Important Info
PASSPORTS
As of October 1, 2007, all U.S. citizens traveling outside of the United States are required to present a valid U.S. passport to enter or depart from the United States. Leave at least 6-8 weeks for applications for new passports.
TRIP INSURANCE
Purchasing trip insurance is worth some consideration. There are countless agencies that sell different levels of coverage. The most comprehensive plans include theft of valuables and reimbursement of expenses due to cancellation. Scuba divers should read policies carefully for medical coverage during sports, or should have coverage with DAN (Diver's Alert Network). Loco Gringo has links to a few insurance agencies that typically insure Riviera Maya vacations.
Some reasons not to buy: your medical insurance covers you in Mexico or your credit card company insures travel-related purchases. Hurricane season is later in the year, so the chances of trip cancellation due to natural disasters are slim. And don't worry, Steven and Reina won't be calling off the wedding.
MONEY
The current exchange rate is 10.8 pesos to $1.00 U.S., but as many businesses convert at 10 pesos to $1.00, there is an advantage to spending pesos (if they're accepted).
ATMs distribute pesos converted at the actual rate, but there's generally a $1 service fee in addition to any charges by your bank (these can be up to 5% of the transaction). Akumal has an ATM at the Super Chomak store; if out of service, the closest is 10 miles away at the Bahia Principe Resort. The condos at Vista del Mar are all equipped with safes which will help with stashing extra cash.
Currency can be exchanged or traveler's checks cashed (for a fee) at a casa de cambio such as the TSA in Akumal. Many sources report good rates at the Cancun airport's casa de cambio.
About half of Akumal businesses accept credit cards, including Lol Ha and La Buena Vida restaurants. Credit cards are charged in pesos and then converted to dollars, but there is often an additional 3% foreign service fee from the credit card company.
WI-FI & CELLULAR
See Services in our About Akumal section.
MUSIC
Though our local bar and restaurant, La Buena Vida, is reported to have great music, please bring along some playlists to share. We will provide the speakers.
DRINKING WATER
Do not drink tap water. Use bottled water for drinking, cooking, and brushing your teeth.
TIPPING
It is customary to tip between 15-20% for services, including diving and fishing. Hotel maids need only be tipped one to three dollars per day.
ELECTRICITY
Mexico uses the same 60-cycle 110-volt AC current that is common in the United States.
HURRICANES
The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from early June to late November.
We chose
to have our wedding in April largely to avoid paying high season
rates, but also to stay clear of hurricane season. While there is no
risk of a hurricane in April, there is the slight
possibility that a 2007 hurricane could cause lasting extensive damage. In 2005,
Category 5 hurricanes Emily in July and Wilma in October devastated
large parts of the Yucatan. The eye of Wilma hovered
over Cozumel for three days. When we arrived in Cozumel in
March 2006, many resorts were just reopening.
On August 21, 2007, Category 5 Hurricane Dean made landfall on the Yucatan. It was the most
intense hurricane in the Atlantic since Wilma. The eye hit approximately 80 miles south of Akumal. We nervously
awaited news of how Akumal had fared. Within 24 hours, pictures
were posted at LocoGringo's forum. We were encouraged by
this photo of cheerful locals in front of the Vista del Mar Hotel.
The
picture on the left shows the Vista del Mar pool the morning after
Dean. We later learned that La Buena Vida
would be closed one month for repairs.
It turned out that Vista del Mar and La Buena Vida fared worse
than the rest of Akumal due to proximity to the water. Dean's
storm surge did the most damage, not the wind and rain. The effects of Hurricane Dean on the waters, reef, and turtle populations are still being determined.
We hope that the remainder of the 2007 hurricane season is uneventful for Akumal and for that matter, everyone else.
Akumal sunset less than 24 hours after Hurricane Dean.
LINKS
Vista del Mar Hotel & Condos FAQ
Loco Gringo FAQ
Top 10 Akumal Tips
Riviera Maya FAQ