Going to Cancun in a week - tips? Money exchange?

Question

I have never been to Mexico, let alone Cancun, so I am a little freaked out. What is the safety like? Should I exchange money before? Safe vs. un safe places to go? Tips? Ideas?

Answer 1

Bring small bills (dollars) for tips and bus rides. The bus is 65 cents. We never exchange our money but if you do the exchange rate is 1 dollar=11 pesos.(about)

If you go to the markets, bargain, bargain and more bargain. They expect it. Start low and slowly go up. Walk away if they want too much, they will call you back.

I know the locals say Cancun is safe but tourists are targets every where in every country. They think you are rich. They don't realize you saved like crazy to take a vacation. Heed this advice, don't flash money or jewelry. Don't do anything you wouldn't do at home. Not a place to practice being crazy. Stay under the radar. Be respectful to the locals.

Bring plenty of tanning lotion, a hat and sun glasses. Also bring some Imodium or pepto, just in case you over indulge.

Take a ferry over to Isla Mujeres. It's 20 minutes away. Rent a golf cart and explore the island. Or walk to North Beach. The water and beach are awesome.

Pack half the clothes and double the money. Seriously, Cancun is casual, bring shorts and tops, couple of bathing suits, couple of coverups, jean skirt, sundress, sandals,flip flops. No sneakers or socks unless you plan to hike.

One last bit of advice, timeshare people are at the airport and all over. They will eat into your vacation time, just say No, thank you and keep walking. After you go through customs and immigration at the airport, keep walking with your luggage till you get out side. Find your transfer company and go and wait where they tell you to go.It's a zoo at the airport.

You will have a great trip. Enjoy)

Answer 2

Hi,

You'll really have a great time in Cancun. Don't get freaked out, the area for tourist is very safe even in you go downtown and visit the American Mall. Cancun is a very large city, however, Hotel Row is isolated from the main part of the city. You will have no problems in and around this area. There is a bus system that you can take from the Airport to your hotel or you can spend the extra money for a cab ride, both a safe.

Money, Mexico likes the dollar, you will have no problem with using American money, however, your change will be in Peso's.

Enjoy.

Answer 3

cancun is an absolute blast.  i don't remember having to exchange currency, so i'm not sure on that (we went with my friends parents who handled the money stuff).  take buses and taxies to wherever you need to go.  be forewarned, though, they drive like 100 mph!! haha.. my friend and i had a blast there, but the bus rides were definitely a speedy adventure, lol.  drink lots of water- take your own if that's possible.  the markets there are so much fun, too.  another warning- they will literally come up to you, take your arm and try to guide you in their store, or even try to exchange a kiss for a free item... yes, it happened.  my friend and i were glued to the hip while we were there, but we loved walking through all the stores.  also, this may sound easy to say and even a no-brainer, but wear sunscreen and apply it regularly.  we got caught up so much in the moment, and neither of us applied it much... by the time we left (we stayed a week) we were so burnt, we couldn't even carry our dufflebags on our shoulders- we had to carry them in front of us, like we were holding a tray; and needless to say wearing a bra/clothes was torture.  get ready for a lot of free tequila too!! they love giving it away as prizes all the time:)  all in all, i would love to go back one day- we loved it and had the best time.  enjoy your trip!!!

Answer 4

Tips: Yes, please never walk alone by yourself and I am very serious as I type this.

---Do not go anywhere by yourself---

You don't have to be paranoid, but be very cautious and all the while have fun! Take some great pictures too. :)

Answer 5

As far as safety - just use common sense. Watch how much you drink, dont go anywhere with strangers... - this is NOT because it is Cancun, take the same precautions that you would take anywhere else.  I NEVER felt unsafe while in Cancun, the people were extremely friendly, and helpful.   Everyone accepted american money but sometimes did not have correct change - so carry a lot of ones/fives.  The buses are very safe.  Take a tour to one of the ecoparks - Xcaret or Xel-ha.  Visit some of the Mayan ruins, and Isla Mujeres.  

