Cancun Do's and Don'ts

[Coach1310]

Good day all.... heading to Cancun next week with the wife. Just looking for some advice on the Do's and Don'ts. We have our hotel booked(in the Hotel Zone) and our shuttle to and from the airport booked. We will be there from the 12th-16th. We don't plan on any major excursions, just looking for input on what others have done....liked/didn't like etc.

Thanks.

[jwmiller33]

be careful when/if you ride the city buses... pretty sure the bus drivers are insane, and the local thieves love to hit up the tourists on the buses...

friend of mine got her purse slashed on the bus and wallet stolen.. didnt notice the wallet was gone until after we got off the bus..

just be careful when your there... remember mexico is a third world country and there are a lot of theives and people that do bad things

[jwmiller33]

but besides all those, cancun is awesome.. i have been there 3 times.. what hotel are you staying at? gotta love the sand in cancun and how it has holes in it so it doesnt get hot...

[Ryan_V]

did you go all-inclusive?? if you did, there really isn't a reason to leave the resort. the only thing i like to do is go the the markets. you can really get some sweet deals (if you stand your ground) have a good time

[mikemac]

Coach, Where do i begin?? It has been about 5 years since we have been there so I will give you some highlights. Feel free to repost if you have other questions.

*Mark your luggage with ribbon or something else because everyone has black luggage and they are hard to find.

*At the airport just follow the crowd to the customs station.

*At the airport everone wants to give you a ride so just blow by them and find your guy.

*When checking into you hotel, they might tell you "sorry we only have logoon view rooms available". I just slipped them a $20.00 and said can you recheck for me and wow now they have a ocean view room available.

*Aways watch out for the timeshare people. They say that they have welcome gifts and all of that but just blow by them.

*Always tip your room cleaning person every day. We left money as well as candy, gum, etc.

*The bus is the cheapest way to get around. Just make sure that you pick out some land marks so you know where you are. Before your stop just yell Alto (stop) and this should get you close. They do drive very fast so make sure that you inform them before your stop.

*If you take a cab, most resorts have a sign that will give you the rates from point A to point B. Verify with the driver the rate before you leave.

*If you pay in US you will always get pecos for change.

*Keep your big money in the safe in your hotel room. When out and about, keep your money in your front pocket. Have the wife put her purse around the head and arm.

*If you go to the market, make sure that you understand the exchange rate. My wife almost bought 6 beach towels for $30.00 each. She thought that they were $3.00 each.

Next post the fun stuff!!

[lovetheice]

Carlos and Charlies is fun place,go to the market for your best deals on stuff, haggle all you can, have fun and make sure to wear sunscreen early in the stay, if you get burned right away it will make for a long few days.....unless you drink lots of cervasa's

[mikemac]

Coach, Now the fun stuff. Don't be afraid to go out and enjoy all the stuff around the area. Here are some or the things that we did. We were all inclusive.

*Every morning was a long walk on the beach.

*Eat, eat, eat and eat some more.

*Went to the market. Overrated.

*Went snorkling. Very nice.

*Went on a boat that took us to the island across from Cancun. Went on a golf cart and looked around the island. Also snorkeled but the wind made the water cloudy.

*Took a bus that took us to a marina, and then a ferry to Cosmuel.Shopped and snorkeld. Very Nice!!!

*Walked up and down the beach and watch all the spring break stuff going on.

Good luck on your trip!!!

[theoilman]

I would NOT go para-sailing. It is totally uncontrolled and uninspected by anyone. My little sister was killed last year parasailing there - captain went out in conditions that were extremely dangerous, just for a buck.

[youngie22]

day trip- xcaret! was a blast!

[bucketmouth64]

This is good info. since my daughter and I will be going to Mexico later this month for the first time. Any suggestions how much cash to have on hand? I've heard to take small bills. What about taking travelers checks? Supposedly, we have a safe in our room to lock valuables/money. What is the exchange rate now? Anyone try the wave runners, atv's, or horseback riding? We have not decided what activities to do. We were going to wait until we get there and then decide based upon the weather conditions.

