| Note: All United States citizens are required to have a valid passport to re-enter the United States.
Size / Population: 350,000
Political Status: Located in the state Quintana Roo in the Republic of Mexico
Language: Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in hotels and tourist areas.
Currency: Mexican peso. The rate of exchange against the US dollar fluctuates daily. ATMs available; US dollars are widely accepted.
Electricity: 110 volts, same as U.S.
Time Zone: Central Time; Daylight Saving Time is not observed.
Communication: From the U.S. to Cancun, dial 011 (int'l access code) + 52 (Mexico's country code) + 98 (Cancun's area code) + the local number.
To call from Cancun to the U.S., dial 001 + area code + local number. Many U.S. long-distance phone companies have access numbers that you can dial in order to use your phone card, usually through the Mexican telephone company public phones, LADATEL.
Drinking Water: Cancun’s water is potable throughout the tourist areas and hotel zones, but if you travel to the countryside bottled water is recommended.
Transportation: Rental cars are available at the airport in Cancun and through some hotels. Driver must be 25 years old, hold a valid driver's license and a major credit card. City buses and taxis run through the hotel zone and downtown. Local urban bus companies service the hotel zone. They stop by all hotels during the day. The ferry to Isla Mujeres departs Puerto Juarez, just north of downtown Cancun, eight times a day in both directions.
Local Customs: The legal drinking age is 18. Tipping: generally 15-20% in restaurants; bellmen: $1 per bag; housecleaning staff: $1-$2 per day.
Many all-inclusive hotels include all gratuities. Ask if you are in doubt.
Getting Married: Cancun is a popular destination for weddings (and honeymoons) and it is legal for U.S. citizens to marry in Mexico. Please contact a Vacation Express representative for details on resorts offering special wedding packages and to discuss your particular wedding requirements. Our experienced group department will be happy to assist with travel arrangements for all attendees.
Ten Spanish Phrases Everyone Should Know
• ¿Cuánto cuesta? How much is it? (As you're pointing at an item)
• ¡Qué hermosa eres! You are so beautiful! (To a girl ... For guys, substitute “hermosa” with “guapo,” which means “handsome”)
• ¿Donde estoy? Where am I?
• ¿Cómo se dice ... ? How do you say ... ? (Followed by the word you wish to learn)
• ¡Muchas gracias! Thank you!
• Con permiso. Excuse me. (As you are trying to get by someone)
• Por favor ... Please ...
• No hablo español. ¿Hablas inglés? I don't speak Spanish. Do you speak English?
• ¿Dónde está ... ? Where is ...
• No, gracias. No, thanks.
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