Banks: 09.30 to 16.00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 09.00 to 16.00, Monday to Friday
Government Offices: 09.00 to 12.00 and 14.00 to 18.00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09.00 to 12.00 and 14.00 to 18.00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 10.00 to 22.00, daily

There isn’t much crime in the Riviera Maya, but its reputation as a hot tourist destination naturally creates a small scene of petty theft. Visitors rarely report problems when walking around the small towns late at night though if you venture into Cancun you may want to exercise more caution. Car break-ins are a big problem around here. If you rent a car, don’t leave any valuables in it and buy the insurance add-on. Also, keep an eye on your stuff at the beach. It’s a favourite haunt for bag snatchers.

Police: 060

120V, 60Hz plugs typically use flat two-prong blades.

The jokes about the water in Mexico are true so don’t even think of drinking anything but bottled water. It’s suggested you even use bottled water for brushing your teeth. Ice should only be considered if you’re at an upscale place that can look you in the eye and confirm they use distilled water to make their ice. Food is another issue to watch out for in Mexico. There are no national hygiene standards so when you grab a snack at a roadside vendor make sure it’s well-cooked. Anything not cooked always presents a risk of traveller’s stomach in Mexico.

The sun should be taken seriously in the Riviera Maya. It is stronger than it looks so use plenty of sunscreen and wear a hat when out for the day. Cancun has some decent medical facilities if you get seriously ill or have a medical emergency. Minor problems can be handled at the local pharmacy in even the smallest town.

Emergency services: 060
Ameri-Med Hospital: +52 998 848 4911

Spanish is the language spoken throughout Mexico so it pays to brush up on a few basic phrases to make your trip more enjoyable. English, and a few other languages, are understood by most people who work in the tourism industry, but don’t expect much English outside of the resorts.

Mexico’s official currency is the Mexican peso (M$), but American dollars are widely accepted along the Riviera Maya. One Mexican peso has 100 centavos. Banknotes come in denominations of M$1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 20. Coins come in denominations of M$100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1, as well as 50, 20, 10 and 5 centavos. It can be very difficult to change a M$1,000 note, so carry smaller notes if possible.

Anyone over the age of 18 can bring 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars or one kilogram of tobacco, three litres of spirits, wine or beer, and a personal amount of perfume without incurring a duty tax. It is illegal to take any archaeological items out of Mexico.

The attitude along the Riviera Maya is even more relaxed than the rest of Mexico due to its focus on tourism and relatively large population of foreigners who live in the area. The quintessential concept of machismo, however, does exist in the Riviera Maya as in the rest of Mexico. Be prepared for obtuse manly behaviour from some local males, especially the younger ones. Catcalls and flowery compliments to women should not be taken as harassment. It’s just that charming Mexican machismo on display. Also keep in mind that being 30 minutes late for everything is the norm in Mexico.

Citizens of most developed countries from North American, Europe, the UK and Asia can enter Mexico without a prearranged visa. You need only have a passport and fill out an immigration form at the airport or border when you arrive. Travellers from smaller nations will need to go to their nearest Mexican consulate and request a visa.

The State Tourism Office has a branch in Cancun at the Cancun Centre in the Hotel Zone. There is also a Cancun Municipal Tourism Office downtown on Avenida Coba at Avenida Tulum. It’s open from 09.00 to 19.00 Monday to Friday and has some fairly useful regional information.

Cancún Municipal Tourism Office
Avenida Cobá at Avenida Tulum
Phone: +52 998 8873379; www.cancun.info