Frequently Asked Questions and Travel Tips
Can I drink the water?
If you are new to traveling to Mexico, you have probably heard horror stories about "don't drink the water!" Drinking bottled water is the norm and a way of life in Mexico. You will have an ample supply of purified water in the condo and more is available to you from Moskito, our property managers, should you need it. Use this bottled water for making ice and brushing your teeth, but it is perfectly safe to wash your dishes with the hot tap water. If you cook with water (boiling rice or pasta), I would use the bottled water but others say they use the tap water just fine.
Are there grocery stores within walking distance to the condo?
Yes, there are quite a few to choose from, including a WalMart within walking distance. There are directions for them in the condo in the notebook we have prepared for our guests. There is also a Sam’s Club within walking distance, so take your card if you are already a member.
We love to have breakfast food and snacks in the condo, as well as drinks in the frig. Grocery stores have good prices on liquor, too. We also buy ingredients to make nachos or some frozen items in case we are at the pool and get a bit hungry, but don’t want to leave the condo and dress for a restaurant. You will find most of the same items you would buy back home, but American brands are much more expensive. For some reason, peanut butter is hit or miss, so if that is important to someone in your party, you might toss a jar in your luggage. Produce is plentiful and inexpensive. Just follow the instructions below about properly cleaning and disinfecting your produce. I wrote a blog post about groceries in Playa, you can read it here.
Can I get groceries delivered to the condo?
Yes, we have found a new service that delivers for just $14 USD. Could be a nice service to get yourself stocked quickly.
https://loqsea.com
Do I need an adapter for the electrical outlets in Mexico?
The electrical plugs in Mexico are the same as in the United States.
What airport do I fly into?
Most people fly into the Cancun airport (CUN). It is about a 50 minute ride into Playa del Carmen. (See our Transportation tab for info on getting to and from the airport). But occasionally you can find a better rate (or better times) by flying into Cozumel (CZM). Just keep in mind that you will need to take the ferry from Cozumel Island to Playa del Carmen, which runs about $10 USD per person. A recent article from CheapAir.com states that the best rates to Mexico are found 251 days prior to the trip! So plan early!
Is there anything special that I can or can't bring into Mexico?
U.S. travel guidelines suggest that you contact an embassy for the country you are planning to visit to find out what you can bring into the country. Since most people won't take time to do that, here are a few items that, in our experience, might be good for you to know. Of course, you will need an actual passport to visit Mexico, not just the passport card. Hopefully you knew that already. Prescription medications (as well as over the counter) should be transported in their original containers with the prescription information clearly labeled. You really don't want to enter Mexico with a baggie of colorful pills. There is a current crack down against bringing in anything with pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) or codeine, so don't bring those. They are on the lookout for food such as meat, plants or produce. Seeds are a no-no. A half eaten bag of chips is fine as are most commercially packaged snacks. We have managed to enter Mexico with beef jerky, but others have had it confiscated (it's a meat product). The primary rule is that you can only bring into Mexico the things that a normal tourist would need for their vacation. So, only one laptop or camera per person, for example, and only four DVDs per person. They are looking for people who might be trying to smuggle in goods without paying duty such as items you plan to resell in a business, or items that can be purchased in Mexico and not imported. It goes without mention that no illegal drugs or guns should ever be brought into Mexico. But I guess I still mentioned it, didn't I?
What happens when you get to the airport in Mexico and they find something you didn't realize you couldn't bring into the country?
Once you have your passport and travel papers stamped at immigration, you will then proceed to baggage claim to pick up your bags. From there, you will get in line and pass through customs as a family with one customs form. Each traveler will pass their bags through the x-ray machine where they will look for anything "suspicious" or interesting. At that point they may refer someone over to a table to have their bags searched. Don't worry, it's not a big deal unless you have something really illegal. If you have beef jerky, for example, they will just take it from you. If you have medical equipment or something unusual, they will ask you about it. These customs agents are nice and pretty friendly, all things considered. They really aren't there to make a tourist's travel difficult, they are just there to enforce their rules. We have been searched many times and it is just not a big deal. Once past the x-ray machines, you will gather as a family and one member will push a button. Then, either the red or green light will illuminate, randomly. If you get a green light, your whole party is free to go. If you get the red light, everyone's bags will be searched at the tables right there. Again, not a big deal. Just a small delay in getting outside and on your way. Be friendly to them, and you will find the friendliness returned.
