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Cancun Travel Checklist

Cancun Travel Checklist

Cancun Quintana Roo, Mexico Travel Guide

Chronological Planning Timeline

Plan ahead for a smooth journey.

Your Trip Timeline

steps for your Cancun visit.

1

+ Months Before

Passport & Visas

Verify your passport is valid for your stay.

Book Flights & Stay

Book flights and main accommodation.

Health & Safety

Research travel insurance (World Nomads) and vaccinations.

2

Month Before

Finalize Itinerary

Book tours (One Of the new seven wonders of the world, eco-parks) and the airport transfers.

Financial & Documents

Notify banks; make document copies.

Health Preparations

Get necessary vaccinations; consult your doctor.

3

Week Before

Confirm Reservations

Confirm all flights, hotels, tours, and transfers.

Pack & Withdraw

Pack appropriately; withdraw local currency or small USD.

Tech & Home Prep

Download offline maps; recharge your gadgets; secure your home.

Required Advance Bookings

Secure these for your trip.

Reservations

  • Flights (book early for best rates).
  • Accommodation (hotel, resort, vacation rental).
  • Airport Transfers (pre-book for convenience).
  • Popular Day Trips/Tours (One Of the new seven wonders of the world, Xcaret).

Home Preparation

Prepare your home for your absence.

Before You Depart

  • Secure your home: lock windows and doors.
  • Suspend mail or arrange for a neighbor to collect it.
  • Have your plants watered or pet care.
  • Pay what you owe in advance or set up automatic payments.

Pre-Trip Research

Gather information for an improved experience.

Travel Advisories

  • Read government travel advisories.
  • Understand local customs and phrases.
  • Familiarize with currency and tipping.
  • Research health and safety guidelines.

Cultural Awareness

  • Read about Mexican history.
  • Practice basic Spanish greetings.
  • Explore regional traditions.
  • Discover local cuisine.

Practical Knowledge

  • Review local transportation options.
  • Identify shopping areas.
  • Plan photography spots.
  • Check weather forecasts.

Confirm All Details

Double-check all securing a spot and essential documents before you depart.

Arrival Checklist

Steps for an easy arrival in Cancun.

Arrival Procedures

  • Immigration:

    Present passport, verify duration of stay.

  • Baggage Claim:

    Collect your luggage from the carousel.

  • Customs:

    Proceed through the traffic light system.

Orientation & Essentials

  • Locate Your Hotel

    Understand the surrounding neighborhood.

  • Identify Nearby Services

    Nearest bus stops, ATMs, convenience stores.

  • Currency Familiarization

    Mexican Pesos and current exchange rates.

Airport Experience & Transport

Currency Exchange

Withdraw pesos from an AUTOMATED teller machine at the airport or exchange a small amount.

Avoid exchanging large amounts at the airport as rates are often poor.

Local Connectivity

Purchase a local SIM card for your phone to ensure connectivity.

Stay connected throughout your stay for navigation and communication.

Airport Transfers

Utilize your pre-booked transfer, ADO bus, or official airport taxi.

Confirm pricing beforehand to avoid any surprises.

Plan Your Arrival

A well-planned arrival brings a relaxed start to your Cancun trip.

Departure Preparation

Prepare for a smooth departure out of Cancun.

Souvenirs & Shipping

  • Leave space and weight in luggage for souvenirs.
  • For large/fragile items, arrange shipping through a courier.
  • Be aware of customs rules for items back to your home country.
  • Consider Eagle Creek for travel organization.

VAT Refund Procedures

  • Mexico has a VAT refund program for tourists from other countries.
  • Applies to purchases over 1,200 MXN at participating stores.
  • Present passport, FMM, receipts, and purchased items at airport.
  • Look for "Tax Free" signs when shopping.

Pre-Departure Timing

Plan your airport arrival and concluding steps.

Airport Arrival & Traffic

  • Arrive at Cancun International Airport:3 hours before international flight.
  • Allow extra time for:Potential traffic to the airport.
  • Especially during:Peak hours or high season.
  • Account for:Any outstanding local taxes (e.g., VISITAX).

Return Trip Preparation

  • Check your flight status the day ahead of leaving.
  • Confirm your airport transfer arrangements.
  • Pack liquids (over 100ml) in checked luggage.
  • Ensure all the travel documents you need are accessible.

Smooth Departure

Confirm your airport transfer and flight status.

Allow ample time for airport procedures.

Cancun Travel Checklist. Before You Go, Packing List, Preparation