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A Few Handy Cancun Travel Tips
Having returned from a wonderful vacation to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico a few seasons ago, I thought I would share just a couple of helpful …
Cancun Travel Tips
here on my blog, especially for those traveling to this destination for the first time. A few things we discovered during our previous visits to this beautiful part of Mexico.
I always make a point of reading helpful tips on what others may recommend, when visiting a new foreign destination and especially for the first time. Below, are just a few things we discovered during our stay in Akumal.
Arrival At Cancun International Airport
Cancun Travel Tips #1
This was our second visit to this part of Mexico, so we were aware of the chaos that can take place, upon your arrival at Cancun Airport (CUN).
The arrivals area can be somewhat overwhelming to say the least. This, especially when more than one flight has arrived at the same time. The area is quite small, and can be quite congested and noisy at times.
As soon as you retrieve your 🧳 luggage from the carousel, you then make your way to Customs and Immigration. An agent will take half of your visitor card from you, that you completed on your flight.
Note:
Do not lose the other half of your 🧾 visitor slip, as this will be needed to leave the country.
When you check in with your airline ticket agent when departing Cancun, they will take the second half of the visitor slip from you, when viewing your passport.
Airport Customs – Red Light Or Green Light
Cancun Travel Tips #2
If you happen to be traveling with someone that has a lucky horseshoe, then this is where that person comes in handy!
At this point you press a button beside the Customs agent, if you get a green light showing, you simply make your way outside, and you’re done!
For unlucky people like myself and you get a Red Light, then you have to head to another counter and have your 🧳 bags searched. Luckily on this trip, there was only one flight and we were able to retrieve our; 🧳 bags first, from the carousel.
So even though our bags were searched after one of us received a red light, it only took a matter of a couple of minutes and the attendant checking, was very friendly.
If it is busy and you get a 🧳 Red Light, just relax, and leave home prepared for this to happen.
Make it is easy for the agent to open your luggage and do a simple search. Even though you may be tired from your flight, try to stay calm and be polite.
After all, you are here on vacation and it’s just a formality. One, that we all have to deal with at one time or another. The agent that searched our bags was very polite and performed his search; quickly and with care.
The red light/green light counters are no longer being used. Agents are standing by the luggage pick up area and randomly select passengers, to a side area for further screening.
You may, or may not be chosen for further inspection.
On a personal note, I would have preferred they kept the red/light green light. The line for those been checked on our 2nd visit, was quite long. There were only a couple of staff working at the security check and the guards standing around, were picking too many people at random.
Hopefully, this will have changed since our last visit.
Money Exchange
Cancun Travel Tips #3
Today, especially for us Canadians traveling to Mexico, you are far better off exchanging your money and using; Mexican Pesos during your stay.
Since our last visit a few years ago, surprisingly even Canadian dollars, were accepted by many of the larger businesses.
For example, we chose to use a private shuttle van from the airport to our hotel in Tulum, and they gladly accepted; Canadian dollars as payment.
Of course, American currency has always been widely used and accepted everywhere for years, in most major tourist destinations in Mexico.
Just be aware of the current exchange rate before leaving home, so you have an idea what you are been charged, if using your home currency.
ATM Bank Machines In Cancun
Cancun Travel Tips #4
Once you leave the Customs area of the airport, there are; Official Mexican Bank ATM machines, located right outside the doors. One machine is for Mexican Pesos and the other is for USD currency.
Beside the machines, there was an information booth at the time we arrived, and the attendant is there to assist with any questions you may have.
This was the first ATM I used during our stay, and with no trouble at all. Just make sure the ATM’s are; Official Bank machines whenever possible, to avoid any excess fees when using them.
Most of the major resort hotels will also exchange your home currency for you, and at very reasonable exchange rates as well.
Both these options are far better, than exchanging your money for Mexican Pesos at your home bank and/or private currency exchange booths at the airports.
Hang On to Your Luggage At The Airport
Cancun Travel Tips #5
After leaving Customs and collect your luggage, you will be hounded by people wanting to take your 🧳 bags from you. There’s lots of; time share representatives, taxi drivers and perhaps even a few … used car salesmen! lol
Just be polite and say; “No Gracias”
This of course, is if you don’t require one and not taking a taxi. Make your way to your prearranged shuttle service representative (if applicable), who will be holding up a sign for you.
