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Cancun Travel Tips

Cancun is the perfect vacation destination, however you like to spend your free time you’ll be sure to find plenty to do in Cancun. Cancun tourism is very much alive and kicking, but there are a few things which you really need to know before you take your trip to Cancun.

Getting Around Cancun

Cancun has two main forms of transport, there are taxis (everywhere) and there are buses (everywhere else).  Let’s look at what you might expect as you’re traveling around Cancun.

• Taxis in Cancun – you can catch a taxi cab from just about anywhere in Cancun, the fare will vary depending on which zone you’re in. Not surprisingly the hotel zone has the highest prices . . . it’s always a good idea to negotiate the fare before you set off.  Local taxis aren’t permitted to collect you from the airport, so your safest option is to pre-book transport from the airport to your hotel before you arrive in Cancun. At the end of your vacation you can, however, book a local taxi to the airport.
• Buses in Cancun – don’t accept American coins so don’t even bother trying. It doesn’t generally matter which bus you take in the hotel zone, ‘cos they all go to more or less the same places, although it’s handy to check out the front right window of your bus to see where it’ll end up. Do be aware that if you’re the last man to pay your fare then the driver certainly won’t wait for you to take a seat before setting off . . . at around 70 miles per hour (or so it will seem), so hang on and enjoy the ride. The majority of the bus drivers won’t speak very good English, so although you might have told them where you want to ride to it doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ll stop . . . they certainly don’t stop at every stop along the way, only when you signal to the bus driver very clearly. Don’t expect a crowded bus to part ways for you to disembark . . . put your head down and push, it’s often the only way to get to the exit before the bus driver has set off again. Yep, bus travel in Cancun is certainly an experience.

Changing Money in Cancun

Although you’ll find that the majority of stores and restaurants will happily accept US dollar bills, don’t expect to be given a favorable exchange rate, not favorable to you anyway. In order to get the best rate for your dollar you need to change your money first either in one of the banks (best option), an exchange place (called a “casa de cambio”) or the hotel, although hotels ain’t gonna’ give you a good rate either. Remember that nobody will be interested in US coins or dollar bills which are defaced in some way, ripped, taped up or glued.

Other Cancun Facts & Info

• Don’t drink the water ‘cos it tastes funny, even in hotels which purify it. Bottled water is so cheap that there’s no need to risk it . . . or to suffer funny tasting water.
• Ice, on the other hand, is quite safe, and restaurants even used purified water to wash their veggies.
• Always negotiate the taxi fare before you set off on your ride (I know I’ve already said this, but that’s how important it is). If you do have a problem with a taxi then make a note of the car number and report it at your hotel . . . that’ll teach ‘em for trying to take advantage.
• Don’t forget your sunscreen (even on overcast days), but if you’re taking a dip in any the many national park waters make sure that your sunscreen is environmentally friendly.
• Beware of people who recommend restaurants and don’t let people persuade you to eat somewhere if you really don’t want to. All restaurants pay commissions to just about everybody in Cancun . . . concierges, bell boys, maids, front desk clerks, taxis etc, and the price of their commission is added to your bill. Eat where you fancy and don’t rely on recommendations.
• Many people in Cancun speak a little English, but you’ll probably have to speak slowly, clearly and avoid any complicated words . . . that should do it.
• Anybody that says to you “I understand” is probably a liar . . . try explaining again using different, simple words.
• Make sure you’ve always a little change in your pocket, it never ceases to amaze me how many stores and bars don’t have any change . . . your fault of course.
• Attempting to cross the street is a dangerous pastime in Cancun. Don’t expect cars to watch out for you, you make sure that you watch out for them, don’t walk . . . run for your life, even on a cross walk or when their’s a red light. Be afraid . . . be very afraid.

 Cancun is a wonderful, exciting, vibrant, entertaining place for a vacation, and just so long as you keep your wits about you and heed these warnings . . . you’ll have the time of your life!

There are plenty more Things To Do in Cancun . . . you’ll certainly never get bored!