Obtaining some basic information on Mexico before booking your trip is essential if you want to avoid last minute hassles. Some of the most important practicalities to look into include visa requirements, health precautions, language barriers, and insurance.

Visa requirements:

Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and certain EU countries are free to enter Mexico without a visa provided their stay in the country will last 180 days or less. This period is limited to 90 days for nationals of Poland, France, Greece, Luxemborg, Austria, Israel, the Czech Republic, and Monaco. Other nationals will need to check with the Mexican Embassy to see what requirements apply to them specifically.

In all cases you will be required to have at least six months left on your passport and carry a tourist card which you can obtain from your travel agent or the airline you are flying with. Keep in mind that if there is a chance that you may visit the USA en route to your final destination you will need a US visa in addition to your Mexican visa.

Health precautions and problems:

You are unlikely to encounter any major health threats while on vacation in Mexico, but the old motto of better safe than sorry is always a good one to follow. The ailment that you are most likely to suffer from in Mexico is diarrhea or turista as it is called locally. Only drink bottled or purified water and avoid overly spicy food and keep anti-diarrhea medication such as Imodium in your travel bag at all times.

Language barriers:

Language is unlikely to be a major problem in Mexico. In major towns and cities most locals are able to speak English while in rural areas you should be able to get by using a dictionary and hand signals. Locals do however really appreciate it when tourists attempt to speak to them in their native language, so learning a few basic Spanish terms in advance is highly recommended

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is an essential part of any trip. If you pay for a travel ticket or package with a major debit or credit card, travel insurance is often provided free of charge. A number of medical insurance packages also apply overseas, as do some home insurance policies. If you do need to take out extra insurance, there are a number of first rate travel insurance packages that can be booked online. Make sure that the package covers baggage and ticket loss and incorporates protection against theft, accidents, sickness and emergencies

Gratuities

Cancun is a world-class tourist destination; the service offered to travelers from staff and other service people is the best. In the airports and hotels, a tip of one or two American dollars per suitcase carried is recommended.

Taxi drivers may receive a tip only when additional service is provided.

At bars or restaurants, a tip of 10 to 15 percent of the total value consumed is customary. Always verify that the tip is not included in the bill.

Tips within the hotels follow American customs and are always a sign of satisfaction during your stay.

Safety and Security

You and your family's safety are guaranteed when visiting Cancun or any other part of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. Here, where tourism is the principal economic activity, special care is taken to ensure the well-being and peace of mind of visitors.

You may stroll calmly through the international airport, malls, streets, avenues and beaches. Authorized transportation is supervised, taxi drivers are friendly, service-oriented and their vehicles are safe.

In the hotel zone, wander worry-free at any time of day or night.

The highways toward Chichen Itza and Tulum are wide and secure, and are constantly monitored by the federal police and auxiliary services.

Nevertheless, like any other part of the world, use caution at night when in areas removed from public zones, being on the street in an altered state or inviting strangers into your car or hotel room. Watch important personal belongings and deposit valuables in the safety boxes in your hotel. Hotels provide very efficient security services.

Quintana Roo is a peaceful state and its northern zone opens its doors to you, offering our characteristically cheerful Mexican hospitality.