We put together some information we thought was usefule for travelers getting around Cozumel.
Cell phones
- The 2 most widespread cell phones operators are Telcel and Movistar.
- To call a Mexican cell phone from another country or from a foreign cell phone, dial your international access code, followed by the Mexican country code (52), then 1, then the 10-digit number.
- Roaming with your own cell phone is possible if you have a GSM phone but it is expensive. You may want to buy a SIM card from a Telcel or Movistar outlet. You can buy credit for your SIM card in supermarkets, newsstands, online, etc.
- To call an international number from a Mexican cell phone, dial 00, then your international access code, followed by the number.
- To call a Mexican cell phone from a landline, dial 044 before the ten-digit number if the cell-phone area code is the same as the landline code. Dial 045 before the ten-digit number if the cell phone has a different area code.
Other ways of making phone calls are by using internet telephony or call offices (locutorios) whose costs are normally lower than those of Telmex, the public card phones brand.
Internet
High-speed internet is available at most internet cafés, hotels, cafés and other places with wi-fi access.
Taxes and Tips
Value-added tax or VAT is 15% and by law all prices quoted should have the tax included. Only rarely you will read that IVA must be added to the quoted prices.
Workers on tourism and hospitality industries often depend on tips to supplement their low wages. It is expected that you leave a minimum of a 10% tip for any service you receive.
Water
In general tap water in Mexico is not safe to drink. Purified bottled water can be found anywhere.
When you eat raw vegetables make sure that they have been disinfected.
Dangers
Crime in the Yucatan peninsula is extremely rare although theft does occasionally occur especially where crowds gather. Use your common sense and avoid leaving your belongings unattended.
Swimming at the sea is normally safe but you must respect signage. Currents are stronger during the Norte season (North winds from November to March).
Avoid scams (aka “Tourist Traps”) by not purchasing services from unknown street vendors.