Useful Information

Public Holidays in Cancun and Riviera Maya, Mexico - 2009

Month	Day	Public Holidays
January	1	New Years Day
February	2	Constitution Day (February 5, 1917 and 1824). (First Monday of February)
Mars	16	Benito Juárez Birthday (March 21, 1806). Third Monday of March (from 2007)
April	9	Holy Thursday (Catholic holiday). Between March 22 and April 25
April	10	Holy Friday (Catholic holiday, Jesus crucifixion )
Mayo	1	Labour Day (May 01, 1886) - Chicago Strike
Mayo	5	Battle of Puebla
September	16	Independence Day (September 16, 1810)
November	1	Day of the Dead (Prehispanic Holiday)
November	16	Mexican Revolution (November 20, 1910). Third Monday of November
December	12	Virgin of Guadalupe Day
December	25	Nativity of Jesus Christ

Health

Health issues are important when planning a vacation to another country. Rest assured that Cancun has several hospitals, most of them recently updated, with a staff of excellent doctors and specialists and equipped with the most modern technological equipment.

Tap Water

It is not recommended to drink tap water in Mexico. Large resorts and hotels along the Caribbean and Pacific Coast resort areas have purified water in their restaurants and in the rooms. Most resorts also have their own water purification systems. Many people who drink tap water at their hotel have no problems, but it is best to play it safe and drink bottled water. Ice at resorts and hotels is normally purchased from bottled water companies, so go ahead and have that margarita with no worries. Most restaurants throughout the country also use bottled water for cooking and ice. In many restaurants in Mexico, you will see hand washing stations. Use them, as it is a Mexican custom to wash your hands before a meal. Mexican water isn't dirty or polluted, it's just that your stomach is not used to the water in Mexico. Mexicans who travel suffer from the same symptoms when in the United States.

Main Voltage

In Cancun and the Mayan Riviera the voltage is 110 W. This is standard throughout Mexico.

Tipping

Although not mandatory it is recommended to tip 10% for service in hotels and restaurants in Cancun. Even in 'All Inclusive Hotels' most guests give cash tips to maids and waiters if they are happy with the service provided.

Clothes to Pack When Travelling to Cancun

Cancun and Playa del Carmen enjoy warm weather all year round so you need only take summer clothes. Useful things that you must not forget are: shorts, cotton t-shirts, sandals or sneakers, a hat or cap, sunglasses and of course, your bathing suit. If you do forget something, there are plenty of shops to buy anything you want. Cancun and Playa del Carmen are tourist destinations and tourists are well catered for by local malls, boutiques and supermarkets. Shopping hours are generally between 10 am and 10 pm. Some shops, such as Wall-Mart, are open 24 hours and most shops also open Sunday, with small boutiques closing at 2pm.

The atmosphere in Cancun is very relaxed so don't forget to pack casual clothes (jeans and casual shirts for men and skirts and blouses for women). Bear in mind that unlike large cities, you don't have to 'dress up' and tie and jacket are not required to be admitted at the exclusive restaurants of Cancun.

Telephone and Internet Services

There are numerous public telephone booths in Cancun and Playa del Carmen from where it's very easy to call abroad using prepaid cards. Prepaid telephone cards can be purchased at supermarkets, drugstores, and shops in general. There are also public clusters of booths where you can make international calls and pay in cash. The rates are usually not that high. While it may be more private and convenient to use your hotel room telephone, the cost of calls are more expensive.

There are also several cybercafes in Cancun and Playa del Carmen where you can access the Internet. Most hotels also offer this service to their guests - just ask at Reception. Internet services, both cable or wireless, are usually provided in the main hotel areas such as the Lobby, as well as in your room.

