SUN
Located at about 20.5 degrees North Latitute, Playa del Carmen is south of the Tropic of Cancer.  This means tropical weather and strong sunshine, so take some precautions to avoid an unpleasant sunburn.  It is always nice to return home with a greattan, but don't try to do it all in one day!  Start with 10 to 15 minutes in the sun, and increase your exposure by 5 minutes each day.  You'll get a fine tan and not be baked!

TIPPING
A lot of mexican service workers live off tips.  Nobody is paying a salary to the kid who bags your groceries or the old man with the red flag who makes sure the traffic is clear when you back your car out.  Some gas station attendants survive solely by tips.  We all know 15% is the appropriate tip in a restaurant which has provided good service.  Let's also try to remember the hotel maids, guides, etc.

HOW MUCH DO I OWE?
The wonderful mexican culture is such that it is considered rude to present a bill to be paid until such bill has ben requested.  They don't want you to feel you are being rushed out.

IMMIGRATION
Visitors are welcome to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days, provided they can show they have the means to support themselves.  A tourist card costs 20 US dollars, which is generally included in the price of your plane ticket.  When you arrive in Mexico, you will be given 15,30,60, or 90 days.  If you want to stay longer, go to immigration, located in Plaza Antigua on 10th Ave. South, Tel. 873-1884.  They will give you a form that you take to Bancomer bank, pay $237.00 pesos, get the form stamped and then return to immigration, where they will give you the extension.

FLIGHTS: International Flights require the following: $22.43 USD tax departure, Tourise visa on hand, Arrive 2 hours before flight.

FERRY: The journey takes about 45 minutes.  The fare is $280 pesos round trip for adults and $140 pesos for children. Playa to Cozumel: 6:00, 8:00, 9:00, 10, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 y 23:00 hrs.

BUSES: There are two bus stations in town; one at the corner of Juarez and 5th Avenue, and the other at Ave. 20 and calle 12.  The first offers air conditioned service to Cancun, tulum, and points in between every 15 minutes as well as 2nd class service to other destinations.  The other bus station offers first class service to any where as far as Mexico City and the Belize border.  First class means you get to your destination faster because the bus does not stop in small towns.  They have A.C. and a clean, functioning bathroom.  Check departure times at the terminal.  It is advisable to book tickets at least one day in advance.

TAXI: Taxis in Playa are plentiful and inexpensive.  A ride around town costs $15 pesos/trip, further out of town $20-$25 pesos, Playacar $40 pesos.  For journeys out of town you better negotiate the fare before you get in the car.  Be careful not to forget anything when you exit the taxi. 

TRAVEL TIMES: Cancun 1 hr, Tulum 1 hr, Valladolid 2 hrs, Chetumal 4 hrs, Chichen Itza 2 1/2 hrs, Merida 4 1/2 hrs.

WHAT TO DO "IF":
Pulled over-
Ask if there are "any other options". Don't say anything to suggest a bribe. Payoff is around $10. Have special place for money to be, so the officer doesn't see your wallet filled with money. Have copy of your license to offer. Don't give original license (if they are easy and inexpensive to replace).
If you hit something- Payoff is around $100. That's a serious offense, so be ready to pay and feel fortunate if that's all you have to do.

If your license plate is removed (by policeman)- Go to the police station (below).

You are robbed- 
The police station is called MINISTERIO PUBLICO or just MP and is located on Ave 35 between Calle 12 and 14.
Better make up your mind if it's worth going through surprises such as policemen, appraiser at the police station and lawyers asking you for money in order to help you immediately.
Stolen jewelry can often be found in the casas de empeño (Pawn shops), Ave 30 in the COLOSIO suburb. You do need the original receipts (boletos) or hire a policeman who buys back your things - you have to pay for them!!!
 
WHAT NOT TO DO:
Park in places where there the curb is yellow or where signs  with a slash through a circled E.
Say the word "bribe"

Black List:
We were tempted to publish our own personal black list of dishonest businesses but decided rather to hope that it was just a one-off.
Always ask for a WRITTEN estimate !
In writing, yes !
Anyway, if in doubts about a certain lawyer, car mechanic etc contact us and check if our experiences coincide.
info@playaassistance.com

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU:   it's called PROFECO.
It's located at Plaza Los Papagayos  (a small mall on Ave Juarez, the entrance is next to Domino's Pizza)
Phone Number :  8794484
They are open until 3 pm. Take all your original receipts, proofs, ID and a letter stating the facts and a set of 2 copies if you want to file a complaint against 1 person/company and 3 copies against 2 different suppliers/companies.

HELPFUL TIPS:
Remember to just get saavy, not cynical.
Watch out for mopeds and pedestrians and unreasonable drivers.
Learn to honk your horn.
Have insurance.
Stop signs are sometimes more of a "suggestion".
Cars blinking lights usually means “watch out ahead”, most often for accidents.
Expect nothing on time! 
Keep your receipts and watch your credit card statements.
Bartering- 50% or more off is typical on 5th.
In purchasing gas, watch gas station attendants very carefully to eliminate shortage of fuel given or proper change returned. Verde is the green pump and is cheapest. I believe it best to not “fill tank up” but instead to give 200 pesos (Doscientos) or 300 pesos (Tres cientos). Watch for attendant to reset pump to zero and to put full amount of gas in. One trick to watch for is if you hand them 200 or 500 peso bills, they may have tucked in their hands 20 and 50 pesos bills and said that was what they were given. Ask to talk with their "jefe" (boss). Also, if your tank isn't as full as it should be, ask to speak with their boss. Instead they'll often correct whatever issue arose. If it isn’t resolved, it’s just something to accept as “Mexican Tax”, and let it go.
Here: 2 Gas stations that never gave us this funny feeling:
Ave Juarez / Freeway   and the one on Ave 30 after Calle 38 BEHIND the OXXO.
There are many savings living in Mexico does offer. Look at the good, and try to accept the bad. Don’t worry, just be aware and prepared. Most important….

 Enjoy!!! Mexico is amazing!