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Practical Information

Practical Information

Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Local SIM Cards

Telcel has the best coverage. Purchase a prepaid SIM with your passport at official stores or OXXO.

Connectivity Choices

Internet Access

Wi-Fi is widely available and usually free at hotels, restaurants, and cafes in Campeche city.

Wi-Fi and Portable Options

Postal Services

Correos de México handles postcards. For faster international shipping, private couriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS have offices.

Shipping Considerations

  • International mail can be slow.
  • Private couriers offer reliable, tracked shipping.
  • Costs for private services are higher.

Language & Translation

Spanish is the official language. English is common in tourist areas, but basic Spanish is appreciated.

Helpful Language Tools

Money & Banking

Bank Hours

  • Weekdays 9 AM - 4 PM/5 PM.
  • Some banks have limited Saturday hours.
  • Use ATMs inside banks for added security.
  • Be cautious of standalone ATMs in isolated areas.

ATM Access

  • ATMs are available 24/7.
  • Found in banks, supermarkets, tourist areas.
  • Use well-lit, busy locations.
  • ATM reliability can vary with location.

Phrases

Hello: Hola (OH-lah)

Thank you: Gracias (GRAH-see-ahs)

Please: Por favor (por fah-VOR)

How much?: ¿Cuánto cuesta? (KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah?)

Do you speak English?: ¿Habla inglés? (AH-blah een-GLEHS?)

Business Hours & Schedules

Navigate Campeche's daily rhythms.

Shop Hours

Open generally 9/10 AM to 8/9 PM. Smaller shops observe a "siesta" (2 PM - 4/5 PM). Larger stores stay open.

Dining Times

Breakfast: 7-10 AM. Lunch (main meal): 1-4 PM. Dinner: 7 PM onwards; some open until midnight on weekends.

Museum & Site Hours

Most museums and archaeological sites are open Tuesday-Sunday, 9 AM - 5 PM. Usually closed on Mondays.

Airport Comforts

Enhance your airport experience.

Travel Support

Public Holiday Impacts

Expect closures or limited services on major Mexican holidays. Banks, government offices, and some businesses may close.

Noteworthy Holidays

  • New Year's Day, Constitution Day, Labor Day, Independence Day, Revolution Day, Christmas.
  • Semana Santa (Holy Week) brings domestic travel, higher prices, and crowds.
  • Day of the Dead (Nov 1-2) is a time of special cultural activities.

Seasonal Adjustments

Low Season Considerations

  • During the low season (May-October), smaller businesses might reduce hours.
  • Lower tourist demand can lead to temporary closures.
  • Always confirm operating hours if traveling during this period.

High Season & Holidays

  • High season (Nov-Feb) brings more visitors.
  • Expect higher demand and potential crowds during peak holidays.
  • Prices for accommodations and tours may be higher.

Plan Ahead

Checking schedules for attractions and businesses before your visit is a good practice, especially during holidays or the low season.

Local Customs & Etiquette

Interact respectfully with local culture.

Welcoming Gestures

Always greet people when entering a business or asking for help. A handshake is common; a light hug or cheek kiss among friends.

Politeness Pointers

  • A simple "Hola" or "Buenos días" starts interactions positively.
  • Use "por favor" and "gracias" often.
  • Making an effort with Spanish shows respect.

Dress Considerations

Casual wear is acceptable. Modest attire (shoulders and knees covered) is appreciated when visiting churches or traditional places.

Comfort & Respect

  • Prioritize comfortable, breathable clothing for the climate.
  • Avoid overly revealing clothing in religious contexts.
  • Comfortable footwear for walking cobblestone streets.

Dining & Tipping

Wait for seating in restaurants. Ask for the bill. Cash tips are common.

Mealtime Manners

  • Ask for "La cuenta, por favor."
  • Cash tips are preferred for direct distribution to staff.
  • "Buen provecho" is a kind phrase to offer diners.

Photography Guidelines

Always ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially children. Respect signs regarding photography.

Respectful Photography

  • Respect a "no" if permission is denied.
  • Avoid flash in museums, churches, and sensitive areas.
  • Do not photograph private moments without consent.

Sensitive Topics & Awareness

Social niceties

  • Avoid discussing politics or religion unless invited.
  • Be mindful of noise levels in public, especially at night.
  • Public displays of affection are more common in urban areas.

Inclusivity & Safety

  • Campeche is generally welcoming to LGBTQ+ individuals.
  • Solo female travelers find Campeche safe.
  • Penalties for illicit drugs are severe.

Accessibility Information

Infrastructure Challenges

  • Historic Center's cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks.
  • Many historic buildings have steps, lacking ramps or elevators.
  • Newer areas and modern hotels generally have better accessibility.

Services & Resources

  • Contact specific sites to inquire about accessible features.
  • Local public buses are not typically wheelchair accessible.
  • Specialized services for visual/hearing impairments are not widely standardized.

Planning Accessibility

Consult online travel forums on accessible travel. Specialist tour operators or direct hotel contact can confirm specific needs before booking.

Communication

Stay connected in Campeche.

Local SIM Cards

Telcel has the best coverage. Purchase a prepaid SIM with your passport at official stores or OXXO.

Connectivity Choices

Internet Access

Wi-Fi is widely available and usually free at hotels, restaurants, and cafes in Campeche city.

Wi-Fi and Portable Options

Postal Services

Correos de México handles postcards. For faster international shipping, private couriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS have offices.

Shipping Considerations

  • International mail can be slow.
  • Private couriers offer reliable, tracked shipping.
  • Costs for private services are higher.

Language & Translation

Spanish is the official language. English is common in tourist areas, but basic Spanish is appreciated.

Helpful Language Tools

Phrases for Interactions

Greetings

Hola (OH-lah), Buenos días/tardes/noches.

Politeness

Gracias (GRAH-see-ahs), Por favor (por fah-VOR), De nada (deh NAH-dah).

Questions

¿Cuánto cuesta? (KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah?), ¿Habla inglés? (AH-blah een-GLEHS?), ¿Dónde está...? (DOHN-deh eh-STAH...?).

Language Benefits

Making an effort to speak Spanish shows respect for local culture and can lead to more authentic interactions, especially with taxi drivers or street vendors.

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