Anna’s & Joshua’s Wedding

HOW IS THE WEATHER IN MEXICO, SPECIFICALLY IN THE RIVIERA MAYA AREA?
The weather in the Riviera Maya, located along the Caribbean coast of Mexico, is warm and tropical year-round. The average high temperature typically ranges from 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (27 to 32 degrees Celsius), with lows around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 27 degrees Celsius).

The rainy season in the Riviera Maya generally runs from May to October, with the heaviest rainfall occurring from September to October. Even during the rainy season, rainfall is often brief, and there are plenty of sunny periods throughout the day.

The dry season, from November to April, offers mostly sunny days with little rainfall, making it the peak tourist season. The temperatures are slightly cooler, and it’s a great time to visit to enjoy the sunny beaches and outdoor activities.

WHAT CURRENCY IS USED IN MEXICO?
The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN). It is best to exchange your home currency for pesos as many local businesses may not accept foreign currency. That said, U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, and you can easily exchange them for pesos at currency exchange offices or banks.
Credit cards are also commonly accepted in major tourist destinations, but check with your bank or credit card provider for any international transaction or foreign exchange fees. ATMs are widely available in tourist areas, dispensing pesos.

WHAT LANGUAGE IS SPOKEN IN MEXICO?
The official language of Mexico is Spanish, and it is the most widely spoken language across the country. In tourist areas like the Riviera Maya, English is widely understood by those working in hospitality and tourism, making it easier for English-speaking visitors to get around.

While English is common, learning a few basic Spanish phrases can be helpful and make your trip more enjoyable.

DO I NEED A PASSPORT TO TRAVEL TO MEXICO?
Yes, a valid passport is required for all foreign nationals (including U.S. citizens) traveling to Mexico, regardless of the purpose of their visit.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Mexico. If your passport will expire within six months of your planned departure date, you will need to renew it before traveling to Mexico.

DO I NEED A VISA TO ENTER MEXICO AS A TOURIST?
The visa requirements for entering Mexico as a tourist depend on your nationality and the length of your stay.
If you are a citizen of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia, or New Zealand, you do not need a visa to enter Mexico as a tourist for stays of up to 180 days. You will need to obtain a tourist card (known as a Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM), which can be obtained either online or at the port of entry into Mexico.
If you are a citizen of a country other than those listed above, you may need to apply for a tourist visa before traveling to Mexico. It's best to check with the Mexican embassy or consulate in your home country to determine the visa requirements that apply to you.
It's important to note that the information regarding visa requirements is subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check with the Mexican embassy or consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date information.

WHAT IS THE TIPPING ETIQUETTE IN RIVIERA MAYA?
Tipping is a common practice in Riviera Maya and throughout Mexico, and it's expected in most service industries. Here are some general guidelines for tipping in Riviera Maya:
- Restaurants: It's customary to tip 10-20% of the total bill for good service. Some restaurants may include a service charge in the bill, so be sure to check before tipping.
- Bars: It's common to tip 10-20 pesos per drink, or 10-20% of the total bill if you're running a tab.
- Hotels: Tipping is common for hotel staff, such as bellhops, housekeeping, and valet parking attendants. A good rule of thumb is to tip 20-50 pesos per service, depending on the level of service provided.
- Tours and activities: It's common to tip tour guides and drivers, especially if they provide good service. A tip of 10-20% of the total cost of the tour is a good guideline.

ARE THERE ANY RECOMMENDED VACCINATIONS OR HEALTH PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE BEFORE TRAVELLING TO RIVIERA MAYA?
Before traveling to Riviera Maya or anywhere in Mexico, it's always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider or a travel medicine specialist to determine what vaccinations or health precautions are recommended based on your individual health status and travel plans.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all travelers to Mexico be up-to-date on routine vaccinations, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and flu.
In addition, the CDC recommends that most travelers to Mexico also get vaccinated against hepatitis A and typhoid, which can be contracted through contaminated food or water.
Travelers who plan to engage in outdoor activities, such as hiking or camping, may also be at risk for diseases such as rabies, which can be transmitted by animal bites. In these cases, vaccination may be recommended.
It's also important to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, as there is a risk of mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus in some areas of Mexico, including Riviera Maya. This can be done by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, using insect repellent, and staying in accommodations with screened windows and doors.

HOW DO I KNOW WHO TO LOOK FOR UPON MY ARRIVAL IN CANCUN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (CUN)?
You will be receiving your travel documents with detailed instructions on how to locate your transfers upon arrival. Rest assured that both the airport team and the transportation company will be monitoring your flight and will make arrangements to be waiting for you outside the airport terminal in the event of any delays or early landing. This will ensure that you have a smooth and stress-free arrival experience in Riviera Maya.

ARE FLIGHTS INCLUDED IN MY RESERVATION?
Flights are not included in your reservation but they can be added. We do however recommend booking your flights directly through the airlines to ensure the best possible rate and booking/payment terms.

WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR MY TRIP TO RIVIERA MAYA?
Remember to check with your resort ahead of time to see what amenities and services they offer, as they might provide items such as beach towels or toiletries. Here are some essential items to consider packing:
- Formal attire: Since you'll be attending a wedding, make sure to pack appropriate formal attire such as a suit, dress, or dress pants with a dress shirt.
- Comfortable shoes: Bring comfortable shoes to wear during the wedding ceremony and reception. You might also want to pack sandals or flip-flops for the beach or pool.
- Sunscreen: The sun can be strong in Riviera Maya, so make sure to pack sunscreen to protect your skin.
- Swimsuit: If you plan to spend time by the pool or at the beach, don't forget to pack a swimsuit.
- Beach bag: Bring a beach bag to carry your towel, sunscreen, and other essentials to the beach or pool.
- Insect repellent: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance in the tropics, so pack some insect repellent to avoid getting bitten.
- Casual clothing: Since you're staying at an all-inclusive resort, you might want to pack casual clothing such as shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses.
- Hat and sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun and bring a hat and sunglasses to shade your face.
- Toiletries: Pack your toiletries, including toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, and conditioner. Most all-inclusive resorts provide soap and other basic toiletries.
- Travel documents: Don't forget to bring your passport, visa (if applicable), and any other important travel documents you may need.

HOW IS THE CELL PHONE RECEPTION AND INTERNET CONNECTIVITY IN RIVIERA MAYA?
In general, the cell phone reception and internet connectivity in Riviera Maya is reliable and widely available. Barcelo resorts offer free Wi-Fi to their guests, and there are also many internet cafes and public Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the city.
As for cell phone reception, major mobile carriers in the US and Canada have roaming agreements with Mexican carriers, so you should be able to use your phone as usual while in Riviera Maya, but it is always a good idea to check with your carrier to confirm their international roaming policies and fees.
That being said, some more remote areas or locations outside of the city may have limited or no cell phone reception or internet connectivity. If you plan on using your phone or internet heavily while in Riviera Maya, it may be worth investing in a local SIM card or purchasing a data plan to avoid unexpected charges or data roaming fees.

APPS RECOMMENDED TO DOWNLOAD PRIOR TO YOUR TRIP TO MEXICO:
- Google App: Google has a special text-translation feature that is very useful when wanting to translate writing.
- Maps or GPS App: Google Maps or Apple Maps are the most reliable in Mexico and are helpful if you are leaving the resort for excursions, activities or just exploring.
- Translate App: Very helpful when you want to communicate with the locals and are having trouble.
- WhatsApp: Most Mexican companies and locals communicate mainly via this app. It is not very common to call or text in Mexico.