Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Cancun
justaguyincancun
Do not forget your sunglasses and biodegradable sunscreen. Studies show that some chemicals contained in regular sunscreen can be harmful to coral reefs!
BinMcKin
Chain restaurants are expensive, opt for the cantina with authentic Mexican food. You will not be disappointed.
CancunCanuck
While U.S. dollars are accepted at most places (buses won't take U.S. coins), it is better to use pesos. Prices are in pesos, your change will be in pesos and your service staff will appreciate tips in pesos.
In the words of those who've been there before ...
Jon W
I tell them to picture the most beautiful beach, the kindest people, and the most amazing selection of resorts to choose from. There is something for everybody across all interests and price points.
Joan S
Cancun offers cuisine to satisfy every taste. Whether you're looking for gourmet restaurants as part of your all-inclusive or just simple food there's sure to be a resort that offers what you're looking for. Want to dine outside your resort? No problem. Cancun has everything from the finest steakhouse and seafood restaurants to small places to just grab a quesadilla.
SeeSea99
The hotel zone in Cancun has one of the most beautiful beaches anywhere. The hotels along here have amazing oceanfront views available and many of the hotels have pools right along the beach.
What is the best way to get there?
Flying:
Cancun is served by the Cancún International Airport.
Do I need a visa?
Mexico has a visa exemption agreement with several countries, which means travelers coming from nations within this agreement (including the United States) don’t need a tourist visa for stays of up to 180 days — as long as they hold a passport valid at least six months beyond the period of intended stay, with one blank visa page.
For more information about visas and which countries are exempt, see here.
When is the best time to visit?
Late April through May: The Spring Breakers have left it is before the thick of Summer when the humidity rises and tropical storms can bring rainfall. There are also good deals on offer at this time of year. The average daytime temperatures reach highs of 87 Fahrenheit (31°Celcius) and lows of 73 Fahrenheit (23° Celcius).
Bus:
Three private bus lines connect Cancun’s downtown area and the "hotel zone" as well as more distant destinations such as Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
For more information about fares and schedules, see here.
Taxi and rideshare:
Public taxis hailed from the street do not have meters, so always agree on a price before you get in. Site taxis, or taxis that belong to a company that are called or booked, have standard prices — negotiation is not welcome. Ridesharing companies like Uber are also available.
For more information about Cancun taxis, see here.
On the ground
What is the timezone?
Eastern Standard Time
What are the voltage/plug types?
The standard voltage in Cancun is 127V and the standard frequency is 60Hz. The plug has two flat parallel pins.
What is the currency?
The Mexican peso is the main currency, however, U.S. dollars are widely accepted throughout the Cancun Hotel Zone.
Are ATMs readily accessible?
Yes.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes.
Is it easy to find a bank?
Yes.
How much do I tip?
In Mexico, tipping in either U.S. dollars (bills only) or pesos is acceptable, although pesos are more practical for the recipient.
How much do I tip?
Bartender
20 pesos per drink
Restaurant
10-20%
Bellhop
20-50 pesos
Housekeeper
50 pesos per night
Taxis/rideshare
Only if a taxi driver helps with luggage, 10 pesos per bag
Tour guide
10-20%
Spas
15-20%
Are there local customs I should know?
Drinking:
The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 18 years old.
Slow it down:
Arriving 30 minutes to two hours late to a social function at someone’s house is acceptable. In fact, it is actually polite to arrive late as the host won’t be ready if you arrive on time.
The same goes for dining out — don’t be in a hurry. The waiter won’t bring you the bill when you’ve finished eating as it is considered too forceful and rude. You’ll have to ask for the bill but in the meantime, sit back and relax.
Greetings:
Mexicans are very friendly and personable people. When meeting a group, take the time to greet each individual personally and shake their hand.
Learn the language:
Learning a few basic Spanish phrases is a sign of respect and courtesy and will be appreciated.