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.