Passport/Visa Requirements: Australian and U.K. citizens need passports.
All U.S. citizens must have a passport when traveling by air to or from Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America and Mexico. Citizens of Canada, Mexico and the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda also must have a passport or other designated secure document to enter the U.S.
Beginning 1 June 2009, passports are required for land crossings at the Canadian and Mexican borders with the U.S. and for cruise passengers returning to the U.S. from Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada or Bermuda.
All visitors must fill out a tourist card. The Mexican government charges a tourism tax of about US$20 for all visitors except cruise-ship passengers and a departure tax of US$18, though both are usually included in the price of your airline ticket. A yellow-fever certificate is required if you're arriving from an infected area (contact health authorities for the latest information).
Reconfirm travel-document requirements with your carrier before departure.
Population: 103,000.
Languages: Spanish and Maya are the main languages, but English is also common.
Predominant Religions: Christian (Roman Catholic).
Time Zone: 6 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-6 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is observed from the first Sunday in April until the last Sunday in October.
Voltage Requirements: 110 volts.
Telephone Codes: 52, country code for Mexico; 984,area code for Playa del Carmen;
| Currency Exchange | Top  |
U.S. dollars are widely accepted in Playa and are probably the most common currency used by visitors. If you visit less-traveled areas away from Playa, you will find it more difficult to use U.S. currency. Some ATMs in Playa distribute U.S. dollars, and others have Mexican currency. Most of the money machines are located at the banks, which are concentrated along Avenida Juarez, the main street running west to east from the highway to the beach.
If you need to change foreign currency or traveler's checks, you can do so in the banks or at the many currency-exchange businesses that are found up and down Avenida 5—there's one every few blocks. The exchange offices are usually quicker than the banks and have later hours—till at least 7 or 8 pm. Banks are generally open Monday-Friday 9 am-1:30 pm.
Taxes are included in most stated prices at hotels, restaurants, shops and bars. It's always a good idea to ask, though. As of June, 2008, foreign travelers arriving by air at the Cancun airport can get reimbursed for the 10-percent value-added tax at departure on purchases totaling at least US$115. Passengers must present passports and bills of sale from accredited merchants, plus fill out a refund form. The refund is good for shopping only—not lodging or dining. Eventually, the refund will also be extended to cruise ship passengers.
A tip of 10%-15% is expected in restaurants. Tip porters about US$1-US$2 per bag, chambermaids US$1 per night and tour guides about US$5 (for a one- to two-hour tour). Taxi drivers don't usually expect tips.
Playa del Carmen has a subtropical climate, which means that it is warm year-round, with highs in the upper 80s F/20s C, although the sea breeze keeps you cool. It is hot and often around 90% humidity in summer (June-August). Hurricane season runs August-November, and that's when rain is most likely.
| What to Wear | Top  |
Playa del Carmen is laid-back, so dress casually. Something cool, comfortable and not overly revealing is best for daytime exploring, and don't forget to wear a hat. Some resorts require men to wear trousers and collared shirts in their a la carte restaurants. From December to March, a sweatshirt or light jacket may be needed on cooler evenings. Trendy attire is common at the nightspots on Calle 12, where the dress-to-impress attitude is alive and well.
| Communication | Top |
| Internet Access | Top |
Internet cafes abound in Playa these days. One conveniently located place to check your e-mail is at the one above the popular Pez Vela restaurant, Avenida 5 at Calle 2. The place gets a bit noisy, but it's open late and the connections are reasonably fast. Another good spot is the Zoo Cafe on Avenida 4 at Calle 14, which serves food and drinks and offers Wi-Fi and broadband access for a fee. The Ajua Maya Restaurant, on Calle 4 between avenidas 5 and 10, offers complimentary Wi-Fi for diners.
| Mail & Package Services | Top |
Most large-scale hotels sell stamps and offer an outgoing mailbox, but just remember that the Mexican mail service is slow and you may arrive home before your postcards.
| Newspapers & Magazines | Top |
Free tourist guides are available at the arrivals terminal in the Cancun airport. Tourist information kiosks at the town plaza and on Avenida 5 at Calle 14 offer free brochures, maps and tour information. The Miami Herald and USA Today are available at the gift shops of the larger hotels.