[Coach1310]

Thanks for all the info so far.....some other questions...

We are staying at the Krystal which is pretty close to everything from what I have been told.

What places do those experienced recommend to eat? We will probably stick to the "Americanized" establishments, but I would appreciate any info.

Do I need to exchange my US Dollars for pesos? From a lot I have read, they take American $$ just about everywhere there.

Thanks

[Dozer]

Personaly I dont care for Mexico at all. But my wife likes it so I am forced to go! I would bring $20s and $50s because it is hard to get them to break $100s. Also I would convert dollars to pesos. The excange rate is about 13.5 pesos to a dollar but alot of places only give you 10. They charge 10 dollars or 100 pesos so you are much better off with pesos. Personaly I prefer to stay in the states, we live in the best country in the world so why leave it?

[MNHuntress]

Here's my 2 cents and I have visited Mexico alot (including Cancun), Go to the banks to exchange money or they have little money exchanges windows with rates that are pretty close to the banks. They are easy to find because they have their exchange rates posted on their windows.

Obviously don't buy food from street vendors. Everything is pretty much Americanized down there for food. I think it would be a shame if you didn't experience some of the local food down there, and just ate burgers. The fish is very fresh, you will see guys on the Lagoon side out in inner tubes with nets catching clams and oysters down there in the morning. If you have a kitchen in your room, go to the supermarket downtown and get some fresh shrimp. The supermarket is a trip, and the shrimp was great. Breakfast out at a restaurant is interesting, because it's not what you see at Perkins.

Go to a local bar and get a strawberry margarita.These are the best margs I've ever had. A local bar will make them with strawberry jam and fresh, not pour them out of a spigot attached to a swirling machine.

Upon arrival go to the convenience store, get pop and snacks for your room. There is one by the Krystal if I remember right.

Tan up here to get a base because the sun is very powerful down there.

Skip Cozumel, unless you like to snorkel at the national park there. This is where the movie Blue Lagoon was filmed, snorkeling is really the only thing to do there other than that it is a cruise boat stop. Maybe you would see Captain Stubbing, Julie, and Gopher from the Love Boat.

Rent a jet ski that's a blast. Walk on the beach and pick shells for the kids. Go down to the ruins along the coast that's a day trip you can book.

Bring Amodium, Advil, pepto, and get aloe vera gel. I've had more problems with Americanized food down there versus Mexican food. Keep the Aloe Vera on ice or in a fridge in the room because it's great cold on a sun burn.

Yes there are kids and women begging on the streets but you can see that here if you go to areas in our city.

Use common sense, experience the place. I've traveled in 48 out of 50 states, fished alot of it. Traveled to Mexico and the Dominican Republic numerous times and give me Cancun or the Dominican in March over the US anytime.

So you got my 2 pesos worth.

[McGurk]

Been to Riviera Maya (south of Cancun) 4 times in the last 5 years. Don't bother with traveler's checks. We used to, but they are just a hassle when it comes to signing them off as they want 2 signatures and an ID anyways, and even then they don't always like to take them. Cash is fine, I never bring anything larger than a 20, and bring small bills as I don't want to bring any pesos back. A good mix of small stuff is (10) 10's, (20) 5's, and (100) 1's, plus whatever you want to bring in 20's. I tip all the time, and don't feel bad doing it, but never carry the majority of my cash on me at one time. Plan your day, grab the appropriate amount of cash, and LOCK THE REST UP!!! Exchanges are very different in different stores, and they usually post what the exchange rate is. The more pesos per dollar, the better (11 to 1 or better is pretty good, 10-1 is standard).

Simply put: enjoy it. Don't do anything stupid, and don't worry about your money at all times. The first year we ent, I felt like I was always on guard (not the worst idea, but definitely cuts in on the fun), but now I go with the flow. As far as crime goes; daytime in the touristy areas are pretty safe. They know that if they start taking advantage of the tourists, we'll stop coming back, stopping one of the only influxes of cash to the area.

