Smart Cancun Travel Tips (Save Time, Money & Stress)
Quick, practical advice for first-timers and repeat visitors—when to go, seaweed season, money, transport, safety, packing, entry rules, and a currency toggle for prices.
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Best Time to Visit
Cancun is warm year-round. Dry season is Dec–Apr; wetter and hotter Jun–Sep. Prices & crowds spike at holidays and spring break.
- Best overall: Jan–Apr (dry, sunny, comfy water).
- Best value: Sep–Oct (lowest prices, humid; monitor storms).
- Least seaweed: Dec–Mar (varies by year; see seaweed section).
Tip: Book peak months 6–12 weeks out; shoulder months can be last-minute steals.
Seaweed (Sargassum): What to Expect
Sargassum can wash up on Caribbean beaches, typically peaking May–Aug. Resorts clean daily, but amounts change with wind & currents.
- Favor months Dec–Mar for historically lower seaweed.
- Choose sheltered/north-facing beaches (Isla Mujeres—Playa Norte, parts of Puerto Morelos).
- Swim mornings: beaches are freshly cleaned and winds are calmer.
If seaweed is heavy, pivot to cenotes, Isla Mujeres, or lagoon tours where water is usually clear.
↑ Back to topWhere to Stay
Quick feel for the main areas of Cancun & nearby:
Beachfront resorts, nightlife, shopping, turquoise water. Most first-timers stay here.
Cheaper hotels, local food, ADO bus hub (day trips). Short bus ride to beaches.
Isla Mujeres (laid-back, Playa Norte), Puerto Morelos (quiet reef town), Playa del Carmen (walkable & ferries).
Money, ATMs & Tipping
- Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN). Cards widely accepted; carry small cash for taxis, tips, mercados.
- ATMs: Use bank ATMs (BBVA, Santander, HSBC). Avoid Euronet/standalone high-fee machines.
- Exchange: Paying in USD gets a poor rate—pay in MXN where possible.
- Restaurants: 10–15% (20% for great service).
- Bar: 10–20 MXN per drink or 10–15% tab.
- Housekeeping: 40–80 MXN/night (leave daily).
- Porters: 30–50 MXN per bag.
- Taxis: round up / small tip for help.
Getting Around
- R1/R2 buses run Hotel Zone ↔ Downtown (pay driver, exact change).
- ADO buses for day trips (Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Chichén Itzá).
- Taxis: agree the fare before riding (not metered). Hotel bell staff can estimate fair prices.
- Shuttles/Transfers: book ahead for airport; easiest with luggage.
Driving? Roads are straightforward along Highway 307; watch for topes (speed bumps) and always purchase full insurance.
↑ Back to topSafety & Beach Flags
- Use hotel safes; carry only what you need.
- Stick to licensed tours; check recent reviews.
- At night: use hotel taxis/rides, stay on lit streets.
- Water: drink bottled/filtered; street-stall ice can vary.
Emergency numbers: 911 (general), 065 (Red Cross).
Packing Cheatsheet
- Light layers, swimsuit, reef-safe sunscreen (non-aerosol).
- Water shoes for cenotes; quick-dry towel.
- Hat, sunglasses, reusable bottle, small daypack.
- Adapters: Mexico uses US-type plugs (Type A/B, 110V).
- Basic meds: motion sickness, stomach aid, antihistamine.
Entry & Health
- Passport: must be valid during stay; some nationalities need a visa/eTA—check official guidance before travel.
- FMM/Tourist Card: Many airports now record entry electronically—keep a photo of your entry stamp.
- Insurance: Strongly recommended (medical + cancellations).
- Drink bottled/filtered water.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen (required at many parks).
- Motion-sick? Pack meds for ferries & boat tours.
Typical Costs toggle currency
~$0.75 USD
$11.00 USD pp
$45.00 USD min spend
$10.00 USD
$7.50 USD one way
$22.00 USD pp
Prices are ballpark for planning. Toggle converts using the temporary rates in the code.
↑ Back to topQuick Facts & Essentials
- Language: Spanish. English is common in tourism areas.
- Greetings: “Hola”, “Buenos días/tardes/noches”. Polite forms are appreciated.
- Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN). Pay in MXN for best value.
- Drinking age: 18+ (ID may be requested).
- Courtesy: Ask before photographs; modest attire in towns/churches; tip in pesos when possible.
- Visa options: Many nationals enter visa-free as tourists (length varies by officer). Always check your country’s official guidance before travel.
- Car rentals: Credit card hold required; buy full insurance at the counter; inspect & photo the car.
- Charger type: Type A/B (same as US/Canada), 110V.
- Time zone: Quintana Roo = UTC-5 (no daylight saving). Often one hour ahead of CDMX in summer.
- Tip: Restaurants 10–15% (20% excellent), small cash tips for porters/housekeeping/tours.