Things are busy, but airport representatives are easy to spot outside. They will direct you accordingly, to your pre-arranged shuttle buses.
Airport – Hotel Transfer Service
Cancun Travel Tips #6
Taxis are well marked and easy to recognize. Drivers are well dressed, courteous and are strictly regulated. Always make sure you ask what the appropriate fare is to your destination, before proceeding.
Fares are pretty much set and standard to/from the airport. It’s only when taking a taxi in other areas or at night, that you need to use caution, as not to be cheated by the driver.
If you feel that the fare is too high, tell the driver and ask to see his; Official Tariff Sheet.
For the most part, drivers are honest and don’t be afraid to bargain with them, as well. After all, you are in Mexico and that’s part of the adventure!
Bring Your Own Snorkel Equipment
Cancun Travel Tips #7
If you are planning to do a lot of 🤿 snorkeling, especially in the; {Akumal and Tulum} areas, then I strongly recommend packing your own set of; mask, snorkel and fins.
You will not be disappointed, this part of Mexico is home to the world’s second largest reef, and the marine life is amazing!
A water proof camera and/or any other device for taking photos or videos, is also great to have for those underwater shots.
Hint:
Bring a small bottle of 🧴 liquid dish or laundry soap, to rub inside your; 🤿 mask, to keep it clear when in the water.
Works like magic in preventing your mask from fogging up!
Pack Plenty Of Sunscreen
Cancun Travel Tips #8
Be sure to pack lots of good quality 🧴 sunscreen. The sun is hot and you will burn very quick, if unprotected.
If you forget to pack your own or run out during your stay, you can easily expect to pay up to $20usd for a small bottle of name brand sunscreen, at the local shops in the area.
Basic Travel Necessities
Cancun Travel Tips #8
We always leave home prepared with a small Travel First Aid Kit and a few other; non-prescription travel health products, just in case of unexpected minor illnesses, that may arise.
Items such as …
| Tylenol |
| Advil |
| Imodium |
| Pepto Bismol |
| Tums |
| Bug and after bite lotion |
| Polysporin for cuts and abrasions |
All Inclusive Resorts
Cancun Travel Tips #9
We always make sure to have small bills handy either in {U.S. currency or Mexican pesos}, to use as tips for; bartenders, waiters and house cleaning staff. These people work very long hard hours making minimal amounts of money.
A small gratuity gesture ever so often, goes a long way in gratitude and most will remember you for this, during your stay.
These are just a few simple suggestions and Cancun Travel Tips to pass on, that we found useful during our visit. I thought these may help you out on your next vacation to the beautiful Yucatan Peninsula, in Mexico.
I spoke with friends of ours who travel in/out of Cancun International Airport quite often. Here’s a few updates to pass on:
No more red or green baggage lights for a few seasons now.
During and after collecting your luggage, there are; customs officials, standing around and will pick people at random for additional security checks.
Things move very quickly and more efficient than before, with no long line ups.
Cancun Airport Terminal has been upgraded, with more luggage carousels and larger holding areas.
After leaving the baggage area, there is now a designated roped off section for sales people. They can no longer approach you, as before.
They also purchase; Dukoral at home and have taken this; non-prescription drinkable vaccine for many years when traveling abroad. Dukoral helps prevent travelers diarrhea caused by {E. coli and cholera}.
There is a {self-service kiosk} area at; Customs & Immigration.
This is available for all travelers and is a very easy process. You; scan your passport, walk forward for a photo and grab the white slip after. You must save this slip for your return home, to show Customs & Immigration officials.
My wife and I used this on our last visit and it was excellent. We still had to wait for our luggage for almost an hour, however.
Just a few extra tips and advice from very seasoned travelers!
Below, I’ve have listed Visit Cancun Official Tourism website. Their site offers everything you need to know for planning a vacation, to this beautiful part of Mexico.
Check out the {Google Map} box at the bottom of this post for the city’s exact location.
Mexican Caribbean Travel – Cancun
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Safe and Healthy Travels!
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It has been a few seasons since our last visit, so if you have any updated information, to pass on, please do send me an email {Contact Me} and I will be sure to add it to this post. 🧐
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