Calling from hotel rooms can be exorbitantly expensive, so travelers are advised to use pay phones and prepaid calling cards, available at most convenience stores and hotel gift shops. Many Internet cafes in the area offer discounted international calls, where an operator will place the call and transfer it to a private booth. Many U.S. cell phone companies offer service in Playa del Carmen, though rates vary widely.
| Transportation | Top |
There's a small airport a few blocks from Playa's ferry dock, but all commercial flights into the area land at Cancun International (CUN), 10 mi/16 km south of Cancun. It opened a new terminal in 2007 to allow for a greater flow of air traffic. Phone 998-886-0073. http://www.cancun-airport.com. Plans are under way for a new international airport to be built in the Riviera Maya off Highway 307 on the road to the ruins at Coba.
Connecting Transportation
Best way:
Colectivo (public-shuttle) vans run between the Cancun airport and Playa. Fare is about US$23 per person. You can pay at the travel desk inside the airport and catch one at curbside outside the airport terminal. Autobuses Riviera also has frequent service from the Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen starting at 7 am. About US$9 one-way.
Other options:
Rental car agencies have desks at the airport. You can also take a regular taxi or a colectivo taxi van or city bus to the bus terminal in Cancun, where you can catch one of the frequent buses to Playa del Carmen. Luxury resorts usually provide transportation directly from the Cancun airport for a fee. A taxi from the Cancun airport to Playa costs about US$75 for up to two people. You can also book a private shuttle in advance. Rates begin at US$31.50 per person. Phone toll-free 866-922-6286. http://www.cancunshuttle.com.
For questions about all transportation options from the Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen, phone 1-800-317-1921.
Public buses travel from Playa north to Cancun and south to the ruins at Tulum, as well as to other cities in the Yucatan. They're inexpensive and easy to use. Expect to pay around US$9 for a ticket on one of the modern, air-conditioned buses that depart every 10 minutes or so for Cancun. Avenida 5 (about a block and a half from the ferry pier), Playa del Carmen.
A second bus station offers longer routes to Merida, Mexico City, Guadalajara and many points between. The schedules vary and are posted on a large board inside the station. Calle 12 at Avenida 20.
Rental cars are available at agency offices near the pier, in Hotel Molcas and at the Playacar Palace. Expect to pay US$60 a day, including Mexican insurance. Lower rates are usually available for multiday rentals. If your credit card covers collision and theft, make sure that the coverage is valid in Mexico.
To be sure there's a vehicle available, it's a good idea to arrange the rental in advance. Drivers must have a license and be at least 21 years old. Be aware that some streets and roads are unpaved in rural areas. Driving in Mexico is on the right.
When purchasing gas, it's wise to get out of the car and watch the proceedings. Be sure the pump is set back to zero and that the attendant pumps from the side that's been reset. To reduce discrepancies, ask for a fixed amount (pesos) or quantity (liters) of gas.
Passenger-only ferry service between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel. Tickets can be purchased at the ferry dock. Note that the water can be rough: Taking medication to combat seasickness is a good idea. Boats generally operate between 5 am and 10 pm, leaving once an hour in the peak morning and afternoon travel times, less frequently in off-peak periods. Check the schedule at the pier before making your plans—times change frequently. The passage takes about 35 minutes. Fare is US$11 each way. Phone 872-1508.
Taxis are readily available in Playa, and there are tricycle taxis, too. Drivers often offer tours for US$30-$50, depending upon the amount of time requested. Don't hesitate to bargain, and agree on a price before departure.
| For More Information | Top |
| Tourist Offices | Top |
The local tourism office on Avenida Juarez (corner of Avenida 15) has a multilingual staff and supplies brochures and maps. Monday-Friday 9 am-9 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am-5 pm. Phone 873-1001.
There is also a small Tourism Police kiosk on the main square. It keeps irregular hours.
