Tips and FAQ

Below are a few links and tips that we have found useful while on or planning your vacation

Mexico has long had a reputation for making people sick and episodes of 'Montezuma's Revenge'.  While everybody has their own story, we've found that things are many times better than they used to be and it is very easy to stay healthy by simply following a few simple steps:

1. Playa restaurants and especially 'Tourist' restaurants have a very high standard of cleanliness, but most people still avoid drinking unpurified water and this includes the ice in your glass.  Salad, fruits and vegetables from unclean or un-reputable sources are avoided and never eat from a street vendor.
2. We have found that taking an acidopholous supplement or yoghurt before and during the trip will build up your immune system and allow you to easily adapt to the new bacteria's that you may get exposed to away from your normal diet. I feel this has made it possible for me to be a little adventurous in trying places that are 'off the beaten tourist path'
3. One of the benefits of staying in a condo, is you can control your own diet and the cleanliness of your food. Purified water is always available in the kitchen and you can drive or take a cab the short distance to the super market or the new Sam's Club.  Just remember to clean the food and cook using the purified water.
4. Also, use the purified water to fill the ice trays and brush your teeth.

I have followed these simple rules and during my last 20 visits, have not gotten sick once.

Other things to keep in mind:

1. The Carribbean sun is very strong, even on the rare overcast days. You can get severly sunburn in a very short time.  Always use sunscreen.
2. If you are visiting inland areas such as Mayan ruins, cenotes and jungle tours...use a DEET based insect repelent.  There are mosquitoes in the jungle.

There is a new Sam's Club in Playa but nearby the Condo is the Chedraui Supermarket that will carry most everything you need to stock the condo with the food and beverages of your choice. Plus, the experience of shopping for food in a foreign country is always a fun and interesting experience. At the entrance to PlayaCar phase 1, there are always taxi cabs next to and accross from the Plaza Playacar shopping center.  Or use the Concierge service to stock the condo for you.

Chedraui Supermarket - Grocery Store in Playa del Carmen  This is biggest and best supermarket south of Cancun. They have a large selection of import and national food items, fresh veggies, a bakery, household items, clothing, etc. Essentially US style shopping. ------ When coming south from the airport, as you approach Playa del Carmen you will go through two sets of traffic lights. As you go through the second set, you will see a big shopping plaza on your left, it is orange. Keep going south and you will come to a "Returno" which will allow you to U turn and go north. Take the U Turn and stay in the far right lane, and you can enter the plaza from there. Location: on the main coastal highway from Cancun, just south of Av. Juárez, the main entrance to PDC   Accepts credit cards   Open 7:00 am - 10:00 pm, daily.

Doctor--Dr. E. Medina Peniche (tel. 984/873-0134) speaks English and can be reached around the clock.

Internet Access--The speediest connections are at the Atomic Internet Café, Calle 8 between avenidas 5 and 10. It's open Monday to Saturday 9am to 11pm. But there are so many Internet cafes that you won't have to walk 2 blocks out of your way to find one.

Money Exchange--Playa has several banks with automatic teller machines, and several money-exchange houses. Many are close to the pier or along Avenida 5 at Calle 8. Banks tend to have the best exchange rate but have limited hours. The worst exchange rates tend to be at the airport. Most places do not charge commision but beware if you see an exchange rate that is higher than otehr places. ATM machines, which are everywhere these days, dispense in Pesos and the exchange rates are usually very favorable.

Parking--In front of Xaman-HA condo is a parking space reserved for our condo.  It is marked 7212. I have found that, since is is a very good spot, this is often used by other visitors.  You can park in another spot or contact the Xaman-Ha office to try to sort this out. Because of Playa's pedestrian-only blocks and increasing population and popularity, parking close to hotels has become more difficult. The most accessible parking lot is the Estacionamiento Mexico, at Avenida Juárez and Avenida 10. It's open daily 24 hours and charges $1.25 per hour, $8 per day. There's also a 24-hour lot a block from the pier, where you can leave your car while you visit Cozumel.

