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Flying
to Mexico
Bring
I.D.:
Valid Passport (most efficient and recognized) OR original state, county,
or vital statistics issued birth certificate for personal identification
and proof of citizenship. Note: Hospital birth certificates or
photocopies are not acceptable. If you are not using a valid passport,
you must present a photo I.D. issued by the government authority, such as
a Driver's License, with your proof of citizenship. If you are not a U.S. or
Canadian citizen, please check in with the appropriate consulate to
determine documentation requirements. If proper documentation is not
provided when checking in for your flight, you will be denied boarding.
While on the
plane the flight attendants will pass out immigration and declaration
forms. I love how at one point in time through the flight - they
talk/walk you through the filling out of these forms.
Once in the
airport you will eventually make it to the front of the line to the
Immigration Official. Hand in your forms and I.D. Hang on to the blue
copy that will be given to you once it has been stamped after going
through Immigration, since you must return it to the local authorities
upon departure.
Then you
pass into the area to get your luggage, at which point you get to make
the final decent through the "Traffic Signals" - push the
button and get a green light, you get to carry on - push the button and
get a red light, your luggage is then thoroughly checked and any
undeclared values are subject to fines.
Yyaaaayaaa -
we are now out side the airport - surrounded by many rental car booths,
bus shuttles, hotel shuttles and taxi services.
Going
home now
- need to arrive minimal 2 hours before flight with your I.D., plane
ticket and the Blue Paper. Don't forget to check out the many duty free
shops - best buy for special Tequilas - buy the tall round cobalt blue
bottle of tequila called Correleo - that bottle in its self is a gem.
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Traveling
with Minors
Anyone under
18 is considered a minor. Minors traveling alone, need to carry a
notarized permit signed by both parents. Minors traveling with one
parent, needs to carry a notarized permit signed by the other parent.
Minors traveling with one parent because the other parent has passed
away, needs to carry a declaration verified by the notary public.
Airlines will likely request the name, number and address of person
greeting the minor at the airport.
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Mexican
Money - the PESO
ATM/Banking
Machines
- are the way to go. Modern technology has hit the Mayan Riviera. Of
course it is always necessary to bring a small stash of Travelers Checks
in case you loose your bankcard. "So just don't loose it".
Remember, when using the ATM machine to key in the amount in pesos (these
machine ONLY give Pesos). If you are wanting about $100.00 US then you
key in $1,000.00 pesos If you are wanting about a $100.00 CAN then you
key in $750.00 pesos.
The great
thing about the banking machines, is there is rarely a line up and if
there is it moves fast. The rate of exchange is among the best. And you
get a printed slip from the machine that tells you how many thousands of
pesos you have left in the bank account. This slip alone is worth
admiring.
ATM machines
are all over - Cancun airport - Cancun -
Wal-Mart - Costco - Sam's Club - Playa del Carmen has them in all banks
and in both grocery stores (Super San Francisco and Chedraui).
Tulum and
Xel-ha snorkel Park - are the two closest ATM machines to Tankah Bay
and Soliman
Bay area
One last
note: is that banking machines do go down - out of service, just like
back home - plan accordingly. Promise you will ALL use the security safes
provided in your rental property.
Banks: give the best
exchange on cash/travelers checks and other foreign currencies and the
longest slow moving line-ups - unless you plan strategically and make it
right when they open. Cancun, Playa del
Carmen and Tulum have Banks
Cambio's
/ Money Exchange booths: located in tourist areas of Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Akumal
and Tulum. These are small booth designed for tourist money exchange -
next best rate to the bank and speedy service. Can always get pesos and
some times US dollars.
Credit
Cards:
this service is coming alive. Don't count on paying at restaurants or
room rentals south of Playa del Carmen. Some establishments have started,
but only a small hand full. We are all waiting on the very modern
telephone service to come into affect.
US
Dollars:
are readily accepted and in most cases you will receive a reasonable rate
and always Pesos in change.
