Check in is at 3 PM, check out at 10 AM. If you need an early check in or late check out please give us notice as early as possible so we can make the necessary arrangements. If possible early check in and/or late check can be arranged at half a day’s rate.

All houses have a key lock box near the main door. You have access to the keys using the corresponding code previously sent to you. It is ALWAYS recommended to put the key(s) back immediately after opening the main door in order to avoid being LOCKED OUT!
We will have to charge you 25.00 US every time we have to come over to open the door!
Please always leave the key in the lock box so our staff can get in to clean, provide supplies and do repairs.

Most our vacation homes feature a safe and we encourage you to keep your valuables locked up at all times. You should find the safe door open upon arrival. Key operated safes should have the safe key in the lock. Please reset the combination for electronic key pad operated safes. Try the new code with the door open before locking your belongings.
A service fee of US 25.00 US will be deducted from your security deposit for each time we have to come over and reset the code.
Please be sure the safe door is left open and the key in the lock upon check out.

All our staff is wearing a T-Shirt with the MexicoEscape logo and an ID card.
If somebody asks you for permission to enter the premises without our credentials do not allow them to enter and call us right away! When you leave the property at night or even when you go to sleep consider leaving a few lights on.

Your vacation home is prepared for your arrival, and then cleaned every other day except on Sundays and holidays. 9 AM is typical for your maid to begin working. If not stated otherwise in the property description of your vacation home maid service is three times a week. Some of the larger properties have maid service more often.
Additional maid service can be arranged for US 35 a day. Please let us know at your earliest convenience if you would like to use this service.

Your vacation home is prepared and thoroughly checked prior to your arrival.
Nevertheless, light bulbs burn out and equipment breaks. If anything needs repairs please let us know. Repairs are made ASAP subject to scheduling.

In Mexico a tip is known as propina. Tipping is a great way to express your appreciation to somebody for their services and a way of life in Mexico. Please hand tip personally to the staff whenever possible.
Should you have forgotten to leave a tip we can easily deduct the tip your security deposit. Just send us an email with the amount and we will gladly pass it on to our staff.

DO NOT DRINK WATER OUT OF THE FAUCET!
It is also recommended to use drinking water to brush your teeth. By no means is it dangerous to use the tap water for this, so do not be too concerned. Drinking water is supplied in bottles and generally found in the kitchen area.
Empty drinking water containers that need to be refilled in between the cleaning ladies visits can be placed outside your front door for replacement, usually Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the morning.

Most stoves are gas operated. Please pay close attention to these instructions to avoid any accidents.

Use the provided clicker to be found in the kitchen area to light both the stove and oven. Lift up the cover if applies, position the clicker close to the gas outlet, click for the flame to appear and then turn the knob that corresponds to the burner you would like lit. PLEASE BE CAREFUL!

Power outlets in Mexico are compatibe with the ones in the US and Canada.

Please note: not all outlets are grounded here and thus some outlets only have two contacts. If you have a device with a three prong plug you may want to bring an adapter to be able to plug it in to a two prong outlet. You can find these adapters here at Walmart.

Water and electricity are the two most valuable commodities. Please conserve both. Shut off air conditioners when not using the bedrooms or when leaving the premises. Air conditioners found running with the windows open will result in forfeiture of security deposit.

Consider reusing plastic bottles and seperating cans. Consider an environmental friendly sun tan lotion.

The major arrival point for the area is Cancun International Airport, a two-hour flight from Mexico City. Another smaller International Airport is located in Cozumel, while Playa del Carmen only has a small airport for short hops on the peninsula.

You will find it easy to rent a car, a scooter or even a Harley. Prices will vary depending on season and model of the vehicle. Bring your drivers license from your country of origin in order to drive a vehicle.
If you are planning on exploring the Riviera Maya by car on your own you should opt for a Mexican drivers license. The process will be faster if you have your blood type and glasses ready. Bring your passport and visa for your digital Mexican drivers license.

Taxis are abundant in Playa del Carmen. Rates vary depending on the zones you are crossing. Even though rates are government controlled, you may want to verify them before taking the ride.
Taxis are waiting to offer their services in front of grocery stores, all-inclusive hotels and on heavily frequented street corners down town. Elsewhere just walk to the street and wave a taxi down. Some suburban model taxis holding up to 8 people are available for large groups.
A surcharge is automatically applied if you call a taxi service for pick up in a specific location.
In Cozumel you should generally agree about the fare with the driver before getting in the taxi.

