MERGED: Cancun Tips/Important Items to Pack

whdream · 01-25-2007, 10:11 AM

Here are a few things that everyone should know for their next vacation in Cancun.
Taxis. You can get a taxi cab anywhere in Cancun, the cost is variable depending on the zone, fares to or from the hotel zone are the most expensive, we suggest you to arrange the price with the driver first. In most of the hotels you can find at the lobby area or by the bell boy counter a sign with the current prices for local taxis. The picture on the right shows the average size of the taxis, all of them are white and green stripped, it must have a number too. Capacity: up to 4 people without luggage or 3 with luggage.
Local taxis are not allowed to transport passengers from the airport, they can take you over there for your departure only. To go to your hotel from the airport you can use any transportation line located on the two terminals but be aware with the unauthorized persons working at the airport, they are commonly called pirates and you could end paying much more than the regular rate. We suggest to pre-book your airport transportation service , it is more convenient, safe and easy.

To get a transportation from the airport to your hotel you must use an authorized transportation line. Cancun Airport Transportation.

Buses cost $7 pesos (NO American coins) per person / 1 way. You get a ticket, but, it is for their control. There are 4 buses R-1, R-2, R-15 & R 27. If you are traveling within the hotel zone then it really does not matter what bus you take (Wet'n Wild is the exception. It is in the hotel zone but only half the buses go there so ask before you get on). R-2 & R-15 go to Wal-mart & Mercado 28. R-1 you ask! Well, it now goes almost everywhere. You have to read the front right window of the bus as it lists where it ends up. R-1's will go to Puerto Juarez, Wal-mart, Plaza 2000, Mercado 23, the bus station & places I have never been. The R 27 turns left on Tulum Ave & goes to Plaza Las Americas (the local's mall).

Bus Tips a) Last man standing does not win anything. It means you will be flying soon. If you are the last person to pay the driver then before you can think about where you want to sit he will be going 78 miles per hour. b) Telling the bus driver where to get off is a good start but not always will it work. Most do not speak English well enough to understand you. Have an idea of where you are going before you get on. Look for landmarks. c) They will not stop to let you off unless you ask them to. Don't assume they stop at all the stops. d) To flag a bus down you need to wave one of your body parts. e) Cheapest tour in Cancun so enjoy it. f) Get on in the front and off from the back door whenever possible. g) Don't bring drinks on the bus as they will most likely end up on someone else. f) When getting off NO ONE moves for you so if the bus is packed, put your head down and push.

Exchanging money All stores, restaurants will take US dollars and travelers checks. Odds are however that the exchange will be in their favor. It is best to exchange your money first in either the bank (best options), exchange places (casa de cambio) or in the hotel (check to rate as most do not give you a good rate). NO ONE takes US coins, bills that are ripped, written on, taped up or glued back together. See Money Exchange Tips

Live Music Salsa: Shrimp Bucket, Batacha, Azucar, Mambo Cafe Rock'n Roll: Hard Rock Cafe, Carlos'n Charlie's, La Ruina Jazz: Blue Bayou (Fri/Sat), Roots Mariachi: Ok Maguey, Perico's

Smoking
Smoking is permitted in all the public places in Cancun ; hotels lobbies, malls, streets, clubs, bars, beaches, etc.

Most of the restaurant have smoking and non smoking sections.

At the airport you can find some smoking sections like in the fast food court steps away from the check point to the boarding gates and also in some restaurants. There is no smoking section at the international flight gates.

In the charter terminal (Terminal #2) in the bar in the center of the boarding gates.

Cigarettes are a lot cheaper in Mexico than in USA or Canada and you can get a pack of all the major brands with 200 cigarettes for less than $ 13 dollars.

Language
Many people in Cancun have an understanding of the English language. Most service employees speak both English and Spanish.

Electricity
The same as in the U.S.A. and Canada: 110 volts, 60 cycles, A.C.

About the Water
The water in Cancun is generally safe and purified but care must still be taken to avoid Turista, which causes symptoms such as stomach discomfort. Next, although the water in the hotels is considered safe, we suggest drinking bottled water to avoid any risk. If for any reason you should feel under the weather, our staff can refer you to one of our trusted MDs.

Customs
When you arrive in Mexico, you will find that you will need to fill out the appropriate entry documents usually supplied on board the airline. However, if they are not, they will be available at the airport. Once you are prepared with the documents, you will come through customs and arrive at an area where you will be asked to press a button. Either a green light (the means you can proceed through customs with no search) or a red light ( you will be asked to stop and allow Mexican Customs Authorities to search your belongings) will appear. Do not be alarmed by this, as it is simply a random method of checking for illegal or undeclared items.

