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Vistor
Information and Tips
Language and Culture
Spanish is the official language, but English is widely
spoken. Cozumel has a strong Mayan influence unlike central
and northern Mexico.
Getting Around
Special airport vans will take you to your hotel(obtain
ticket after customs office) Taxis are plentiful and reasonably
priced, especially if you share with others. Taxis can
also be hired for a day of touring the island. There are
many auto rental agencies available with a wide variety
of cars, jeeps and vans. Try to use one of the reputable
agencies or check with your hotel for advice. Also keep
in mind there are few gas stations and hours are short.
The good news is that it does not take much gas to tour
the whole island. Scooters are also available, but remember,
you cannot purchase insurance for these so check with
your company before you leave home to see if they will
cover you.
Banking
Mexican bank hours are normally from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm,
weekdays only.
Electricity
Most of Cozumel uses standard 120-voltage.
Dress
Because the temperatures remain warm year round, dress
style on the island remains casual-elegant.(i.e. t-shirts
or light sport clothes). You'll never need a tie or dinner
jacket anywhere!
In December and January, a cold front with a welcome cooling
breeze may occur either day or night. Therefore, we recommend
bringing a light jacket during those months. Also, keep
in mind there is a rainy season from June thru October
so we recommend packing an umbrella.
Sunscreen
Bring a lot and use it, everyday! The combination of sun,
surf, sand and beer makes for a perfect a perfect sunburn.
Water
Most hotels and restuarants offer bottled water. Use it!!
Cozumel's water is supposed to be quite good, but visitors
are just not used to it. No sense in ruining your trip
because of the water.
Climate
Air temperature varies from 70 - 90 F. Annual rainfall
is about 40 inches. Water temperature ranges from 78-85
F.
Time
Cozumel is on central standard time.
Money Matters
The peso is the official currency and fluctuates in the
value often. U.S. Dollars are widely accepted, as are
credit cards and traveler’s checks. Many stores will add
a surcharge when using credit cards.
Nearly all hotels, store and restaurants on Cozumel Island
accept U.S. currency. Unless you plan to spend lots of
money, exchanging money at the bank is not necessary and
many places offer fair exchange rates (although they can
vary). Currency other than U.S. dollars require a bank
visit or money exchange office. We recommend carrying
smaller denominations of pesos for taxis and tips.
You can find an ATM on every corner in the main town square.
Keep in mind that the machines deliver pesos not $US.
There is only one place to go if you need to make an advance
on your credit card and want US$... BANAMEX downtown just
inside the main town square when entering from 5th Avenue
and Adolfo Rosada S.
Tipping and Taxes
Tipping in Mexico is similiar to tipping in US with excellant
service ranging from 15-20%. Tips those that are traditionally
cater to travelers (waiters, cab drivers, hotel staff,
dive guides, etc.) Be sure to check with hotel or restaurant
bill to be sure the charges are not already included (servicio
includio). While dining it is considered rude for the
waiter to bring the check before you ask, so be sure to
ask the waiter for your check.
Mexico Tourism Board Offices
Canada/Toronto
2 Bloor St. West, Suite 1502
Toronto, ON M4W 3E2
Telephone: +1-416-925-0704 ext 22 or 23
Telephone: 800-44-MEXICO toll-free in Canada and USA
Fax: +1 416 925-6061
Email: toronto@visitmexico.com
Canada/Quebec
Conseil de Promotion Touristique du Mexique
1 Place Ville Marie, Suite 1931
Montreal, Quebec, H3B 2C3
Telephone: +1 (514) 871-1052
Telephone: 1-800-44-MEXICO toll-free in Canada and USA
Fax: +1 (514) 871-3825
Email: montreal@visitmexico.com
Chile
Mexico Government Tourist Office
BUCAREST NUM. 162 PROVIDENCIA
SANTIAGO, CHILE
Telephone: +56 2 234-5899
Fax: +56 2 234-5898
Email: chile@visitmexico.com
France
Consejo de Promoci363n Tur355stica de M351xico
4 Rue Notre Dame des Victoires
75002 Paris, France
Telephone: +33 1 42 86 96 12 or 1 42 86 96 13
Fax: +33 1 42 86 05 80
Email: france@visitmexico.com
Germany
Mexico Government Tourist Office
Taunusanlage 21
60325 Frankfurt am Main
Telephone: +49 69 25 35 09 or 25 34 13
Fax: +49 69 25 37 55
Email: germany@visitmexico.com
Italy
Mexico Government Tourist Office
Via Barberini no. 3, 7. piso
00187 Roma
Telephone: +39 6 487 46 98
Fax: +39 6 42 01 42 93
Email: italy@visitmexico.com
Spain
Mexico Government Tourist Office
Calle Velázquez No 126
28006 Madrid
Telephone: +34 91 561 35 20 or 561 18 27 or 411 06 99
Fax: +34 91 411 07 59
Email: spain@visitmexico.com
USA/New York
Mexico Tourism Board
21 EAST 63RD STREET 2ND FLOOR
NEW YORK, NY 10021
Telephone: 1 800 44 MEXICO toll-free in USA
Fax: +1 212 821-0367
Email: newyork@visitmexico.com
USA/Texas
Mexico Government Tourist Office
4507 SAN JACINTO, SUITE 308
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77004
Telephone: +1 713 772-2581
Fax: +1 713 772-6058
Email: houston@visitmexico.com
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