Travel like a local.

Question

SIM Card

Answer

If you are looking for an easy to use SIM card in Mexico, Telcel has great options. They offer SIM cards including 1GB of data and 10 days unlimited social media for roughly 100 Mexican Pesos. These SIM cards are widely available at all OXXO stores in Mexico.

Question

Supermarkets

Answer

MEGA Comercial Chedraui Oxxo Superama Soriana

Question

Bus Services & Domestic Budget Airlines

Answer

Bus Services ADO - Yucatan Peninsula - https://www.ado.com.mx/ La Linea - Jalisco & Neighboring Provinces - https://www.autovias.com.mx/english/ Primera Plus - Jalisco & Neighboring Provinces - https://www.primeraplus.com.mx/ Domestic Budget Airlines Volaris - https://www.volaris.com/ Viva Aerobus - https://www.vivaaerobus.com/en-us/

Question

Taxis & Uber

Answer

Taxis - always ask before getting on, how much it will be. That way the rate is set and there is no misunderstandings. Note - a ride within town (Playa del Carmen) should be no more than 200 pesos. With the exception of Playa del Carmen, UBER is available in almost all metropolitan areas of Mexico. This is by far the easiest and fairest method of going around town. And we highly recommend installing the app before your travels.

Question

Combis

Answer

Very local tip: The public transport along the Riviera are little shuttle busses called Combis. You can ride these for about 50 pesos depending how far you are going. But they will bring you all over the Riviera (Tulum - Akumal - Cancun) Their main stop in Playa del Carmen can be found on the corner of 20th and 2nd street. CASH ONLY!

Question

Money & National Banks

Answer

Only take out cash from the following National bank atm's: Santander Banamex Bancomer Banorte Scotiabank Banregio Banco Azteca CI Banco If you are paying with your foreign credit card, never accept the payment in another currency than the Mexican Peso. This way your bank at home will do the conversion for you, with a much better rate.

Question

Paying with Card

Answer

Whereas in Europe MAESTRO or VPAY are commonly used payment methods, in Mexico these are generally not accepted, with the exception of banks. Most banks do accept MAESTRO, and you will be able to take money out. However, paying at stores will always be done by MASTERCARD and VISA

Question

Tipping

Answer

A 10% tip is the standard, so please always add that to your bill when paying. Please note that it is based on the service given, and whether the staff has earned it. However minimum wages are very low in Mexico and therefore the locals really depends on tips. Also don't forget tipping the nice man or woman packing your bags in the supermarket. A tip of around 10 pesos makes their day.

Question

Water

Answer

Don't drink water, drink beer instead. This will solve all your problems. Jokes aside: please do not drink the tap water, always bottled water or your accommodation will provide a big container of water.

Question

Emergency Numbers

Answer

911 The national 911 service is answered and attended to locally, and operators will automatically receive your location 800 008 9090 The Tourist Assistance Hotline may also be able to help you with issues specific to your trip, communications with your embassy, or other issues related to your visa, airport transport, or similar problems.