Are there any precautions to take before eating fresh produce?
Yes, if you purchase fruits or vegetables at the grocery store, there is just one step to take prior to eating them. You will need to rinse them in purification drops and tap water in the sink. Look for Microdyn or Bac Dyn drops in the produce section, although many guests leave some behind in the condo so you may not need to buy more.
Just fill the sink with water, put in 7 or 8 drops, and soak everything – lettuce, apples, onions, jalapenos, tomatoes etc, for about 15-20 minutes then just put away. There is no flavor in the drops. Note: Produce in Mexico is very fresh and without preservatives, it won't keep as long as produce bought back home so buy only what you need for one or two days at a time.
What is the best way to exchange money? Should I get pesos at home and take them with me?
We never bring pesos from the States to Playa – too expensive. You can easily get along in Playa without exchanging your money to pesos if you have US Dollars, as they are widely accepted almost everywhere here, but you will pay more as most places offer a horrible exchange rate when paying with US Dollars. So we always recommend that you use US Dollars until you get to town and then either use the ATM to withdraw pesos or exchange your home currency into pesos at the cambios.
Banks offer the best exchange rate, followed closely by the ATMs. However, it is increasingly more difficult to exchange money at banks – new laws now require a passport (and who carries theirs around?) and place strict limits on the daily amount exchanged, not to mention the long lines. And banks at the moment appear to change their own policies from day to day as to whether or not they make exchanges for US dollars. We have always used the ATMs anyway because their rates are almost as good, even taking into account the fees charged back home. So these new rules haven’t affected us. Of course, you will want to bring some amount of cash and credit cards down with you as a backup.
ATM's work the same way in Mexico as they do in the States, and most of them have instructions in both English and Spanish. But you do have to input how many pesos you want to withdraw instead of US or Canadian dollars (as of June 2016, 7000 pesos = about $460 US). Their fee is also stated in pesos, so don’t freak out with what looks like a $6 or $7 fee, when it is really just 60 or 70 cents. For the lowest fees, and safest ATMs, use only those attached to a bank, and not the ATMs located within stores, out on the street, etc. There are quite a few on Juarez near the condo, and on 10th Avenue & Calle 8 or Constituyentes. Be sure and let your bank know about your trip!
Just like at home, thieves will sometimes target an ATM and place tiny cameras or other instruments to read your card. Playa del Carmen is no different from any other major tourist destination. Always be sure that nothing foreign and removable is inside the card reader, and cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN. You can monitor your account safely using your laptop and the wifi in the condo if that's a concern.
What about the money exchange places on 5th Avenue?
Other than ATMs or banks, the next best way to exchange money is at the cambios, which you will find up and down 5th Avenue. They are easily spotted by their large signs advertising their exchange rates. But they can vary widely in rates, so walk a few blocks before you commit to one - the larger the number the better for you. You won't get quite as good a rate as the banks or ATMs, but they are awfully convenient and can be a good option for small amounts. Many places in the tourist areas also accept credit cards. The bank exchange rate on these is quite good, but some credit cards assess international fees, so know your card first. And always have a few hundred pesos or other cash on hand just in case.
Can I use my credit card safely?
If you plan to use credit cards, or even if you don't, I recommend calling the credit companies and tell them you will be traveling out of the country. We rarely use credit cards while there, but it is nice to have the option. We think it is safer to use cash, especially for restaurants where your card leaves your sight. But we have used cards at Wal-mart and other larger stores with no problems as long as we have called ahead. Tour operators and many of the theme parks will prefer a credit card for payment. But we have been declined when we forget to call. Best to have the option available, especially in the event of an emergency.
How can I keep in touch back home?
We provide a Magic Jack phone for you to use to call the U.S. or Canada for free, as long as there is a good internet connection. There is free wifi in the condo. Instructions for accessing it are in the guidebook in the condo, or you can call Moskito and they will help you if you have any problems. You can also email home or use Skype (or another internet phone provider) to call home. There are also internet cafes everywhere for a quick email or call through Skype. Most internet cafes are quick and inexpensive and the locals use these quite a bit.
There is also a landline phone at the condo for you to call Moskito if you have a problem, or need to arrange a tour. The number for Moskito is by the phone. Phone plans in Mexico do not include unlimited local calling, and long distance is extremely expensive, so please use this phone sparingly.