Pharmacy--The Farmacia del Carmen, Avenida Juárez between avenidas 5 and 10 (tel. 984/873-2330), states on its sign that it's open 24 hours, but sometimes closes at midnight. Besides this there are dozens of other pharmacies throughout the town.

Post Office--The post office is on Avenida Juárez 3 blocks from the plaza, on the right past the Hotel Playa del Carmen and the launderette.

Seasons--High season is August and December to Easter. Low season is all other months.

Click on the questions below or scroll down the page for answers

• It's our first time to the area. What should we take?
• Where can I research services and activities in the area?
• What is the best airport to fly into?
• What is the Ferry Schedule to Cozumel?
• Is there transportation from the Cancun Airport to Playa del Carmen
• How is driving in Mexico?
• Directions to Sam's Club & Wal-Mart in Cancun for Shopping.
• What dive facilities are there? Are there dive facilities in Tankah or Xcalak?
• Can I go cavern diving?
• Is there any snorkeling in the area?
• What ruins are in the area and how far away are they?
• Can I drink the water in our rental? At the restaurants?
• How much should I tip at a restaurant? How much should I tip the maid staff at the condo?
• Is it safe to eat vegetables?
• Where to buy great seafood.
• How is the weather?
• How do I get to Cozumel?
• Is there any grocery shopping in the area?
• Are there any medical facilities?
• Christmas and New Years Rentals?
• Are there requirements for minors traveling with only one parent?
• What about crime in Mexico?

Ferry Schedule

Is there transportation from the Cancun Airport to the Playa del Carmen
You can hire a taxi, a chauffeured van, take a bus or rent a car in the Cancun airport to get to Playa Del Carmen.  For more information.

How is driving in Mexico?
There is a four lane highway from Cancun to Xcaret and then it narrows to a two lane highway that continues south to the pueblo of Tulum. Tulum is the southern end of the Riviera Maya tourist zone. The old two lane highway continues south of Tulum toward Chetumal. This section is comparable to a secondary county road. Just south of the town of Limones is the turn to Mahahual and Xcalak. If you continue straight toward Bacalar and Chetumal the highway widens again to four lanes.
A bit of advice driving: When making any turn in Mexico ALWAYS look in front and behind to make sure traffic is clear before you make your turn. Do not stop in the middle of the road.
Beware when turning left from the highway! Only if there is a special lane provided for you should you do as you normally would. These left turn lanes are marked by reflectors in the road. Regardless whether there is a lane or not, it is absolutely critical to look in front and behind to make sure traffic is clear. When making a left turn from the highway in areas where a dedicated lane is not provided pull off the road to your right, put your left blinker or emergency flashers on and wait for all traffic to clear in both directions. With no one else in either direction make your left turn. ------ BEWARE on your drive south from the airport..... At Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen there are cement medians that divide the highway. These are marked by reflectors in the road. Please be careful not to hit them.

Directions to Sams Club and Walmart.
 

There is a new Sam's Club in Playa on 307 just south of the main entrance to PDC.

Some people prefer stocking up in Cancun:

From the airport, leave the airport and you will come for the turn south towards Tulum, continue straight, over the overpass and there is a ramp on the right. Take the ramp so you are now heading north. The highway will take you into Cancun. As you enter the main part of the city you will see a mall, Plaza del las Americas on your right. After the mall watch for signs for Sayil street, a left turn. A VW dealer will be on your right. Turn left on to Sayil. Stay on this side street. You will come to a small rotary/cirle. Watch for traffic, go straight across the circle. Tel Mex will be on the right. Sam's is on the left. There is a U turn as you approach the light, pull a U turn and then you can pull into Sam's. Walmart is in the same plaza. Sam's Club: Membership is required, bring your membership card or your passport.

What dive facilities are there? And in Tankah? Xcalak?
There are many dive facilities in the area. Playa del Carmen has an extensive list. In Akumal, there is the Akumal Dive Shop and the Akumal Dive Center. In Xpu-Ha is Xpu-Ha Divers. In Aventuras Akumal there is Aquatech.

