FAQs

Question

Is Playa del Carmen safe?

Answer

Yes! There are millions of US citizens alone that travel to Mexico every year. Aside from that, the Mexican government also puts in efforts to keep the more touristy areas secure and safe. All you need to do is to be as vigilant as you usually are and to steer clear of any suspicious signs when you’re there. Be sure to fully research any activities you plan to do off the resort and plan to go with a group of people. It is not recommended that you leave the resort alone.

Question

Do I need to worry about Covid in Mexico?

Answer

There is a higher change of contracting Covid in Mexico. You may want to bring your own Covid tests if you are concerned. The tests in Mexico are more expensive. It is also important to note that there is a risk of being quarantined if you are exposed to Covid while in Mexico.

Question

Can I bring kids?

Answer

Yes! Please clear it with the bride first (so she can make arrangements for the wedding) but kids are ALWAYS welcome!

Question

What is the weather going to be like in Mexico in November?

Answer

Plan for a high of 85 and a low of 70. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen!

Question

What should I budget for this trip?

Answer

Consider budgeting for these primary things: • Passport fees (if you do not have a current valid passport) • Airfare (round trip) • Baggage fees • Resort/room fees • Allowance for non-covered hotel services (laundry, babysitting, etc.) • Allowance for ground travel if planning to leave the resort • Allowance for souvenirs or off-resort expenses • Wedding gift

Question

Do I need to know Spanish?

Answer

No. You will not need to know Spanish at the resort. However, it is advised that you know very basic phrases such as: • Hello/Goodbye • Please/Thank you • Where is the bathroom? • How much is it? • I’m sorry • I do not speak Spanish. You can learn basic Spanish very easily by using an app like Duolingo by practicing 15 minutes per day. If nothing else, focus on learning numbers.

Question

How much money should I bring?

Answer

The resort is all-inclusive, meaning that food and drinks are covered. However, you may wish to bring money for souvenirs or events/excursions. There are also extra costs for things like laundry, babysitting, currency exchange, and car rental. Additionally, tipping is expected for all services. Remember, you will need to visit a currency exchange to obtain the correct currency for Mexico. It is cheaper to do so in the United States than to do it at the airport or in Mexico. Also, it is advised you bring cash (pesos) rather than relying solely on a debit or credit card, as many vendors in Mexico do not accept these forms of payment. If you do plan to use a debit or credit card, be sure to call your bank and/or credit card company to inform them of the dates and location you will be traveling.

Question

Should I get travel insurance before traveling?

Answer

With current world events, you may want to consider flight insurance to cover cancellations or flight changes. You may also consider speaking to your insurance agent or travel agent about travel insurance. However, this is not a requirement to travel to Mexico. I recommend looking into World Nomads.

Question

What should I pack?

Answer

If you need some pointers on what to pack for Mexico, check out this site. You can download a free Mexico packing checklist and find other helpful FAQs about Playa del Carmen: https://travelmexicosolo.com/traveling-to-playa-del-carmen-mexico/ The resort has a dress code for the restaurants. They do not allow guests to enter if they are in swimwear, flip flops, or barefoot. Gentleman must wear shirts with sleeves. Smart clothing is recommended for dinners in the Bluemoon Restaurant. Gentlemen must wear long trousers and shirts with sleeves.

Question

How much should I pack?

Answer

You can pack as much as you want! Just be aware of the size and weight restrictions of your airline. Be sure to check the baggage policy for your airline. Large bags must be checked for most airlines, and there are frequently weight restrictions. It is cheaper to pay for checked bags online than at the airport! Also note what kind of carry-on luggage your airline allows. Many large airlines allow a carry on and/or personal item for free. Be strategic when packing your bags to ensure you don’t have to pay extra for an overweight bag!

Question

How much is the deposit for the resort?

Answer

There is no deposit. You can secure a room by putting a credit card on file and pay upon arrival at the resort. Cancellations up to 12 noon on the day before arrival will not be charged.

