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 purified, bottle water in the condo upon arrival and more is available to you from our property managers [NASPlaya], when you need it. Use this bottled water for making ice and coffee, but it is perfectly safe to brush your teeth or wash your dishes with the 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. The closest supermarket is Chedraui (located on the highway, right past the airport) which is very walkable. There are directions to them in the condo in the notebook we have prepared for our guests. Be sure to bring some of the tote bags (we have plenty of them in our utility room) with you to the stores, as the grocery stores do not supplu plastic bags. We also have a few rolling carts available (for heavier items) to bring back groceries with. Depending on what we are buying, and how we feel, sometimes we just elect to hire a taxi back to the condo. If you find yourself at the store, and forgot to bring tote bags, they do sell their own version of tote bags for 10-20 pesos ea. There is also a Sam’s Club within walking distance, so bring your membership card with you, if you are aready 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 liquors/beers and wine also. We like to buy ingredients to make nachos, guacamole, pico de gallo or buy 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, Our property manager (NASPlaya) can arrange to have groceries delivered and available for you on your day of arrival. Please reach out to the concierge via their WhatsApp (+52 984 157 7568). Walmart also has a delivery service available.
Do I need an adapter for the electrical outlets in Mexico?
The electrical plugs in Mexico are the same as in the United States and Canada.
What airport do I fly into?
Most people fly into the Cancun airport (CUN). It is less than an hour ride into Playa del Carmen (depending if you hit traffic or not). See our Transportation tab for info on getting to and from the airport. Occasionally you can find a better rate (or better times) by flying into Cozumel (CZM) airport. Just keep in mind that you will need to take the ferry from Cozumel Island to Playa del Carmen, which runs about $15-$20 USD per person. As of 2024 there is a new airport in the Riviera Maya in Tulum (TQO). American Airlines have just begun service to this airport. Please note that the distance is about 30 minutes further from Playa del Carmen from TQO, and currently transportation is limited and very expensive. This airport does not seem to be a great option at this point (June 2024). 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 walk through the Custom's hallway towards the exit doors. There is no longer the "red light/green light" system everyone has to go through. You just walk through Customs and there are security personnel (and drug sniffing dogs) you will pass and they are randomly pulling people to bag checking stations and there they will open your luggage and search your bags. 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. Be friendly to them, and you will find the friendliness returned. We usually get checked about 60-80% of the time we walk through there. It's really not a big deal, it just takes a bit more time to get started on your vacation. Dont look the security guards directly in the eyes, and you may be able to walk past them all without a search.
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 6 or 8 drops, and soak everything – lettuce, apples, onions, jalapenos, tomatoes, etc. etc., for about 10-15 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 three or four 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, however, you will pay a lot more as most places offer a horrible exchange rate when paying with US Dollars. So we always recommend that you only 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 or a bank.
Banks offer the best exchange rate, followed closely by the ATMs, however, new laws now require a passport to exchange your $USD to pesos. Our favorite bank to walk inside and exchange dollars (and to also use their ATM) is called Ci-Banco and is located right outside the main 10th Ave Playacar guardgate before walking into town. We normally use their ATM and they also have several other locations around town, including one at the ADO Bus Station on 5th Ave.
ATM's work the same way in Mexico as they do in the States and Canada, 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 2024: 500 pesos = 30 USD: 1000 pesos = $60 USD; $5000 pesos = $300 USD, so do your calculations before going up to the ATM and know how much you want to withdraw. Their fee is also stated in pesos, so don’t freak out when you see a $60 or $70 fee, as this is really $4 or $5 USD. For the lowest fees, and safest ATMs, use only those attached to a bank, and not the ATMs located within stores or out on the streets, etc. If you dont use Ci-Banco, there are quite a few "in bank" ATM's on Ave Juarez near the condo, and all along 10th Avenue (near Calle 8 and further down near Constituyentes. Be sure and let your bank know about your trip before you leave to Mexico so they dont restrict access to your account!
Just like at home, thieves will sometimes target an ATM and place tiny cameras, skimmers 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 and 10th 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. Be aware that most cambios and banks will not accept dollars that are torn or written on, so be sure your dollars are in good shape before trying to exchange them. 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. Some stores and restaurants will charge a 3.5 to 5% transaction fee for processing a CC, so just be aware. Best to have the options available, especially in the event of an emergency.
How can I keep in touch back home?
There is wifi in our condo. Instructions for accessing it are in the guidebook in the condo, or you can call our property manager, NASPlaya, and they will help you if you have any problems. You can also email home or use FaceTime (or another internet phone provider) to call home. There are also numerous internet cafes everywhere for a quick email or call. Most internet cafes are quick and inexpensive and the locals use these quite a bit.
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 else do I need to know?
