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What to Pack and Bring

What to Pack and Bring

Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Clothing for Chetumal's Climate

Chetumal’s tropical climate means lightweight, breathable fabrics work best year-round. Materials like cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking synthetics promote comfort in the heat and humidity. These fabrics dry quickly and help regulate body temperature.

Seasonal Tips

  • Dry Season (Nov-May): Evenings may need a Light jacket or long-sleeved shirt.
  • Wet Season (Jun-Oct): Focus on quick-drying materials; a Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella is a wise choice for sudden downpours.
  • Casual attire works for most places; for churches or traditional areas, cover shoulders and knees. Swimwear suits beaches/pools, but not city walking.

Activity-Specific Attire

Activity-specific attire will vary based on your plans.

What to Wear

Footwear Recommendations

Everyday Wear

Comfortable sandals, flip-flops, or breathable Sneakers work best for daily wear. Choose sandals with good support for extensive walking.

Ideal for city strolls.

Exploration & Long Walks

Closed-toe walking shoes or light sneakers fit city exploration, museums, or archaeological sites. These support and protect more.

Supports extended activity.

Water Activities

Water shoes or sturdy sandals are good for beaches, cenotes, or boat trips, shielding feet from rocks or slippery surfaces. Teva Original Universal Sandals feature comfort and water-readiness.

Protects feet in aquatic environments.

Essential Documents

Travel Documents

Your original passport is your main travel document. If your nationality calls for a visa for Mexico, ensure you have your physical visa or proof of your electronic visa. Keep these documents in a secure, accessible place. Carry both printed and digital copies of your travel insurance policy, with emergency contact numbers and policy details readily available. This information will be highly valuable in case of medical emergencies or other unforeseen issues.

  • International driving permit (if applicable): Bring valid driver's license. IDP is a good practice (from national automobile association).
  • Vaccination records and health documentation: Bring needed vaccination certificates (e.g., Yellow Fever). List of prescription medications (generic names) and doctor's note for controlled substances.
  • Printed and digital copies of reservations: Flight, hotel, and tour reservations. Store digital copies on phone, cloud storage, and email for redundancy. This secures access even if phone or internet is lost.
  • Emergency contact information: List of emergency contacts (family/friends, embassy/consulate in Mexico, local emergency services (911)). Share with a trusted person at home.
  • Student/senior/press IDs for discounts (if applicable): Bring relevant ID cards for potential discounts at museums, attractions, or public transport.
  • Passport and visa documentation: Original passport always needed. For visa-required nationalities, physical visa or electronic visa proof. Keep secure and accessible.
  • Travel insurance policy information: Printed and digital copies with emergency contacts.
  • This prevents customs issues and assists medical professionals if needed.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Mexico uses a voltage of 127 V and a frequency of 60 Hz. The plug types are Type A (two flat parallel prongs) and Type B (two flat parallel prongs and a round grounding pin), which match those in the United States and Canada. Travelers from other regions will need a Universal travel adapter. Most modern smartphones are compatible with Mexican networks. Check if your phone is unlocked before traveling for local SIM card use. Local SIM cards are affordable and widely available from major carriers like Telcel (best coverage), AT&T, and Movistar. Purchase from official stores for security.

Essentials

Capture & Navigate

Consider bringing a camera with good zoom for wildlife. A Waterproof camera, like a GoPro HERO12 Black, captures water activity memories. Download offline maps from Google Maps or Maps.me for navigation without internet access. Google Translate features offline language packs. InDriver is more commonly used in Chetumal than Uber. WhatsApp sees wide use for communication in Mexico.

Digital Aids

  • Camera equipment recommendations (B&H Photo).
  • Recommended apps for navigation, translation, and local services.
  • Backup solutions for important data (cloud storage, External hard drive).

Digital Security

VPN Services

NordVPN or ExpressVPN for secure internet access.

Offline Maps

Google Maps or Maps.me for navigation without internet.

Communication Apps

InDriver for ride-sharing, WhatsApp for general communication.

Health & Wellness Items

First Aid Kit

A well-stocked health and wellness kit fosters peace of mind.

Essential Contents

Personal Health Needs

Carry all prescription medications in their original containers with clear labels. Bring a copy of your prescription or a doctor's note, especially for controlled substances. This prevents customs issues and assists medical professionals if needed. Pack remedies for colds, flu, and motion sickness, especially for boat trips.

Items

  • Prescription medications with documentation.
  • Over-the-counter medications for common issues.
  • Motion sickness remedies (Chetumal is at sea level).

Protection from Elements

Insect Repellent

Sun Protection

Activity-Specific Equipment

Snorkeling/Diving Gear

While Snorkel masks and fins are available for rent, bringing your own mask for fit and hygiene is a good idea. Pack anti-fog spray.

  • Own mask and snorkel for comfort.
  • Anti-fog spray.
  • Fins (rent or bring).
  • Waterproof dry bag for electronics.

Hiking Essentials

A Small daypack for water, snacks, and essentials warrants consideration. Comfortable hiking shoes are a condition for uneven terrain at archaeological sites.

  • Small daypack.
  • Comfortable hiking shoes.
  • Water bottle.
  • Snacks.

General Travel Gear

Chetumal does not call for many unique specialty items. Focus on general tropical travel gear suitable for outdoor exploration and water activities.

  • Quick-dry clothing.
  • Water shoes.
  • Reusable water bottle.
  • Sun hat.

Rent vs. Bring Decisions

Rent

  • Snorkel and dive gear are widely available for rent from tour operators.
  • Save luggage space.
  • Local support for issues.
  • Good for occasional use.

Bring

  • Personal items like your own mask are best brought from home for comfort and proper fit.
  • Comfortable hiking shoes.
  • Quick-dry clothing.
  • Specific medications or high-quality outdoor gear (Amazon).

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Comfort & Security

Do not forget these general comfort and security items.

Travel Aids

  • Neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs considerably enhance comfort during long bus journeys.
  • A small Padlock for hostel lockers or a money belt for valuables fosters peace of mind.
  • An RFID blocking travel wallet for protection against electronic theft. Pacsafe for security products.
  • Region-specific essentials unique to Chetumal: a light rain jacket or umbrella during the wet season serves as a practical item.

Reusable Items

Sustainable travel choices.

Eco-Friendly Packing

  • A Reusable water bottle holds significance for refilling with purified water, to save money and reduce plastic waste. (LifeStraw)
  • A Reusable shopping bag is a good addition for market visits.
  • Consider Reusable utensils for street food to cut down on disposable plastic.
  • Items difficult or expensive to purchase locally: specific medications, high-quality outdoor gear, or dietary supplements. Plan accordingly. (Nordace bags).

Sustainable Travel Items

Reusable Water Bottle

Reduces plastic waste.

Reusable Shopping Bag

For markets and groceries.

Reusable Utensils

For street food and takeaways.

Solar Charger

For eco-friendly device charging.

Destination-Specific Items

Tropical Climate Specifics

  • A light rain jacket or umbrella during the wet season.
  • Strong insect repellent due to tropical environment.
  • High-SPF sunscreen and UV-protective sunglasses.

Cultural & Activity Specifics

  • Modest clothing for visiting churches or traditional areas.
  • Comfortable walking shoes for city and archaeological sites.
  • Water shoes for cenotes and rocky beach areas.

Packing Pro Tips

Thoughtful packing assists enjoyment of Chetumal with confidence and comfort.