Practical Tips and Info for Travel in Mexico
Most of you who have traveled outside the country already a lot of this, but here's some good info to know...
Electrical Voltage/Wall Outlets: Mexico's electrical voltage is the same as in the United States and Canada, 120 V. Wall outlets are also the same, either 2 prong or 3 prong...you may want a 3-to-2 prong converter just in case if your equipment would need it.
Time Zone: Playa del Carmen is in the Central Time Zone
Currency: Mexico's currency is the Peso. $1 US Dollar = approximately 13 Mexican Pesos. Many places will accept US dollars, but your best value will often be if you use pesos.
ATMs: While ATMs are usually pretty plentiful, be aware that their conversion rates and ATM fees can vary. Also choose to use ones in a safe place and be aware of potential ATM fraud. Keep your eye out for anything that looks suspicious. ATMs at banks are usually pretty safe because they are frequently used and usually monitored by security cameras. ATMs in the resorts should be pretty safe too.
ATM Cards: If you choose to take your regular ATM card, you can call your bank before you leave to temporarily limit your withdrawals while you are out of the country. Also let them know where/when you will be traveling to so that they don't freeze your card thinking it was stolen! You can also get a pre-paid Debit card to use, such as the American Express for AAA Prepaid Card. Check ATM fees and foreign currency transaction fees.
Credit Cards: Check foreign currency transaction fees on the credit card you plan to bring. Also alert credit card company you will be out of the country. FYI Capital One cards have zero foreign currency transaction fees!
Make Copies of your Passport: Also keep the phone numbers handy for credit/debit cards to cancel them if they get lost or stolen.
Drinking Water: Don't drink the tap water! The resort will provide plenty of bottled water and will serve filtered water at the restaurants. (Most) restaurants in the area will do the same. Don't wanna have to get out the Pepto!
Tipping and Bargaining: A good site that talks about this here.
we will add more as we think of it!
Electrical Voltage/Wall Outlets: Mexico's electrical voltage is the same as in the United States and Canada, 120 V. Wall outlets are also the same, either 2 prong or 3 prong...you may want a 3-to-2 prong converter just in case if your equipment would need it.
Time Zone: Playa del Carmen is in the Central Time Zone
Currency: Mexico's currency is the Peso. $1 US Dollar = approximately 13 Mexican Pesos. Many places will accept US dollars, but your best value will often be if you use pesos.
ATMs: While ATMs are usually pretty plentiful, be aware that their conversion rates and ATM fees can vary. Also choose to use ones in a safe place and be aware of potential ATM fraud. Keep your eye out for anything that looks suspicious. ATMs at banks are usually pretty safe because they are frequently used and usually monitored by security cameras. ATMs in the resorts should be pretty safe too.
ATM Cards: If you choose to take your regular ATM card, you can call your bank before you leave to temporarily limit your withdrawals while you are out of the country. Also let them know where/when you will be traveling to so that they don't freeze your card thinking it was stolen! You can also get a pre-paid Debit card to use, such as the American Express for AAA Prepaid Card. Check ATM fees and foreign currency transaction fees.
Credit Cards: Check foreign currency transaction fees on the credit card you plan to bring. Also alert credit card company you will be out of the country. FYI Capital One cards have zero foreign currency transaction fees!
Make Copies of your Passport: Also keep the phone numbers handy for credit/debit cards to cancel them if they get lost or stolen.
Drinking Water: Don't drink the tap water! The resort will provide plenty of bottled water and will serve filtered water at the restaurants. (Most) restaurants in the area will do the same. Don't wanna have to get out the Pepto!
Tipping and Bargaining: A good site that talks about this here.
we will add more as we think of it!