Collectivos are mini vans going from Cancun to Tulum on a regular basis. In Playa del Carmen they leave on Calle 2 between Avenida 15 and 20. These 2nd class transportations don't really have a schedule, but will leave as soon as there are enough people to fill the vehicle. You can stop collectivos anytime on the highway (Carratera Federal). The prices are fixed and as low as 10 Pesos from Puerto Aventuras to Playa del Carmen. Tell the driver when you want him to stop.

First class busses operate almost exclusively between terminals. There are two bus terminals in Playa del Carmen: one on Quinta Avenida (Pedestrain Walk) with Juarez and the other on Avenida 25 with Calle 12.
From there you can travel to Cancun Airport, Cancun, Chichen Itza, Merida, Chetumal, Palenque, Mexico City and many other destinations.

Comfortable ferries take only 40 minutes to cross the Yucatan Channel from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel departing (almost) every hour from around 6 AM to midnight. The ferry to Isla Mujeres departs from Puerto Juarez in Cancun from 6 AM to 11 PM.
Schedules and prices are subject to change without notice and often do!
All ferries have enclosed air-conditioned cabins and/or shaded open decks for your convenience. Video entertainment, beverages, snacks and restroom facilities are onboard.

Multi-lingual and professional services are offered by the hospital Hospiten conveniently located at the Playacar entrance just before SAMs club right on the highway.

Several grocery stores are in town, among them Walmart, SAMs, Chedraui, Mega, Sorianas at Centro Maya and others.
Taxis will most always be waiting infront of groceries stores to take you back home.
It may be a good idea to note the address of your home so that you know what to tell the driver.

Public phones and phone shops are widely available in town as well as different phone cards. For international calls you are usually better off in one of the indoor facilities. Prices vary as well as service.
Most of the indoor facilities provide fax service as well and will charge by the minute.
Click for more on phone calls or area codes.

Internet Cafés are widely available in town and some will allow you to connect your laptop.
Some vacation homes provide private Internet access on the premises.
The access code will be sent to you together with the directions and entry procedures.

A post office with mail box can be found on Avenida Juarez between 20. and 25. street. - VERIFY THIS
You can have any snail mail or fax send there and they will keep it for you. Your name will appear on a list and you will have to ask for it.
There is a mail box at the Playacar Plaza and in several other spots in playa. Look for a red maibox as pitured.

Most local businesses and shops operate between 8 AM and 10 PM, many places are closed between 2 and 4 PM. Indivdual office hours may vary greatly. Saturday is an almost usual business day - some places may be closed in the afternoon. On Sundays and Mexican Holidays smaller shops, specialized shops and official places like banks and offices will usually be closed.
In Mexico the 24 hour system is used.

Yucatan Peninsula GMT -06.00 same as Central Time (US & Canada)

During Daylight Saving Times adjustment an additional time differencence will occur until daylight saving time is set in all countries. Carefully check your time settings should you be flying and out during this time.

http://www.worldtimezone.com/daylight.htm

The official currency is the Mexican Peso. US Dollars are accepted widely, but watch out on the exchange rate. Since the last quarter of 2008 the US Dollar roughly converts to the Mexican pesos 1:13. Individual exchange rates may vary.
In most of the "Casa de Cambio" you may get a slightly lower rate than in a bank, but usually you will not have to stand in line for an hour. Banks can be found anywhere such as Banamex, Bancomer, HSBC, Scotia and others. The area is covered with ATM's to get Dollars or Pesos anytime. Some offer English service.

The language mostly spoken in the area is Spanish.
Different Mayan dialects are still widely spread, and more and more people do speak English.
Some basic Spanish will definetely help, especially if you want to drive around on your own.
Several Language Schools offer their services in Playa del Carmen.

In the continental region the climate is semi-tropical, with an average yearly temperature of 26 degrees Centigrade, which can rise to 35 degrees in summer. Average rainfall per year is 1400 mm. The highest temperatures and most abundant rains occur between June through November. During the day, the climate is hot and light clothing is recommended. For trips into the jungle pants, long-sleeved shirts and closed shoes are recommended. Consider insect repellent for mosquitoes. Especially in the beginning of the year temperature may drop at night, and a light sweater or bush jacket is suggested.