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Driving
in Mexico
Highway
307
is a brand new 4 lane highway run from Cancun
to 10 km south of Playa del Carmen - at which point this new highway carries
on as a 2 lane to Tulum. The newness of the highway makes it safe and a
luxury compared to other parts of Mexico, but the flow of
traffic is picking up each year. Please drive slow and take your time.
All other
Highways:
expect them to be narrow and full of potholes - just go slow no worries.
Many secondly highways are not in bad shape.
Highway
Police Patrol:
has started to man this highway - any traffic offences such as speeding,
no parking, one way streets etc. can lead to hassles with the Police. What
can happen is that the police can and sometimes do take your license
plates or even impound the vehicle. If it is a rental you likely going to
have to pay and/or go through all the hassles of sorting the mess out
which can totally ruin 2 days of your trip and cost you money for nothing
but aggravation.
Confronting
a Police Officer: when dealing with police officers, military or any
Mexican official remain calm and collected. Treat this person with the
utmost respect. Be sincere and be prepared to follow all directions and
answer any questions. Do not be confrontational and do not raise your
voice. Remain passive at all times. You will receive no slack for being a
tourist who does not know the law. Never attempt to bribe a police
officer or official, if they want money they will let you know and don't
flash a bunch of cash or it could cost you dearly.
Mexican Driving Etiquette: Very Important
• Very
polite to pull over to the right and let speedy cars, well I mean, Taxis
go by.
• If
you are driving along and encounter a slower moving vehicle you will
notice that the driver will pull over to the shoulder lane and turn on
their left turn signal. This is a signal for you to pass them. You pass
them, then turn on your right signal to say thank you.
• If
you are driving and the person behind you puts on their turn signal and
does not do anything that person is letting you know that they want to
pass you.
• If
someone in the oncoming lane flashes their lights at you it means that
there is a problem up ahead and you should be aware of this and slow down
or proceed with caution
•
Watch the road if you pull over to the right - this is also a walking and
bicycle road.
• VERY
Important when doing a left hand turn; pull over to the right side and
slow down and let everyone pass you - when you're absolutely sure
no one is coming either direction - then make your way.
• I
love the small VW bugs - all you really need in this area as the roads
are so good - but drive careful and just under the speed limit in these
small cars.
Green
Angels (Angeles Verdes): FREE are green tow trucks that patrol the
highways looking for people in need of help - stranded soul's - If in
need flag them - that's what there for.
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Buy
Mexican Auto Insurance
Do NOT trust
auto insurance coverage offered by your credit card unless you have it
verified in writing that you are covered driving in Mexico.
When
purchasing insurance your coverage SHOULD INCLUDE claims adjusters that
will come to the scene of an accident and an attorney. You are not
allowed to move your vehicle and the police may detain you in the event
that anyone is hurt until fault can be established.
If a traffic
accident does occur, the police may impound your vehicle, especially if
there is no one there to help you defend your rights such as an insurance
adjuster and/or an attorney.
In the event
that someone is injured and you are found responsible, you might not only
be held liable for that person's medical expenses but also for
financially supporting them and their dependents until they recover. Save
your self the aggravation and buy the insurance.
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Getting
from the Airport to Vacation Rental - located in Tankah Bay or Soliman
Bay
Renting a
Car is
the most recommend method of traveling unless your idea of a vacation is
to get to your lodging and not leave it until you are ready to go home.
Taxis are readily
available at the airport and expensive, but like I said readily
available. Once you're at your lodging and want a to rent a car for a day
or two, you can rent a car in Tulum, but has to be returned to Tulum.
Shuttle
buses
are cheap and will take you to the Playa del Carmen bus depot - then you
can taxi to your lodging - taxis take 4 persons and if you can fit in
your luggage you can get to you lodging for about $40.00 a car load.
Airport Transfers can be booked though
me. One round trip private airport transfer for up to 2 persons (includes
vehicle and driver) starts at $165.00 US and works its way up according
to the number of persons and size of vehicle needed.
