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Frequently Asked Questions “F.A.Q.”
FAQ - Cancun 1997-200x GBTC © Glenda Barnett 770-963-9846
NOTE: This FAQ about Cancun was originally written in 1997. International Travel Requirements have changed greatly since then. We revise this article for accuracy as often as possible. Requirements for International Travel can, do and will change as World situations drive necessary revisions. . This article was reviewed in August, 2006.
Q: Do you Need a Passport to Travel to Cancun? {please see updated information [click here]}
A: No not really. If you have one that is current it might save a little time at the gates - but not much. Until December 31, 2006 -- All travel to Mexico requires that you have a picture ID - your Drivers License is just fine and a Certified Copy of your Birth Certificate with suitable marriage/divorce documents to support your name - or your Passport. All Tour and Travel Companies, Airlines and Cruise Lines will support the US Homeland Security initiatives. Travelers will be denied boarding if their paperwork is not in order. So the answer is -- YES -- starting in 2007 -- you need a passport.
Q: Where and How do I get a suitable copy of my Birth Certificate? {please see updated information [click here]}
A: The Probate Court in the County where you were born can issue a Certified Duplicate Copy of your Birth Certificate. This can happen real fast or real slow. It would be a good thing to have anyway - so get one. As far as travel to Mexico is concerned, your Birth Certificate must be a Certified Official Copy or the Original. It MUST have a raised seal. The Requirement was revised post 9-11 . a Xerox Copy would be OK but it needs to have a Raised Seal on it. A good Notary Public may be able and willing to certify a Xerox for you An Official Photo ID such as a Valid Driver License will also be required.
Q: Do they take American Dollars there?
A: Yes, ... they take all of the American Dollars you care to give them. I think that's why they invite us to come there. Many of the stores and most of the attractions post their prices both ways. The problem is that you don't always get the best exchange rate if you spend Dollars when you could have spent Pesos.
Q: Should I Get Some Pesos Before I go?
A: No. There are many places to get your money exchanged once you are there. It would be suggested that you have lots of small bills. You can use your dollar bills for a Coke or a beer and to tip your Sky Cap etc. It is best Not To Carry too many large bills though. It is a common practice for them to give change back with Pesos instead of dollars. While this is OK - you don't always get the best exchange rate when they do it this way.
Q: What is the Exchange Rate Anyway?
A: There is an Official Exchange Rate set daily at the banks. On our most recent trip in June of 1997 the going rate at out hotel desk was 7.5 Pesos per Dollar but we saw rates elsewhere for as high as 8.5 per Dollar. Some merchants will offer a higher rate to get you in their store in hopes that you will see something you like. We saw a number of places that were giving 7.8 Pesos per Dollar. Using 7.8 Pesos per Dollar as a guide, each Peso is worth 12.8 cents. If your rate was 7.5 Pesos per Dollar then each Peso would be worth 13.3 cents. That is about a 4% difference. You really don't want to loose 4% too often ! [***in recent months - it has gone to about 10 pesos per dollar] Something in a store marked $100 pesos -- is like $10 US.
Q: Should I try to learn about Pesos and Dollars before I go?
A: Not really. Here's what we do. We carry small bills - nothing over a $20. We get some Pesos at a good rate when we arrive and spend Pesos as often as possible. Most stores post their prices in Pesos so we pay in Pesos. By doing it this way, we don't get stuck with a bad exchange rate by allowing them to use their rate which may be less favorable than the best rate.. Don't exchange too much though - they make about 4% minimum to exchange back. We find it easy enough to deal with. Just remember to carry plenty of small bills - that way you won't be exchanging more than necessary.
Q: What are some of the Real Bargains in Cancun?
A: Cancun is a bargain in itself. It is one of the top vacation destinations in the world. From most US cities it is easy and cheap enough to visit there often. As far as things to buy and things to do - some of our favorites are: Wood Carvings (Ironwood), Leather Goods - Shoes, Jackets etc., Decorative Pottery Items, Silver and Gold Jewelry, Mexican Booze, Cuban Cigars, Perfume, Clothing for Men & Women, there are several 'world class' malls in Cancun. Entertainment is big there: Lots of Night Clubs, Live Entertainment, Shows, Diving (Scuba and Snorkeling), Tours to Ruins - Tulum and Chichen Itza are good day trips, Xcaret is a Jungle Adventure. There's plenty to do in and around Cancun.
