Whether it’s for family vacation, your first international trip, or spring break, you’ve made the decision to go to Cancun. Crystal blue waters, Mayan ruins, and a beautiful culture await you. However, the Cancun International Airport lies between you and your destination. To make your landing go as quickly and smoothly as possible, there are a few things you should know before you arrive.
BEFORE LANDING:
First, you will need a passport to arrive in Mexico by air. A passport card will not suffice. Second, you will be given a customs form to fill out while on the airplane. Complete the form before landing to expedite your time in customs.
ARRIVAL:
Although Cancun’s airport is the second busiest in the country, it is still relatively small and easy to navigate. Depending on what airline you arrive on, you will fly into terminal 2 or 3. Terminal 2 includes domestic arrivals and smaller international airlines. Terminal 3 is for international flights only and includes the major airlines. It always good to know what terminal you will be arriving in and to check official airport maps before you leave.
Once you land, the first thing you will do is pass through immigration, get your passport stamped, and go to collect your bags. Be warned, however, many passengers experience delays, congestion, and frustration at this point of the process. Be prepared to wait. Next, as you head to the exit with your bags, you will be asked to present your customs form to an official and then to press a button for randomized luggage inspection. If the button turns green, you may exit, but if it turns red, you’ll have to do a quick inspection before exiting.
Note that it is best to wait to exchange money until after you have exited the secure area of the airport, as rates will be lower outside. Many places will accept US dollars, but it is good to have pesos as well.
Now, this is actually the easy part of arriving in Cancun airport. Things after this point get a bit more interesting and tricky.
EXITING:
We talked with CancunTransfers.net who exampled that this is the part of arriving that is most stressful for tourists. They said, “Once you exit customs and baggage, you will find yourself walking down a long hallway full of tour desks and people vying for your attention. They look official but are not, and will only waste your time.” Here are some tips they gave for getting through this part of the airport and to your transportation.
1. Look confident, as if you know where you are going.
2. Do not stop to chat about tours or transportation with anyone, even if they ask questions or for your documents. These people are only selling timeshares. A good phrase to learn is “No, gracias” or “No, thank you”.
3. Do not accept “free services” of any kind. This includes baggage handling and rides to your hotel.
4. Be careful of answering any questions about your hotel. The touts will claim they work for the same hotel or tour company when they don’t.
Official transportation is waiting outside the doors of the airport. When you exit, look for your hotel transfer bus or people wearing an official hotel uniform, your name on a card if you booked transportation in advance, or public transport. The shared taxis and minivans can be good deals. Also, ADO bus company is reliable and the most popular in Mexico. However you decide to get to your destination, rest assured you’re on your way to a great trip.