Question

What kind of rooms are available at the resort?

Answer

The rooms at the Ocean Riviera Paradise are spread across 4 different areas of the hotel: Daisy, Privilege, Edén and El Beso. Each of these areas feature modern rooms decorated in a contemporary design with maritime touches. They are equipped with everything you need for a pleasant stay. Rooms include: • Junior Suites • Junior Suites with a Terrace • Swim-Up Junior Suites • Junior Suites with a Jacuzzi • Rooftop Junior Suites • Master Suites • Swim-Up Master Suites • Rooftop Master Suites • Swim-Up Junior Suites Privilege • Rooftop Junior Suites Privilege • Privilege Master Suites

Question

Do I need an electricity adaptor?

Answer

Not for Mexico. They use the same type of electrical outlets as the U.S.

Question

Will my cellphone work?

Answer

Yes! There is free wi-fi at the hotel, but you will need to use your own cellular data if you travel off the resort.

Question

Do I need a passport?

Answer

Yes! You will need a valid passport to travel into Mexico. It is important to do this early, as there is a backlog for processing new passports. For more information about passports, Google the passport process for your specific state. There is a site that will give you more information about the process, where to go in your area, the cost, and the timeframe.

Question

How do I get a cheaper flight?

Answer

Consider using econo-airlines or purchasing a ticket with one or more layovers. This can bring down the cost of a ticket significantly. You can also try to purchase tickets from apps like Hopper. Be advised, some of the cheaper airlines have stops at Mexican airports where many people will not speak English. Do not buy a ticket with a stop in Mexico unless you feel confident that you can speak enough Spanish to navigate the airport.

Question

What else do I need to get through customs?

Answer

You should have your ID and your passport ready when going through customs. The immigration officer will provide you with a loose form called your Multiple Immigration Form (FMM). Hold onto it because you’ll be asked for it when you leave the country, or risk paying a fine!

Question

How do I get to the resort once I’ve landed in Cancun?

Answer

The resort provides a free shuttle to and from the airport.

Question

I heard you shouldn’t drink water in Mexico. Is this true?

Answer

It is not advised to drink TAP WATER in Mexico. There is no problem drinking filtered or bottled water. This includes ice. It is hot in Mexico, so it is recommended that you bring a refillable water bottle.

Question

What bathroom should I use while in Mexico?

Answer

It is important to note that doors marked with M are for mujeres (women) and doors marked with H are for hombres (men).

Question

When is Check-In / Check-Out at the resort?

Answer

Check-in is as of 3 pm, and guests can check-out up until midday.

Question

What does the resort offer?

Answer

Use this link to download hotel information including information about location, general services, amenities, rooms, Wi-Fi, and restaurants and bars. https://cmspro.h10hotels.com/FichasTecnicas/ORP-ElBeso_EN-.pdf. The resort offers many amenities, such as 5 outdoor pools, including a children’s pool, 10 restaurants, 11 bars, a coffee shop, an ice-cream parlor, non-motorized water sports, a dive center, a theatre, a nightclub, a bowling alley, spa, gym, and a shopping center.

Question

How far is the beach from the resort?

Answer

The resort is right on the Riviera Maya seafront.

Question

Are there activities for kids?

Answer

Yes! There is a children’s pool, a daisy club (4-12) and a teen club (13-17). Use this link to download resort information. Information about kids’ activities is on page 6. https://cmspro.h10hotels.com/FichasTecnicas/ORP-ElBeso_EN-.pdf

Question

What else should I know about Mexico?

Answer

This is a very polite culture. It is expected that you say thank you (gracias) and please (por favor) regularly. It is common to greet people when entering an establishment and saying goodbye when leaving an establishment. It is also a slower culture, with things starting later that we are used to in the U.S. It is recommended to become familiar with the bus and taxi system if you are planning to travel off the resort.