All you need for a Cancún vacation is a valid passport. The passport should be valid for another six months, or at least until departure. Children and young people also need a passport or a child ID card. You also need an “FMT” tourist card to enter the country. Usually, this card is handed out by the flight crew during the flight.
It is also available at the Mexican Consulate General, the Mexican Embassy, and at the border crossing points. The completed card and the passport will be presented to the border guard upon entry. The card is stamped, and the officer enters a validity period. To avoid inconvenience, make sure that the period also includes the day of departure. If necessary, an extension can be requested from the Mexican authority “Instituto Nacional de Migración.”
But that can cost time, money, and nerves. Part of the tourist card remains with the traveler and must be presented when leaving the country. A fee of around € 15 must then be paid upon departure.
Customs Regulations upon Entry
Every person entering the country has to fill out a customs declaration “Declaración de Aduana.” The luggage of travelers who have to declare something is checked and searched by the customs officials. The tourists who do not carry customs goods with them are directed through a corridor with a traffic light at Cancún Airport. If the traffic light is green, the tourist can go to the exit without any further controls; if the traffic light is red, luggage is searched. The search of baggage is usually comprehensive.
Tip: It is advisable only to carry medication in the original packaging with you.
Every tourist is allowed to take up to six liters of wine, three liters of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes or 200 grams of tobacco or 25 cigars, twelve films, and gifts with a value of up to 300 US dollars for their Cancun vacation.
Drug possession is severely punished in Mexico and carries a minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment regardless of the quantity. Also, the import of food is strictly prohibited. Cash can be introduced up to $ 10,000. Larger amounts of money must be declared at customs.
Customs Regulations upon Departure
The export of antiques, archaeological finds, corals, cacti, and gold is strictly prohibited. An exception only applies to finished gold jewelry. Additional information on import and export can be obtained directly from the consular mission of Mexico. If a vacationer plans to bring memorable souvenirs from his Cancun vacation, one should inquire about customs import regulations beforehand.
Vaccination Protection and Medical Care
There are no international vaccination regulations for entering Mexico. Vaccination against tetanus, diphtheria, and hepatitis A is recommended for a Cancun vacation. Cancún is malaria-free, but there is a risk that a mosquito bite will transmit a dengue virus infection in summer. That is why protection against mosquito bites with mosquito nets and mosquito repellants is recommended, especially in the summer months. If you do get sick, many hotels have their own family doctor. The consumption of salads, seafood, fruit, and ice cream in drinks should be consumed cautiously, especially on the numerous street beaches.
Cancun is part of Mexico, so the official language is Spanish. Of course, many of the staff at the Cancun hotels also speak English.
Currency, Money, Credit Cards, and Exchange Rate
The national currency in Mexico consists of pesos and centavos. The money is 100 centavos one peso. Various Mexican banknotes and coins, the currency is called the peso. Foreign currencies and traveler’s checks are exchanged in local currency in the hotels or exchange offices. All major credit cards such as Visa, Master Card, or American Express are accepted. Payment difficulties rarely arise with foreign credit cards.
Voltage, Units of Measurement, Time Difference, and Telephone
In Cancún, as in all of Mexico, the voltage is 110 V, 60 Hz. An adapter with a flat plug is required for the Cancun vacation, familiar in the USA. Officially, the decimal system applies to measures and weights, but US units of measure and weight are also widely used. The time difference from Cancun to CET is minus seven hours. Summertime applies from the first weekend in April to the last weekend in October.
For calls from other countries to Mexico, dial the 0052 area code plus the area code, followed by the phone number.
Clothing Tips
Due to the year-round tropical climate, light summer clothing is recommended for a Cancún vacation. In the winter months, you need a light jacket in the evening or at night. Appropriate clothing should be worn when you go to a restaurant in Cancun. It is also important to wear adequate clothing when visiting cathedrals and on all tours. Short pants and bare shoulders are not welcome; the Mexicans are very conservative in this regard. Comfortable shoes and a sun hat are advisable for trips into the hinterland.
Tips on Tips
Due to the year-round tropical climate, light summer clothing is recommended for a Cancún vacation. In the winter months, you need a light jacket in the evening or at night. Appropriate clothing should be worn when you go to a restaurant in Cancun. It is also important to wear adequate clothing when visiting cathedrals and on all tours. Short pants and bare shoulders are not welcome; the Mexicans are very conservative in this regard. Comfortable shoes and a sun hat are advisable for trips into the hinterland.
Public Transport, Taxis and Rental Cars in Cancun
You can find taxis on almost every corner in the busy parts of Cancun. They are waiting in front of many hotels or at the taxi stands. The tariffs are advertised at the taxi stands and in the hotels. You should inform yourself beforehand and clarify the fare with the driver; this protects against nasty surprises.
It is cheaper to take the bus from the hotel zone to the center of Cancun. Many buses run between Cancún City and the Hotel Zone. Bus traffic is well frequented at the appropriate times of the day. The price for a trip is around seven pesos.
Rental cars can be rented directly at the airport or in the hotel. The roads in Mexico are quite well developed, but you should avoid driving into lonely areas at night for your own safety. This also applies to cross-country trips.
There is a well-developed flight network within Mexico. The intercity buses are comfortable and convenient in first class. Driving in the second or third class is not recommended. It is advisable to deposit valuables and passports, tickets, and money in the hotel safe. Copies of the documents can be stored in electronic form and can therefore be called up at any time.
Local Parties
Jazz fans get their money’s worth at the end of May. Then the big, annual jazz festival with famous musicians takes place. It is very crowded in Cancun; then it is “Spring Break.” The spring break for North American students. Along with Fort Lauderdale in Florida, USA, Cancun is the most popular holiday and party destination for the Spring Break disciples.
One More Tip Before Booking
When taking a Cancun vacation, keep in mind that the hurricane season is from late May to early November. During this time, there are heavy rains, tropical storms, and sometimes floods. It is best to book in a different period.
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