Frequently Asked Questions:
Where is Playa del Carmen?
Playa is located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, about an hour south of Cancun. It's in the state of Quintana Roo, in the Yucatán peninsula.
What City are we flying into?
We are flying into Cancun, and then taking a shuttle to the hotel. (45 minute drive)
What day should I arrive and how long should I stay?
Our group is booked for the Barcelo Maya Palace from January 4-11th 2009!!! Some of our guests are not staying the entire time, but how long you stay is entirely up to you. There are no scheduled events the week of the wedding (other than the wedding it's self of course), so feel free to come when you want, leave when you want, and do what you want your entire stay! Check out the Attractions section for nearby activities.
Do I need a passport?
YES YOU DO! Effective January 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport!
Do not waste any time! Get your passport A.S.A.P!
When should I book my trip?
The $100.00 deposits you gave Elaine will hold your room until November 1st 2008. Please pay the remainder of the hotel by calling or e-mailing our wedding planner, Elaine Flick (303) 881-1866 or elaine@destinationcelebrations.com. Rooms MUST be paid in full by November 1st!
When should I book my flight?
Flights to Cancun are already filling up and getting more expensive, so we recommend buying plane tickets as soon as you decide you want to join us for the wedding. If you plan to book your flight through Frontier Airlines, please e-mail Elaine to get the 10% off discount code. If you fly a different airline, you will not be able to use the code.
Should I rent a car?
If you would like to spend some time exploring the area, we recommend renting a car. If you plan to remain at the resort most of the time, cabs and the hotel shuttle might be a better option.
If you decide to rent a car, it involves a similar process as in the States. One tip - check with your credit card company about international car insurance they offer if you pay for the rental on your card. In can reduce your overall bill by up to $15 a day.
What are the requirements for driving?
You will need a valid driver's license issued by your state of residence. Be sure to get Mexican insurance before crossing the border, as your U.S. insurance is not valid in Mexico. Do not drive in Mexico without insurance!
Keep your gas tank as close to full as possible, even if it means extra stops. You never know when the next gas station will be closed or out of gas.
What should I wear to the wedding and for the rest of the week?
We are having a relaxed beach ceremony, so we are encouraging you to dress comfortably. No formal attire is expected. Since the wedding/reception is on the beach & late in the day, we recommend bringing a light jacket, and don't forget your sunglasses!
In general, pack as you would for any other vacation. There will opportunities for nice dinners, bar crawls, golfing, snorkeling, you name it, so come prepared! A few packing tips:
Men: pack pair of pants in case the dress code is enforced at the nicer resort restaurants.
Women: pack a light cover up because it can get breezy at nighttime.
Do I need to learn Spanish?
Probably not. Spanish is the official language but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, including our hotel.
What is customary tipping practice in Mexico?
The Barcelo Maya has included the tax and tip in your per person cost. You do not need to tip on top of this if you do not wish to do so, but it might get you some extra service ;)
Should I bring Valuables?
Do not leave valuables unattended or leave your rental cars unlocked. We recommend you not bring any valuables that you will be leaving in the room. Room safes are provided, but as you know, are not always safe.
How do I make phone calls?
To make telephone calls abroad, you can buy a long distance phone card and use it on any of the public phones found all over the area. Long distance phone cards are available in convenience stores and pharmacies, in different denominations. You may also use the card for local calls. If you are making an international call from Mexico, dial 00 + country code + phone number. If someone wants to call you while you are in Mexico, ask them to dial 52 + area code + phone number. Playa del Carmen's area code is 984.
Some hotels and resorts also allow you to call abroad directly; however, this is typically more expensive than using a phone card.
You can also use your cell phone while in Playa del Carmen. You can either buy a SIM card in Playa del Carmen or use your own cell phone number. If you plan to use your own SIM card, contact your service provider and have your roaming service activated prior to departing for Mexico.
Can I drink the water?
The water is piped in from aquifers in the Sierra de La Laguna range. All major hotels and restaurants have purified water. Be on the safe side. Bottled water is widely available- drink it- and use it to brush your teeth.
What about money?
Dollars and Pesos are widely accepted all over Playa Del Carmen. Credit cards are also accepted for most purchases, and you will often get the best exchange rate by using a credit card or ATM. Our recommendation, before you leave, call your bank and tell them you will be traveling to Mexico and you will probably be withdrawing money. Then, after you arrive, ask for the nearest ATM and take out the minimum amount of money you think you will spend. It is cheaper to take it out once than to keep going back. Remember to bring up a back up source of funds and keep it separate from your main supply of cash. One of the huge benefits of staying at an all-inclusive resort is that you do not have to carry cash or credit cards since everything is paid for in advance. You may want to carry some singles for tipping the employees. Although gratuity is included in the all-inclusive price, we found you may get some extra customer service with a little tip here and there.
What is the weather like in Playa Del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen has a sub-tropical climate, which means it's almost always warm. Or hot. The annual average temperature is about 27C or 80F. Temperature is not the only consideration when in a tropical climate. All year around the humidity level is very high, often around 90 per cent. Weather here is pretty reliable, but there can be exceptions, as always the case when it comes to weather. Regardless of what time of year you get here, you will have great beach days and the ocean is always warm enough to swim in. We recommend you pack clothing for hot weather and bring a light sweater for the evening or air conditioning. Although, the chance of rain is slight it might be a good idea to bring one jacket just in case.
How do I get through customs?
Bring a pen to fill out custom papers on the plane.
When you approach customs in Mexico with your bags, you will have to push a button. If it is green, you proceed. If it is red, they get to search your bags. Mexicans like to make customs a fun game, so enjoy and don't be alarmed.