​

​

​

​

Cancun, Mexico: Information & Travel Tips

​

Below are some tips and things to know before traveling to Mexico: (please note that some of these are simply suggestions and not requirements)​​​​​​​​

​

Travel Documents & Procedures

• REQUIRED Passport: Don’t forget it! You can’t board the plane without it.

• Tourist Tax (VISITAX): Quintana Roo requires a visitor tax for international travelers (approximately $10–$15 USD per person). While enforcement has varied, travelers are encouraged to complete the form before departure. Payment can be made here: https://www.visitax.gob.mx/ 

• Customs: Review what items you can bring into Mexico here.

• Immigration: Mexico has streamlined immigration procedures at many airports, including Cancun. Most travelers no longer receive a paper FMM form and will instead receive an entry stamp in their passport indicating the number of days allowed in the country.

  • If you go through an Automated Entry instead of having your passport stamped, you'll want to keep the slip of paper, as you'll need it to exit Mexico.

• Photocopy Your Passport: Scan and email copies to yourself and someone you trust. You can also print copies and put them in your luggage.​​​​​​​​​​​​​

​

Packing Tips for Cancun Resorts

• Carry-On Essentials: Pack a change of clothes, swimsuit, and toiletries in your carry-on in case your checked bag is delayed. Share essentials with your travel partner’s bag too. You can find out more about the 3-1-1 Rule here. 

• Dress Code: The dress code at Moon Palace Cancun varies by restaurant and setting. Footwear is required at all dining facilities. Polos, short-or long-sleeve shirts, and closed-toe shoes are recommended for men for dinner. Breakfast and lunch are more casual. 

• Weather: The days will likely be warm and sunny, but temperatures can be lower in the mornings and evenings. Consider bringing a light jacket, sweater, or shawl.  

• Sunscreen: Bring some with you—it's expensive at the resort. Some areas of Mexico encourage the use of reef-safe sunscreen to help protect marine ecosystems.

​

Money and Tipping in Mexico

• Notify Your Bank: Tell your bank and credit card companies about your trip. 

• Check to see if your credit card charges 'Foreign Transaction Fees.' Some banks charge up to 3% of everything spent internationally, and it can all add up quickly. Click here for more information along with a list of credit cards that do not charge these fees.

• Currency: The Mexican Peso is the local currency. Exchange rates fluctuate, but you can download a currency converter app for quick reference. U.S. dollars are widely accepted throughout the resort.

• Tipping ($ Shown below in USD):

  • Drinks: $1-$2 per round

  • Meals: $5 for breakfast/lunch, $10-$20 for dinner

  • Valet: $1 per bag

  • Tours: 10-20% of the total cost

  • Housekeeping: $1-$2 per night

  • Transfers: $1-$2 per person per trip

​

Phone & Connectivity in Mexico

• Phone Plan: Check your international phone plan to avoid extra charges. Use Airplane Mode and Wi-Fi to save data.

• Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort.

• Wall Outlets: Moon Palace features standard 127V electrical outlets, specifically Type A and Type B (two-pronged or grounded), matching the exact same 60Hz/127V system used in the USA and Canada. No converters are required for North American electronics, ensuring seamless charging for phones, cameras, and computers. 

• Important Info: Write down important phone numbers, emails, and the resort address in case your phone is lost or misplaced. Grab a business card from the resort to show the taxi driver if you leave the property.​​

​

Health & Safety Tips for Cancun

• Water: Bottled water is readily available throughout the resort, and we recommend using it for both drinking and brushing your teeth.

• Food: Be cautious with unpeeled fruits, veggies, and salads.​

• STEP Enrollment: Join the U.S. Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety updates and help during emergencies here. 

​

Helpful Travel Items for Your Trip

• Reef-Safe Sunscreen
  Protect your skin while also protecting marine life. Many destinations in Mexico encourage reef-safe sunscreen.

• Portable Phone Charger
  Great for travel days, excursions, and long pool days when your phone battery runs low. 

• Waterproof Phone Pouch
  Perfect for beach days, snorkeling excursions, and boat tours.

• Passport Holder / Travel Wallet (Standard) OR Passport Holder with an Apple AirTag Slot
  Helps keep passports, boarding passes, and credit cards organized during travel.

• Smart Luggage Tags
  Simple but helpful for identifying bags quickly at the airport, along with a tracker that works with Apple's "Find My" feature.

• Compression Packing Cubes
  A great way to keep your suitcase organized and make unpacking at your resort quick and easy.

​

​