The Mexican Caribbean is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Its crystal-clear waters, its rich nature, its interesting history and its delicious gastronomy will make your vacation unforgettable!
To help you in preparing for your vacation, here are 10 great fundamental tips that you should know before traveling to the Riviera Maya:
Documentation:
As in most cases when you are travelling outside of your country, the passport is your official identification, so always keep it in a safe place since you will need it both on arrival and when leaving the country.
At Destino Riviera we always recommend that you carry a printed copy in your wallet or a screenshot on your phone and leave the original in your hotel safe.
Foreign exchange:
As Riviera Maya is a very popular tourist destination, most businesses accept different currencies, the most common being the Mexican peso (MXN), the US dollar (USD) and the Euro (€).
The most recommended option is to exchange your cash to the national currency MXN as this will help you avoid any bank fees and unfavorable exchange rate for using any credit/debit card while on vacation.
In case you need to exchange your currency, you can always do it in your hotel lobby, at a reputable money exchange location, the airport or any bank in big towns like Playa del Carmen, Cancun or Tulum.
Travel Insurance:
The most recommended is to always purchase travel insurance beforehand for the duration of your vacation, in case of an emergency (if you require medical assistance and etc.).
This insurance can be bought through the travel agency where you have purchased your trip or directly on the website of an insurer.
Medication:
If you suffer from a chronic illness or require daily medication, make sure to visit your doctor before your trip to have enough prescription medicine for the duration of your stay as it may be difficult to find the medicine here in Mexico. You should always keep your medicine in the original package in case customs asks what it is used for.
We recommend you to bring the basic medicines for headaches, allergies etc. and whatever you may need.
Sunscreen and mosquito repellent:
Before traveling, do not forget to make sure that your sunscreen and mosquito repellent are 100% biodegradable/reef safe since it is the best option to help protect us from leaving a contaminating footprint on the environment and ocean of the Riviera Maya.
In case you need to buy it, you can always go to a pharmacy or supermarket in the area.
Electronic Devices:
In Mexico, the electricity works at 110V. so if your electronic devices work with another type of voltage, you will need a current converter. Also, the plugs are two flat-pin.
Our recommendation is to pack a universal plug adapter.
Water:
We do not recommend to drink the tap water in Mexico due to many factors. You may experience diarrhea and vomiting if you accidentally drink the tap water. It is highly recommended to always drink bottle water.
Weather:
Riviera Maya has a tropical climate of 4 seasons with an average of 25ºC and an average of 300 days of sunshine per year. It is worth mentioning that it undergoes some changes at different times of the year.
During the months of May to November, there is a higher chance of rain. However, because it is tropical weather here, if it does rain, it normally lasts about 45 minutes at most and on very rare occasions, it may rain all day.
The hurricane season runs from July to November, but the probability that they affect the Riviera Maya is very low.
Humidity is a factor that is always present in the Caribbean, so we recommend to stay hydrated at all times. The season with the most humidity is the summer (June to August).
Transportation:
Driving in Mexico can be a very different experience than anywhere else, it can be more aggressive and stressful than normal since traffic regulations are less followed and respected. Therefore, if you decide to rent a car on your own, you need to pay twice the attention as normal to your surroundings and other drivers.
The best options that we always recommend is hiring a private transfer or excursion service with a reputable company, that is licensed with permits according to the law such as Destino Riviera.
Miscellaneous:
In addition to the basics to pack: swimsuit, flip-flops, hat, sunglasses and etc., don’t forget to pack cotton clothes in your luggage to help you with perspiration, runners in case you will go on an excursion and a light rain jacket in case the rain should surprise you.
With all this, you will be more than ready to have a magical vacation!
For any questions, please feel free to leave us a comment or give us a shout via our email info@destinoriviera.com