You may also give family Moskito’s (our property managers) Miami telephone number in case there is an emergency and they need to reach you. That number is (305) 395-4296.
Will I get sick?
We recommend using common sense when selecting restaurants, and drink and make coffee with the bottled water in the condo, and you should avoid any trouble with your tummy. But, because new foods often cause indigestion anyway, we always travel with ImmodiumAD, which is what we have found to work fine for us. You can also get this, as well as any other medicines that you are used to at any pharmacy. There are countless pharmacies up and down 5th Avenue. You can also purchase some prescription drugs in Mexico if you feel that you need something stronger. Pharmacists have more authority in Mexico and many are prepared to offer “light” medical help for minor illnesses, just ask for their help. We have been told to ask for “Treda” if we have tummy trouble in Mexico, but don’t have experience with this as we’ve not had this problem. And we eat from the food carts on the street all the time. We use the guideline that if lots of locals are eating here, then it must be safe.
We have also, unfortunately, had the experience of coming down with a bad bug while on vacation in Playa, and Mark has needed a tetanus shot while there. We have come to rely on Dr. Bernardo Diaz for medical care when in Playa. His info, as well as some information for others, are located in the binder in the condo. Just in case. Or you can check out his website here.
What if I lose my immigration form?
(The immigration form is the little piece of paper immigration puts in your passport at the airport). Don’t lose it! You must surrender this before getting on a plane. If you lose it, you will be charged for a new one, and it will slow you down at the airport so plan extra time for your departure. If you must replace it, look for the immigration office near your check in area before getting in line.
What else do I need to know?
There has been a lot of press lately about the need for visitors to keep their passports and tourist card (you will get this when you enter the country) with you at all times in order to prove that you are in the country legally. Although we have never encountered this, we have heard that sometimes tourists may be asked to provide this documentation. But we are very hesitant to carry our passports around with us. So we choose to follow the advice of others and have a photo of our passports on our phone, and take a picture of the tourist card with our phones as well. We keep the originals in the safe in the condo.
I have more questions!
We love answering questions from our guests. Please don't hesitate to email us with any questions so that we can be sure that your vacation in Playa del Carmen is everything you want and more!
If you are new to traveling to Mexico, you have probably heard horror stories about "don't drink the water!" Drinking bottled water is the norm and a way of life in Mexico. You will have an ample supply of purified water in the condo and more is available to you from Moskito, our property managers, should you need it. Use this bottled water for making ice and brushing your teeth, but it is perfectly safe to wash your dishes with the hot tap water. If you cook with water (boiling rice or pasta), I would use the bottled water but others say they use the tap water just fine.
Are there grocery stores within walking distance to the condo?
Yes, there are quite a few to choose from, including a WalMart within walking distance. There are directions for them in the condo in the notebook we have prepared for our guests. There is also a Sam’s Club within walking distance, so take your card if you are already a member.
We love to have breakfast food and snacks in the condo, as well as drinks in the frig. Grocery stores have good prices on liquor, too. We also buy ingredients to make nachos or some frozen items in case we are at the pool and get a bit hungry, but don’t want to leave the condo and dress for a restaurant. You will find most of the same items you would buy back home, but American brands are much more expensive. For some reason, peanut butter is hit or miss, so if that is important to someone in your party, you might toss a jar in your luggage. Produce is plentiful and inexpensive. Just follow the instructions below about properly cleaning and disinfecting your produce. I wrote a blog post about groceries in Playa, you can read it here.
Can I get groceries delivered to the condo?
Yes, we have found a new service that delivers for just $14 USD. Could be a nice service to get yourself stocked quickly.
https://loqsea.com
Do I need an adapter for the electrical outlets in Mexico?
The electrical plugs in Mexico are the same as in the United States.
What airport do I fly into?
Most people fly into the Cancun airport (CUN). It is about a 50 minute ride into Playa del Carmen. (See our Transportation tab for info on getting to and from the airport). But occasionally you can find a better rate (or better times) by flying into Cozumel (CZM). Just keep in mind that you will need to take the ferry from Cozumel Island to Playa del Carmen, which runs about $10 USD per person. A recent article from CheapAir.com states that the best rates to Mexico are found 251 days prior to the trip! So plan early!
Is there anything special that I can or can't bring into Mexico?