Bottom line: If they didn't have tourists, they be in a lot worse shape than they are now. I know it sounds elitist, but I don't lord over them when I'm there, and treat them all with respect as they have a job to do, and tip them as that 1 or 2 or 5 buck doesn't mean all that much to me, but it helps them out personally and I do enjoy it.

[swampbuck]

Do yourself a favor and take a ferry from Puerto Juarez over to Isla Mujeres for a day.

It will cost you about $15 to take a cab to the ferry and $6 to get across, YOu will not want to go back to Cancun after being on Isla

[Jaspernuts]

I have to agree with swampbuck. Cancun is like being in downtown Minneapolis and Isla is much nicer. It has a nice snorkeling area and the local restaurants on the island have great food!

[JimBuck]

Having been to various parts of Mexico throughout the years, here's what I've learned. Some of these things might have already been mentioned but here it goes.....

Mexico is NOT a 3rd world country. The richest man in the world is Carlos Slim, owner of TELMEX. Which is also the only phone company in Mexico. They are now considered a developing country and the gap between rich and poor seems to become larger as time progresses.

Cancun is VERY touristy. Much of the same luxuries and commodities we have in the U.S. will be readily available to you down there. Since the city relies so much on the tourist industry, expect your fair share of local merchants and sellers. That being said, there is some beautiful local artwork and pottery that you can get for some very good prices. Many of these people who are merchants also create the products for a living. If you see something you like, shop around and don't be afraid to walk away from a potential deal if the price doesn't work. 9/10 they will ask you to come back and honor that price.

Treat the locals with respect. Cancun is a lovely city but you will run into Americans who think Mexicans owe us the world and treat them with no dignity. Just because they don't speak english does NOT mean they are unintelligent. Tip servers and bartenders appropriately, a few bucks means the world to locals and they will treat you the way you treat them.

Take the water taxi whenever possible. They are fun and much cheaper than a taxi on land. The water taxi's shut down around sunset so plan your trips into town appropriately.

Most importantly.....HAVE A GOOD TIME! Your on vacation, relax and enjoy the simple things....food, scenery and culture. Take things as they come and don't let some of the horror stories fool you. Keep your head straight and you'll be just fine!

[machohorn]

Forget the exchange rate and peso, I always paid in real money (usa)and stated that I want real money back in change, They always balked but I stood my ground. They have plenty of change (USA) around. They just like it in peso's because they watch the exchange rate like a hawk when it goes one way they hold , goes the other way they send a kid to the bank pronto. Once or twice through the shops and they get the drift and start to ignore you with their pressure. Tip well, $1.00-2.00 here and there and you will be blessed with hospitality. Always leave your change on the bed in the morning, you will be suprised on how clean everything is and how they treat you. Tip the bartenders even if it is all inclusive, Service is fantastic, you get served while every one else sits and waits, parasailing -no, We took a 4 wheeler ride through the jungle, They have a guide in front and 1 in back, I was in the back and stopped, the second guide stopped and asked if I was having problems, I said nope wanna race, Mine had a throttle block on but I beat him through every corner, I tipped him $5.00 when we got back and sat and drank their beer for about 1 hour with them, they called us a cab because we missed ours, told the driver to give us the scenic route and no charge, It was great.

[Northlander]

Book trips through the Hotel your at. Dont book para sailing or Jet Ski rides through them especially on your last day. Pay at the shop ya rent from.We got ripped on a jet ski ride and of course the lady at the Hotel who was taking care of us wasnt there on our last day. Wound up having to stop payment on the credit card for that ride.

Do get the all inclusive package at the hotel. I cant remember how much $ I spent on booze alone at the hotel. Plus the food at the Hotel was better than we found in most eateries on the strip.

Yes the buss can be a real "experience". WOW!