There has been a lot of press lately about the need for visitors to keep their passports 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. 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 purified, bottle water in the condo upon arrival and more is available to you from our property managers [NASPlaya], when you need it. Use this bottled water for making ice and coffee, but it is perfectly safe to brush your teeth or wash your dishes with the 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. The closest supermarket is Chedraui (located on the highway, right past the airport) which is very walkable. There are directions to them in the condo in the notebook we have prepared for our guests. Be sure to bring some of the tote bags (we have plenty of them in our utility room) with you to the stores, as the grocery stores do not supplu plastic bags. We also have a few rolling carts available (for heavier items) to bring back groceries with. Depending on what we are buying, and how we feel, sometimes we just elect to hire a taxi back to the condo. If you find yourself at the store, and forgot to bring tote bags, they do sell their own version of tote bags for 10-20 pesos ea. There is also a Sam’s Club within walking distance, so bring your membership card with you, if you are aready 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 liquors/beers and wine also. We like to buy ingredients to make nachos, guacamole, pico de gallo or buy 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, Our property manager (NASPlaya) can arrange to have groceries delivered and available for you on your day of arrival. Please reach out to the concierge via their WhatsApp (+52 984 157 7568). Walmart also has a delivery service available.
Do I need an adapter for the electrical outlets in Mexico?
The electrical plugs in Mexico are the same as in the United States and Canada.
What airport do I fly into?
Most people fly into the Cancun airport (CUN). It is less than an hour ride into Playa del Carmen (depending if you hit traffic or not). See our Transportation tab for info on getting to and from the airport. Occasionally you can find a better rate (or better times) by flying into Cozumel (CZM) airport. Just keep in mind that you will need to take the ferry from Cozumel Island to Playa del Carmen, which runs about $15-$20 USD per person. As of 2024 there is a new airport in the Riviera Maya in Tulum (TQO). American Airlines have just begun service to this airport. Please note that the distance is about 30 minutes further from Playa del Carmen from TQO, and currently transportation is limited and very expensive. This airport does not seem to be a great option at this point (June 2024). 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 walk through the Custom's hallway towards the exit doors. There is no longer the "red light/green light" system everyone has to go through. You just walk through Customs and there are security personnel (and drug sniffing dogs) you will pass and they are randomly pulling people to bag checking stations and there they will open your luggage and search your bags. 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. Be friendly to them, and you will find the friendliness returned. We usually get checked about 60-80% of the time we walk through there. It's really not a big deal, it just takes a bit more time to get started on your vacation. Dont look the security guards directly in the eyes, and you may be able to walk past them all without a search.
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 6 or 8 drops, and soak everything – lettuce, apples, onions, jalapenos, tomatoes, etc. etc., for about 10-15 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 three or four 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, however, you will pay a lot more as most places offer a horrible exchange rate when paying with US Dollars. So we always recommend that you only 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 or a bank.
Banks offer the best exchange rate, followed closely by the ATMs, however, new laws now require a passport to exchange your $USD to pesos. Our favorite bank to walk inside and exchange dollars (and to also use their ATM) is called Ci-Banco and is located right outside the main 10th Ave Playacar guardgate before walking into town. We normally use their ATM and they also have several other locations around town, including one at the ADO Bus Station on 5th Ave.
ATM's work the same way in Mexico as they do in the States and Canada, 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 2024: 500 pesos = 30 USD: 1000 pesos = $60 USD; $5000 pesos = $300 USD, so do your calculations before going up to the ATM and know how much you want to withdraw. Their fee is also stated in pesos, so don’t freak out when you see a $60 or $70 fee, as this is really $4 or $5 USD. For the lowest fees, and safest ATMs, use only those attached to a bank, and not the ATMs located within stores or out on the streets, etc. If you dont use Ci-Banco, there are quite a few "in bank" ATM's on Ave Juarez near the condo, and all along 10th Avenue (near Calle 8 and further down near Constituyentes. Be sure and let your bank know about your trip before you leave to Mexico so they dont restrict access to your account!
Just like at home, thieves will sometimes target an ATM and place tiny cameras, skimmers 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 and 10th 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. Be aware that most cambios and banks will not accept dollars that are torn or written on, so be sure your dollars are in good shape before trying to exchange them. 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. Some stores and restaurants will charge a 3.5 to 5% transaction fee for processing a CC, so just be aware. Best to have the options available, especially in the event of an emergency.
How can I keep in touch back home?
There is wifi in our condo. Instructions for accessing it are in the guidebook in the condo, or you can call our property manager, NASPlaya, and they will help you if you have any problems. You can also email home or use FaceTime (or another internet phone provider) to call home. There are also numerous internet cafes everywhere for a quick email or call. Most internet cafes are quick and inexpensive and the locals use these quite a bit.
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 else do I need to know?
There has been a lot of press lately about the need for visitors to keep their passports 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. 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!
