Cancun cash: $200-300 budget weekend, $800-1,200 week mid-range, $400-600 all-inclusive (tips only). Bank ATMs beat exchanges. Budget $20-40/day cheap, $50-100 mid-range.
Mexico travel insurance: $30-200 short-term, $100-300/month for expats. US insurance usually doesn't cover Mexico. Hospitals require upfront payment. Essential for all visitors.
Exchange USD in Cancun: casas de cambio downtown (best rates), avoid airport (3-5% worse). Bring passport, use $100 bills. Compare 2-3 shops for best rate.
Post-checkout Cancun: stay at resort (most allow pool/beach use after checkout), or Uber to downtown (100-150 pesos) for Mercado 28. Leave by 4pm for 8pm flights.
Calmest Cancun beaches: north-facing shore (km 3-9) facing the bay. Playa Tortugas, Caracol, Langosta have gentle waves. Isla Mujeres has the clearest water.
Cancun bites: jellyfish (linear welts, hot water treatment), mosquitoes (round bumps), "margarita burn" (lime+sun, not a bite). Jellyfish peak Aug-Sept. Check beaches before swimming.
Don't sleep inside Cancun Airport - no comfortable spots. Walk 5-7 min to Hilton Garden Inn ($60-100) for a real bed before early flights.
Avoid Cancun timeshares: unplug room phone, decline "free" offers at check-in, say "no" firmly without explanation. Cancel at concierge if already agreed.
Solid foods allowed in carry-on to/from Mexico: cookies, nuts, sandwiches, cheese. Liquids (salsa, PB) limited to 3.4 oz. Here's what's allowed.
Snorkel without lifejacket: Alberto's Diving, Total Snorkel Cancun, Pro Dive Cancun allow it. Ask for deflatable vest if required. Mia bridge (Isla Mujeres) for independent.
Cancun Airport tequila scam: "free samples" lead to $700+ charges when you thought 1,000 pesos. No clear prices. Buy at La Europea/Costco before airport.
Bringing wedding items to Cancun: personal decorations OK, large favor quantities (100+) risk customs tax. Handmade items safer than bulk Amazon purchases.
Avoid Cancun Airport taxi scam ($90-150 for $20-40 rides). Pre-book transfers, use Friends & Family exit for Uber/Didi, or take ADO bus. Never accept solicitors.
First Cancun trip: Hotel Zone for resorts ($300-400/night), Playa del Carmen for charm ($150-250). Don't skip local culture. Must-do: beaches, eco-park, local food.
Solo Cancun on budget: ADO bus $13-16, Didi/Uber ~$20 (walk outside terminal), pre-book transfers ~$38. Avoid $90+ taxi scams at airport.
