My Top Tips for Playa!

Written by Sally Foran

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Sitting at my computer daydreaming of the warm turquoise waters and soft powdery beaches of Playa del Carmen (“Playa”) as the the wind whips the snow off my roof. Blech. Ahhh, back to reality which means enduring more winter here in the Great White North! Although having just come back from 3 weeks in Playa, I have nothing to complain about (or so my friends like to tell me!!!)

Recently a friend emailed me that he was going to Playa for the first time and could I pass on any tips to him?  So it got me thinking, what tips would I have appreciated knowing when I first visited Playa. So here goes:

  • You can’t go to Playa del Carmen without seeing the heart of this international town; 5th Avenue which is 40 5thpedestrian-only blocks of bars, restaurants, spas, shops, galleries, hotel…Well you name it, Playa’s got it!
  • Most prices are in pesos. (US & Canadian dollars are accepted but the exchange rate may not be favourable).
  • ATMs are available dispensing both pesos & US dollars. If for any reason your debit card doesn’t work at the ATM’s, Walmart has an ATM in their store (we’ve had this happen so don’t panic.)
  • Do not use stand alone street ATMs that are not enclosed due to card cloning which is used illegally throughout the world.
  • Banks & Cambios (money exchange kiosks) will exchange currency. (Most will ask for ID to exchange scotiacurrency) Shop around for best daily rates & ask for small bills like 10, 20 and 50 pesos for tipping etc.
  • Be sure to bring some pesos with you to get started in case of any snafus! Pesos come in 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 denominations. The bills are different colors and easy to tell apart. 1, 2, and 5 peso coins are round & silver with a golden center. 10 and 20 peso coins are also round, but golden on the outside. The small the denomination, the coin will be physically smaller than higher denomination coins.
  • Inform your company & your debit card company or bank you are traveling, so there’s not hold put on your card for “unusual activity”. (We’ve had our credit card frozen because we didn’t tell our bank we were traveling – you can usually do this through your on-line banking).
  • Negotiate the taxi rate before you get in (50 pesos tends to be the average rate for a cab in & around Playa)
  • Don’t miss a walk along the fabulous beaches which are dotted with great restaurants, bars, music, food etc. eltbeach
  • Sit on a bar swing while you sip a margarita! 
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  • Many restaurants include a 10% tip on the bill. Be sure to ask if tip (propina in Spanish) is already included. They also offer free drinks on the house for a group; be sure to ask!
  • Enjoy an oceanfront beach massage! $40US for 2 persons for a 1 hour massage! 14895_inti
  • If you take the ferry to Cozumel, go first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds. If you tend to get sea-sick be sure to take Dramamine or Gravol ahead of time (lesson learned).
  • You will receive excellent medical care in Playa (Contact Playa Beach Condos for more info)
  • At Wal Mart and Mega grocery stores you can pick up groceries, snacks, beer, wine. Both have in-store pharmacies.
  • Cuban cigars are available in Playa. Buy authentic cigars at (believe it or not!) Walmart’s tobacco shop or at La Casa del Habano at 5th and calle 26th. Alexander won’t steer you wrong. http://www.lacasadelhabanoplayadelcarmen.com/ 
  • You can arrange for a private luxury, air-conditioned van to take you from the airport to your destination. Great for groups (Contact Playa Beach Condos for more info)
  • Want a healthy but yummy breakfast? Visit 100% Natural on 5th Ave (between 10th & 12th). break
  • Don’t miss visiting a “cenote” which is specific to the Yucatan. the peninsula is made of limestone & as its selvat.jpberoded over the years it’s created underground rivers/sinkholes you can swim in.
  • Take an antibiotic cream & an anti-itch cream (sand flea bites are especially a pain!)
  • If you spend a lot of time on the beach, be sure to rinse off when finished; this will help alleviate sand flea bites.
  • Pack an umbrella and rain jacket in case of a mini downpour!

And here are some “must know” Spanish phrases:

  • Hola (hello)
  • Gracias (thank you)
  • Buenos dias (good morning),
  • ¿Cuanto cuesta? (how much is it?)
  • De nada (you’re welcome)
  • ¿Cómo está usted? (how are you?),
  • Por favor (please)
  • Cerveza (beer!)
  • Donde esta un bano? (where is the bathroom)
  • La cuenta (the bill/cheque)

PS don’t miss having a freshly squeezed orange juice, a pulled pork sandwich or fresh fruit in a cup from the local foodcartpushcarts near the ferry to Cozumel! These homemade treats give you a real taste of the wonderful culture of Mexico from the locals themselves! Also check out the side streets off 5th selling the same wares but cheaper which supports many local Mexican families.

PS and if you do receive great service, be sure to tip the locals. They welcome tourists with open arms and a sense of humor. Be generous!

“Playa del Carmen – beyond your expectations!”

“PLAYA Gal” (a very satisfied client working to promote Playa Beach Getaways!) 14895_woman_in_hat

 salgal@playabeachcondo.com ~~~ PS Catch us on Facebook & Pinterest