Entry Requirements
Citizens of the United States and Canada are required to present a valid passport or an official, state-issued birth certificate AND photographic identification, such as a driver's license. A tourist card (provided at the airport) must also be completed, presented upon entering Mexico, retained during one's stay, and surrendered upon leaving the country. The tourist card is available at Mexican Consulates, travel agencies, or airline check-in counters.

Phone Calls

Collect phone calls to home are very expensive. The best way to call home is to purchase a Telmex calling card when you arrive. These cards are available at any convenience store or hotel shop; 30 pesos for 3 minutes; 50 pesos for 5 minutes; 100 pesos for 10 minutes. The cards can be used at the white Telmex pay phones by inserting the card. There is a language button on the phone that will allow you to receive instructions in English. If you are going to place a collect call, it is wise to check with the hotel operator before you call to verify what the charges will be. Calls made from the hotel can cost around $40 US for just a few minutes, so it is best to call people in the states from a pay phone and five them your number in Mexico. It is less expensive to call Mexico from the US. It's also best to have the hotel turn off your long distance priviledges so that you know that your hotel phone bill will not incur an unexpected charge at the end of the week. The cheapest and easiest way to contact home is by email. Ask your SBT representative on location for the closest CyberCafe or Internet service provider.

Vendors/Locals

Most stores are open from 10am to 10pm Monday thru Saturday. Some stores may close between 2pm and 4pm for the traditional siesta. Many convenience stores, including Wal-Mart stay open 24 hours as well. If you are bargain shopping, and you don't mind "haggling" for the best price, you will want to visit the Mexican Flea Markets. Be prepared to be bombarded, the locals will try to persuade you to look and buy their wares. Don't ever pay the first price they give you—they will try to rip you off! Bargain with the salesperson to get your best price.

EngineerGuy · 01-25-2007, 10:13 AM

Yes, great tips dream! My personal opinion, buses are the way to go, especially at night! Not only is it packed with breakers, its a huge party!!

whdream · 01-25-2007, 10:20 AM

Oh for sure taking the bus is one thing I would definately recommend to people

EngineerGuy · 01-25-2007, 10:20 AM

especially when the locals are on it playing there instruments and stuff!

rikib004 · 01-25-2007, 10:24 AM

These are good tips girl! Wish i knew all of this stuff last year, i'd have taken the bus a hell of a lot more!!!

EngineerGuy · 01-25-2007, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rikib004

These are good tips girl! Wish i knew all of this stuff last year, i'd have taken the bus a hell of a lot more!!!

you kidding? The bus is SO dirt cheap and runs 24/7! I love taking the bus!

whdream · 01-25-2007, 10:33 AM

Maybe as we add to this Jason we can make it a sticky?

Cancun_bound · 01-25-2007, 10:33 AM

The bus is absolutely the way to go. I took it everywhere on my first trip last year. It's a blast and you'll get some good laughs.

EngineerGuy · 01-25-2007, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whdream

Maybe as we add to this Jason we can make it a sticky?

likely!!! Yes

Klaw · 01-25-2007, 10:38 AM

A sticky it is...

Remember Mods, you don't need to ask to make it a sticky. You can do it yourself. :lol:

whdream · 01-25-2007, 10:39 AM

I know Karen was just asking...

ops:

Thanks though :wink:

ACBUD420 · 01-25-2007, 10:42 AM

nice tips for the newbies!

did the bus price nudge up a little?

Klaw · 01-25-2007, 10:43 AM

Sorry...I know you knew you could do it yourself.

I was just saying that if you think it's sticky worthy then go ahead and make it one. No need to run it by anyone. You have the power of the magic kets, LOL. :lol:

EngineerGuy · 01-25-2007, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACBUD420

nice tips for the newbies!

did the bus price nudge up a little?

looks like it did, last year it was 65 pesos from waht I remember!

Klaw · 01-25-2007, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CollegeGuY

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACBUD420

nice tips for the newbies!

did the bus price nudge up a little?

looks like it did, last year it was 65 pesos from waht I remember!

It was still 65 pesos last month.

EngineerGuy · 01-25-2007, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Klaw

Quote:

Originally Posted by CollegeGuY

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACBUD420

nice tips for the newbies!

did the bus price nudge up a little?

looks like it did, last year it was 65 pesos from waht I remember!

It was still 6.5 pesos last month.

wow, so JUST recently then it jumped to 7 pesos? Interesting!

Klaw · 01-25-2007, 10:56 AM

Or wherever Dream got that info just rounded up to 7 pesos thinking notmany people would have half a pesos on them.

