Traveling Tips For Visiting Cancun

As in any country or city that you travel to, there are some things you must know so as to have a comfortable and hassle-free visit. The following are some general tips:

• Taxi cabs are available everywhere in Cancun and can be easily identified by their white color and single green stripe. The fare cost on the hotel zone route is the highest, and it is prudent to agree upon a fee with the driver before you enter the cab. The prices for various routes are offered at the hotel lobbies. Local taxis can not drive you from the airport to your hotel (most people have hotel transportation pre-arranged*) but they can do the opposite at the end of your stay. There are transport lines for the airport-hotel route.
• *Note that there are many time-share resorts being developed and sold in Cancun as of this writing. Many visitors report being approached by timeshare salespeople at the airport and it is common for these people to give the impression that they are involved with transporting you to your hotel rather than timeshare sales. ALWAYS arrange your hotel transportation ahead of time and have a voucher. Airport personnel can direct you straight to your waiting vehicle and you will not get trapped into a timeshare presentation unexpectedly.
• For local transport while in the city of Cancun, the bus system can’t be beat – it’s economical and efficient, and provides a great way to get around the city. You will be required to pay a given fixed price for one way, always in pesos (the local currency). At the time of this writing, Cancun has four buses: the R1, the R2, the R15, and the R27. These go to various locations and you should check the destination on the right window at the front of the bus. To stop a bus you have to wave it down. The buses don’t stop at all stages, so you have to ask the driver to stop when you’re ready to get off. Use landmarks to note your direction since most locals have poor English.
• Nearly every store and restaurant in Cancun will accept US money and travelers checks. Since the exchange rate is mostly in the locals’ favor you can first exchange your money in the banks, exchange kiosks, or hotels. The bank is your best option in this scenario.
• It is prudent to drink bottled water while in Cancun, and in Mexico generally. The most common ailment of travelers visiting Mexico is what is (not so) affectionately called Montezuma’s Revenge, which is essentially a stomach bug causing abdominal pain, discomfort and diarrhea. Drinking bottled water is one way to protect yourself.