Mexican Caribbean travel information

Currency and time zone

You pay in Mexican pesos. Tourist spots take cards and US dollars, but it is worth carrying cash in pesos.

The official currency is the Mexican peso, though the main credit cards and US dollars are accepted at most tourist points of interest. Banks, ATMs and exchange houses are available across several destinations; even so, it is best to carry Mexican pesos.

The state runs on Southeast Time (UTC-5), which stays fixed all year: the clocks do not change here in summer.

A tip is considered a gesture of thanks for good service and usually runs between 10 and 15 per cent. It is another reason to carry cash: in some places that is the only way to leave one.

Passport and visa

You need a valid passport. Citizens of many countries enter without a tourist visa; check your own case with the SRE.

Cancun no longer hands out a printed FMM: the officer stamps your passport with the date by which you must leave, and that stamp is your proof. If you need the document for a formality, you can download the digital FMM by scanning the QR code at immigration or from the INM portal, available for 60 days after you enter. Look after the stamped passport: the date on it is the one that counts. At the desk you may also be asked to show proof of funds and a ticket out of the country.

Among the countries whose citizens enter without a tourist visa: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States and Uruguay. Confirm your own case with Mexico's Ministry of Foreign Affairs before you travel.

Weather

Warm and humid most of the year, with rain from May to October that usually falls in the afternoon and passes quickly.

The average annual temperature is 79°F (26°C). The average high of 91°F (33°C) falls in the summer months and the average low of 63°F (17°C) in January. The rainy season runs from May to October.

What to pack

Light clothing, a swimsuit, water shoes and something for dinner out. And no sunscreen in the sea.

For water activities involving marine flora and fauna we ask you not to use sunscreen, not even biodegradable: wear a neoprene shirt to protect you from the sun instead. For hiking, rappelling or cycling, use biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent.

Bring a hat or cap, sneakers, sandals and water shoes, which you will be glad of at the water parks. Comfortable, light clothing and, from December to February, a light sweater for the nights when a cold front blows through. Do not forget a swimsuit, and something for dinner out: several restaurants have a dress code.

Visitax

Quintana Roo charges a fee to foreign visitors. It is paid once, per person, and your hotel usually collects it.

The foreign visitor fee, known as Visitax, is paid by every foreign national entering Quintana Roo as a tourist. It is 2.5 UMA per person, around 283 pesos or some 15 dollars, with no age exemption: children pay the same as adults. Because it is set in UMA, the amount in pesos is updated every year.

Hotels collect it today, so it will most likely appear on your bill at check-in or check-out. Keep the receipt until the end of your trip.