Q: Will I have time to Dive or Snorkel?
A: Sure. If you want to dive you will need to be certified. If you have a valid Dive Certificate - be sure to bring it. It is possible to become certified while you are there and make your first ocean dive as well. There are a number of dive shops in Cancun and plenty of Dive Tour Operators. On our June 97 trip we saw a dive operator in Cozumel offering a three tank dive for $59US - quite a good deal. You can snorkel on your own at any of the beaches. No hotel or resort is allowed to claim their section of the beach - it is all open. Xel-Ha and Xcaret feature excellent snorkel areas with your admission. One very important thing to remember is that if you plan to dive - do it as your first thing - there is a required waiting period after diving before you fly back home. Safety First !
Q: What are some of the Most Popular Activities in Cancun?
A: Shopping, Night Clubs and Party Boats, Diving, Snorkeling, Tours to Ruins and Gardens, Water Sports, Eating, Exploring the Older Section of Town. Most of the Hotels and Resorts Promote 'Hanging-Out There' and schedule a variety of fun activities. One could have an excellent time if they never left an all-inclusive. All hotels and resorts sell tours and tickets to attractions - you'll find lots of information.
Q: Do we Need a Car to Sightsee or to Get Anywhere?
A: No - not really. The Cancun Bus System is excellent. The Hotel Zone is basically one big four lane street about 25KM long. The city busses run both ways and return. Each time you board a bus you give the driver 3 Pesos (about 40 cents) and ride as far as you want to. If you accidentally go to the end of the line - you pay again and ride back the other way. Tell the driver where you want to go and he will tell you when to get off - usually. Other riders (even the locals) will also help you get where you need to be. It has been our experience to be able to board a bus within less than one minute of waiting. There are also hundreds of Taxi Cabs - usually waiting around the malls and hotels. You can also walk anywhere you want to - there are sidewalks everywhere. You can rent a bicycle or a scooter. And yes, ... you can rent a car or a jeep. A typical low rate would be about $35 to $50 per day. It is fun to have a car - but not at all necessary. There is usually a way to get a car for free - be sure to read that section of this FAQ.
Q: What's all this I have heard about Bad Water in Mexico?
A: Yes they have bad water all over Mexico. Most of the hotels in Cancun have their own in-house purification system. All of their ice and their food preparation is done using purified water. If you prefer - purified bottle water is cheap and sold everywhere. Some travelers go to Cancun for the Party and will simply choose to drink beer or booze. If you believe that the alcohol kills the bugs - then you probably would agree that it makes you feel real good too - as a bonus.
Q: Is it Safe in Cancun?
A: Yes. Very Safe. The Mexican Government has made Crime Illegal. In all of our trips to Cancun we have noticed no crime. I get the feeling that criminals have been told to stay the heck out of Cancun - or else they will be put under the jail! As long as you stay in the safe looking areas you should be safe and OK. [***recent publicity about Taxi Cab crime dealt with Mexico City - 24 hours away from Cancun ... and/or Merida which is several hrs. inland from the resort ]
Q: What is the Weather Like?
A: It's like Summer all year long.. Lots of sun, a little rain and an occasional hurricane. During our June 97 trip our daily high was about 85 degrees; and down to about 72 degrees; at night. It was rather humid but there was a nice breeze coming off the ocean.
Q: Do They Speak English in Cancun?
A: No, ... but most of them speak Spanish real good. No Problem. They understand English - and French - and Italian -and German - and most of all - Tourist.
Q: What are the Locals Like?
A: They are very nice people. They are happy to see you and happy to help you. Service is great - we are their livelihood and they know it.
Q: What About Night Life?
A: Plenty and quite varied. Night life could mean a trip to an Authentic Mexican Restaurant - all of them in Cancun claim to be one , ... or you could do a Booze Cruise and a Show at Isle Mujeres, ... a night of Disco. One observation worth mentioning - Night Life starts after 9PM and ends about Sunrise. WARNING Some of the residual effects may last most of the next day. Be careful!
Q: Are the Hotels Really Nice?
