Travel Advice

Entry Requirements
American and Canadian visitors must have proof of citizenship (valid passport or birth certificate and photo ID).
Other countries please check with your local Embassy or Consulate.
Visa extensions can be applied for at immigration office in Playa del Carmen.
Upon arrival, visitors are given a Tourist Card that must be turned in upon departure at the airport.
At that time, a departure tax is charged and payable in U.S. dollars or Mexican pesos.

Attire
Wear casual, lightweight clothing, and preferably natural fibers.
Use sandal-type shoes on the beach and around the pool, and tennis shoes or other comfortable shoes to walk in the jungle or in archaeological zones, reserves or parks.
Don't forget a casual but elegant outfit to dine in an exclusive restaurant.
Bring lightweight pants and a sweater during winter months.
We suggest bringing sunglasses and using sun block.
The use of insect repellent is also recommended.
Any necessary, forgotten or desired articles can be found easily.

Transportation
The main point of arrival is Cancun International Airport.
From here, the Riviera Maya can be covered via the 307 coastal highway which links the city of Cancun with Tulum and continues southwest.
Available transportation from the airport includes buses, rental cars or taxis that depart from the terminal.
Playa del Carmen has a small airport with planes which make short hops to more distant places like Merida and Chichen Itza.
Ferries also depart from Playa del Carmen and Calica, linking the continent with the island of Cozumel.
There are also local bus lines that service different locations along the highway.
Once in Playa del Carmen, taxi cabs are plenty and affordable, and rental of bikes, scooters and cars are available everywhere in Playa del Carmen.

Communications
Playa Del Carmen has all the communication services of a modern and cosmopolitan city: widespread Internet access, long distance phone service by credit card or prepaid calling card and mobile phone rentals are all offered.
The main post office is located in Playa del Carmen on Juarez Ave. between 20th and 15th.
Open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5pm and Saturday from 9 am to 12 pm

Climate
The Riviera Maya is located in the northeast coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, bordering the Caribbean Sea.
The climate in Playa del Carmen is subtropical with summer rains.
It is blessed by a moderate average temperature of 80oF.
From November to February there are colder winds from the north with occasional heavy rains and the temperature hits a low of 64oF.
Tropical showers, intense but brief, are common in the summer, which leave the environment humid and warm.
Hurricane and tropical storm season runs from July to September.
Even though impact has been minor during the last 25 years, in case of a hurricane threat, adequate contingency measures are established.
Tourists are the first protected and evacuated.

Medical
Playa del Carmen has all necessary medical facilities to cover any emergency, such as recompression chambers.
Drugstores are open 24 hours.
Furthermore, private air transportation is available in case an emergency requires going to a more specialized medical center.

Safety
Riviera Maya is very safe to visit.
You may stroll calmly through the beach and all tourist areas.
On 5th and 10th Avenues, wander worry-free at any time of day or night.
Nevertheless, like any other beach resort, do not leave money or valuables unattended on public areas.
On the beach:
Swimming in the Riviera Maya is safe since we have the second largest coral reef barrier in the world that protects the shore, nevertheless there could be danger from undertow, but if you follow the flag system you should have no fears about swimming in the beautiful crystal-clear Caribbean

waters
Green Flag -- Water completely safe for swimming, but use commonsense.
Yellow Flag -- Water somewhat rough. Swim with caution.
Red Flag -- Water very rough. Swim with extreme caution. Stay near the water's edge.
Black Flag -- Absolutely no swimming. Too dangerous.

Money
Mexican Peso is the official currency.
Most banks are located on Av.
Juarez, and there are several ATMs and exchange bureaus on 5th and 10th Avenues.
Exchange rate can vary daily and from place to place.
Master card, Visa and American Express are widely accepted as well as traveler's checks and American dollars (bills only).

Dining Time
Breakfast 7:30AM to 11AM (complimentary for our guests at our restaurant Agorá)
Lunch 1PM to 4PM (Mexicans prefer lunch between 2 and 3PM)
Dinner 7PM to 11PM (Mexicans prefer to dine out from 8PM to 10PM)

The Law
The following items are considered Federal offenses in Mexico:
Possession, transportation and sale of all drugs whether they be chemical or natural.
Possession, transportation and sale of any type of archaeological relic or historical treasure.
Sale or purchase of endangered animal or plant species; or derived products thereof; birds, lizards, marine turtles, monkeys, deer and others on a very long and stringently enforced list.
Destruction, removal, or mistreatment of any marine coral

Business Hours
Most businesses and shops are open from 10am to 10pm, closed between 2 and 4pm.
Government office hours are generally from 9am to 2pm , closing for lunch and reopening from 5 to 8pm.
Banking hours vary with each institution, but most open at 9am.

Taxes
A 10 value-added tax called IVA is added to all goods and services within the State of Quintana Roo, and is usually included in retail prices.

Tips
Tips are always a sign of satisfaction during your stay.
Bellhops: a tip of one or two American dollars per suitcase carried is recommended.
Maids: at the end of your stay, a tip of one dollar per day is appreciated.
Taxi drivers: tip only when they provide service in addition to transport.
At bars or restaurants: a tip of 10 to 15 percent of the total value consumed is customary. Always verify that the tip is not included in the bill.

Electricity
Domestic electric current is 110 volts.

Time Zone
Central Standard Time (-7:00 GMT).
Daylight Saving Time is observed.

Language and Religion
Spanish is the official language in Mexico, but natives in Maya villages and in towns speak Mayan.
But relax, in tourist areas, everybody speaks English.
Catholicism is the main religion in Mexico and several churches offer services in Playa del Carmen.
However, native Mayas still practice the religion of their ancestors creating a colorful hybrid of rites and traditions.

Holiday and Festivities
February 5: Anniversary of the Constitution
March 21: Birth of Benito Juarez
May 1: Labor Day
May 5: Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla
September 16: Independence Day
October 12: Columbus Day
November 2: Day of the Dead
November 20: Anniversary of the Revolution
December 12: Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe
December 25: Christmas
Variable: Easter