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CANCUN
TOP 10 TIPS
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# 10: SUN BLOCK |
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Be sure to bring plenty of sun block. Cancun is probably much closer to the equator than where you live. So you may not realize how much sun you are getting. Always put a little sun block on when you hit the beach or pool. There is no since in getting knocked out of commission because you fell asleep for 2 hours on the beach or by the pool. Too much sun is one of the main reasons people do not enjoy their vacation as much as they should. But hey, if you do get burned, you won't need a heater for a while!
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# 9: ALL YOU CAN DRINK! |
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Be careful with the all you can drink propositions. Sometimes this is true other times... there are rules and hoops you may have to jump through. Always ask the guy who is selling you a writsband/cover, what are the stipulations. (Sometimes the all you can drink is only at a certain parts of the bar, or only certain drinks...) Also please understand that in an all you can drink environment you will not be getting the best quality of liquor. Inferior quality can definitely impact the way you feel the next day. During these nights, remember to stick together, you or your friend may need a shoulder to get home... Oh, and always remember to tip, even if you aren't paying for the drinks individually you should pay for the service.
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# 8: HEALTH ISSUES |
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DON'T DRINK THE WATER! You know that. You can easily and cheaply buy bottled water, so don't risk ruining your vacation. When not in the Cancun Hotel Zone, try the local cuisine, be adventuresome but cautious. If by chance you do start to feel cramps in your stomach, run don't walk to a local pharmacy "farmacia" and buy some antibiotics, (Bactrim and Lomotil) to cure it in a day or so. (DON'T TAKE THESE IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO ANTIBIOTICS, ask your doctor...) If you don't catch it in time you may have to stick around a bathroom for a day or so, so grab some Imodium or your favorite liquid cork... some people also like to chew 1 or two Pepto-Bismol tablets each day a precautionary measure.
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# 7: EXCHANGING MONEY |
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In todays electronic world the best way to get pesos is to use the ATM machines. You will find them in all the banks, some hotels, large grocery stores, and Sam's Wal-Mart, and Costco. (Yes we have Sam's Wal-Mart and Costco) Check with local bank before leaving home and make sure you have your debit card or credit card. Both work fine. Oh don't forget your pin number. Now if you have dollars and want to exchange them for pesos finding a place to exchange your money will never be a problem. Exchange booths "Casa de Cambio" are on nearly every block in downtown Cancun. Don't exchange at the hotels- you will get less pesos for your dollars. Many of the Banks at their teller windows also exchange dollars for pesos and give good rates. And always count the money before you send it into to the person making the exchange and ask for a receipt.The Cancun Airport is also a good place to exchange money. You can get pesos here on arrival and exchange your leftover pesos for dollars on the way out. We do not recommend that pay for anything in Cancun in dollars. You will lose every time on the exchange rate. Tipping in dollars is OK.
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# 6: CALLING CARDS |
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Be very careful when buying calling cards, we suggest only purchasing a card from the phone company. They will say TelMex or LadaTel somewhere on them and they all should have a small microchip in them. Some of the other cards charge outrageous rates or won't work at all! They come in prices of 30, 50 and 100 pesos. We suggest getting a 100 pesos card if you are going to call home. Collect calls are fine as long as you realize that anytime you go through an operator the call will be more expensive.
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# 5: CREDIT CARDS |
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Don't assume everyone will take them. Paying with a credit card is one way to get a good exchange rate on your dollars for pesos. However don't assume everyone will take them. Many places are cash only, and you will feel foolish if you eat and can't pay, so always carry some pesos on you. Most places will take American Dollars, but you will lose on the exchange rate, go trade US cash for pesos as soon as you get to Cancun, but not at the hotel. If not just expect to pay a higher price!
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# 4: TAXIS |
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Know the rates. Many taxi drivers will over charge if you appear not to know where you are going or how much it should cost. Always negotiate the rate before you get in the taxi. Don't hesitate to say no if you don't feel the rate he is requesting is fair. Wait for the next taxi. Oh, by the way... It is not expected that you tip taxi drivers.
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# 3: BUSES |
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If you are interested in saving money, take a bus instead of a cab. Most of the buses are $6 pesos and many are headed to or from the Hotel Zone. (They will say Zona Hotelera on the front.) Prices dramatically increase for taxis once you get into the Hotel Zone, even if you are already there. Which leads us to.........
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# 2: TIPPING |
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In most places Tips "propinas" are not included. Just like at home, many of your waiters/bartenders make the majority of their wages through tips. 10-20% is standard, Generally they expect between 10% and 15%. (just remember in Cancun, the service depends on the tip...) If you feel the service was exceptional tip accordingly, if you feel the service was poor tip accordingly.
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# 1: IN GENERAL |
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Stick together when out on the town. While Cancun is a very safe city there is safety in numbers. Also treat Cancun with respect, and don't leave your manners at home. Have a safe fun time!
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