North American Type and plugs at 127V, two time zones, and toilet paper goes in the bin. Cancun does not change its clocks, so the gap to Mexico City shifts twice a year.
- Sockets are North American type and at 127V. European and UK visitors need an adapter, and a single-voltage 230V appliance needs a converter.
- Cancun and the rest of Quintana Roo do not change their clocks, so the gap to Mexico City is one hour for part of the year and two for the rest. Check before booking a connecting flight.
- Toilet paper goes in the bin beside the toilet, not down it. Mexican drainage cannot take it, and this applies in good hotels too.
- Public toilets cost 5 to 10 MXN and you need coins. Paper is handed out at the entrance, so take some before you go in.
- Petrol stations are attended and the attendant gets 5 to 10 MXN.
- Power: Type and sockets at 127V, 60 Hz. North American devices plug straight in; European and UK visitors need an adapter, and single-voltage 230V appliances need a converter.
- Time: Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey are on UTC-6. Cancun and the rest of Quintana Roo are on UTC-5 and do not change clocks, so the difference between Cancun and Mexico City is one hour for part of the year and two for the rest. Check before booking a connecting flight.
- Tap water: not drinkable. Refill from the purified garrafones that hotels and restaurants keep.
- Language: Spanish. English is common in international airports, resorts and upmarket restaurants in Cancun, Mexico City and Guadalajara, and rare among bus drivers, market vendors and local police.
Hours and holidays
- Shops 09:00 or 10:00 to 20:00 or 21:00, daily. Banks 09:00 to 16:00 weekdays, some Saturday mornings.
- Public holidays that close business: 1 January, the first Monday of February, the third Monday of March, 1 May, 16 September (Independence Day), the third Monday of November and 25 December.
Small things
- Toilet paper goes in the bin beside the toilet, not down it. Mexican drainage cannot take it, and this applies in good hotels too.
- Public toilets cost 5 to 10 MXN and you need coins. Paper is handed out at the entrance, so take some before you go in.
- Cover shoulders and knees in churches such as the Catedral Metropolitana.
- Tipping is expected more widely than in Europe - see the money section. Petrol stations are attended and the attendant gets 5 to 10 MXN.
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