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Travel Tips for Cancun - Isla Mujeres


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Note: All United States citizens are required to have a valid passport to re-enter the United States.

Political Status: Located in the state Quintana Roo in the Republic of Mexico

Language: Spanish is the official language. Mayan is the local language, but English is widely spoken in hotels and tourist areas. Most stores have English speaking staff.

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 observed.

Water Conditions: Water conditions on the beaches on the south side and west side of the island (tourist zones) are usually excellent because the island blocks the currents and winds.

Communication: Calling Isla Mujeres: The area code for Isla is 998 and all phone numbers are 7 digits. So, if you are calling from the United States you would dial: 011 (International code) 52 (country code) 998 (area code) and the 7 digit phone number. Calling home from Isla Mujeres: Most US cell phones will work in Isla – it is a good idea to call your provider before you go to Mexico and tell them you will be in the Cancun Mexico area and you want to make AND receive calls while there. Another option is to buy or rent a Telcel cel phone. Internet access is generally available in hotels and there are a few Internet cafes in town.

Drinking Water: The island utilizes a water purification system. Bottled water is available at stores, hotels and restaurants.

Transportation: You can get a taxi anywhere on the island. The ferry to Isla Mujeres departs Puerto Juarez, just north of downtown Cancun, eight times a day in both directions. Bikes, mopeds and golf carts are popular modes of transportation on the island.

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: It is legal for U.S. citizens to marry in Mexico. Please contact a JA TRAVEL 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.

Wedding Requirements
The information below is a general list of requirements to perform a legal wedding ceremony in Mexico. Depending on the area of Mexico or even resort you have chosen for your wedding ceremony, legal requirements may vary. Please check with the Mexico tourism department or wedding coordinator at your resort for additional information on legal requirements and fees for weddings on Isla Mujeres. All foreign documents which are to be submitted (except passports) must have the legal Spanish translation and must be certified by an Apostille. An apostille is an internationally recognized notary certification, done in the country of origin of the document, and usually issued by the State Department of each country. In the United States, contact the Secretary of State in the state where you live. All information below is subject to change without notice.
Ceremony: For a wedding ceremony to be considered legal and binding in Mexico, the bride/groom must have a civil ceremony with a Justice of the Peace.
(Note: A civil ceremony is a marriage performed with no religious affiliation, officiated by a Judge, Mayor, Justice of the Peace or non-denominational minister. Civil ceremonies can be performed just about anywhere. In a judges chambers, at the wedding location, the City Clerk's office, or even on the beach. In most cases, couples can choose the ceremony's wording and offer their own vows as they see fit. Religious readings can also be added, if this is what the couple desires.)
Most hotels offer symbolic (or non-legal) ceremonies as well, for those who choose to marry at home first then celebrate with a symbolic destination wedding with family and friends in attendance. Again, only a civil marriage is recognized as legal. Persons wishing to do so may also have a religious ceremony, but it has no legal effect and does not replace in any way the legal and binding civil marriage. A civil wedding in Mexico is fully valid for legal purposes in the U.S.
Documentation: The bride/groom must bring original copies of the following documents:
• Original and copy of official birth certificate
• A valid, non-expired passport
• Tourist Card (this is given to all arriving passengers at the airport - keep it in your passport)
• Original prenuptial medical certificate with test results issued locally within 15 days of wedding
• Divorce or death certificate if applicable
• Original and copies of the official identification of two witnesses
Divorced/Widowed Travelers: For divorced or widowed parties, you must provide official copies of the divorce decree (Decree Absolute) or a certified death certificate. Divorced people cannot marry in Mexico until one year after the termination of the divorce.
Blood Test: A blood test will need to be performed in destination with test results for venereal disease, HIV and Rh factor (blood type) determined prior to the wedding. Note: Some resorts provide this service onsite. Check with your wedding coordinator.
Waiting Period/Residency Requirement: It is recommended that the bride/groom arrive at least 5 days (or 3 business days) prior to the wedding date to ensure time for translation into Spanish of any necessary documents and processing of paper work; however, there is no legal residency requirement.
Witnesses: You must have two witnesses over the age of 18 each with proper identification credentials. Your destination wedding resort may provide witnesses if necessary.
Fees: Marriages are performed without charge at the the “Registro Civil” (or Local Registry Office). If performed elsewhere, a license fee may apply. Fees vary so consult your wedding coordinator at your destination wedding resort for the most current information.

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.

Quintana Roo Tourism Tax: Effective April 1, 2021, all international travelers to Quintana Roo, Mexico, which includes Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Tulum and Isla Mujeres, must pay a tourism tax of approximately US$11. The new tax is required for all travelers over the age of 15. The tax is enforced on departure and can be paid online by credit card at http://visitax.gob.mx/ (change the "ES" in the top right corner of the page to "EN" to view the page in English). The form will request the following information: number of people traveling; name, age and passport number of each individual; departure date. The tax can also be paid at the airport, where cash will be an option. Every departing traveler must show their proof of payment at the airport prior to boarding.

Hotel Cancellation Penalties: We understand the unexpected can happen and choosing to cancel your vacation is never an easy decision. For that reason, we are providing you with a chart of estimated cancellation penalties for our partner hotels. Visit https://www.vacationexpress.com/hotel-cancellations/ for more details.

Passenger Information with regards to rights under the Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations: SOR/2019-150
If you are travelling to or from a Canadian airport and are denied boarding or your baggage is lost or damaged, you may be entitled to certain standards of treatment and compensation under the Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations. For more information about your passenger rights please contact your operating airline or visit the website of the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA).


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