Cancun Emergency Telephone Numbers

CANCUN EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Dial 060 / 066, from any telephone
International Area: +52 [ 998 ]
Firemen	[ 998 ] 884-12-02	Av. Tulúm esq. Chichen Itza, Sm. 23
Red Cross	[ 998 ] 884-16-16	Av. Yaxchilan # 2, Sm. 21
Red Cross	[ 998 ] 884-76-66	Av. Yaxchilan # 2, Sm. 21
Local Police	[ 998 ] 884-19-13	Calle Xcaret S/N, Sm. 21
Federal Police	[ 998 ] 884-11-07	Av. Tulum esq. Chichen-Itza
Road Police	[ 998 ] 884-15-42	Cipres No. 7 Manz. 11 SM. 43
Traffic	[ 998 ] 884-07-10	Av. Kabah esq. Av. Cobá
Civil Protection	[ 998 ] 887-34-35	Palacio Municipal Av. Tulúm # 5
Weather	[ 998 ] 887 43 41	Palacio Municipal Av. Tulúm # 5
Capitanía de Puerto	[ 998 ] 880 13 60

Cancun Health Services Telephone Numbers

Health Services in Cancun
Social Security IMSS	[ 998 ] 884-18-42	Av. Cobá x Av. Tulúm
General Hospital	[ 998 ] 884-26-66	Andador 5, SM. 65
Medica Nader Hospital	[ 998 ] 884-40-41	Av. Nader 13, Sm. 2
Amerimed las Américas	[998] 881-34-66	Av. Bonampak y Nichupté Plaza Las Americass
Galenia	[998] 891-52-00	Av. Tulúm Lote 01 Mza. 01 S.M. 12, Fracc. Sta. María Siké, esq. Nizu
Hospiten	[998[ 881-37-00	Av. Bonampak - Lote 7, MZ 2, SM 10. Cancun
Amat Hospital	[ 998 ] 887-44-22	Av. Nader 13, Sm. 2
American Hospital	[ 998 ] 884-61-33	Calle Viento 15, Sm. 4
Total ASSIST Hospital	[ 998 ] 884-10-92	Calle Claveles 5, Sm. 22
Total ASSIST Hospital	[ 998 ] 884-80-82	Calle Claveles 5, Sm. 22

Tours and Car Rental in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Mayan Riviera

When visiting Cancun you may wish to explore the surrounding region. There are many bus tours available or you might like to rent your own car. Both Tours and Car Rental can be booked on our website.

When renting a car you need to be over 18 years of age, hold a valid drivers license, a passport and an international credit card.

Cars rented in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Mayan Riviera can only be driven across the neighboring states of Quintana Roo, Yucatan and Campeche. In order to avoid unpleasant surprises it is advisable to read the contract carefully, before make a deal. Companies usually explain the insurance details but be sure to ask if they neglect to do so.

Tips for your own safety

In Cancun, the beach resorts and Tourist Zone are usually very safe, however, it is wise to take some precautions in order to avoid setbacks that might ruin your holiday. Follow the recommendations below while visiting Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Mayan Riviera:

Mind your luggage at the airport and do not accept errands from people you do not know.
Put your wallet in a safe place and carry only the money you regard as necessary for the day's expenses and no more than one credit card. It is also advisable to carry a photocopy of your passport.
Do not wear too much jewellery, it could be a temptation for thieves (leave it at the hotel safety box). Mind your purse as well.
Be cautious with your cameras and video cameras. It is recommendable not to have your camera on show if you are not using it and avoid taking photos in seemingly insecure places. Do not take long while shooting and put your camera back in its case or bag after using it.
If you need to take a taxi, try to catch a vehicle parked outside the hotels or tourist places, especially at night
Avoid walking in solitary places and always try to be in the company of another person, especially at night.
Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages on the streets for safety reasons. Never carry illegal substances with you. The Mexican police are usually very strict when it comes to drugs.

Weather

Cancun enjoys a wonderful climate with a stable temperature of 82.5°F throughout the year.

It is important to note that the hurricane season is from June until October every year. Cancun has been been fortunate over the years to have been spared from major storms and has experienced only two hurricanes - Gilbert in 1988 and Wilma in 2005.

Many buildings in Cancun were damaged during hurricane Wilma in 2005. However, less than 10 months after the storm, the government and people of Cancun had worked together to repair and rebuild the resort.

Hurricanes

The Yucatan Peninsula lies in an area that is occasionally affected by hurricanes or cyclones. There is usually plenty of warning of approaching bad weather and the authorities and local population will take necessary precautions in the event of such an event.

If you should be in the area during a hurricane, try to keep calm, get away from the sea and lagoons and follow the instructions given by the civil protection personnel at all times. Hotels are perfectly prepared to deal with such an occurrence.