U.S. travel guidelines suggest that you contact an embassy for the country you are planning to visit to find out what you can bring into the country. Since most people won't take time to do that, here are a few items that, in our experience, might be good for you to know. Of course, you will need an actual passport to visit Mexico, not just the passport card. Hopefully you knew that already. Prescription medications (as well as over the counter) should be transported in their original containers with the prescription information clearly labeled. You really don't want to enter Mexico with a baggie of colorful pills. There is a current crack down against bringing in anything with pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) or codeine, so don't bring those. They are on the lookout for food such as meat, plants or produce. Seeds are a no-no. A half eaten bag of chips is fine as are most commercially packaged snacks. We have managed to enter Mexico with beef jerky, but others have had it confiscated (it's a meat product). The primary rule is that you can only bring into Mexico the things that a normal tourist would need for their vacation. So, only one laptop or camera per person, for example, and only four DVDs per person. They are looking for people who might be trying to smuggle in goods without paying duty such as items you plan to resell in a business, or items that can be purchased in Mexico and not imported. It goes without mention that no illegal drugs or guns should ever be brought into Mexico. But I guess I still mentioned it, didn't I?
What happens when you get to the airport in Mexico and they find something you didn't realize you couldn't bring into the country?
Once you have your passport and travel papers stamped at immigration, you will then proceed to baggage claim to pick up your bags. From there, you will get in line and pass through customs as a family with one customs form. Each traveler will pass their bags through the x-ray machine where they will look for anything "suspicious" or interesting. At that point they may refer someone over to a table to have their bags searched. Don't worry, it's not a big deal unless you have something really illegal. If you have beef jerky, for example, they will just take it from you. If you have medical equipment or something unusual, they will ask you about it. These customs agents are nice and pretty friendly, all things considered. They really aren't there to make a tourist's travel difficult, they are just there to enforce their rules. We have been searched many times and it is just not a big deal. Once past the x-ray machines, you will gather as a family and one member will push a button. Then, either the red or green light will illuminate, randomly. If you get a green light, your whole party is free to go. If you get the red light, everyone's bags will be searched at the tables right there. Again, not a big deal. Just a small delay in getting outside and on your way. Be friendly to them, and you will find the friendliness returned.
Are there any precautions to take before eating fresh produce?
Yes, if you purchase fruits or vegetables at the grocery store, there is just one step to take prior to eating them. You will need to rinse them in purification drops and tap water in the sink. Look for Microdyn or Bac Dyn drops in the produce section, although many guests leave some behind in the condo so you may not need to buy more.
Just fill the sink with water, put in 7 or 8 drops, and soak everything – lettuce, apples, onions, jalapenos, tomatoes etc, for about 15-20 minutes then just put away. There is no flavor in the drops. Note: Produce in Mexico is very fresh and without preservatives, it won't keep as long as produce bought back home so buy only what you need for one or two days at a time.
What is the best way to exchange money? Should I get pesos at home and take them with me?
We never bring pesos from the States to Playa – too expensive. You can easily get along in Playa without exchanging your money to pesos if you have US Dollars, as they are widely accepted almost everywhere here, but you will pay more as most places offer a horrible exchange rate when paying with US Dollars. So we always recommend that you use US Dollars until you get to town and then either use the ATM to withdraw pesos or exchange your home currency into pesos at the cambios.
Banks offer the best exchange rate, followed closely by the ATMs. However, it is increasingly more difficult to exchange money at banks – new laws now require a passport (and who carries theirs around?) and place strict limits on the daily amount exchanged, not to mention the long lines. And banks at the moment appear to change their own policies from day to day as to whether or not they make exchanges for US dollars. We have always used the ATMs anyway because their rates are almost as good, even taking into account the fees charged back home. So these new rules haven’t affected us. Of course, you will want to bring some amount of cash and credit cards down with you as a backup.
ATM's work the same way in Mexico as they do in the States, and most of them have instructions in both English and Spanish. But you do have to input how many pesos you want to withdraw instead of US or Canadian dollars (as of June 2016, 7000 pesos = about $460 US). Their fee is also stated in pesos, so don’t freak out with what looks like a $6 or $7 fee, when it is really just 60 or 70 cents. For the lowest fees, and safest ATMs, use only those attached to a bank, and not the ATMs located within stores, out on the street, etc. There are quite a few on Juarez near the condo, and on 10th Avenue & Calle 8 or Constituyentes. Be sure and let your bank know about your trip!
