Cancun: Things To Know

Business Hours
Siesta is from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. You'll find many businesses (not bars & restaurants) closed during these hours, but they will stay open after siesta until 8:00 or 9:00 PM. Siesta is becoming far less common here since Cancun is such a popular tourist destination.

National Holidays
Jan. 1 New Year's Day
Feb. 5 Constitution Day
Mar 21 Birthday of Benito Juarez
March-April (varies) Holy Week Celebrations
May 1 Labor Day
May 5 Cinco de Mayo (Anniversary of Battle of Puebla, 1862)
Sep 16 Independence Day
Oct 12 Dia de la Raza
Nov 2 Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
Nov 20 Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution
Dec 25-Jan 2 Christmas Week celebrations

Tipping and Bargaining
You should add about 10% to 15% of the bill. Airport porters usually get $1 per bag. While tips for housekeeping and gas station attendants are usually $1. People who watch your car, ushers, and washroom attendants tipping pocket change is fine. Taxi drivers don't usually get tips, but tour guides do.

Expect to bargain in the markets; but stores usually have fixed prices. If you can pay cash, you may get the sales tax taken off at shops that don't want to pay the high credit-card commissions.

Customs & Duties
On your arrival, Customs will give you a declaration form for you to list what you're bringing into Mexico. You are allowed to bring into the country the following items duty-free: 2 liters of spirits or wine for personal use 400 cigarettes, 50 cigars, OR 250 grams of tobacco A reasonable amount of perfume for personal use 1 movie camera AND 1 regular camera AND 12 rolls of film for each camera. Gift items not exceeding a total of $300US. If you cross the boarder by car, gift items CAN NOT exceed $50. Importing firearms, meat, fruits and vegetables, plants, and/or flowers is absolutely forbidden.