A: Some are - some are not. In each of our trips to Cancun we have chosen to stay at a different hotel. The nice ones were very nice and the cheap ones were very cheap. Value is a measure of what you get for what you pay. We will be happy to rate specific hotels honestly. Your understanding of honesty is important.
Q: How Long Does it Take to Get There [***from Atlanta]?
A: Simple answer - about 2 hours. More honest answer - about 5 hours. All international flights suggest that you be at the airport 2 hours before your departure. Most planes to Cancun are full and this means lots of people in line. We usually get there and check our bags early - then we 'goof-off' at the airport. The flight takes about 2 hours. When the plane lands - you stand in line at Mexican Immigration while they process everybody in front of you - you get your bags - you find the bus - you get to your hotel. About 5 hours is usual from the Atlanta airport to your hotel. Check-in time is 3:00 pm - Check-out time is noon, ..your flight time has been arranged taking this into consideration.
Q: How Much Does it Cost?
A: It Depends, ... from Atlanta you can get a dirt cheap charter ticket for $99 up - [plus 911 fees etc.] pay the Mexican entry taxes of about $76 at the gate - hire a Cab to the Hotel for about $15 to $25 - and pay full price for the Last Available Room in Mexico, ... or you can buy a Package Deal from Your Agent [Glenda] which includes all of the above and more. Package Plans always include the Flight, All Taxes, Transfers to your Hotel, the Room, most Tips, perhaps All Food and Drinks if you go All-Inclusive.
Q: What are the Advantages of Going All-Inclusive, ... the Disadvantages?
A: OK, ... this is a hard question to answer, ... but it deserves a good answer. Going All Inclusive will cost you more up front. All Inclusive means that you have paid up front for: the airline ticket, the exit and entrance taxes, the transfer (or ride) to the hotel, the room, all food, all sodas, all coffee - late night buffet, all freshly squeezed fruit juice, all beer and wine, all margaritas, all live shows at the hotel, all tennis court fees, no rental on local sports equipment. Basically, what you need for the stay is already paid for. Some people never leave the hotel. On the disadvantage side, you will probably want to go out somewhere while you are in Cancun and will miss some of the food and activity at the hotel. Careful time planning will make sure that you get enough for your money.
Q: Why Don't We just Get a Room and Eat Away From the Hotel?
A: You can do that and save some money - maybe. The package is available - but especially if this is your first trip to Cancun - we suggest the all-inclusive. There are many really nice restaurants and places to go for entertainment but the cost varies greatly. We know of several little places that serve all you can eat breakfast buffets for $3. We know a really nice place for a lunch buffet at about $8. Most of the Dinner/Show places are going to get at least $15. There is cheap fast food there - but the all-inclusive eliminates the confusion. Most of the hotels have some type of restaurant on premises but the menu and food cost varies greatly. We enjoy the all-inclusive better than all of the hustle it takes to go out for everything. There are also many activities for free at the all-inclusive.
Q: Do the Merchants Bug You to Buy From Them?
A: Sales pressure is pretty high - especially at the Flea Market areas. Most often, prices are not posted - as they are in the malls - and the sales people do their best to sell you something. If the price is Not Posted - that's your invitation to dicker and make your best deal. We suggest that you scan the malls first to get some idea of a good price on the items of your choice. Then you would be more ready for shopping the Flea Markets, older downtown stores and the street vendors.
Q: Do they try to Sell Condo Deals or Time Share in Cancun?
A: Yes that is a real big business there. The locals call it 'Playing the Game'. On each of our trips it seems that a new development had just opened. From the time you get to Cancun until you leave - many local sales reps will approach you with some kind of incentive to go visit that property. It's all highly organized and pretty easy to spot. You will likely be offered free meals, free or discount tickets to area attractions, free rental cars etc. All of the deals seem to be pretty straight forward and honest. The sales rep obviously gets paid to send you for the presentation and the development delivers what was promised. Most presentations take about 2 hours. You don't have to buy - you just have to find a good time to insert your NO ! Some pretty interesting packages will be offered. We think most simply cost too much.
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edited a little for Web Publication in Jan, 1999 -- major edit in March 2003 - updated: birth certificate, passport & peso - reviewed in 2005, and again in June & August of 2006 --ab
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