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Groceries
 
Cancun
Wal-Mart, Sam's
Club and Costco are all in the same block. You have to leave the airport
and head in to the city of Cancun
for this luxury feature. But if you're renting a Villa and have a large
family or group it may be well worth your while and time to do a one time
/ big time shop for your entire stay. Best choice for American products
we are use to seeing at home. ATM machines. Best is to have a map of Cancun printed and ready with your route to this
grocery meca. It's not that difficult - follow the roads and do not speed
- you will get a ticket for sure in these city limits.
Playa Del
Carmen
Chedraui - like a Wal-Mart - is located on the highway just south of
Playa del Carmen - to get to it turn in to Playa del Carmen on Avenida
Juarez (second set of lights coming from Cancun) and take your firsts
right hand turn and drive 2 blocks. ATM machine.
Super San Francisco - is
a large grocery store located on 30th Avenue and Calle 14 - ATM
Machine
Akumal
Super Chomak - great little store - every thing you need
Tulum
Mar Caribe - located on Main Street in Tulum on the left hand side, half
way in to town when traveling south
Stop and Go
- turn left on to the road that says your going to Coba - right there on
the left hand side is the store. American owned.
Super San Francisco -
brand new - opened Aug 15/03 - located right across the street from the
Stop and Go Groceries.
Grocery
Delivery Service: Paradiseproviders.com
Better
yet have a pre-stocked supply or groceries for your entire stay delivered
to your Villa - ready and waiting in the fridge for your arrival.
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Crime
in the area
There is
definitely some - using common sense is the best way to assure a happy
holiday. Use the security safes in your lodging. Leave at home things
that would just worry you if you did not have your eyes on them, if not
for the price of the item, for the sentiment value. This is my motto -
the only thing I carry with me of value is my camera - which is just
another extension of my body - which is worth taking because I love
taking photos. When you go to the beach, a swim, social areas, lock your
doors and accessible windows. You should not wear jewelry in the ocean as
silver and gold sparkles like a fishing hook - so why not leave it all at
home.
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Telephones
There's a
good chance your cell phone will work - just be sure how to dial out of Mexico.
Your vacation property may have a phone for incoming calls only,
ask.
Phone cards can be purchased at stores and pharmacies - give you about 10
minutes - talk time. Well, nothing beat email - several
Internet cafes in Tulum.
Mexico has now moved to a
10 number, phone number system like ours. Demand for better phone service
for internet and credit card transactions is pushing the phone service in
Mexico
forward rapidly.
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Bottled
Water
All
properties and vacation rental provided purified water in the large Blue
Garraphons we have at home. All ice is bought in bags, the ice has a
round hole through the middle and is sold from the same company as the
purified water.
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Natural
Preventative - don't get ill while in Mexico
Grapefruit
Seed Extract
- I love this natural medicine (Liquid form) Grapefruit seed extract
(GSE) is being used to kill bacteria like Strep, Staph, Salmonella, E.
Coli, and also to fight Candida, cold sores, Influenza, parasites, fungi
and traveler's diarrhea. Non-toxic, biodegradable, economical, with no
harmful side-effects.
Traveler's
Diarrhea:
Doctors recommend as little as five drops in a glass of water each day as
a preventative for "Traveler's Diarrhea" aka "Montezuma's
Revenge".
Dr. Lynn
traveled in South America with a group
of 38 patients ages 10 - 68 years both male and female. Half of the group
took 5 drop of GSE daily while the other half did not. Of those taking
the GSE "...not one acquired diarrhea", while the other half
suffered.
Discovered
in 1972 by Dr. Jacob Harich, a physicist, grapefruit seed extract (GSE) has
been used all over the world for the better health of people, plants and
animals. Grapefruit extract is used as an antibiotic, antiseptic,
disinfectant, and as a preservative in food and cosmetics. Grapefruit
extract is also non-toxic, environmentally safe, and quickly
biodegradable. It causes no side effects and is often dramatically less
expensive than existing treatments or chemicals for similar applications,
whether human, animal, or agricultural in scope. B.S.