I've seen other sources indicate it was 7 when it was clearly only 6.5. That maybe the case here.

I find out for you for sure in a few hours.

whdream · 01-25-2007, 11:00 AM

Yeah I find a lot of places tend to round up the peso cause it changes form day to day..

Skankbangin · 02-19-2007, 01:29 PM

Yo whatup playas

How late are the clubs open in Cancun?

whdream · 02-19-2007, 01:42 PM

all hours!

Skankbangin · 02-19-2007, 01:45 PM

So there is no closing at 2am like here in some parts of the US? Nice!

whdream · 02-19-2007, 01:49 PM

Yes they stay open quite late!

exzit · 02-25-2007, 04:18 PM

Thx alot for good information mate!

Cya at the beach!!

whdream · 02-26-2007, 06:44 AM

:lol:

nAsTy jAy · 02-28-2007, 07:23 PM

whats the dress code for the clubs if they have....

apple · 02-28-2007, 08:32 PM

pretty much anything goes

whdream · 03-01-2007, 06:43 AM

Yeah wear whatever you want. But keep in mind it gets very hot in the clubs..

ACBUD420 · 03-01-2007, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whdream

Yeah wear whatever you want. But keep in mind it gets very hot in the clubs..

with that in mind, its advisable for girls to wear as little as possible... bikinis were big last year

hw711 · 03-02-2007, 01:20 PM

I heard topless is in this year.

trigger2002 · 03-02-2007, 02:27 PM

i never gave them 6.5 or wateva its meant to be just gave them the 10 peso coins and walked on

