11 Cancun Travel Tips That Sound Fake But Are Shockingly Useful

Ever heard a travel tip that made you think, ‘There’s no way that actually works’? We’ve been there too, but some of the strangest advice turns out to be the most useful.

To save you from learning the hard way, we’ve compiled the Cancun travel tips that sound fake but will surprise you with how helpful they really are.

Travel Tips for Cancun

Here are some Cancun Mexico travel tips to help make your trip smooth, fun, and scam-free.

1. Book Your Airport Ride in Advance

When you land in Cancun, you’ll be surrounded by taxi drivers trying to sell you a ride. It can get chaotic, and if you’re not careful, you might end up paying way too much (been there).

The best thing you can do is to book your airport shuttle ahead of time. Most hotels offer transportation, and there are also reputable shuttle services online.

Skip the hassle and book a private airport transfer in advance for a smooth, stress-free ride to your hotel.

2. Always Have Some Cash on Hand

Most places in Cancun accept credit cards, but having cash is a lifesaver for small expenses, tipping, or when a place doesn’t take cards.

Most places will accept US dollars but expect to get a change in pesos. And if you need more cash, you can use an ATM inside a bank and not just any random machine on the street. Those can have crazy fees or even worse, scams.

3. Check the Weather (And the Seaweed Situation)

Cancun’s hurricane season runs from June to November, so if you’re traveling during that time, stay updated on the forecast.

Also, something many people don’t realize—Cancun sometimes gets hit with sargassum seaweed, especially between March and August. It can turn that perfect turquoise water into a brown, stinky mess (not ideal). Be sure to check online updates before you go if beach time is your priority.

4. Check out Beyond the Resort

Cancun’s all-inclusive resorts are amazing, but if you never leave, you’re missing out. Go check out downtown Cancun for authentic street tacos or take a ferry to Isla Mujeres for some of the best snorkeling.

We greatly recommend you hop on a sunset catamaran cruise to Isla Mujeres and enjoy a relaxing evening on the water.

But if you love history, Tulum and Chichén Itzá are worth the trip. But keep in mind they’re a few hours away, so plan accordingly.

5. Learn to Say “No, Gracias” (A Lot)

If you walk around the touristy areas, especially near shopping centers, people will constantly try to sell you stuff. You can expect things like excursions, souvenirs, and timeshare presentations here.

Avoid these unless you really want to sit through hours of sales pitches. Just smile and say “No, gracias” confidently. They’ll move on.

6. Tipping is Expected

Tipping is a big part of the culture in Cancun. In restaurants, 15% is standard if it’s not already included in your bill (always check).

For hotel staff, $1 per bag for porters and a few dollars a day for housekeeping is appreciated.

7. Take the Bus Instead of a Taxi

Taxis in Cancun can be super expensive, and some drivers overcharge tourists. If you’re staying in the Hotel Zone, use the local bus instead. It’s cheap (less than a dollar per ride), runs often, and is actually a fun experience.

Just tell the driver where you’re going, and they’ll help you out.

8. Don’t Drink the Tap Water

This one’s important: stick to bottled or filtered water. Cancun’s tap water isn’t safe to drink, and even if your resort says they filter their water, it’s better to be cautious.

Also, avoid drinks with ice from sketchy places. A little extra caution can save you from spending your vacation in the bathroom.

9. Plan at Least One Excursion

There’s more to Cancun than beaches. Whether it’s swimming in cenotes (natural sinkholes), ziplining, ATV tour, visiting Mayan ruins, or going on a catamaran tour, plan at least one trip outside of your hotel.

Just be smart when booking tours because some companies offer “great deals” that turn into hours of sitting on a bus. Always read reviews first.

10. Enjoy the Food (But Be Careful With Street Tacos)

Cancun has amazing food, from seafood to tacos al pastor. Street food can be incredible, but stick to places that look clean and have a crowd.

If locals are eating there, it’s usually a good sign. Just don’t go overboard your first night—you don’t want to risk an upset stomach ruining your trip.

If you want to try the best local tacos without guessing where to go, we recommend you join a taco and tequila tour for a fun way to taste Cancun’s top spots.