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- What travel documents do I need in order to travel to Mexico?
If you are an American or Canadian citizen, you do not require a passport
to enter Mexico. If you don’t have a passport, a certified birth certificate
and a picture ID such as drivers’ license will suffice. American citizens
should be aware that as of 2006 the US government now requires you to
show a passport before boarding any international flight.
- What should I expect at the Cancun airport?
Normally it will take approximately an hour to clear immigration, retrieve
your luggage and clear customs. If you are picking up a rental car,
expect another 30 to 60 minutes to handle this task. Unless your flight
stopped in Mexico before arriving in Cancun, your first delay will be
with immigration where you will present the immigration form and your
identification. The immigration officer will grant you a number of days
in Mexico, which he will mark on your immigration form and return the
bottom portion to you. DON’T LOSE THIS. You need it when leaving.
- When I rent a car what should I watch out for?
Choose a reputable company with good representation in the area so that
if you have a problem, they will have people and cars to assist you.
(Executive, Hertz, Avis are 3) Make sure you know where the spare tire,
tire iron and hazard markers are located and that the agent has given
you the telephone number of an English speaking person to contact 24/7
in case of a problem. We strongly suggest that you purchase the full
coverage insurance.
- Is it safe to drive in Mexico?
Mexico now does require a written and driven drivers test to become
licensed, but they didn't in the past so you MUST adopt a defensive
driving attitude, always pay close attention to what is going on in
front and behind you and recognize some differences in the local driving
rules and habits. You should be EXTREMELY AWARE when turning left off
a highway the rules are different here than in most other places. Unless
there is a designated turning lane, you MUST move over to the right
shoulder, wait for the traffic to clear in both directions and then
make your left turn. DO NOT MAKE A LEFT TURN FROM THE THROUGH TRAFFIC
LANE. The local highway system has been greatly improved lately with
a 4 lane divided highway extending from Cancun to Akumal just North
of Tankah and this should reach Tulum by early 2008. This has made driving
much safer and easier, especially at night.
- Will I get sick from the water or food?
You shouldn’t if you don’t drink the tap water and are a little careful
about where you eat.
- Do I need an adapter for a curling iron or shaver?
The hotel is wired the same as the USA and Canada, with 110 volt, 60
Hz., American standard receptacles.
- Is there a doctor and hospital near by?
There are hospitals in Playa del Carmen and Cancun. The small community
of Akumal, just 10 minutes to the north, has an outstanding doctor and
pharmacy. Dra. Lizbeth Mendoza is capable of handling a varity of medical
situations and will make house calls. Dra Mendoza is fluent in Spanish,
English and French. Be aware that the local ambulance companies are
privately owned and will charge a minimum of $500 USD for transport.
- Will my cell phone work in Mexico?
Mobile cell phone coverage is pretty good in the entire Riviera Maya.
Some US and Canadian cell phone providers have agreements with the two
Mexican mobile phone companies to provide service to their customers.
In most cases you must contact your provider at home before leaving
to have this feature activated on your cell phone.
- I don’t speak any Spanish. Will I have a problem?
No, English is spoken quite extensively throughout the area by businesses
dealing with tourists. You may become frustrated and upset if you expect
everyone to speak fluent English or to understand you.
- Can I use my credit cards in Mexico?
Yes and No. Do not count on credit cards being readily accepted and
don’t be surprised if a 10% surcharge is added for the privilege.
LUCKY FISH DIVING does accept credit cards but we do charge a 5% surcharge.
Payment is accepted in US dollars, Mexican pesos, Euros, Canadian dollars
or traveler checks.
- Are there ATM machines?
Yes, in Tulum, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal, Playa del Carmen and Cancun
where you can use your bank debit card to receive pesos. Most ATM's
have daily withdrawal limits equivalent to US $200-$500. Please be aware
that the ATM's in Mexico will not accept a PIN with more than 4 digits,
so you may need to change yours before coming down. It is not common
for businesses to have the facility for you to pay with a Bank Debit
Card. The exchange booths at the airport usually offer very competitive
rates.
- Supermarket and Internet access: located in Tulum, Akumal,
Playa del Carmen
- Mayan ruins Tulum: 5 miles south of the Lucky Fish Dive Center
- Other touristic activity: Amusement parks, swimming with dolphins,
dry caves and Sian Ka'an tours located nearby.
Please feel free to ask for assistance when planning your vacation!
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