Tips, Currency, Transportation

 

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Phone calls

  • Dial 001 to call the U.S. or Canada

  • Dial 00 for the rest of the world

  • Dial 090 for an international operator

  • Dial 01 for other cities in Mexico or 020 for a Mexican operator

  • Code areas:

Akumal: 984 Cancun: 998 Puerto Aventuras: 984 Chetumal: 983
Tulum: 984 Cozumel: 987 Playa del Carmen: 984 Riviera Maya: 984


You can Make a long distances in the red public telephones located throughout Akumal. 

We suggest you to bring

 

beach towel and reef walkers

beach attire-shorts, T-shirts, a lightweight windbreaker, casual evening attire

sturdy walking shoes

sunscreen

insect repellent

flashlight and batteries

camera and film

binoculars

hat and sunglasses

Currency 
the money en Mexico are the Pesos, as well as US dollars are accepted almost everywhere. You can exchange dollars at most businesses throughout Akumal. ATM machines are few and far between, so it is safest to bring travelers checks. The closest banks are located in Playa del Carmen. Most banks will also do cash advances on credit cards
The post office
The post office is located to the right of the basketball court near the entrance gate.
The police station
In the rare case that you would need the police, the station is located across the highway in Nuevo Akumal. Vista del Mar has security guards on the premises. There are also security guards at the entrance gate to Akumal.

Transportation around the Akumal

 

Akumal is an hour's drive south of Cancun International Airport. We suggest renting a car at the airport.  Taxis are also available from the airport to Akumal.


Akumal lies along the perimeter of Akumal Bay, Half Moon Bay, and Yal-ku Lagoon. Some of the best ways to get around are by bicycle, on foot or rental car. The town itself has three grocery stores. A pharmacy, post office, bakery, Laundromat, restaurants, dive shops, and gift shops are located in the town of Akumal. Many drug store items may be purchased at The Corner Store.

 

Taxis are available for hire at the main entrance to Akumal. Taxi Fare is $3-$5 for travel within Akumal. They also offer transportation to surrounding areas along the coastline from Cancun to Tulum, however, these rides can be expensive. If traveling from the airport by taxi, fares can be around 5 pesos per Kilometer.

 

Buses travel along the highway between Cancun and Tulum and stop on either side of the road at the main entrance along the highway. Bus service is approximately every hour and will stop for anyone flagging them down. They are often crowded with only standing room, but offer an inexpensive way to travel.
First class buses are more expensive and offer assigned seating, a/c, and bathrooms. They make no stops between terminals, hence can cut travel time. However, you must catch them in either the Playa del Carmen or Tulum terminals. Destinations available through these buses are Cancun, Coba, F. Carrillo, Puerto Aventuras, Chichen Itza, Merida, Chetumal, Palenque, Villahermosa, and Mexico City.

 

Collectivos are usually Volkswagen buses, also known as "combis," that pickup and drop off along the highway at second class bus fare prices.

 

Rent a car at the airport, arrange a rental through your travel agent, or call the agents directly. Many major rental agencies service Cancun International Airport. For single day rentals in Akumal.

Use the same precautionary measures that you would while traveling anywhere on vacation. Keep valuables securely locked in your vehicle and your accommodation. There is no need to carry large amounts of cash, as many places accept travelers checks and credit cards. Akumal has it's own police patrol and private security.

Should I wear sunscreen in the lagoon?
Protection from the sun is important on the Mexican Caribbean, but please refrain from using sunscreen while swimming in Yal-ku Lagoon. The build up of sunscreen creates a film on top of the water and pollutes the natural environment of the fish in the lagoon. So please wear a T-shirt or sun protection other than sunscreen when swimming in the lagoon.

The water
Do not drink the tap water. Use purified bottled water. Use this for drinking, cooking, brushing your teeth, and to clean fruits and vegetables.

The tips 
As in the U.S., tipping is around 15-20%, or as you feel is appropriate. Maids may be tipped a dollar or two a day, depending on the size of the accommodation and how much cleaning was needed. Dive masters, boat captains, and fishing guides also count on tips for their livelihood. It's up to you what percentage to tip, however remember that often the dive masters and fishing captain will share their tips with the boat captain.

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