Keeping in Touch
Keeping in touch by mail

The Mexican postal system is highly unpredictable. A postcard or letter can be sent internationally for 6 pesos (60 cents) and can take weeks to arrive. Anything of importance should be registered directly with the post office (Av Sunyaxchan and Xel-Ha, open MF, 8am-5pm, and Saturday 9am-noon). AIR MAIL boxes have also been placed in many hotels, and are more reliable than standard mail. Anything sent abroad should be clearly labeled POR AVIÓN (AIR MAIL) to ensure that it does not go by sea. The best way to secure the arrival of a package is via international carriers such as Fed Ex, DHL and UPS. When you purchase something to be shipped home to the U.S., you are better off having the store send it directly for you to avoid problems with Customs on the receiving end.

 
Keeping in touch by phone

Making phone calls from Cancun is no small feat. To begin, most hotels charge a flat rate of 50 cents to $1USD per local phone call (a connection fee for unlimited time) and international calls are upwards of $3 per minute. The most economical option for making frequent local calls or dialing internationally is to use a phone card. You can purchase a card at most pharmacies and grocery stores around Cancun, and they can be used at any of the registered Telmex phones. Rates to the U.S. are around $1 per minute.

If you wisely choose to bring a calling card with you from the U.S., companies such as AT&T, MCI and other smaller entities offer special rates to the Caribbean, which you can finalize before departure. Be sure to check specifically on the fees when connecting from abroad.

  • AT&T: 01-800-288-8772 or 001-800-462-4240
  • Bell Canada: 01-800-010-1990
  • MCI: 01-800-674-7000 from Telmex phones, 01-800-021-0800 from Avantel phones
  • Sprint: 01-800-877-8000
  • TELMEX: 01-800-SAVINGS

Many cell phone companies now offer coverage in Mexico, though most have yet to expand into Cancun. In addition to your regular plan, you will incur both a roaming charge (65 cents to $1/minute), as well as an international rate (25 to 50 cents/minute)

To phone Cancun from the U.S. or Canada, dial 011-52-998 followed by the seven-digit number. To phone directly to the U.S. from Cancun, dial 001 followed by the number.
 
Accessing the Internet

Given the recent demand to access e-mail and the Web, many of the larger resorts now have internet stations. The Front Desk or Concierge at your hotel will be able to tell you whether they provide the service, and at what cost. Generally, hotel access will be more expensive than a connection at a cafa. Internet cafas are numerous throughout the city, but you will find the most economical options downtown:

  • PC Guia: (downtown) Av Tulum #200 at Agua Street, opposite Novedades newspaper office Phone: 884-9498 www.pcguia.com.mx, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
  • VIP.com.mx: (hotel zone) Plaza DadyO, across from Chocos y Tere restaurant
  • Web-@: (downtown) Av Tulum, north of Av Coba, locale 51C Also offers copy, fax and scanning services.