City in Quintana Roo, Mexico
Cancún
Mexico's Caribbean gateway: big all-inclusive resorts in the Hotel Zone and a plain, cheaper downtown. Easy flights and bus links to the Riviera Maya, but crowds, spring-break nightlife and heat.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$1,920–3,020Comfortable, one person · MX$35,000–55,000Details
- Value for money23/100Better value than 22% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–AprWarmest: Aug, 30°CDetails
- Internet118 MbpsFixed broadband, Mexico medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or purified water; hotels and restaurants use purified ice.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$38–99Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards at resorts, malls and restaurants; cash for downtown eateries, buses, tips and taxis.Details
Where to stay in Cancún
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Zona Hotelera | Resort beaches and nightlife; pricey and car-dependent |
| Downtown (Centro) | Local food, cheaper hotels, ADO bus terminal |
| Puerto Cancún | Upscale marina condos, calm and secure |
| Isla Blanca / Costa Mujeres | Quieter beaches north of the city, ferry to Isla Mujeres |
Apps that work in Cancún
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Google Translate: Spanish menus and conversations
- Taxis: Taxis in the Hotel Zone are expensive and unmetered; confirm the fare. Uber pickups at the airport may need a short walk away.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Mexico.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards at resorts, malls and restaurants; cash for downtown eateries, buses, tips and taxis. Dollars accepted in the Hotel Zone at poor rates.
- Currency: Peso (MXN). US$1 ≈ MX$18.21 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards roughly MXN 30–150 per withdrawal; always decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: 10–15% at restaurants (check whether service is already added), MXN 10–20 for gas attendants and grocery baggers; app rides optional.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work at many card terminals in cities; local bank transfers need a Mexican account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Air arrivals get a digital FMM (QR code) at immigration; the visitor fee is already included in your airfare.
- Officers set your stay and may grant fewer than 180 days; carry a return ticket, accommodation details and proof of funds.
- Land arrivals going beyond the border zone need an FMM; the visitor fee applies for stays over seven days.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · Tourist police 078 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 127 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Telcel or AT&T SIMs at airports, OXXO stores and carrier shops, about MXN 100–300 with data. Bring your passport to register the line. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Mexico
Going to Cancún solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.