Get a wake board and bring a full snorkel set with ya. The beach and surf are a blast.

The jet ski ride was over rated because ya had to stay within a close area of the rental joint.

Do not walk alone late at night!

Buy water at the little Y stores in big jugs and fill smaller bottles for day trips to sight seeing places. Bring plenty of water and snacks in a back pack with ya.

DO BRING A GOOD DIGITAL CAMERA.

Do not go on the fishing charters. Over rated if ya ask me.

make sure you drink PLENTY of bottled water while there.

Take the buss/taxi downtown and buy some bottles of Rum there and get your mix at the Y store.

Bring very good waterproof sun block and some good sun glasses. A hat is a great idea.

I didnt bring fishing gear but a few guys did and the caught all sorts of stuff by club med and the back lagoon areas. I will bring one next time.

[Aaron Carrell]

Well, I don't have a ton to reply with cause when my wife and I were there we spent 95% of our time at the resort. However, the one excursion we did make was cheap and fun! Check out the Trimaran sailing excursions to Isla Mujeres. I have to agree that the island is fantastic and alot of times these excursions are 6-8 hr ordeals that "sail" you across to the island, feed you snacks on the boat, give you a meal on the island, you get time to shop, you snorkel (VERY neat in that area), and then on the way back on the sailboat they have people parasail (but not the typical style) where they use an extra sail on the boat with a little seat on it, to let you ride out in the wind over the water. The boat is stopped when you do this, but it sure is a blast. and jumping off from 30' in the air is kinda cool too if you're a daredevil.

Either way, for the $$ those sailing trips are fantastic. Very cheap and quite fun! Check em out through your resorts info people. You'll get the best deal that way, but plan it as soon as you get there.

[GotOne]

Thought I might add a little something as I just got back from Cancun yesterday. We also spent 85% of our time at the hotel (Sun Palace), it was an adults only-all inclusive hotel. My wife and I said we would never sit through a time share deal, but we did!! For 90 minutes, we got 2 rounds of golf (260.00ea), plus, clubs-I think around $85.00ea and 2 jungle tours ($120.00ish). I not a big golfer, so saving the $ made it worth it. We did go deep sea fishing, had a blast, had 3 sailfish on and landed 1. Had a double, that was crazy. The jungle tour was neat, fun little speed boat and snorkeling was very cool. We had free tour to Isla Mujeres and never did it, kind of wish we did. If you do, rent a golf cart and tour the island. We mainly went to relax and only do a few things outside the hotel and accomplished that.

[Flip37]

Went last year and our favorite tour was a day trip out to the Mayan Ruins at Chichen Itza. Included a jungle tour and authentic meal at a small village. The tour was a lot of fun especially if your into history and like learning about other cultures.

[Far-I]

I think the tipping is important. I too was in the rivera maya this last year, and because of tipping in the inclusive restaurants and bars i was known by name and given immediate service. We were given free bottles of champaign and really treated well. So i would'nt feel shy about tipping people.

[GotOne]

Another great source of information is google "trip adviser dot cancun". This is how I got a huge amount of info about Cancun and also ended up meeting the people I shared the charter boat with.

[traveler]

TA is a great travel resource. i've been active on the cabo board for 5 or 6 years. We evn have a yearly tournament of forum members every october. This past year we had 45 fishermen involved, all from the TA HSOforum.

[bucketmouth64]

Just got back from Cancun with my daughter on Thursday. What a fun time we had. The bus drivers are insane driving. We stayed at the Gran Melia and wouldn't you know it I ran into a girl and her family I graduated high school with. We didn't recognize each other until my daughter struck up a conversation with her and said we were from MN. As far as activities we did things involving the water...scuba diving for the first time, snorkeling, and drove a boat around the mangroves. It was nice to be on/in open water!! Next time I go there I will have to make sure my stay is an all inclusive. The cervasas and tequilas started to mount up. Didn't see any fishing boats bringing in any catches.