01-25-2007, 10:11 AM	#1
whdream I can choose my own title Join Date: 28th Apr 2004 Location: Toronto Posts: 7,655	MERGED: Cancun Tips/Important Items to Pack Here are a few things that everyone should know for their next vacation in Cancun. Taxis. You can get a taxi cab anywhere in Cancun, the cost is variable depending on the zone, fares to or from the hotel zone are the most expensive, we suggest you to arrange the price with the driver first. In most of the hotels you can find at the lobby area or by the bell boy counter a sign with the current prices for local taxis. The picture on the right shows the average size of the taxis, all of them are white and green stripped, it must have a number too. Capacity: up to 4 people without luggage or 3 with luggage. Local taxis are not allowed to transport passengers from the airport, they can take you over there for your departure only. To go to your hotel from the airport you can use any transportation line located on the two terminals but be aware with the unauthorized persons working at the airport, they are commonly called pirates and you could end paying much more than the regular rate. We suggest to pre-book your airport transportation service , it is more convenient, safe and easy. To get a transportation from the airport to your hotel you must use an authorized transportation line. Cancun Airport Transportation. Buses cost $7 pesos (NO American coins) per person / 1 way. You get a ticket, but, it is for their control. There are 4 buses R-1, R-2, R-15 & R 27. If you are traveling within the hotel zone then it really does not matter what bus you take (Wet'n Wild is the exception. It is in the hotel zone but only half the buses go there so ask before you get on). R-2 & R-15 go to Wal-mart & Mercado 28. R-1 you ask! Well, it now goes almost everywhere. You have to read the front right window of the bus as it lists where it ends up. R-1's will go to Puerto Juarez, Wal-mart, Plaza 2000, Mercado 23, the bus station & places I have never been. The R 27 turns left on Tulum Ave & goes to Plaza Las Americas (the local's mall). Bus Tips a) Last man standing does not win anything. It means you will be flying soon. If you are the last person to pay the driver then before you can think about where you want to sit he will be going 78 miles per hour. b) Telling the bus driver where to get off is a good start but not always will it work. Most do not speak English well enough to understand you. Have an idea of where you are going before you get on. Look for landmarks. c) They will not stop to let you off unless you ask them to. Don't assume they stop at all the stops. d) To flag a bus down you need to wave one of your body parts. e) Cheapest tour in Cancun so enjoy it. f) Get on in the front and off from the back door whenever possible. g) Don't bring drinks on the bus as they will most likely end up on someone else. f) When getting off NO ONE moves for you so if the bus is packed, put your head down and push. Exchanging money All stores, restaurants will take US dollars and travelers checks. Odds are however that the exchange will be in their favor. It is best to exchange your money first in either the bank (best options), exchange places (casa de cambio) or in the hotel (check to rate as most do not give you a good rate). NO ONE takes US coins, bills that are ripped, written on, taped up or glued back together. See Money Exchange Tips Live Music Salsa: Shrimp Bucket, Batacha, Azucar, Mambo Cafe Rock'n Roll: Hard Rock Cafe, Carlos'n Charlie's, La Ruina Jazz: Blue Bayou (Fri/Sat), Roots Mariachi: Ok Maguey, Perico's Smoking Smoking is permitted in all the public places in Cancun ; hotels lobbies, malls, streets, clubs, bars, beaches, etc. Most of the restaurant have smoking and non smoking sections. At the airport you can find some smoking sections like in the fast food court steps away from the check point to the boarding gates and also in some restaurants. There is no smoking section at the international flight gates. In the charter terminal (Terminal #2) in the bar in the center of the boarding gates. Cigarettes are a lot cheaper in Mexico than in USA or Canada and you can get a pack of all the major brands with 200 cigarettes for less than $ 13 dollars. Language Many people in Cancun have an understanding of the English language. Most service employees speak both English and Spanish. Electricity The same as in the U.S.A. and Canada: 110 volts, 60 cycles, A.C. About the Water The water in Cancun is generally safe and purified but care must still be taken to avoid Turista, which causes symptoms such as stomach discomfort. Next, although the water in the hotels is considered safe, we suggest drinking bottled water to avoid any risk. If for any reason you should feel under the weather, our staff can refer you to one of our trusted MDs. Customs When you arrive in Mexico, you will find that you will need to fill out the appropriate entry documents usually supplied on board the airline. However, if they are not, they will be available at the airport. Once you are prepared with the documents, you will come through customs and arrive at an area where you will be asked to press a button. Either a green light (the means you can proceed through customs with no search) or a red light ( you will be asked to stop and allow Mexican Customs Authorities to search your belongings) will appear. Do not be alarmed by this, as it is simply a random method of checking for illegal or undeclared items. Entry Requirements Citizens of the United States and Canada are required to present a valid passport or an official, state-issued birth certificate AND photographic identification, such as a driver's license. A tourist card (provided at the airport) must also be completed, presented upon entering Mexico, retained during one's stay, and surrendered upon leaving the country. The tourist card is available at Mexican Consulates, travel agencies, or airline check-in counters. Phone Calls Collect phone calls to home are very expensive. The best way to call home is to purchase a Telmex calling card when you arrive. These cards are available at any convenience store or hotel shop; 30 pesos for 3 minutes; 50 pesos for 5 minutes; 100 pesos for 10 minutes. The cards can be used at the white Telmex pay phones by inserting the card. There is a language button on the phone that will allow you to receive instructions in English. If you are going to place a collect call, it is wise to check with the hotel operator before you call to verify what the charges will be. Calls made from the hotel can cost around $40 US for just a few minutes, so it is best to call people in the states from a pay phone and five them your number in Mexico. It is less expensive to call Mexico from the US. It's also best to have the hotel turn off your long distance priviledges so that you know that your hotel phone bill will not incur an unexpected charge at the end of the week. The cheapest and easiest way to contact home is by email. Ask your SBT representative on location for the closest CyberCafe or Internet service provider. Vendors/Locals Most stores are open from 10am to 10pm Monday thru Saturday. Some stores may close between 2pm and 4pm for the traditional siesta. Many convenience stores, including Wal-Mart stay open 24 hours as well. If you are bargain shopping, and you don't mind "haggling" for the best price, you will want to visit the Mexican Flea Markets. Be prepared to be bombarded, the locals will try to persuade you to look and buy their wares. Don't ever pay the first price they give you—they will try to rip you off! Bargain with the salesperson to get your best price. __________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ __ If only they were all like that....(sigh)

01-25-2007, 10:24 AM	#5
rikib004 I can choose my own title Join Date: 11th Jul 2005 Location: Yorkshire, England Posts: 1,815	These are good tips girl! Wish i knew all of this stuff last year, i'd have taken the bus a hell of a lot more!!! __________________ Spring Break 2010 WHO'S WITH ME!

01-25-2007, 10:33 AM	#8
Cancun_bound I can choose my own title Join Date: 20th Mar 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 1,122	The bus is absolutely the way to go. I took it everywhere on my first trip last year. It's a blast and you'll get some good laughs. __________________ Dan the Man "It's a dog eat dog world and I'm wearing Milk-Bone underwear."

01-25-2007, 10:38 AM	#10
Klaw I can choose my own title Join Date: 15th Feb 2003 Location: BBG mostly...occasionally Cincinnati Posts: 5,721	A sticky it is... Remember Mods, you don't need to ask to make it a sticky. You can do it yourself. :lol: __________________ Karan IT'S JUST NOT OUR YEAR....BUT WE'LL BE BACK!!!! CLOSING IN ON BBG TRIP NUMBER 69!!!!

