This useful collection of travel tips can help make your trip to the Riviera Maya even more pleasant!

Traveling to Mexico is easy and hassle-free from most destinations across the globe.
The Riviera Maya is especially accommodating, with all of the amenities to make travel easier, including stores, Internet cafes, U.S. trained doctors, and public transportation between popular tourist destinations.

Entry Requirements

Americans, Canadians and Europeans: a valid passport will do. Visitors from other countries are encouraged to check with your local embassy or consulate.

Money

There are several ATMs and exchange bureaus in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and other major destinations along the Riviera Maya. Major credit cards are usually accepted at larger establishments and traveler's checks are even more common. It can be difficult to get a cash advance on your credit card, so unless it’s an emergency, your cash card is best. Although the national currency is the peso, US dollars and Euros are widely used. The exchange rate fluctuates, with the best rates to be found at local banks.

Healthcare

Playa del Carmen has a hyperbaric facility and numerous clinics with local and U.S. trained doctors on staff. Akumal also has several doctors’ offices. Many of the major hotels also have medical staff available on call. Hospitals are located in Cancun and on the island of Cozumel, however only medical care is provided. A friend or family member will need to help with meals, laundry and other personal needs. Cost of medical care is relatively inexpensive, with an office visit usually totaling less than $10. Most common pharmaceuticals can be obtained without prescription, usually for less than at home.

Transportation

Playa del Carmen has two bus terminals with direct service to Cancun and Tulum, including stops along the way at Puerto Morelos and Akumal if needed. These public buses are comfortable and clean with air conditioning and typically cost less than $10. Taxis are also readily available as are car rentals and guided tours.

Traveling to Mexico is easy and hassle-free from most destinations across the globe.
The Riviera Maya is especially accommodating, with all of the amenities to make travel easier, including stores, Internet cafes, U.S. trained doctors, and public transportation between popular tourist destinations.

Weather

Playa del Carmen and the surrounding Riviera Maya locations are usually warm, sunny and humid. During winter months (November to March), there are colder winds from the north with occasional heavy rains.

Packing

Bring casual, lightweight clothing, sandals and also a pair of sturdy but comfortable shoes for hiking and power shopping. Lightweight pants and a pullover or wrap are often needed in the evenings during winter months.

Tipping

Tips are a sign of satisfaction during your stay, and they are an important part of the Mexican economy. As a guide, tip bellhops one U.S. dollar per suitcase; maids, one dollar per day per person, usually given at the end of your stay if you are in a villa or other accommodation with the same staff. Some people tip taxi drivers only when they provide additional service. At bars or restaurants, the going rate is 10 to 15 % of the total check, but make sure it is not already included in your bill.