Cozumel, Mexico

What to wear in Cozumel, Mexico

When it comes to dress, just about anything goes. Beat the heat in loose-fitting, natural fiber clothing and bathing suits during the day, though bathing attire should be kept to the pool and beach areas. Many people choose to dress up a little in the evening, but casual clothes are acceptable in the majority of places, with very few exceptions.

Spoken language in Cozumel, Mexico

Spanish is the national language, but English is spoken in most resort areas.

Electricity in Cozumel, Mexico

The electrical system is 120 volts/60 cycles AC so your appliances will work, but it is highly recommended that you bring an adapter anyway to accommodate 3-prong and polarized plugs.

Customs information for Cozumel, Mexico visitors

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Entry

US citizens must present proof of citizenship either with a valid passport or with a certified birth certificate with a raised seal s well as a government-issued photo ID. US citizens born abroad may use a Certificate of Citizenship, a Report of Birth Abroad, a Consular Report of Birth, or Certification of Birth. If you claim citizenship through naturalization, you may use your Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or laminated Naturalization card.

Children

Every child under the age of 18 traveling with both legal parents or guardians must have a Tourist Card and proof of citizenship. Minors traveling with only one parent must have notarized written permission from the other parent. Minors traveling unaccompanied or with anyone other than their legal parents or guardians must obtain an original notarized letter of permission signed by both parents. In the case of a deceased or divorced parent, legal proof must be carried to accept just one signature on the letter. Alternatively, the proof can be shown to the notary for completion of the Affidavit of Sole Custody. Contact the Mexican Consulate for more information.

Visitor's Permit

You must carry a Tourist Card, which is issued free of charge by your travel agent or the airline. You will need this both to enter and depart the country, so keep it in a safe place and copy the number down to keep in a separate place. If you lose the card, having the number will help greatly to obtain a copy.

Mexican Citizens

Mexican Nationals must travel with all 3 of the following for entry into Mexico and return to the US 1) valid passport or valid Matricula Consular, 2) alien registration card or US visa, and 3) a military service card if traveler is 18 years of age or older.

Mexico Customs

Your proof of citizenship will be confirmed and your Tourist Card validated. After completing a Customs Declaration form, you will either have your baggage inspected if you declared items beyond the allowance, or you will be asked to pass through a "traffic light" if you declared nothing beyond the allowance. A green light means you can continue, but if you get a red light, your baggage will be inspected - be aware - heavy fines will be imposed if anything is found beyond the allowance. You are allowed to enter with personal items like clothing, footwear, and toiletries in reasonable quantities for the duration of your trip; books and magazines; medicine for personal use with medical prescription for psychotropic substances; used sporting equipment including fishing equipment, a pair of skis, and two tennis rackets; one portable TV; one portable typewriter or personal computer; one VCR; up to 20 records/cassettes/CDs; a musical instrument; 5 used toys per minor passenger; 3 liters of alcohol or wine if carrier is over 18 years old; 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars, if carrier is over 18 years old; 1 movie camera; 1 regular camera; and 12 rolls of film.

Departure Tax

Approximately US$18, sometimes included in packages.

US Customs

US residents may bring back $800 worth of foreign goods duty-free if they've been out of the country for at least 48 hours and if they haven't used any part of the allowance in the past 30 days. Residents 21 years and older may bring back 1 liter of alcohol duty-free. Residents 18 years and older can bring back 200 cigarettes, 100 non-Cuban cigars, and original works of art.

US Consulate

Villa Mar Mall - Office 8, Av Juarez 33, 77600 Cozumel, Quintana Roo, phone (98) 72-4574, fax (98) 72-2339, email anne@cozumel.net.

Advising for Cozumel, Mexico visitors

We strongly advise that you confirm the following information and regard this only as a basic guide.

Gambling

Prohibited.

Drinking

You must be at least 18 years old.

Sunburn and Heatstroke

The Mexican sun can be very strong, so wear plenty of sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat as much as possible.

Tipping

Tip porters US$2 per bag, and hotel maids the same per day. If you tip the maid every day instead of once upon departure, you may find that you get more extra attention and prompt service.

Taxes

A Value Added Tax of 15% applies to the purchase of most items. However, the States of Quintana Roo (including Cancún, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres and Riviera Maya), Baja California, and Baja California Sur remain at the 10% rate.

Car Rental

Be prepared for steep rates and limited availability of vehicles. You must be 25 years of age, hold a valid driver's license, and a major credit card. Mexican insurance is required for all vehicles, as your US policy is invalid in Mexico. The Green Angels is a highway patrol organization run by English-speaking, well-trained mechanics. They have a nation-wide, 24-hour hotline that can be reached by calling (01) 800-903-9200, and their service is free except for parts and gas. They come to the rescue of over a half million travelers per year! For further information regarding permits, road tax, etc, contact the Mexico Government Tourist Organization at 1-800-44-MEXICO. Most car rental agencies have outlets at the airport for safe and convenient pick-up and drop-off. Rentals are cheaper if arranged in the US prior to departure.

Health

The great majority of visitors do not get sick but, if you have a problem, you can get low-cost medicine in Mexico's excellent pharmacies (farmacias). They also have either a good national hospital or medical clinic in almost every town and city, and chances are good your US health insurance will cover you. No vaccinations are needed. In the event of a major medical emergency, jet evacuation services are available, including Air Ambulance America of Mexico at phone number (01) 800-222-3564. Use common sense, and follow these guidelines Always wash your hands before eating. Be wary of open-air food stands. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids to avoid dehydration. Drink bottled water and look for the official government "H" sign in hotels and restaurants that indicates they have passed the new strict US-based hygiene regulations. Ask if ice is made from bottled or boiled water. Take Pepto Bismol, yogurt, or papaya enzyme tablets throughout your stay.

Safety

Crime rates in Mexico are significantly lower than what you may be used to back home, though they have risen recently in Mexico City. Nonetheless, tourists may be likely targets for petty crime, and common sense precautions go a long way to keeping you safe. Use your hotel's safety deposit box for your valuables. Always lock your hotel room and car. Wear a money belt under your shirt. Women, in particular, should not walk alone in remote areas at any time, or alone anywhere at night. Neither should women wear very revealing clothes beyond beach and pool areas with lots of other people around.

Swimming

Warning flags on the beach should be taken seriously. If red or black flags are up, do not go in the water, as there is a very strong undertow and minimal lifeguard supervision in most areas. Further swimming condition flags are coded as follows white = excellent; green = normal, safe; yellow = changeable, uncertain, use caution. Weather conditions can change very quickly, so be alert. If you see dark clouds heading your way, don't wait for the flags to be changed. Go ashore until the weather improves.