Important information you might find handy about Cancun and Riviera Maya:
- Electricity: All Mexico, including Cancun and the Mayan Riviera, has a 110 volt current power.
- Beaches: All beaches of Cancun are public. It is recommended to be careful when swimming at open sea, obey the flags and lifeguards indications.
- Sun: Protect your skin properly, temperatures can be extreme during summer and hot all over the year as well, also remember to be well hydrated.
- Tap Water: Avoid drinking tap water, not even at your hotel; bottled water is available everywhere at all times at stores such as OXXO, Extra and Walmart.
- Public transportation: Taxis and Urban buses give service between the Hotel Zone of Cancun and downtown area 24 hrs. a day. Taxis don’t have taximeter, so it is recommended to ask for rates before boarding.
- Hospitals: Cancun has a very high standard hospitals mostly located in the urban area, but Medical service is also available 24 hrs. at all hotels. You don’t need a special vaccine to enter Cancun.
- Banks: Tourists can exchange their currency such as USD, Euro, Pound (GBP) or Travellers checks from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. some banks are open also Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. there is a quick line for such transactions. You will also find exchange offices all across the city of Cancun, Playa del Carmen , Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, Tulum and Merida.
- Telephone and Post Office: There are telephone cabins and Internet cafes everywhere to use internet, or to dial national and international numbers, indicating rates per minute and city. Or you can buy prepaid cards. The post office is located downtown Cancun next to Mercado 28, but you also may find post boxes in red color.
Important for all visitors who rent a car:
- Keep a valid drivers licence available.
- It is recommended to have a Mexican automobile insurance to be protected with LEGAL ASSISTANCE.
- Always drive in a defensive way
- It’s not allowed to drink and drive
- Keep in mind that traffic signs are in spanish such as ALTO (Stop), TOPE (Bumps)
- Speed limits are in Kilometers.
- Make sure that you have ALWAYS with you the following paper that all car rentals must give you:
Authorithies misconduct
If you feel that any public official or law enforcement authority has mistreated you, you can file a complaint. Make sure to get person’s name, agency, badge or patrol car number, as well as place and time of the incident and report it immediately to the Tourist Assistance Hotline 078.
Green Angels
The Green Angels are a federally sponsored organization that patrols Mexico’s main highways 24 hours / 7 days a week. The Green Angels are trained mechanics that are also trained in basic first aid and carry oil, gasoline, spare parts, tools and communications capabilities. You will only be charged for the equipment used; i.e. gasoline or spare parts, not for the mechanics services. The Green Angels get their name from the green and white trucks they drive.
Please click here for more safety recommendations issued by the U.S. Department of State when visiting Mexico.
