Entrance
into Mexico:
You
must present a passport or birth certificate
with the raised county seal (no photo copies)
and a photo ID. to the airline during check in
to be admitted into Mexico.
Single parents traveling with minor
children need a notarized letter giving permission to
leave the country from the other parent.
Arrival in Mexico:
You
will first present your papers at Immigration, then pick up your
luggage. You will then proceed to the customs check point which
is the "Stop and Go". You press the
button and if the light turns green you walk right through, if
it is red you will be asked to step aside and your bags may be
inspected.
What to Pack:
Bathing
Suits, Sunglasses, Suntan Lotion, Sun Hat and a Lightweight Windbreaker,
Sweater or Shawl. Bring your Diver Certification if you have it.
Also bring your own SCUBA or SNORKELING gear if you have it.
If not you can rent it in Akumal. Bring one pair of comfortable
rubber soled shoes for climbing Mayan pyramids, walking and tennis.
Camera & Film, A small Flashlight and one Beach Towel Shorts
and lightweight shirts, one lightweight pair of long pants, socks
and insect repellent for jungle treks.
Ladies:
one or two casual sun dresses or skirts if you like to dress up
for dinner. (you can buy colorful ethnic clothing at the
boutiques in the area) After you finish packing ... unpack
half of what you packed and leave it behind. You'll be happy you
did and will not miss it!
Gas Stations - Pemex
locations:
Gas stations are located few and far between. When you
are near one fill your tank. Locations en route are -
Puerto Morelos, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum.
Currency
- Money Tips:
It is best to exchange your money into pesos upon arrival
at your final destination. In Akumal you will find a
money exchange in the TSA Travel office behind The Original Akumal
Dive Shop. You must have i. d. if you would like to cash your
travelers checks.
Heading
south your next available money exchange will be in Tulum.
There are several exchange windows in the pueblo after you pass
the ruins. You may get a more favorable rate than in Akumal. Money
exchanges are available also in Puerto Morelos and Playa Del Carmen.
Akumal and the other areas mentioned do not accept credit
cards. It is best to bring sufficient cash/travelers
checks and not be dependant on credit cards.
Note:
In Cancun, Playa Del Carmen and Puerto Aventuras you will find
your cards accepted almost everywhere, but once you head south
cash is necessary.
How
much to bring? $500.00 in cash per person for travel expenses
should be plenty unless you expect to do a large amount of shopping.
Only a few of the Restaurants in Akumal accept credit
cards so that can be a consideration when planning your
travel budget. Restaurants in Puerto Aventuras do accept credit
cards.
Water in Mexico?
Is
the water safe? Many people are concerned about the drinking
water situation in the Yucatan. Bottled water is readily
available. All hotels and rental establishments will
provide purified drinking water. All restaurants in the area at
the major resorts wash their produce, etc. in purified water.
All ice is also made with purified water.
Beach Health Tips:
The sun can be very intense in Mexico. It is best that
you use sunscreen before you even venture into the sun.
A bad burn can ruin a vacation. A hat and sunglasses are also
a must for the seasoned sun bather. Sunscreen is a wonderful thing,
it protects our bodies but it is not allowed if you plan on
entering a cenote, caleta or lagoon. Sunscreen is prohibited
in Yal-Ku lagoon in Akumal. Wear a t-shirt instead!
Bad Stomach:
If you do become ill with Montezuma's Revenge the very best remedy
is the following recipe. It works every time.
Squeeze the juice of two (2) fresh limes into a glass, add a good
size pinch of salt and down like a shot. Symptoms will ease in
about an hour, if it has not stopped in 2 hours repeat the treatment,
you will feel much better by the next day. Lime will kill
bacteria and microbes in your system. It is also served
with most meals, use liberally.
Driving Precautions:
Driving
highway 307 can be a interesting experience. Please stay within
the speed limit as marked and drive carefully.
Important
Note: If you see a car ahead of you with its left
blinker on that is decreasing speed, this can mean
either please feel free to pass, or I am making
a left turn-
So Please Pay Attention.
To
be on the safe side - When making a left hand turn - put on your
blinker and pull over to the the right - wait
for all traffic to pass and then turn left.
Since the highway is now complete to Tulum it is not as dangerous
at night, one should still pay special attention at dusk as animals
do move through the jungle and cross the road at that time.
Grocery Stores:
There is a large super market in Playa Del Carmen called the San
Francisco market. Akumal has two small groceries, the Super Chomak
and a local Mayan store across the street at the entrance to the
Akumal Arch. There is also a fresh produce market that sets up
here on Saturday and Wednesday.
In
Tulum you will find some small local stores and large beer stores.
If you are economy minded you may visit the Superior beer store
in Tulum, you can buy cases of beer and sodas in bottles. A bottle
deposit is required so it is best to return your empties.
Note:
Cancun has a conveniently located Cosco.
Public Transportation:
Most
tourists who are exploring the Mayan Riviera drive rental cars.
If you choose not to rent a car you will find many taxis
at the airport who will be happy to take you to your
destination.
You
may also utilize the public bus system. These buses run up and
down the tourist corridor of the Yucatan peninsula on a regular
basis. They are very inexpensive. If transportation
to Akumal is required you may arrange to be picked up by TSA at
the airport in advance.
Travel Tips - Mexican Caribbean Vacation Rentals Network - Yucatan Mexico
