Getting Around Cancún.

The cost of mobility in Cancun can be aggravating to say the least. It can be expensive at its best and a complete rip-off at its worst. Here are some tips, dos and some don’ts.

Choose your Hotel wisely.

- By doing so you can avoid the whole transportation thing. For example, if you book all inclusive you should not need to even leave the hotel facilities. If you like clubbing at night then stay at hotel near the Punta (tip) (elbow) area whatever you want to call it. Most of the famous clubs are in this area as well as the Forum Plaza. If you like shopping then you may consider staying near La Isla Km 12 the biggest Mall in Cancun. From there if you walk north to Km 11 (a bit over ½ mile) you have Plaza Flamingo with more traditional shops at more reasonable prices, or South toward the airport to Km 13 where there is Luxury Avenue which the name speaks for itself.

Bus (Combi) in Spanish.

- Personally I’ve never used the bus in Cancun, but I hear its air conditioned and cheap. Of course you will have to share the bus with the locals but if you avoid the rush hrs. you should miss having to rub shoulders, and probably even be able to get a seat. The trip will also be short if you are just using it in the hotel district.

Taxi Cab

- Well there is a lot to say about commuting via Taxi. Taxis have no meters, with that said do ask before you get in the cost up front. Especially if you do not speak Spanish (Cuanto cuesta para) and the name of the place (Hard Rock), most drivers will or try to understand you. Usually you can get this information from the door man at the hotel also, but they tend to inflate it so as not to get into trouble. I will illustrate an example, I left Plaza Flamingo at the south door, and outside was a lone taxi driver, and I asked him how much to take me to La Isla north entrance about ½ mile. After hearing my accent he advised 80 Pesos and I waved my hand to him in disgust. Most foreigners will try to quickly convert that to their currency and surmise that it’s a bargain. Not so, that fare should not cost more than 50 Pesos and because it’s in Cancun. In another city it would be 20. I made it walking in 7 min. in the heat and carrying my lap top. My point here is weather you can afford it or not should not be the issue, the sole taxi service is run by a union, therefore a monopoly who has issued an excess of licenses to bolster their membership. Without meters the amount you will pay will be based strictly on the discriminating fact of what language you speak, since everyone is after the quick buck. What a shame that such a beautiful place to vacation should not be more regulated. So a word to the wise, know where you are going, ask for the fare up front, that will automatically make them think that you are on to their scheme, and keep track of points of reference for example a taxi ride from La Isla to the airport is about $250.00 Pesos. Of course not all taxi drivers are this way, but I tell you anyone at any time can be tempted depending on their day to day circumstances. And if you happen to have extra money better to tip them well for a job well done.

Car Rentals

- You have two choices here, which are using an accredited rental company or a not so reputable rental company. The major difference between the two occurs at the time when you arrive at the counter to claim your reservation. Some of the big name companies that everyone is most familiar with will reserve up to $2000.00 USD on your credit card. So even though your reservation indicated renting a compact vehicle for $10.99 USD a day it will be triple once you add the minimum insurance plus surprise $1,000.00 USD blocked on your credit card. With a less reputable rental company this amount will be more like $300.00 to $500.00, or if you are like me and know your way around nothing 0. Just sign up for the full insurance and negotiate hard. The place is not pretty, but essentially you get the same vehicle and avoid putting all that money into their hands.

- I say this because it’s not uncommon for you to have difficulties in having your deposit returned, and if so it will take a min. of 2 weeks to relieve the credit card hold after you make a few phone calls to your credit card company. The car rental agencies claim when I question them about these practices which are not common elsewhere, that those other places don’t have their cars stolen or totaled in an accident. While it’s true that there have been many incidents of young spring breakers leaving their favorite drinking spots and winding up in the lagoon, the cars are insured. Insurance costs over $40.00 USD a day for a compact vehicle valued at $7,000.00 USD which if you do the math amounts to $14,600.00 a year which is what you would normally pay for a Porsche back home.

- Now I think again the vacationer is being discriminated against since a family couple with two kids arriving in Cancun for a vacation are very unlikely to be would be car thieves. Again where are the regulations? By the way I think most of the so called accredited rental companies are owner operators because when I called the 800 number to file a complaint the number was only valid in the US, which also explains the fact as to why your deposit is so difficult to return, it’s called cash flow.

- Finally another difference is in the gas tank. While everywhere else you get a car with a full gas tank, here you will get a car running on fumes. You will be told to return it the same way, but what they are really hoping for is that you will return it with a full tank. So don’t make the mistake of filling the tank just outside of the airport. Put in $200.00 pesos in your compact car and that should be enough to get you around locally for the full week, even with the air on full blast, and please like anywhere else don’t drink and drive and obey the traffic signs.

Airport Shuttle Service

- A brief word about this service. If not renting a car they may be your best option. The companies are reputable and provide good service. For me again I do find the cost expensive, since they charge $41.00 USD double occupancy return for a drive from the airport to a hotel by La Isla Mall, since this is a mere 11 miles or 18 Km. Now I know back home it would be more expensive but to compare this rate to another city it costs me $600.00 pesos ($44.00 USD) via a private car for a 100 Km (62 Miles). But upon arrival in Cancun and exiting the secured luggage claim area of the airport you will find someone with a sign representing their company most of the time. They will escort you to the taxi area and in most cases you will be inside a well maintained van with air but shared with other people going to different hotels. If you are 1st on the list great, if you are last then enjoy the scenery because it could be a while. If for example you wait in line for a cab then this cost can be reduced in half, by following the rules here in mentioned. If you are willing to walk out of the airport ground transportation area you can save even more.

- For information of a reputable taxi driver please request it via e-mail. Nice guy with good vehicle and fair price.

Hope you find this information helpful, and your comments are always welcome.

Safe travels.
Brought to you by Travel Guru @ No Nonsense Travel Advice.