bring a light sweater a cardigan or something like that. The wind off the Gulf can get very chilly at night.
• Aloe vera gel
• Immodium, Pepto Bismol or Gravol (just in case)
• Aspirin (hangovers)
• Mosquito repellent
• Sunglasses
• Sandals
• Hat (if you’re a hat person)

Things to carry on with you:

• A copy of your passport and driver’s license.
• Your emergency telephone list of phone numbers from back home.
• A business card showing the phone and address of your hotel.
• Cash cards only if you plan to go to the bank.
• Credit cards only if you plan to go to the bank, major shopping, or to a nice restaurant