Going to Cancun in a week - tips? Money exchange?

Question

I have never been to Mexico, let alone Cancun, so I am a little freaked out. What is the safety like? Should I exchange money before? Safe vs. un safe places to go? Tips? Ideas?

Answer 1

Bring small bills (dollars) for tips and bus rides. The bus is 65 cents. We never exchange our money but if you do the exchange rate is 1 dollar=11 pesos.(about)

If you go to the markets, bargain, bargain and more bargain. They expect it. Start low and slowly go up. Walk away if they want too much, they will call you back.

I know the locals say Cancun is safe but tourists are targets every where in every country. They think you are rich. They don't realize you saved like crazy to take a vacation. Heed this advice, don't flash money or jewelry. Don't do anything you wouldn't do at home. Not a place to practice being crazy. Stay under the radar. Be respectful to the locals.

Bring plenty of tanning lotion, a hat and sun glasses. Also bring some Imodium or pepto, just in case you over indulge.

Take a ferry over to Isla Mujeres. It's 20 minutes away. Rent a golf cart and explore the island. Or walk to North Beach. The water and beach are awesome.

Pack half the clothes and double the money. Seriously, Cancun is casual, bring shorts and tops, couple of bathing suits, couple of coverups, jean skirt, sundress, sandals,flip flops. No sneakers or socks unless you plan to hike.

One last bit of advice, timeshare people are at the airport and all over. They will eat into your vacation time, just say No, thank you and keep walking. After you go through customs and immigration at the airport, keep walking with your luggage till you get out side. Find your transfer company and go and wait where they tell you to go.It's a zoo at the airport.

You will have a great trip. Enjoy)

Answer 2

Tips For Traveling To Cancun

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Going to Cancun in a week - tips? Money exchange?
I have never been to Mexico, let alone Cancun, so I am a little freaked out. What is the safety like? Should I exchange money before? Safe vs. un safe places to go? Tips? Ideas?

Answer 4

Hi,
You'll really have a great time in Cancun. Don't get freaked out, the area for tourist is very safe even in you go downtown and visit the American Mall. Cancun is a very large city, however, Hotel Row is isolated from the main part of the city. You will have no problems in and around this area. There is a bus system that you can take from the Airport to your hotel or you can spend the extra money for a cab ride, both a safe.
Money, Mexico likes the dollar, you will have no problem with using American money, however, your change will be in Peso's.
Enjoy.

Answer 5

As far as safety - just use common sense. Watch how much you drink, dont go anywhere with strangers... - this is NOT because it is Cancun, take the same precautions that you would take anywhere else. I NEVER felt unsafe while in Cancun, the people were extremely friendly, and helpful. Everyone accepted american money but sometimes did not have correct change - so carry a lot of ones/fives. The buses are very safe. Take a tour to one of the ecoparks - Xcaret or Xel-ha. Visit some of the Mayan ruins, and Isla Mujeres.

Bring sunblock (for lips also!!) and do NOT overpack - Cancun is pretty casual. Just enjoy yourself.

Answer 6

Alicia just gave you the perfect advice, and she's your fellow citizen so I suppose that will make you believe in her words even more easily.

I'm mexican from Mexico city (which IS considered an unsafe place), been to Cancun a few times. It IS a very safe place, a female friend and I walked back from the night club to our hotel at 4-5 AM, we visited downtown, rode buses at all times and even made day trips out of Cancun and we never felt in danger, you just need to be cautious as you would be anywhere else and you'll be ok. You can exchange your money in Cancun, there are plenty of places to do it if you need to. Don't freak out, I'm sure you'll have a great time... it's not my favorite beach destination but for most americans it is, so I guess you'll like it.

Answer 7

Cancun Tips

Answer 8

Cancun is very beautiful. This is a perfect time to go too. The weather will be great. If you are staying in the hotel zone right at the beach, it will be very safe. When taking a taxi the hotel has their own so they are safe. The hotel will exchange money for you as well. They even have a van that take people to the club so they don't have to drive. Great service everywhere. Keep in mind that their main source of income is tourism, they want us to come back! Make sure you visit Isla Mujeres, it's only a ferry ride away and it's even more beautiful than Cancun.

Answer 9

I must say that I get a little defensive when people give advice about safety (like never, never walk alone) when they don't really know what they are talking about!

As an American living in Cancun (downtown) and working in the hotel zone I have never felt unsafe here...EVER. I walk by my self, take the bus, taxi, bike, run and even drive my own car...

As in ANY city there are places that a stranger has no reason to go to...use your common sense.

No need to exchange money you can do that here.

There are some wonderful things to do here in the Yucatan. Xcaret, Jungle Tours, Aqua World, Xel-ha, Isla Mujeres, and much much more.

So, don't be freaked is really cool. Use common sense always!

Your friend in Cancun

Answer 10

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I've always brought about $200 U.S. dollars with me, in the amount of small bills, like 1's, and 5's because I do a lot of tipping. I've always returned home with cash left over. If you're staying at an all-inclusive resort, other than tipping (Please tip the staff, even if gratuities are included in the price, because those people really do work hard and don't get paid much for the great service that the do) and maybe buying a few items at the gift shops, you probably won't be spending a lot of money while on the property. Most All-Inclusives have everything you need right there. If you venture outside of the property, such as doing some club hopping, then you're looking at a little bit for transportation, such as taxis or the bus, cover charges at the clubs, and meals at fancy restaurants, or for shopping. Another reason to take small bills is so that you don't have to worry about doing cash exchange if you don't want to. Most businesses down there who cater to tourists will accept U.S. currency. By taking small bills, you can pay very close to the asked price, without worrying so much about getting your change back. If you pay in U.S. dollars, they'll most likely give you your change in the form of Pesos. If something cost 12 dollars, and I give them 15, I don't worry about the change. They appreciate that "tip". Using an atm down there is not something I recommend, or have ever had to do. Yes, it's important to notify your bank before you go, so that your card works when you're asked to present it at check-in. But if you use an atm, keep in mind that many banks can charge ridiculous surcharges when you use your card in an atm or point-of-sale machine in a foreign country. Bring your cards for check-in and for emergencies, but pay with cash when possible, to avoid those charges.