Recommended
Dosage for Grapefruit Seed Liquid Concentrate "The Original
GSE"
Internal
Use
Note: Never use GSE full strength may cause irritation.
Orally: Suggested Use: 5 to
15 drops mixed in 5 ounces of water or juice, 2 to 5 times daily, with or
without meals. Children (under 10 years): 5 to 15 drops mixed in 5 ounces
juice, 2 to 3 times daily. Do not use full strength in mouth.
Dental
Rinse:
For Healthy Gums and Fresh Breath: Stir 5 drops into 2 oz. or more of
water. Vigorously swish a small amount of the water for 10 seconds or
more, 1 to 2 times daily. Also works as an additive for Waterpik type
units. Add 3 to 4 drops to the water reservoir. Always dilute.
Throat
Gargle:
Stir 5 drops into a small (3 ounces or so) glass of water. Gargle several
times. Use as often as needed. Always dilute.
Ear
Rinse:
Thoroughly mix 3 to 6 drops into one ounce of glycerin or alcohol. Apply
1 to 2 drops of this solution in affected ear 1 to 2 times daily. Use as
often as needed. Do not use full strength in ears.
Nasal
rinse:
Mix 2 drop with 2 ounces of water. With your head tilted back, fill each
nostril with a full eyedropper of the mixed solution. Swing head forward
and down (head is now upside down) to force the solution up into nasal
passages. Return head to the normal upright position and allow nasal
passages to drain. Do not inhale through the nose during this process.
Always dilute.
Vaginal
Rinse:
Mix 5 to 10 drops in 6 to 8 ounces of water. Douche once daily for one
week. Douche more often if desired. Always dilute.
External Use
Facial
Cleanser:
Thoroughly moisten (splash) face with warm or cool water. With hands
still wet, apply 3 to 5 drops to fingertips and gently massage facial
area with circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with cool water and pat dry.
A tingling sensation may follow. This is an indication of the deep
cleansing properties. Always dilute.
Skin
Rinse:
(For minor skin irritations) Dilute grapefruit seed extract with water (5
to 10 drops/ tablespoon). Apply this solution directly to affected area
twice daily. Do not use full strength on skin.
Nail
Treatment:
Dilute grapefruit seed with water or alcohol (5 to 10 drops/tablespoon).
Apply this solution directly on surface of nail along the cuticle and
underneath the front of nail, or soak nails, twice daily, for as long as
desired. Do not use full strength on nails. Scalp treatment. Add 5 to 10
drops to each shampooing (mix in hand or on head with shampoo). Massage
into scalp and leave on for at least two minutes. Rinse off thoroughly
with water. May also be used without shampoo
GSE
Household Use Toothbrush Cleaner: Stir 5 to 10 drops into a glass of water.
Submerge toothbrush for 15 minutes (or leave in between uses). Rinse
toothbrush before using. Change water and remix every few days.
Vegetable/Fruit
or Meat/Poultry Wash: Sink washing: Add 30
or more drops into a sink full of cold water. Briefly soak any
vegetables, fruit, meat, or poultry. Spray washing: Add 20 or more drops
into a 32-ounce pump sprayer filled with water. Spray on any vegetables,
fruit, meat, or poultry.
Dish and
Utensil Cleaning Additive: Add 15 to 30 drops of into sink dishwashing
water or to final rinse. Add 15 to 30 drops to automatic dishwasher with
detergent or to final rinse
Cutting
Board Cleaner:
Apply 10 to 20 drops onto cutting board and work into entire board with a
wet sponge or dish cloth. Leave on for at least 30 minutes. Rinse with
water.
All
Purpose Cleaner: Add 30 to 60 drops into any 32 ounce pump sprayer filled
with water or cleanser. Use on all surfaces around the house.
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