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Pre-Trip Checklist

Pre-Trip Checklist

Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Essential Preparations

Thorough planning lays a solid foundation for your journey.

Planning Timeline

Follow this chronological guide for a seamless journey.

1

-6 Months Before

Passport Validity

Check passport validity; six months beyond departure from Mexico. Renew if necessary.

Visa Requirements

Research visa requirements for your nationality. Apply if needed.

Flight & Hotel Bookings

Book international flights and accommodations, especially for high season, for better prices and availability.

2

Month Before

Confirm Bookings

Confirm all flight, hotel, and tour bookings. Double-check dates and times.

Health Consultation

Consult your doctor for recommended vaccinations and specific health advice for tropical climates.

Driving Permit & Bank

Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) if car rental is a plan. Inform your bank of travel dates to prevent card freezing.

3

Week Before

Confirm Transfers

Confirm airport transfers and any pre-booked transportation.

Packing

Pack climate-appropriate clothing and activity-specific gear (e.g., swimwear, water shoes, light hiking clothes).

First Aid & Documents

Assemble your first aid kit and acquire sufficient supplies of personal prescription medications. Print physical copies of essential documents.

Required Bookings

Main bookings require advance consideration.

Reservations

  • Flights and accommodation are main bookings requiring advance arrangement.
  • For popular fine-dining restaurants, dinner reservations weeks or months ahead is common practice.
  • Specific tours (e.g., specialized diving, private Sian Ka'a tours) and car rentals should also be booked in advance, notably during busy periods.
  • World Nomads: Consider World Nomads for comprehensive travel insurance.

Pre-Trip Research

Information gathering supports a smoother trip.

Research Topics

  • Read recent reviews for hotels, restaurants, and tour operators.
  • Familiarize yourself with common local scams and safety tips for self-protection.
  • Understand local customs and etiquette for respectful interactions.
  • Check for any current travel advisories or health warnings from your government or Mexican authorities.

Home Preparation

Securing your home before departure.

Security & Utilities

  • Secure your home: lock windows and doors, set timers for lights.
  • Arrange for mail collection.
  • Unplug unnecessary electronics to save energy and protect against power surges.
  • Pay any bills due during your travel period.

Contacts & Itinerary

  • Notify trusted contacts of your itinerary.
  • Provide emergency contact details.
  • Share how to reach you in an emergency.
  • Confirm pet or house-sitting arrangements.

Digital Readiness

  • Charge all electronics.
  • Pack necessary power adapters.
  • Portable power banks: Pack portable power banks for device charging on the go.
  • Set up out-of-office replies for work emails.

Important Travel Documents

Always carry your physical passport and your stamped FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) card. The FMM is provided upon entry and surrender at departure. Losing it may cause delays and fines.

Arrival Checklist

These immediate steps upon arrival support quick and smooth settling into Tulum.

First Steps Upon Arrival

  • 1
    Clear Immigration

    Present your passport and FMM card. Confirm the immigration officer stamps your FMM card and returns the bottom portion; keep this safe.

  • 2
    Collect Luggage

    Collect luggage from the baggage claim.

  • 3
    Proceed to Transfer

    Proceed to your pre-arranged transfer or the official taxi stand outside the airport terminal.

Orientation Strategies

  • Obtain Local Map

    Once you arrive at your accommodation, obtain a local map of Tulum Pueblo and the Hotel Zone.

  • Locate Amenities

    Locate the nearest ATM, supermarket (e.g., Chedraui, Super Aki), and convenience store (OXXO).

  • Familiarize Transportation

    Familiarize yourself with local transportation options, like where to catch colectivos or rent bicycles.

Initial Purchases & Transportation

Currency Exchange

Avoid exchanging large amounts of currency at the airport, as rates are usually poor.

Use an ATM inside a reputable bank for initial pesos.

Water Purchase

Purchase bottled water immediately upon arrival.

Hydration holds importance in the tropical climate.

Airport Transportation

Utilize your pre-booked shuttle service, the reliable ADO bus, or official airport taxis.

Avoid unofficial solicitations for rides.

Check Your FMM Card

Ensure the bottom portion of your FMM card (tourist card) is readily available for surrender at airline check-in or immigration. Failure to present it can result in fines.

Departure Preparation

Plan your departure procedures to support a relaxed and efficient exit from Tulum.

Souvenir & Shipping

  • Plan your souvenir purchases in advance, mindful of luggage weight limits for your return flight.
  • If you purchase larger items or many souvenirs, research shipping costs and customs regulations for your home country.
  • Ask vendors about reliable shipping services.

VAT Refund Procedures

  • Mexico offers VAT (Value Added Tax) refunds for purchases made by international tourists over a certain amount, mainly on goods taken out of the country.
  • Look for "TAX FREE" signs at participating stores.
  • Procedures are typically handled at the airport before your departure. Keep original receipts, your passport, and your FMM card for this process.

Pre-Departure Timing

Allow ample time for airport processes.

Timing Recommendations

  • Airport Arrival3 hours before international flight
  • Consider TrafficEspecially Tulum to Cancún
  • Confirm Flight24-48 hours before departure
  • FMM CardReady for surrender

Return Trip Preparation

  • Confirm your return flight details with your airline 24-48 hours before departure.
  • Confirm the bottom portion of your FMM card (tourist card) is readily available for surrender at airline check-in or immigration.
  • Settle any outstanding hotel bills, rental car fees, or other local accounts.
  • Organize your luggage and confirm all valuables are secured.

Smooth Departure

Careful planning for your departure reduces stress. Always allow ample time for transit to the airport and check-in procedures.

Reconfirm all details the day before your flight to avoid last-minute surprises.