Cancun Local Tips

In a city where traffic can be thick and locals think nothing of tailgating or speeding, it’s best to rely on the excellent and reliable taxi and bus system.

Pack plenty of sunscreen and sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, and hats or visors. Even when temperatures aren’t especially high, the sun can be strong, and a nasty sunburn will put a damper on your beach vacation.

Don’t worry if you don’t know Spanish. Cancun caters to tourists (mostly American), so English is readily spoken. Road signs and restaurant menus are also in English.

A common ailment among travelers to Mexico is diarrhea, typically a result of drinking contaminated water. Drink only bottled water, and avoid ice, fruits, vegetables or anything else that may have been washed in tainted water.

When leaving your hotel, don’t wear flashy jewelry or anything else that could attract unnecessary attention. Also, never carry large amounts of cash. Though Cancun is relatively safe, there have been reported cases of thefts, especially outside of nightclubs.

To swap your dollars for pesos, head to HSBC, which has branches in El Centro and Zona Hotelera. El Centro: Ave. Tulum 186; 011-52-998-881-4122; Zona Hotelera: Plaza Caracol, Blvd. Kukulcan, Km 14.5; 011-52-998-840-6257