Tips for Canadians in Cancun
A Primer for Those Who Have Never Been to Mexico's Premier Getaway
Tips and advice for first-time travelers to Cancun, including pre-trip planning and customs and manners while there, with the Canadian traveler in mind.
Cancun is Mexico’s premier vacation getaway for millions of people, yet many have yet to experience the nightlife, beaches, and genuine friendliness of the Mexican Caribbean. This article, written with the Canadian traveler in mind, will help prepare you for your Cancun getaway.
Before Leaving, Get Shots for Diarrhea and Hep atitis A & B
Many travelers have little difficulty with either turista (a.k.a traveler’s diarrhea or “Montezuma’s Revenge”) or hepatitis. Nonetheless, Foreign Affairs Canada recommends immunizing yourself against Hepatitis A and B before leaving, as they are prevalent off the resort areas, as well as getting traveler’s diarrhea shots. You can obtain both from walk-in clinics. Most resorts purify their water and import their foods from the U.S. Nonetheless, buy a few bottles of water for rinsing, just in case. Also bring along some Alka-seltzer, Gravol, and hand sanitizer. When using facilities off the resort, avoid washing your hands in the sink and use your sanitizer if you can help it.
Buy a Mexican Spanish Phrasebook and Memorize the Essentials
Even though English is prevalent in Cancun’s tourist areas, learning un poco espanol goes a long way to creating a wonderful trip. We all know, at home, the difficulties communicating with tourists who don’t speak English or French. Help your hosts relate to you easier by speaking their language. The benefits of distinguishing yourself as such range from better poolside service from your waiter to better empathy from authorities during emergencies. This author recommends Lonely Planet’s Mexican Spanish, available in most bookstores.
Expect to Spend More Pesos than Dollars
One Cancun traveler was amused to hear an American tourist remark “We have to get pesos? Don’t they take dollars?”. With the influx of other currencies from Europe and Canada, it is increasingly difficult for locals to exchange foreign tenders for pesos, making them more reluctant to take them. Make things easier for everyone by ensuring that at least 80% of your cash is Mexican, keeping some Canadian or U.S. bills for emergencies. Get many 20 notes for tipping, and change your monies at home, as the fees in Cancun are hideous.
At the Airport, Beware of Aggressive Cabbies
When you land, airport security is quick, but finding transportation is an adventure. Aggressive drivers line the walkway leading out of the lobby. Some may actually snatch your bags out of your hands and start for the car. When booking your trip, book an airport shuttle with your package and memorize the name and logo of the shuttle company. That way, when staring down the aggressive cabbies, you can insist on your chosen means of transportation with confidence.
Canadians are Safe in Cancun
Thanks to high profile news coverage of incidents involving Canadians in Mexico, Canadian travel had dropped significantly during one traveller's trip in 2007. Consider that, during the 2003 Toronto SARS outbreak, international media coverage dissuaded enough tourists from the city to cause jobs losses and closures. The reality, of course, was quite different than the public perception. Despite bad press, Cancun’s Hotel Zone remains one of the safest resort areas for all travellers, especially Canadians. Use the same common sense you would at home: don’t get into needless arguments at clubs, especially with locals; treat people with respect; don’t count money in public; and don’t insult police and local authorities.
Taken together, these tips, along with advice from your travel agent and guidebooks, will make your first outing to Cancun a safe and enjoyable one. Have fun!
