For hundreds of thousands of Individuals, Cancun is synonymous with luxurious lodges, glistening-white sands hugged by teal-colored seas, and stress-free holidays, normally… or at the very least you’d anticipate it to be this fashion. That’s, till you contact down within the gong present that’s Cancun Worldwide Airport.
From border management to baggage assortment to passing the notorious ‘shark tank’, right through to the lodge switch, there are a bunch of hoops to undergo, and whether or not you are a newcomer or a frequent customer, making it to the top of the journey might be overwhelming.

And pay attention, you actually do not must really feel drained proper earlier than your trip even begins, and because of our pals over on the Cancun Sun, the main English-language information supply for all issues Mexican Caribbean, we now have the right recipe for navigating the airport like a professional.
Listed here are 5 Cancun Airport survival ideas to keep away from all the commonest pitfalls affecting Individuals touchdown in CUN, and begin your journey off on the proper foot:
Making It Via The Shark Tank
We have touched on this ourselves a lot of instances earlier than, however one thing most first-time guests to Cancun are fully unaware of is the existence of the so-called ‘Shark Tank’.
@traveloffpath Don’t fall for this airport rip-off! . #travel #mexico #mexico🇲🇽 #traveloffpath #fyp #foryoupage #cancun #airport #scam ♬ Primal Fear – Drama Effect – Dave James
As quickly as you cross immigration and customs, there’s this lengthy hall lined with friendly-looking, smiling individuals in uniform-like apparel stood by kiosks and counters. They could seem like official vacationer data and transportation suppliers, but they’re something however.
Because the Cancun Solar advises, keep away from participating with them, even when they appear pleasant or attempt to block your path. Simply hold strolling, as they’re primarily salespeople who might be very persistent and will attempt to get you to spend cash earlier than you even attain your lodge.
Getting To Your Resort

One of many largest errors ‘newbies’ make when touchdown in CUN is grabbing a taxi or shuttle on the spot. That may be as cripplingly-expensive as falling for the Shark Tank scammers—we’re speaking within the tons of of {dollars}—significantly in the event that they’re unauthorized drivers working on highly-inflated fares.
Do not wait to kind out your experience to the lodge when you arrive. Pre-book your switch at residence.
The Cancun Solar notes that is the ‘solely wya’ to make sure a secure, ‘fairly-priced’, and hassle-free journey from airport to metropolis, as you can verify for on-line opinions testifying to the reliability of the service, and agree on a set fee beforehand.
Touchdown at Cancun Worldwide Airport, your solely job will probably be to search out your driver outdoors the terminal, previous the annoying salespeople, we should reiterate, holding an indication along with your title.
The Difficulty With Checking Baggage

We all know not bringing checked baggage might be unimaginable to some, particularly if you happen to’re happening a week-long trip overseas and you may want day and evening outfits, a big selection of footwear, and let’s not overlook the liquids.
It is a seashore vacation spot, in spite of everything, and you may need to carry your favourite sunscreen and seashore merchandise from again residence.
The one downside is, when you land in Cancun, you possibly can be ready on the airport for almost an hour untiul the carousel at baggage declare begins shifting. That is treasured time within the solar you will not get again, nevertheless it seems you do not want an enormous bag to suit your entire must-have objects in.
Right here at Journey Off Path we have traveled to over 50 nations with carry-on solely, and on this accompanying article, we train you precisely tips on how to do it.
Getting Related Upon Arrival

If you happen to’ve by no means traveled overseas, you are most likely involved relating to cell knowledge at your vacation spot.
In-resort Wi-Fi throughout Cancun could also be dependable, however Cancun Worldwide Airport is notoriously lackluster so far as web connectivity goes, and extra possible than not, you will have your personal knowledge bundle to get again on-line instantly upon arrival.
Belief us, the very last thing you need to occur is to not be capable to contact your shuttle supplier to substantiate your pickup spot, particularly amid all of the Shark Tank hundrum.
Earlier than you fly, be sure you buy a knowledge bundle upfront. Many U.S. carriers like AT&T and Verizon have ‘automated’ day passes to the tune of $10 a day, however if you happen to’re eager on conserving prices down (that 5-star resort value you adequate already), pre-download an eSIM.
Two of the very best out there are Airalo and Holafly, they usually provide week-long knowledge packages for a fraction of the AT&T worth.
You Do not Want Pesos At The Airport!

We all know it may be tempting to alternate your {dollars} for pesos the minute you see a forex alternate kiosk contained in the terminal constructing. You do not need to depart the airport with out having some money, simply in case, because it’s Mexico and also you by no means know.
In line with the Cancun Solar, that is the equal to flushing cash down the prepare, because the alternate charges on the airport are ‘the worst’ in the whole Mexican Caribbean.
Belief us, you will not want these pesos throughout your experience from CUN to the Resort Zone, and if you happen to’re enthusiastic about tipping the driving force, they will be greater than glad to take U.S. {dollars} and alter it later themselves at a greater fee on the town.
When you’re within the Resort Zone, you possibly can withdraw pesos from any official ATM, or within the neighborhood of main grocery shops like Chedraui Selecto, or go to a forex alternate with regular charges.
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