Just like at home, thieves will sometimes target an ATM and place tiny cameras or other instruments to read your card. Playa del Carmen is no different from any other major tourist destination. Always be sure that nothing foreign and removable is inside the card reader, and cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN. You can monitor your account safely using your laptop and the wifi in the condo if that's a concern.
What about the money exchange places on 5th Avenue?
Other than ATMs or banks, the next best way to exchange money is at the cambios, which you will find up and down 5th Avenue. They are easily spotted by their large signs advertising their exchange rates. But they can vary widely in rates, so walk a few blocks before you commit to one - the larger the number the better for you. You won't get quite as good a rate as the banks or ATMs, but they are awfully convenient and can be a good option for small amounts. Many places in the tourist areas also accept credit cards. The bank exchange rate on these is quite good, but some credit cards assess international fees, so know your card first. And always have a few hundred pesos or other cash on hand just in case.
Can I use my credit card safely?
If you plan to use credit cards, or even if you don't, I recommend calling the credit companies and tell them you will be traveling out of the country. We rarely use credit cards while there, but it is nice to have the option. We think it is safer to use cash, especially for restaurants where your card leaves your sight. But we have used cards at Wal-mart and other larger stores with no problems as long as we have called ahead. Tour operators and many of the theme parks will prefer a credit card for payment. But we have been declined when we forget to call. Best to have the option available, especially in the event of an emergency.
How can I keep in touch back home?
We provide a Magic Jack phone for you to use to call the U.S. or Canada for free, as long as there is a good internet connection. There is free wifi in the condo. Instructions for accessing it are in the guidebook in the condo, or you can call Moskito and they will help you if you have any problems. You can also email home or use Skype (or another internet phone provider) to call home. There are also internet cafes everywhere for a quick email or call through Skype. Most internet cafes are quick and inexpensive and the locals use these quite a bit.
There is also a landline phone at the condo for you to call Moskito if you have a problem, or need to arrange a tour. The number for Moskito is by the phone. Phone plans in Mexico do not include unlimited local calling, and long distance is extremely expensive, so please use this phone sparingly.
You may also give family Moskito’s (our property managers) Miami telephone number in case there is an emergency and they need to reach you. That number is (305) 395-4296.
Will I get sick?
We recommend using common sense when selecting restaurants, and drink and make coffee with the bottled water in the condo, and you should avoid any trouble with your tummy. But, because new foods often cause indigestion anyway, we always travel with ImmodiumAD, which is what we have found to work fine for us. You can also get this, as well as any other medicines that you are used to at any pharmacy. There are countless pharmacies up and down 5th Avenue. You can also purchase some prescription drugs in Mexico if you feel that you need something stronger. Pharmacists have more authority in Mexico and many are prepared to offer “light” medical help for minor illnesses, just ask for their help. We have been told to ask for “Treda” if we have tummy trouble in Mexico, but don’t have experience with this as we’ve not had this problem. And we eat from the food carts on the street all the time. We use the guideline that if lots of locals are eating here, then it must be safe.
We have also, unfortunately, had the experience of coming down with a bad bug while on vacation in Playa, and Mark has needed a tetanus shot while there. We have come to rely on Dr. Bernardo Diaz for medical care when in Playa. His info, as well as some information for others, are located in the binder in the condo. Just in case. Or you can check out his website here.
What if I lose my immigration form?
(The immigration form is the little piece of paper immigration puts in your passport at the airport). Don’t lose it! You must surrender this before getting on a plane. If you lose it, you will be charged for a new one, and it will slow you down at the airport so plan extra time for your departure. If you must replace it, look for the immigration office near your check in area before getting in line.
What else do I need to know?
There has been a lot of press lately about the need for visitors to keep their passports and tourist card (you will get this when you enter the country) with you at all times in order to prove that you are in the country legally. Although we have never encountered this, we have heard that sometimes tourists may be asked to provide this documentation. But we are very hesitant to carry our passports around with us. So we choose to follow the advice of others and have a photo of our passports on our phone, and take a picture of the tourist card with our phones as well. We keep the originals in the safe in the condo.
I have more questions!
We love answering questions from our guests. Please don't hesitate to email us with any questions so that we can be sure that your vacation in Playa del Carmen is everything you want and more!