Cancun, Mexico Guide

Know Before You Go...®

Why Cancun, Mexico?

  • Cancun is home to the world's second largest coral reef
  • Cancun is located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico
  • It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico
  • Cancun has a tropical climate with hot summers and mild winters
  • Cancun is a great destination for a variety of activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.

Transportation on Cancun, Mexico

Getting to Cancun, Mexico and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Entry Documents

  • Passport valid for the stay
  • Tourist permit (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) obtained upon arrival
  • Visas may be required for certain nationalities

Departure Tax

A departure tax of approximately $60 may be required for travelers departing from Mexican airports. It is often included in the cost of airfare but should be confirmed with the airline.

Driving

  • Driving License: Foreign licenses are valid; an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
  • Driving Side: Right.
  • Roads: Vary by region, with toll highways offering better conditions than free roads.
  • Speed Limits: Typically 60-100 km/h (37-62 mph) on highways and 40 km/h (25 mph) in urban areas.
  • Traffic Rules: Watch for speed bumps (topes) and follow local regulations. Exercise caution when driving at night due to poor lighting in some areas.

Know Before You Go...® - Cancun, Mexico Travel Tips

Before making their way to Cancun, Mexico , vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in Cancun, Mexico even more relaxing.

Capital: Mexico City
Population: 126 million (estimated)
Size: 761,610 square miles (estimated)
Electric Current: 120/127
Official Language: Spanish is the official and most widely spoken language in Mexico. Indigenous languages such as Nahuatl, Maya, and Mixtec are also spoken in various regions. English is commonly understood in tourist areas.
Currency:
  • The official currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN).
  • ATMs are widely available in cities, towns, and tourist areas.
  • Major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are accepted in most establishments.
  • Contactless payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay are becoming more popular, though cash is still widely used, especially in rural areas or markets.
Tipping and Taxes:
  • Tipping is customary, with 10-15% expected for good service in restaurants and other service industries.
  • VAT (Value Added Tax) is 16%, often included in displayed prices.
Dress Code: Mexico’s dress code varies by region. Casual attire is common in coastal and tourist areas, while urban centers like Mexico City may require smart casual or business attire. Lightweight clothing is ideal for warmer climates, with layers for cooler highland areas.
Topography: Mexico features diverse topography, including mountains, deserts, tropical rainforests, and coastlines along the Pacific Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. It is home to iconic landscapes like the Sierra Madre mountains, and cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula.
Telephone: * Country code: +52 * Area codes vary by region. * Major cities and tourist destinations typically have easily accessible mobile and landline services.

Cancun, Mexico Weddings and Honeymoons

In Mexico, getting married involves a few clear steps and required documents.

Application: Apply for a marriage license at the Civil Registry Office in the municipality where the wedding will take place.

Required documents include:

  • Valid passports
  • Tourist permits (issued upon arrival in Mexico)
  • Birth certificates (with a Spanish translation and apostille)
  • If applicable, provide a divorce decree or death certificate from a previous marriage

Medical Tests: Some states require blood tests for certain conditions, taken within a specific timeframe before the wedding.

Waiting Period: Varies by state but is typically a few days after applying.

Ceremony: Civil ceremonies are legally binding and conducted by a judge or Civil Registry official.

Costs: Marriage license and ceremony fees vary by state but typically range from $30 to $120. Additional costs may apply for translations, apostilles, or officiant travel.

Optional Religious Ceremony: Can be conducted after the civil ceremony but is not legally binding.