Entry Documents:
U.S. Citizens: A valid U.S. passport is required for all U.S. citizens regardless of age. In addition, you will be required to fill out a Mexico Tourist Card, which is required to enter and depart Mexico.
Any person younger than 18 is considered a minor for travel purposes. Minors traveling with only one parent must have a notarized written permission statement from the other parent. In the case of deceased or divorced parents, legal proof of custody must be carried to accept just one signature letter.
Airport Check-In:
Arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure to ensure a smooth check-in process.
Immigration Processing:
When you arrive at your destination, you will first process through Immigration Control, where your paperwork will be inspected and stamped. The immigration officer will return the tourist card to you as you will need to submit it to Immigration when you depart Mexico.
Keep your tourist card with yoru passport in a safe place throughout your stay.
Next, continue to baggage claim to get your luggage, then proceed through customs where your luggage will be scanned and a customs office will opbtain your customs declaration form. Once you have cleared customs, proceed to EXIT.
Timeshare Sales People:
Timeshare companies operate inside the airport’s arrival area, offering many incentives to attend a sales presentation that can last up to six hours. AAV Travel does not endorse these programs. It is in your best interest to proceed directly past the timeshare people and follow the exit signs to find your transfer contact outside the terminal.
Riviera Maya Eco Tax:
Hotels in the Riviera Maya region will collect 20 Mexican pesos per room and night from guests upon check-in. The funds will be deposited into an environmental trust to fund local projects to maintain and preserve the natural beauty of the area.
Valuables & Personal items:
Please refrain from packing medication, jewelry, cash, traveler’s checks, passports, electronics, and fragile items in your checked luggage. Most hotels provide in-room safes to store your valuables. We encourage you to use them.
Money:
Mexico’s national currency is the Peso, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted, notably Visa and MasterCard. ATMs are available in most towns and are the most convenient wy to get local currency, but for safety reasons should only be used during business hours. Many hotels will charge your card in local currency. We recommend using a card with “no foreign transaction” fees.
Tipping
In Mexico, tipping is not only customary, it is appreciated in return for good service. Service employees rely heavily on tips as their wages are very low. Tipping guidelines are: 10 – 15 percent for restaurant and bar staff, $1 to $2 per bag for porters, and $5 per day or $20 per week for the housekeeping staff. Although gratuities are included at all-inclusive resorts, tips are still much appreciated for excellent service.
How is the weather?
The average temperature in Mexico is 61 °F (16.0°C). April is the hottest month with an average temperature of 81°F (27°C), January and December are the coldest months with an average temperature of 41°F (5°C). February is the driest month, and July is the month when Mexico gets most of its rain. Of course, weather and temperatures can vary between the different areas. It is best to consult www.weather.com to check current weather conditions for the area you are traveling to.
What should I wear?
Although casual dress is the standard by day, many resorts and restaurants enforce a dress code in the evening. Before you pack, please check with us for detailed dress code information about your hotel.
Some people even recommend taking summer and fall seasonal clothing. Since Mexico is humid, some of its high temperatures can seem chilly.
Will my appliances work?
If traveling from the United States, your appliances will match the wall outlets and will work just fine.
If you are traveling from European countries, you will need to purchase a wall adapter and a voltage converter.
Is the water safe?
It is strongly recommended not to drink the water in Mexico.
It is okay to have ice in your beverage because ice cubes are required by law to be made with “good” or purified water.
It is recommended that you have bottled water on hand and to use it even when brushing your teeth.