Electricity on Isla Mujeres

Mexico's electricity system is the same as that of the USA: 120 V; 60 Hz.

You may need a socket adaptor. Older hotels might have only two flat prong sockets that do not accept three-prong plugs (like most electronic cords= so it is recommended that you bring your own 3 prong adapter.

Use Sunscreen

Lucky You!! You’re in the tropics! The sun is very intense in the tropics, even if it's a cloudy day. All national parks require biodegradable sunscreen so if you plan on getting into the water use the biodegradable kind. You can find it at most pharmacies on Isla and at many tourist shops. Protect your skin and keep the water clean!

Staying Connected while on Isla

To call Isla Mujeres: Mexico’s country code is 52, Isla’s area code is 998 and all land line phone numbers are 7 digits. So, if you are calling from the United States and Canada you would dial:
011 (International code) 52 (country code) 998 (area code) and the 7 digit phone number. Example: 011 52 998 XXX XXXX

If you are calling a Mexican mobile phone from abroad add a 1 after the 52 and before the area code. Example: 011 52 1 998 XXX XXXX

Not sure if it is a land line or mobile? Try the first way and if it doesn’t work, add the 1 :-)

To make international calls FROM Mexico you dial access code 001 for the US and Canada; and 00 + country code for the rest of the world.

Most US cell phones will work in Isla – you should call your provider before you go to Mexico and tell them you will be in the Cancun, Mexico area (some providers offer temporary plans for travelers) and you want to make AND receive calls while there.

Another option is to buy or rent a basic Telcel cell phone while on the island. You can add credit to the phone at the OXXO and 7/Eleven in Centro and at Chedraui.

With available wifi, the cheapest way to keep in touch is to install Skype, WhatsApp or similar program on your mobile device and laptop as well as on the devices of family members back home. For a small fee you can even call land lines or cells using Skype.

Mexican Money The Peso

The Mexican peso is the standard currency used in Mexico. 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 peso bills are most often used but you will occasionally see a 1000 peso note. Peso coins are in denominations of $1 $2, $5, and $10 pesos, there is also limited edition $20 peso coin in circulation.

US dollars are excepted everywhere in the area, and most businesses will post their exchange rate and/or prices in pesos and dollars.

Banks and ATMs on Isla Mujeres

There are 2 major banks on Isla, HSBC Mexico on Av. Rueda Medina across from the ferry dock and Banamex on Av. Juárez 1 block east (up) from Av. Rueda Medina (look for the 7/Eleven store on the corner) as well as the smaller Banco Azteca in the Elektra Electronics Store on Av. Guerrero near Av. Matamoros and the CI Bank on Av. Rueda Medina near Madero next to the OXXO store. The banks will exchange up to $300 USD per day but NOT Traveler's Checks which are rarely if ever used anymore, you might be asked to show your passport when exchanging foreign currency.

Credit cards are accepted at most hotels (best to check with them when you make your reservation), the large restaurants, golf cart rentadoras and some tour operators. That said, except for major purchases (like your hotel bill) consider using CASH.

You should call your credit card company to alert them in advance of foreign travel. Give them your departure and return dates to insure that your bank knows where you will be and won’t freeze your account due to foreign charges.

The Beaches!!

Playa Norte (North Beach) is considered one of the best and most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean! Isla Mujeres offers soft white sand, palm trees and water so blue the sky looks pale. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind from the rigors of life. There is almost no current and you can wade out very far with the water still only coming to your waist. Coco B Wellness also boasts one of the few places left in the Cancun region with beaches unaffected by the current surge of sargassum seaweed. Those seeking beautiful white sand beaches will rest assured that their time spent here will not be disturbed by the unpleasant sight of the sargassum seaweed build up.