Can I go cavern diving?
Any certified open water diver can experience cavern diving with a qualified guide. Cavern Diving takes place inland. A boat is not used. You drive into the jungle and dive in "cenotes", fresh water sinkholes. The water is very clear with almost unlimited visibility. Each dive site has its own personality some with stalactites and stalagmites. This is a very special and beautiful environment. Many dive facilities in the area now have qualified guides for cavern tours. If you go and find you enjoy cavern diving it is encouraged that you take a 2-day cavern diving course. For your information, your guide should be dressed in full cave diving equipment including: double tanks, reels and a large primary light. Don't be afraid to ask for credentials. Cavern diving has inherent hazards. Do not just dive with anyone who offers to take you.

Is there any snorkeling in the area?
For snorkeling you can go right out from the condo, go to Cozumel or visit one of the other locations along the Riviera Maya. In Akumal there is Yal-Ku Lagoon. It is 50 pesos to get in. It is a nice place to snorkel without huge crowds. Parking and bathrooms are on site. From the center of town, it is about 1 mile. There is also snorkeling off the main beach in Akumal Bay and some in Half Moon Bay but wear something on your feet. Most dive facilities rent snorkel equipment. Xel-ha is 10 minutes south of Akumal. A friend recently said that Xel-Ha is wonderful early in the morning before the tour buses arrive. Full facilities for refreshments, bathrooms and changing rooms. Elsewhere along the coast there's snorkeling in most of the protected bays fronting various beach side communities and resorts. Jade Bay, Soliman Bay and Tankah Bay are examples, but keep in mind there are no lifeguards and rip currents can be expected, especially by the channel cuts in the reef on windy days. To be safer snorkel with a buddy, wear a small snorkeling floation vest or a small lifejacket.

What ruins are in the area and how far away are they?
The Xamasn-Ha ruins are right accross from the Condo. There are literially hundreds of Mayan Archilogical sites around the Yucatan.  My favorite are the sites of Chichen Itza and Uxmal. Planaque is also incredible but it is not close enough to do on a day trip. The ruins of Tulum are about 40 minutes from Playa and 20 minutes south of Akumal. The ruins do not have many large trees, so it is best to visit the ruins in the morning or late afternoon and avoid the heat of the day.

Can I drink the water in our rental? At the restaurants?
For the condo, bottled water is provided. Some facilities have their own purification systems and you can drink the tap water. In the area restaurants, purified ice and water is used. If you are off the beaten path, use your best judgment.

How much should I tip at a restaurant? How much should I tip the maid staff at the condo?
Usually 15%, 20% if you had good service and food. Not less than 10% if you were satisfied. For the condo some people recommend  5% of the rental fee for the week if the staff was attentive but it is up to you,

Is it safe to eat vegetables?
Vegetable can be eaten here. If you are buying fresh fruits and vegetables it is best to soak the produce in purified water and add one or two drops of Microdyne (available at most mexican grocery stores) or similar disinfectant, as per the product's instructions. Vegetables are best eaten cooked opposed to raw.

Where to buy great seafood, Playa Del Carmen
Directions to Oceana, From the highway: turn left on to the main street for Playa. You will see Pemex on the left after the turn. Go to the first and only traffic light and turn left. Stay straight you will pass a shopping center with San Fransico de Assisi grocery store on the right. Go to the next major intersection, there is a rotary or circle. Go through the circle. Great veggie market on the right. Stay straight to the next rotary there is a new brick building on the left. Turn left. There is a vacant lot on the first block. Oceana is on this street on the opposite side of the street, in the second block. There is a funeral home just before it. The jumbo shrimp are wonderful with a great price per kilo.

How is the weather?
We do not have frequent weather reports like the US. We usually stick our heads our the window in the morning and check it out. The winters are sunny and mild. It starts getting warmer in March. There are some spring rains, but not what would be referred to as a "rainy season". June can be rainy. July - August are usually hot and humid. Traditionally September and October have the highest risk of hurricanes. (officially the Caribbean storm season is June-October). The last hurricane was in 1995, the one before that 1988. We hope we are not due another for a few years. This is a great time to visit because rentals offer great prices and there are not a lot of tourists. If you are worried about weather excellent travel insurance is available on the Internet to protect your vacation investment. November begins the winter season with milder temperatures and lower humidity. Always handy to pack a rain coat, sweatshirt or light jacket. For the current weather and lots of weather archive info click here.