01-25-2007, 10:43 AM	#13
Klaw I can choose my own title Join Date: 15th Feb 2003 Location: BBG mostly...occasionally Cincinnati Posts: 5,721	Sorry...I know you knew you could do it yourself. I was just saying that if you think it's sticky worthy then go ahead and make it one. No need to run it by anyone. You have the power of the magic kets, LOL. :lol: __________________ Karan IT'S JUST NOT OUR YEAR....BUT WE'LL BE BACK!!!! CLOSING IN ON BBG TRIP NUMBER 69!!!!

01-25-2007, 10:13 AM	#2
EngineerGuy Moderator Join Date: 15th Apr 2004 Location: Chicago Posts: 14,034	Yes, great tips dream! My personal opinion, buses are the way to go, especially at night! Not only is it packed with breakers, its a huge party!! __________________

01-25-2007, 10:20 AM	#3
whdream I can choose my own title Join Date: 28th Apr 2004 Location: Toronto Posts: 7,655	Oh for sure taking the bus is one thing I would definately recommend to people

01-25-2007, 10:39 AM	#11
whdream I can choose my own title Join Date: 28th Apr 2004 Location: Toronto Posts: 7,655	I know Karen was just asking... ops: Thanks though :wink:

01-25-2007, 10:42 AM	#12
ACBUD420 I can choose my own title Join Date: 12th Dec 2004 Location: Baton Rouge,LA Posts: 2,572	nice tips for the newbies! did the bus price nudge up a little?

01-25-2007, 10:56 AM	#17
Klaw I can choose my own title Join Date: 15th Feb 2003 Location: BBG mostly...occasionally Cincinnati Posts: 5,721	Or wherever Dream got that info just rounded up to 7 pesos thinking notmany people would have half a pesos on them. I've seen other sources indicate it was 7 when it was clearly only 6.5. That maybe the case here. I find out for you for sure in a few hours. __________________ Karan IT'S JUST NOT OUR YEAR....BUT WE'LL BE BACK!!!! CLOSING IN ON BBG TRIP NUMBER 69!!!!

01-25-2007, 11:00 AM	#18
whdream I can choose my own title Join Date: 28th Apr 2004 Location: Toronto Posts: 7,655	Yeah I find a lot of places tend to round up the peso cause it changes form day to day.. __________________ ________________________________________ ________________________________________ __ If only they were all like that....(sigh)

02-19-2007, 01:29 PM	#19
Skankbangin Cancuncare Newbie Join Date: 19th Feb 2007 Posts: 6	Yo whatup playas How late are the clubs open in Cancun?

02-19-2007, 01:42 PM	#20
whdream I can choose my own title Join Date: 28th Apr 2004 Location: Toronto Posts: 7,655	all hours!

02-19-2007, 01:45 PM	#21
Skankbangin Cancuncare Newbie Join Date: 19th Feb 2007 Posts: 6	So there is no closing at 2am like here in some parts of the US? Nice!

02-19-2007, 01:49 PM	#22
whdream I can choose my own title Join Date: 28th Apr 2004 Location: Toronto Posts: 7,655	Yes they stay open quite late!

02-25-2007, 04:18 PM	#23
exzit Cancuncare Enthusiast Join Date: 22nd Feb 2007 Location: Sweden, Halmstad Posts: 91	Thx alot for good information mate! Cya at the beach!!

02-26-2007, 06:44 AM	#24
whdream I can choose my own title Join Date: 28th Apr 2004 Location: Toronto Posts: 7,655	:lol:

02-28-2007, 07:23 PM	#25
nAsTy jAy Cancuncare Enthusiast Join Date: 28th Feb 2007 Posts: 12	whats the dress code for the clubs if they have....

02-28-2007, 08:32 PM	#26
apple I can choose my own title Join Date: 8th Feb 2005 Location: Toronto Posts: 4,570	pretty much anything goes

03-01-2007, 06:43 AM	#27
whdream I can choose my own title Join Date: 28th Apr 2004 Location: Toronto Posts: 7,655	Yeah wear whatever you want. But keep in mind it gets very hot in the clubs..

03-02-2007, 01:20 PM	#29
hw711 Moderator/Dance Machine Join Date: 4th Feb 2006 Location: Chicago Posts: 5,480	I heard topless is in this year.

03-02-2007, 02:27 PM	#30
trigger2002 I can choose my own title Join Date: 10th Jul 2005 Location: Yorkshire , UK Posts: 2,573	i never gave them 6.5 or wateva its meant to be just gave them the 10 peso coins and walked on __________________ 2006 Cancun 2007 Cancun 2oo8 Cancun 2009 Panama city beach 2011 Cancun big return

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