Information and FAQ's

Please note that driving habits are different in Mexico. When making the left turn onto our road from the highway first pull to the right shoulder, signal left, and allow any traffic from behind you to pass. Then make your left when it is safe to pass over both lanes of traffic. Other drivers do not expect cars to be stopped in the “fast lane” waiting to turn left and doing so could be dangerous.

Entering Mexico

You will need a PASSPORT to Enter Mexico as of January 2007.  This includes infants and small children.
Children traveling with just one parent need a notarized letter of permission from the other parent in order to leave the country.

One of the things that makes all the vacation rentals so special, is they are set off of the highway about ¾ a mile, far from the noise of the traffic or towns. Because of this we recommend renting a car. 

Car Rentals, booking online. DO NOT BUY INSURANCE OFFERED IN THE U.S. Only the Mexican insurance is accepted in Mexico, which you will need to purchase upon arrival. This insurance will cost $7 to $16 dollars a day depending on which plan you choose to purchase.

Pemex stations are plentiful along the highway. It is best to pay for gas with pesos, since the gas stations have a very low exchange rate. 

There are also some tricks that the attendants have developed to make some extra cash (especially in the stations around Playa) so here are some things to watch for:

Before they begin pumping, make sure the pump reads zero.

Also, be sure to check that the amount you are paying for is the same amount that reads on the meter after pumping.

Unfortunately, just recently we have discovered the newest trick. When paying, they will take a 200 or 500 peso bill from you and then quickly switch it, showing you a 20 or 50, and claiming that is the bill you gave them.  For people who are not used to the money you can easily think you were mistaken because the colors are similar.  The best way to prevent this is to say the amount of the bill out loud as you hand it to them, even if it is in English, so they know that you have an understanding of how much the bill is.

Unfortunately, as more tourists are coming in, some police are finding ways to take advantage. In general they are very helpful and do a good job, but there are a few bad apples that would like a little “extra” and are targeting rental cars.  These things happen mostly in Cancun and Playa del Carmen, but you should know about them as well. The newest method is to pull you over, speak to you in Spanish, and tell you to pay anywhere from $50.00 to $100.00 for a ticket for something you did. You may or may not know what it is, but the best way to approach this is to agree to follow them to the police station, where the real business is taken care of. Of course this is not what they are hoping for and will most often just let you go. If you did do something wrong (and you know it), you can go ahead a pay the policeman, or, the fine at the station will be less than the amount they are asking. You can always call the rental car company for help too, they can translate and it will expose the ploy even more. Just go the speed limits, watch for one way streets, and wear your seatbelt, you’ll be fine.

Money Exchange

With in Tulum and around the Riviera Maya the US Dollar is accepted at most businesses. Larger businesses like hotels will accept credit cards, while only some restaurants and smaller businesses will. All will gladly take Mexican Pesos, US Dollars, or traveler’s checks. However, any business taking USD will not be offering the best exchange rate.

Blue Sky Hotel Restaurant accepts credit cards

Purchacing Pesos in Mexico and getting the best rate; I prefer to use the Automative Bank Machine at one of the many banks.  Exchange Rates at bank machines is the best rate for that day. Remember to key in 1000.00 Pesos if you are asking for $100.00 USD.  Closest bank machines from Blue Sky Hotel are, one in Tulum at the Bank and one at Xel-ha Eco Park.

Casa de Cambio or an Exchange House found in Tulum.  Also give a great exchange rate with no line-ups. There are Casa de Cambio in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Akumal. 

Tulum
Has a large new San Francisco Market on the right side, just as you enter town with easy access.
Right across the street from San Fran is a small American Deli Store A MUST called "STOP AND GO". 
Tulum hosts many other smaller shops; fruit stands, fish market, tortilla shop, many pharmacies, gift shops, laundry facilities, dive shops, money exchanges and many good restaurants.

Playa del Carmen
On your way down to Blue Sky Hotel; Soriano's is the easiest is a new mall with a Soriano supermarket/department store across the highway from Sam's Club. To get there stay to the right as you pass the round-about entering the commercial area of Playa del Carmen. This service road parallels the highway and follow it through all the lights. When you see Sam's on the east side start looking for the huge mall parking lot and park half way down the mall. Soriano's is in the middle and they have a big grocery in the rear of the store.  The selection and prices may be a bit better than our smaller supermarket in Tulum.  Soriano's also has a good selection of wines, beer, and liquors for Margaritas.    There is also a McDonalds at the end by the theaters if you want a snack.

Many guests bring their own cell phones that have an international service.

Blue Sky Hotel now has VONAGE Phone service - Free for guests to call home.

Gratuities

Gratuities are very appreciated by House Man and Maid during or at the end of your stay. The average tip is $5.00 per night. Of course you should do what feels right for you; we only give this as a guideline because we are often asked. 

We hope you enjoy your vacation in Paradise.

Janice and Jeff