Bring sunblock (for lips also!!)  and do NOT overpack - Cancun is pretty casual.  Just enjoy yourself.

Answer 6

safe and take you US money and you can get Mex or US money back in change.

you will be happy

Answer 7

You don't have to exchange money....they take US dollars there.  But it may be a little easier to exchange.  Cancun is lots of fun and you should have a good time.  Taxi cabs and bus system is a good way to get around easily.  Try some excursions if you have a chance and stay away from the people that will try to sell you time shares.  They will walk right up to you and promise you free stuff.  Have fun.

Answer 8

I must say that I get a little defensive when people give advice about safety (like never, never walk alone) when they don't really know what they are talking about!

As an American living in Cancun (downtown) and working in the hotel zone I have never felt unsafe here...EVER. I walk by my self, take the bus, taxi, bike, run and even drive my own car...

As in ANY city there are places that a stranger has no reason to go to...use your common sense.

No need to exchange money you can do that here.

There are some wonderful things to do here in the Yucatan.  Xcaret, Jungle Tours, Aqua World, Xel-ha, Isla Mujeres, and much much more.

So, don't be freaked is really cool. Use common sense always!

Your friend in Cancun

Answer 9

Stay away from this Company. ALERT !!!!

They are website host and designers/copiers, not a Travel Agency. My families vacation was ruined by this bunch and I really don't think I will ever recommend them to anyone, ever. As a matter of fact, I will tell everyone that I know not to Set up a Wedding, Rent a Room, Car, Tour, Airport Transfer or anything from these Fakes ever. They took my familes vacation money and destroyed our vacation in Cancun. We didn't get anything promised and what we got was telephone hang-ups, and lies. If they were in Canada we would run them out of the country. The owner was trying to get fresh with my wife on the phone when she made the reservations

Answer 10

Cancun is very beautiful. This is a perfect time to go too. The weather will be great. If you are staying in the hotel zone right at the beach, it will be very safe. When taking a taxi the hotel has their own so they are safe. The hotel will exchange money for you as well. They even have a van that take people to the club so they don't have to drive. Great service everywhere. Keep in mind that their main source of income is tourism, they want us to come back! Make sure you visit Isla Mujeres, it's only a ferry ride away and it's even more beautiful than Cancun.

Answer 11

As long as you stay with tour groups and in the more touristy areas, you'll be fine.  And don't worry about exchanging money - US currency is worth more, so hold onto it.  Just make sure to ask for US currency in change as well (though I personally never had a problem with this - I was in Cozumel, though).  As long as you don't wander off by yourself without knowing where you're going, you should be fine.

Answer 12

You have nothing to fear, Cancun is very safe.  Probably SAFER than many places here in the U.S., trust me!  Oh, U.S. dollars accepted there too.  Just take lots of dollar bills to tip.  The locals work very hard and a little gratitude is always appreciated.  If I were you...I'd be more worried about taking good sun protection, the sun is very strong there and will give you a nasty burn quick.  Other than that...no worries, it is very safe.  Don't be brain washed by all the false stuff you hear on tv.  That is why travel is the best medicine for IGNORANCE, no offense.

Answer 13

Alicia just gave you the perfect advice, and she's your fellow citizen so I suppose that will make you believe in her words even more easily.

I'm mexican from Mexico city (which IS considered an unsafe place), been to Cancun a few times. It IS a very safe place, a female friend and I walked back from the night club to our hotel at 4-5 AM, we visited downtown, rode buses at all times and even made day trips out of Cancun and we never felt in danger, you just need to be cautious as you would be anywhere else and you'll be ok. You can exchange your money in Cancun, there are plenty of places to do it if you need to. Don't freak out, I'm sure you'll have a great time... it's not my favorite beach destination but for most americans it is, so I guess you'll like it.