Cancun Airport-Please Beware!

[blue_water]

We've also found timeshare sharks at Mazatlan airport. They aren't allowed at Acapulco.

 

Acapulco just has the bandits...:eek:

[Wayfairers]

Haha....we've not found them there. We were there for a month last Jan and also a month Jan 2011 and stayed at Diamanté Beach area both times with almost daily walks outside of the resort to go to Walmart or a restaurant or bar. We never had any problems at all. In fact, we've driven extensively through Mexico spending 4-6 weeks in the country almost every other year since 2006 and never had an issue. I'm convinced while there are some who innocently stumble across a bad situation, the majority of those that have a problem were doing something they shouldn't have been or were somewhere they shouldn't have gone.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[blue_water]

Unfortunately there are reports, even in Puerto Vallarta there was an armed robbery of cruisers on a cruise ship excursion on a bus...

Just never know but common sense is needed, yes

[Wayfairers]

Unfortunately there are reports, even in Puerto Vallarta there was an armed robbery of cruisers on a cruise ship excursion on a bus...

Just never know but common sense is needed, yes

 

 

Wow.....where were the cruisers? Across the bridge at the downtown market? That is a sketchy area and it is easy to be browsing and not realize that you crossed the bridge. Oh wait, I re-read and saw you said they were on a bus. Wow again...where...south of town on the road to Acapulco maybe??? I've read numerous first hand accounts of problems on that road We don't drive that road, we either go north or east out of town to go to/from the States. We typically fly to Acapulco because it is just so far and we don't need a vehicle there anyway so we haven't driven that road yet.

 

FYI... Also heard first hand accounts of armed robberies ( vehicle forced to stop due to a tree across the road) between Playa del Carmen and the Belize border.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[aimodels]

Before renting a vehicle in Mexico, read this:

 

http://www.wadeburleson.org/2011/03/saved-from-hell-in-jail-cell-at-cozumel.html

 

I'd recommend the extra insurance, or pay for someone else to do the driving for you.

 

The Mayan Riviera is generally quite safe and well removed from the cartel violence along the US/Mexico border.

 

Cheers, P:)

[DrSch]

On the same token, when you are returning from Cozumel, and are sitting at the airport and the official person comes to you and asks you to fill out the hotel and vacation experience survey card, please realize you are giving your information to the time share companies so they can market to you when you get home.

[GalCruzer]

What exactly do they say to you that is so insulting and aggressive? :confused:Not that I want to do one but just curious...:rolleyes:

[blue_water]

Wow.....where were the cruisers? Across the bridge at the downtown market? That is a sketchy area and it is easy to be browsing and not realize that you crossed the bridge. Oh wait, I re-read and saw you said they were on a bus. Wow again...where...south of town on the road to Acapulco maybe??? I've read numerous first hand accounts of problems on that road We don't drive that road, we either go north or east out of town to go to/from the States. We typically fly to Acapulco because it is just so far and we don't need a vehicle there anyway so we haven't driven that road yet.

 

FYI... Also heard first hand accounts of armed robberies ( vehicle forced to stop due to a tree across the road) between Playa del Carmen and the Belize border.

 

Have read of this occurring on the mainland of Mex and near Acapulco with bandidos and the drug cartels. Also just south of PV with the cruisers. But FYI - not on highway 307 between Playa and Belize. Very safe area to drive, we're having a home built and moving there eventually.

 

The area you call "across the bridge" in downtown PV is referred to as the Romantic Zone and is the old town section. We stay there when in PV and it is not sketchy at all but an excellent way to experience the real PV. You may prefer to stay in an all inclusive resort in the hotel zone but that is a very boring option. Take a look at Casa Isabel, for example.

Edited January 18, 2016 by blue_water

[blue_water]

On the same token, when you are returning from Cozumel, and are sitting at the airport and the official person comes to you and asks you to fill out the hotel and vacation experience survey card, please realize you are giving your information to the time share companies so they can market to you when you get home.

 

These are not "officials" but are allowed to ask you to complete a survey, just say no, gracias. We've never found them to be pushy.

You do not want to pause when arriving at the airport and walking out to meet a bus or transfer, don't stop to talk to anyone until you are outdoors unless you are interested in a timeshare.

[blue_water]

Do not rent a car in Cancun unless you are aware of the total cost involved. I rented a car on line for our weeks stay in Cancun last week for the nice low price of $70/week. When we arrived at the ticket counter we were told that we were obligated to purchase mandatory insurance at $45 per day, on top of the weekly rate. If we declined to do so we had the "option" of having a $16,000 hold on our credit card. What a rook. We returned to the airport and took a taxi to our hotel instead. Not a very nice start to a vacation!

 

Yes you do need to use a reputable agency, there are several and you can find recommendations in the Top Questions section on the tripadvisor Playa Del Carmen forum. We also use Canada Transfers when staying at a resort and not renting through Avant, America, or ISIS, and take the ADO bus when staying in Playa.

And all rental agencies place an $8000 peso hold (not $16,000 US!) on your cc, that is common practice.

Highly recommend getting full insurance when renting a vehicle in Amex.

[blue_water]

Before renting a vehicle in Mexico, read this:

 

http://www.wadeburleson.org/2011/03/saved-from-hell-in-jail-cell-at-cozumel.html

 

I'd recommend the extra insurance, or pay for someone else to do the driving for you.

 

The Mayan Riviera is generally quite safe and well removed from the cartel violence along the US/Mexico border.

 

Cheers, P:)

 

This is an extreme situation and very unfortunate, but as aimodels said if you have the full insurance you are generally good. If there is a major accident you definitely want that coverage. We have driven Coz and the RM and feel safe.

Edited January 18, 2016 by blue_water