Travel Tips

Back to Travel Tips

The most common question asked about traveling to Mexico is:
"Can I drink the water?"
Isla Mujeres has an extensive water purification system but, no one on the island drinks the water from the tap. Bottled water is readily available at all Restaurants, Hotels and grocery stores. There is no problem brushing your teeth using tap water and don't worry if you swallow a bit in the shower. Nine times out of ten the dreaded "tourista" is caused by too much sun and overindulging during "Happy Hour" and too few glasses of water to keep you hydrated. Use common sense and be sure to drink lots of bottled water!

What to Bring
Arriving in Mexico (Airport Walk-thru)
Getting to Isla Mujeres
Arriving on Isla Mujeres
Currency

From the United States Government
Tips for Travelers to Mexico
What to bring

Your Travel Documents
To enter Mexico you will need to present the following:
  • A valid passport or your birth certificate with embossed seal
  • Mexican Tourist Card which you will be given at the airport when you check in or on the plane. Be sure to completely fill out the Tourist Card before you land in Mexico, it will save time at immigration. Put your Tourist Card in a safe place, you will required to present it when you depart Mexico.
  • Though not required it is a very good idea to bring an additional photo ID such as a driver's license.

Travel Documents for Minors:

  • A valid passport or your birth certificate with embossed seal
  • When a minor is traveling alone, they must have a notarized letter signed by the parents or legal guardians giving them permission to travel.
  • When a minor is traveling with one adult, provide a notarized letter signed by the parent or guardian not traveling giving them permission to travel with the other parent or guardian.
  • If the minor is in the custody of one parent, a custody document should be provided.
  • If one parent is deceased, provide the death certificate.

Your Luggage

  • Most airlines allow 2 pieces of luggage per person. If you are traveling on a charter it is a good idea to check with the company. Some charters only allow 1 piece of luggage per person.
  • Be sure to tag all luggage (including your carry-on) with your name, address and phone number. If you know where you will be staying, add that information as well.
  • Be sure all your travel documents, tickets, money, credit cards and traveler's checks, medications, valuables and personal items are in your carry-on or purse.
  • We recommend you bring a change of clothes in your carry-on. If your luggage is "delayed" at least you'll have something to wear!
  • If you are bringing anything that can be ruined if it gets wet - pack it in a plastic bag. Occasionally tropical rain storms soak the luggage on its way from the plane to baggage claim. I learned this the hard way :-)

Here's are two great tips from Cancun Online:

"If you are coming to Cancun from a cooler climate, I suggest you dress in layers for travel on the airplane.  Example, put on some shorts and T-shirt or your clothing for the warmer climate with a layer of warmer clothing on top.  This way, when you arrive you can make a quick change of clothing without having to go to a bathroom or dressing room, but be sure to leave room in your carry on.  You will be much more comfortable on your ride from the airport to your hotel!"

"If you are planning to take advantage of shopping opportunities on your visit I advise that you pack an empty carry-on or two in one of your suitcases.  This way you can fill it with your treasures for travel back home.  Be sure to tag it!"

Important note from Isla Net: 
Fill that "empty carry-on" with donations for the people and animals of Isla Mujeres. Medical supplies, clothes and shoes your children have out-grown, toys, puzzles, even half-used color books are greatly appreciated. To find out more visit the Isla Mujeres Red Cross web site, La Gloria English School site, the Amigos de los Animales site and the Centro de Apoyo Psicopedagogico page (The Little Yellow School House). Don't forget to read "Arlene's Story" on the Share your Story page.

Clothing and Personal Items

  • Basic summer clothes. Be sure to bring a light jacket or sweater, it can get a bit chilly at night. Isla is very casual, t-shirts and shorts are fine anywhere, but you might want to bring something dressier for evening.
  • Suntan lotion, a travel size mosquito repellent (especially in summer), your toiletry items such as shampoo, shaving gear, deodorant, tooth brush and paste, etc. If you forget anything the stores on Isla stock all of these items but the selection is small.
Arriving in Mexico

Airport Walk-thru
  • Follow the crowd down the escalator to the immigration area where you will present your Tourist Card and Passport or Birth Certificate. Remember to put your Tourist Card in a safe place, you will need it to leave the country.
  • After immigration go to the baggage claim area (to your left of the immigration area) and pick up your bags. There are carts for rent next to the carousels.
  • Proceed to Customs  (to the right of the baggage carousels) and present your completed customs form (usually given when you check-in at the airport or on the plane). One form is needed per family.
  • Press the button... 9 times out of 10 you'll get the green light which means go on through. Every once in awhile you'll get the red light and your luggage will be briefly searched. Be sure you do not have any OPEN food packages or fruits and vegetables. A box of Ritz crackers and a jar of peanut butter are fine as long as it's UNOPENED. The last time I went through the airport you could not bring your rented luggage cart past this point. There are porters waiting to help you with your bags just beyond Customs.

Getting to Isla

  • After going through Customs at the airport you will be in the "Arrivals" area. If you are being met, they will be waiting here. Listed on the General Info page are several airport transfer companies. The exit is directly in front of you where airport vans and taxis are waiting. There is a ticket booth to the right where you can purchase transportation to Puerto Juarez. Be sure you tell them you want to go directly to Puerto Juarez or you might get there by the "scenic route" through the Hotel Zone of Cancun.
  • If you are traveling by yourself try to find someone else who is going to Isla and share the cost of the taxi. The fare from the Airport to Puerto Juarez is about $35 USD and the airport vans are $10 US per person. The ride to Puerto Juarez takes approximately 30 minutes.
  • When you arrive at Puerto Juarez there are Express boats that leave every half hour from 6:00 am to 8:30 p.m. and once more at 11:30 p.m. The crossing takes 15 minutes and the fare is 35 pesos. 

Click here for detailed ferry schedule

 
Arriving on Isla Mujeres
 
  • When you arrive on Isla there is a taxi stand to the right of the pier. There are also "tricycles" waiting to help you with your luggage and escort you to the Hotel. Most of the hotels are located in the downtown area and are within walking distance. Be sure you have all your bags, it can get a bit confusing on the Isla dock.
  • Isla's only Bank, Bital, is almost directly across from the ferry dock. There you can exchange currency and traveler's checks. Be sure you sign your checks EXACTLY how your signature appears on your passport and/or driver's license. 

 

Currency

The currency in Mexico is the Peso. There are $20.00, $50.00, $100.00, $200.00 and $500.00 peso bills. The coins are  $.10, $.20, $.50 centavos and $1.00 , $2.00, $5.00, $10.00 and $20.00 pesos. US dollars are accepted everywhere, even the small neighborhood stores. We suggest you wait until you arrive on Isla before you exchange any travelers checks or cash. Be sure to bring plenty of 1's for tipping.