If you’re traveling to Cancun with kids, there’s some important information you need to know first. From the local currency to health information, the official language, and even babysitting services, it’s important to do proper research on your vacation destination before booking your trip. Finding all the information in one place can be rare, though, which is why we’ve compiled a list of things to know before visiting Cancun, including important information for you to reference. Plus, stay tuned until the end, since we also include things to do in Cancun with kids, the best restaurants in Cancun for families, and the best resorts in Cancun. Keep reading for everything you need to know about visiting Cancun as a family!
At a Glance
Need to know all about Cancun? From currency to time, official language, and visa information, here are some basic facts you should know about Cancun.
Local Currency & Time
Wondering about the Cancun local currency? The Mexican peso is the main form of currency here, though you may find a few tourist places accepting U.S. dollars. In case you need help figuring out how much money to bring with you, you can use this handy currency converter. Similar to the East Coast of the United States, Cancun operates in Eastern Standard Time. Keep this in mind for your future travels and click here to see Cancun’s current time.
Official Language & Visa Information
Spanish is the official language spoken in Cancun.If you’re planning an extended trip to Cancun or have a non-U.S. passport, you may also need to research obtaining a VISA before your visit. To learn more about Mexico’s VISA policy, click here.
Power/Standard Voltage
In Mexico, the standard voltage is 127 V and the frequency is 60 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Mexico if the standard voltage in your country is between 110 – 127 V (as is in the U.S., Canada, and most South American countries).
Local Weather
Knowing about the Cancun climate will be helpful before you depart. The temperature in winter averages between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius (high 68 to 74° Fahrenheit) and in summer the average temperature is around 28 degrees Celsius (83° Fahrenheit). October through May is the city’s dry season, which means this period has very little rain. Check the current forecast on Accuweather. If you need more help planning your Cancun vacation with kids, feel free to check out Visit Mexico, Mexico’s official tourism website, for more information.
Health Information
Having the right information about health and safety is an important part of visiting Cancun with kids. If your children have allergies, might need medical attention, etc., be sure to keep this important information in mind.
Vaccinations, Health Tips, & Hospitals
Visiting Cancun with young ones? Remember to check your child has all the correct shots and vaccines. For a complete list of the recommended vaccines for visiting Cancun, click here.Staying healthy during your vacation is also very important. Visit the official CDC website for health information on visiting Cancun, including COVID-19 warnings and regulations. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so you should always check out hospitals local to your vacation destination just in case. Three accessible hospitals in or near Cancun include Hospital Galenia, Hospital Amerimed, and Hospiten Cancun.
COVID-19 Guidelines & Vaccination Information
If you’re planning a trip to Cancun soon, you’re probably wondering about Mexico’s COVID-19 guidelines. As of April 2021, the Mexican Embassy has cautioned travelers against visiting Mexico due to COVID-19. Please check the Embassy website to keep up-to-date on Mexico’s stay-at-home orders. We suggest making sure you’re fully vaccinated before traveling to Mexico with kids. For vaccination information, click here.
Cancun for Kids
Visiting Cancun with kids brings its own set of challenges. Keep reading for comprehensive information on babysitting services, baby gear rentals, etc.
Babysitting Services & Baby Gear Rentals
Looking for a romantic evening alone in Cancun? Luckily, you’ll find plenty of babysitting services throughout the city. We suggest Cancun Nanny Service or Kangaroo. If you’ve left your baby gear at home, don’t worry! There are plenty of places to find baby gear in Cancun. Take a look at Baby Gear for Rent or Beachfront Baby Gear Rentals.
Transportation
Transportation is another thing to consider when vacationing in Cancun with kids. Whether you need information about car sears or local airlines, you’ve come to the right place.
Car Seat Laws, Transportation Services, & Local Airlines
There are no mandatory laws for the use of child car seats in Mexico. However, if you plan to ride in a car with a child under the age of 5, you should always use a car seat for safety. The bus system in Cancun provides another inexpensive and quick way to get around. Taxis are another popular transport option, though you should negotiate the price before getting in the car. You can take a ferry for a day trip to Isla Mujeres.Need to make use of local airlines during your trip? Some local airlines in Mexico for domestic travel include Aeromexico, Interjet Airlines, and Viva Aerobus. For more information on Cancun transportation, visit this link.
Emergency Services
In case of an emergency, keep these numbers handy during your trip to Cancun with kids, as this is very important information.
Police, Fire Department, Ambulance
Need police assistance in Cancun? Call 911.In case of a fire in Cancun, you can also contact the fire department by calling 911.You can also call 911 to reach an ambulance in Cancun.
Other Things to Know Before Visiting Cancun with Kids
Searching for more tips on visiting Cancun, Mexico, with kids? Between tipping customs, important holidays, and other safety issues, there are still a few things left you should know. Keep reading!
Tipping Customs
Tipping customs in Cancun may differ from the United States or elsewhere in the world. Some restaurants add a service charge (propina) which is around 10%. You do not need to tip more if this is added to your bill. At a bar in Mexico, tip between 10 and 20 pesos per drink. If you run a tab, you can tip around 15% at the end.
Important Holidays
If you’re still searching for specific dates to visit Cancun, you may want to determine whether your vacation will fall on a public holiday. This can greatly diminish the number of attractions or points of interest you see, so it’s important information to know about visiting Cancun. Check out this calendar of public holidays in Mexico for more information.
Safety Issues
If you’re visiting with your kids, you’re probably wondering: Is Cancun safe for families? For the most part, yes! Of course, you should always exercise increased caution in Mexico due to crime and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. You can review the current U.S. State Department’s Mexico Travel Advisory here.
Things to Do in Cancun with Kids
Once you’ve read our Cancun safety guide, it’s time to start planning your itinerary and looking up what to do in Cancun as a family. Luckily, there are plenty of things to do in Cancun with kids! Of course, you can visit kid-friendly beaches such as Playa Chacmool, Playa Norte, or Playa Delfines. Kids who love animals can’t miss the Croco Cun Zoo or The Aquarium at La Isla Mall. Then, the Cancun Underwater Museum Of Art is a one-of-a-kind experience!
Then, take a day trip to nearby Playa Del Carmen, or a Pirate Dinner Cruise in the evening. Cancun also has many other great restaurants for kids, like The Crab House, Flamingos Seafood Kitchen, and Senor Frogs for lunch. If you need more things to do in Cancun with kids, check out our list of 5 Exciting Things To Do In Cancun With Kids!
Where to Stay in Cancun with Kids
Looking for the best places to stay in Cancun? If you want an all-inclusive Cancun resort, we suggest Finest Playa Mujeres, The Grand at Moon Palace, Hyatt Ziva Cancun, or the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun. For a non-all-inclusive option, families love the Nizuc Resort & Spa.
RELATED: Best Family Resorts In Cancun AND 12 Best All-Inclusive Resorts In Cancun For Families
Families Love Travel is not liable for any injuries and/or damages to persons or property occurring as a result of your vacations influenced by the suggestions on this website. We are not responsible for any information given on this website, such as recommendations for babysitting services, car rentals, or accommodations. All content provided is for informational and review purposes only. The information we provide is meant to make it easier for families to travel together and nothing more. Try the suggestions at your own risk.
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