How do I get to Cozumel?
You can get to Cozumel by ferry or plane. Both originate in Playa Del Carmen. The ferry is about 50 pesos one way. Ferry Schedules. For the flights, you will need to check times and prices at the Playa Del Carmen local airport. Flights are also available to Chichen Itza.

Is there any grocery shopping in the area?
There is a variety of stores in Playa Del Carmen from a grocery store like the ones in the US, to veggie markets, seafood shops, etc. Just remember if you buy the same things you buy at home, things might seem expensive for Mexico but if you buy the same food the natives eat, you can eat very inexpensive.

Are there any medical facilities?
Playa Del Carmen has several medical "clinics", small hospitals and a hyperbaric facility. Major hospitals are located in Cancun and Cancun has at least one other hyperbaric facility.

Christmas and New Years Rentals?
The Holiday Season is the busiest time of year in Playa and everywhere on the Riviera Maya. It is best to make reservations 6 to 12 months in advance. A

Are there requirements for minors traveling with only one parent here?
 

Be prepared for Immigration!
To the left is a copy of the Mexican immigration form typically handed out on jetliners due to land in Cancun and Cozumel, Mexico as of July, 2000. Essentially, you should have the following documentation:

A valid passport or a birth certificate with an official state seal (official document only). A valid photo I.D. if you don't have a drivers license. All drivers will need a drivers license.

Protect yourself and your child from disappointment!
A child departing the US and traveling with only one parent, a guardian, or even grandparents or other relatives, must have written and notarized permission from both birth parents or legal guardians to enter many countries. Read more about these stringent new laws below.

The US Immigration & Naturalization Service has begun cracking down on single adults departing the United States with children, at the request of international border officials trying to halt the transport of runaways and children involved in child-custody disputes.

Mexican law requires that if only one parent (or grandparent, or other guardian) is accompanying a minor under 18 into Mexico, they must bear a notarized letter from the child’s other parent (or guardian) granting permission to enter Mexico with the child, including the dates of travel, the accompanying adult’s name, contact information, and a notarized signature.

A consular officer at the U.S. Department of State's Office of Children's Issues verified the facts required by most countries from a 'permission to travel' letter, and reiterated that a parent's notarized signature and identification for the child (birth certificate or passport) were both essential.

A spokesperson at American Airlines said that the INS had only recently begun enforcing this rule through the airlines. Although travel agents have been charged with notifying clients that airlines will require this letter at the airport -- before issuing boarding passes -- it can slip between the cracks.

Adults traveling with children should be aware of this regulation, and arrive prepared. Call the nearest embassy of the country you will be visiting for up-to-date requirements. Divorced parents should be sure to carry notarized custody papers, as well as identification for themselves and the child.

What about crime in Mexico?
For the most part, Quintana Roo has a lower incidence of crime than any major city in the US. Even with a predominately impoverished population, violent crime and armed robbery are virtually non-existent. The strength of the family unit coupled with Mexico's generally Christian ethics ward off tendencies toward crime, but tourists should be aware of petty thievery and crimes of opportunity. The inclination to disregard common sense and leave everything wide open because you are in "paradise" can lead to petty thievery. So, lock up your accommodation when you leave it. To be safer, lock up areas of the accommodation that are not in use even when you are there, so you don't forget. ILeave expensive jewelry at home. Don't leave expensive cameras and computers lying around in plain sight unattended. When taking day trips to beaches and points of interest, take what you need with you and don't leave expensive items in the vehicle in full view. Don't think things locked in the trunk are safe. Generally, take what you need on vacation and leave the rest at home. When going to any foreign country check with your insurance agent before your trip about coverage for losses while on vacation.

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