Language
Spanish is the official language. However, because it is a place with a very high volume of tourism, English is also spoken in most hotels, shops and service industries.
Here we give you all the important information you need including currency, banking and public holidays; more than 90% of Mexicans are Roman Catholic, which is evident in the number of colorful festivals detailed here.
Currency
The Mexican Pesos comes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500, but USD are also generally accepted at most stores, restaurants and in hotels. You can exchange currency at a bank or exchange house. Exchange rates may vary.
Electrical Standard
110 volts AC.
Shopping Hours
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Local Facilities
Playa del Carmen has many shops along 5th Avenue. 10 minutes drive, 15 km. Puerto Morelos, is a fishing village with a small tourist industry. It has a limited number of shops selling groceries and souvenirs. 14 minute drive, 16 km Puerto Aventuras, is a luxurious residential community, there are a few boutiques and an Italian bakery. 28 minute drive, 30 km.
Hospital, 24 Hour Clinic
We have a Doctor on the Property. If you need to visit a clinic or hospital they are both at Playa del Carmen: Clínica Médica del Carmen and Hospiten, 10 minute drive, 11 km
Banking Hours including Post Offices
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm with some exceptions
- Sunday and Public Holidays: Closed
HSBC
Operating Hours:
- Monday - Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Saturday 10.00 am to 2.00 pm
- Calle Juarez at the corner of 10th Avenue
Scotiabank
Operating Hours:
- Monday - Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Saturday 10.00 am to 2.00 pm
- Calle Constitutientes at the corner of 10th Avenue
Banorte
Operating Hours:
- Monday - Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Plaza Pelicanos, 10th Ave. between Calle 8 and 10, Playa del Carmen
Banamex
Operating Hours:
- Monday - Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
- 10th Avenue and Calle 12, and Ave. Juarez between Calle 20 and 25, Playa del Carmen
BBV Bancomer
Operating Hours:
- Monday - Friday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
- Av. Juarez y 25 Avenue, Playa del Carmen
Tips on tipping
From the moment you step off the plane you will be offered services which are usually acknowledged with a tip, so it's useful to have a pocket full of change, one dollar notes are as valid as pesos. How much to tip follows the American practice, usually 10% to 15% for service in restaurants, one or two dollars a day for housekeeping. For one off services such as carrying a bag, assume five or ten pesos, with approximately ten pesos equalling one US dollar. If taking a taxi the normal practice is to agree a price in advance so you only need tip for unscheduled stops or diversions.
Public Holidays
| Public Holidays | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | 1 January 2008 |
| Constitution Day | 4 February 2008 |
| Benito Juarez's Birthday | 17 March 2008 |
| Labor Day | 1 May 2008 |
| Independence Day | 16 September 2008 |
| Revolution Day | 17 November 2008 |
| Christmas Day | 25 December 2008 |