Where is Quintana Roo? You may have heard people talk of “wonderful” vacations in destinations called Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and the Riviera Maya. Well all these beautiful towns are located in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.   Quintana Roo (kintana ro) covers the entire eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula, with a total area of 50,351 square kilometers and is located in the South east of Mexico.  Main Destinations Cancun - The most established of all the destinations, popular with all types of travelers from around the world. There are five star luxury resorts to youth hostels here and a budget for everyone. Cancun is known now as a party destination.Playa del Carmen - has a more European Flair and a large Italian community. The hotels tend to be more “chic boutique” and things are a bit more expensive here than in Cancun. 5^th Avenue is the place to be and be seen!Tulum - is famous for its amazing Mayan Ruins and its casual laid back atmosphere. This destination is more for the eco-traveler who wants to get back to nature.Chetumal - is the border city with Belize and the capital of Quintana Roo. It is more of a business destination than place for vacations. There are a whole host of other small towns and resorts the whole length of the Riviera Maya and Mayan Riviera to be explored for the adventurous traveler to Quintana Roo Getting There  Quintana Roo has a total of three international airports. 1. Cancun (CUN)2. Cozumel (CZM)3. Chetumal (CTM)  If you are arriving from outside of Mexico then really the easiest way by far is to book a flight to Benito Juarez Cancun International Airport (CUN). Flights arrive daily from around the globe, including both charter flights and scheduled airlines. By landing in Cancun you have easy access to the whole Riviera Maya. Before arriving it’s advisable to book an airport transfer in order to get to your hotels or resort without any hassle.  (Insider Tip: As you pick up your bags at Cancun Airport there are many people telling you they are your reps and to go with them. These are all TIMESHARE salespeople!)  Visa requirements FMT – Tourist VisaFM3 – Work VisaFM3 Rentista – For people supporting themselves with money from abroad  FMT - For many countries (check before you fly) including Canada, the U.S and the U.K you do not need a visa to go to Mexico. When on your flight you will be issued with a form to fill in called an FMT, a tourist visa, which will be stamped by Mexican immigration. It’s down to the discretion of the immigration officer but the usual amount of time given is 90 days, this can be extended once giving you a total of 6 months. FM3 – Should you want to stay and work in Mexico you will need an FM3. You need to get this from Mexican immigration, a lawyer is recommended to help you with the process. Renewed yearly. FM3 Rentista – This is often used by retired people or people earning money from outside Mexico. It means you can stay in Mexico as long as you can show you can support yourself. Renewed yearly.  Safety  The state of Quintana Roo is predominantly a tourist destination, if fact after the decline of the Maya there was nothing really here except Jungle, until about 30 years ago. Hence the state is an incredibly safe place to visit. Obviously there is crime in the state; however as a tourist you would be incredibly unlucky to experience any crime. Public transport is safe to use as are the taxis. Depending on how adventurous a traveler depends on what you should do to stay safe. 1. Use your hotel’s safe to keep you passports plane tickets etc. safe2. When out and about keep your bag strapped over your body and only take the amount of money out you will need.3. Don’t leave your things unattended on the beach.4. Don’t wander round at night in unfamiliar areas.5. Use your commonsense. 6. If you buy drugs or break the laws in any way expect trouble!  Cost of living  Currency Mexican Peso, MXNExchange rate (at time of writing)Dollar 1 = 10.5 PesosPound 1 = 21 Pesos The general cost of goods and services in Quintana Roo is, in the main, more expensive than many other parts of Mexico, this is primarily due to the fact that the area’s economy is supported by tourists, and the main tourist cities such as Cancun and Playa del Carmen can be very expensive indeed. Another reason is that the state is in an isolated position on a peninsula, thus everything has to be trucked or shipped in to the area.  (Insider TIP: Don’t bring travelers Checks, use the Bank ATM/Cash points with your Debit Cards for the best exchange rates)  Local Customs 

 People often say from the states “anything goes south of the border”, this phrase is not strictly true and there are many cultural differences you should consider. 1. Tipping - Many of the Mexican workers rely on tips to make a living. Here roughly around 10% is the norm, only if the service is good though!2. Try and learn a few Spanish phrases, remember although many of the Mexicans have made the effort to learn English, it is a Spanish speaking country and the people here love it if you make an effort. There is a great page to help you with the basics http://www.sicancun.com/useful_phrases.html3. When out in public don’t swear or shout in English, people here with there families do understand English swear words and don’t enjoy hearing them around their kids. 4. When at a restaurant the waiter may not bring your bill until you ask for it, La Cuenta Por Favor.5. If you ride public transport when you get on the bus pay the driver then move as far down the bus a possible so others can easily get on. If you get on at the back people will pass your money down to the driver at the front.6. Tipping a taxi driver is not necessary, although you can if you want to. Travel Insurance/Medical Care Before leaving on your vacation or business trip be sure to buy good quality travel insurance. Many Credit Card companies offer insurance when you book using their card; however it is essential that you check the policy and make sure you are well covered.  If you do get sick while visiting Mexico there are a number of options available to you and don’t worry you will be in good hands. 

1. If you just need a doctor for an upset stomach or something of the sort then many of the hotels have doctors onsite, or will call one who will come to your room. Expect to pay around 50 USD or more for this service.
2. If you need a hospital then there are wonderful modern, clean hospitals in the major detonations in Quintana Roo. The most popular ones are called Hospiten, Galenia and AmeriMed. You can also stop by their emergency rooms whenever you want and see a doctor for anything you may need for between 30 and 50 USD.
3. There are lots of pharmacies located all over Quintana Roo, many have a clinic as well with a Doctor, although I don’t know how qualified they are. For minor ailments though they are great and medication is a lot cheaper here than in the U.S, although obviously expensive if you are from the U.K or Canada!

 The state of Quintana Roo is an area steeped in culture and history, a fragile paradise on earth and the perfect place for a dream vacation.

Posted on May 21st, 2008 by admin
Filed under: Tulum Vacation Guides