Good to Know Info

AIRLINE TICKETS

Your airline e-tickets will be issued on a special fare that carries certain restrictions. After receiving your airline itinerary, if you have any questions pertaining to your flight schedules, please contact Westgate Travel as soon as possible at 440-937-5195.

To visit Mexico, all U.S. Citizens must have a valid U.S. Passport. Please visit www.travel.state.gov for up to date information regarding documents required for U.S. Citizens traveling abroad. Non-U.S. citizens should contact their appropriate consulate for entry requirements into Mexico as well as returning to the United States.

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Travelers may now carry through security checkpoints travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or less each) that fit comfortably in one quart-size, clear plastic zip-top bag. In addition, larger amounts of prescription liquid medications must be declared at the checkpoint for additional screening. Please visit www.tsa.gov for up to date information regarding carry-on luggage restrictions. *The airline may charge extra for excess baggage.

INSURANCE

We suggest you check your current medical insurance for coverage of a medical emergency including air evacuation and hospitalization while in Mexico. Neither Leff Electric, nor Westgate Travel Service is responsible for lost luggage; but our staff and the airlines will make every effort to recover lost luggage. If you are not covered by homeowner's insurance, you may want to purchase a travel insurance policy.

CLIMATE

The average temperature for Riviera Maya in April is 79 degrees (lows of 72, highs of 89).  April has the lowest average rainfall of all of the months.

LANGUAGE

The official language of Riviera Maya's 70,000 residents is Spanish. The local language, Mayan, and English are also spoken.

CURRENCY

The official Currency is the Mexican Peso. The exchange rate is around $10 pesos per dollar.  US currency is widely accepted at the Mexican Mayan Riviera and the rest of the Mexican Caribbean. Normally, prices are expressed both, in Mexican pesos and US dollar and the restaurants have bilingual English-Spanish menu. Be sure to have enough cash money with you, as ATMs are located only in the main cities, like Puerto Morelos. Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

TIME ZONE

Riviera Maya, Mexico is on Central Standard Time, one hour behind Cleveland.

ELECTRICITY

The electric current is the same as the US - 110/220 volts AC, 60 Hz.

LONG DISTANCE PHONE CALLS

Long distance phone calls from the hotel are very expensive. If you need to make or receive calls while in Mexico, we recommend calling collect or using a cell phone. If you have a cell phone, check with your service provider to determine if your carrier has coverage in Mexico.

WEATHER AND CLOTHING

In general "resort casual sportswear" best describes the preferred attire for sightseeing, lunch and shopping. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Attire for evening receptions, dinners and farewell festivities is "upscale resort casual". Jackets or ties are not required for men. It is recommended that you pack a sweater/shawl or light jacket for evenings. Clothing recommendations are included for each group function in the Daily Itinerary.

 

Travel Tips

Arrival and Check-In

• When traveling internationally, check-in two hours prior to departure.
• You will need to provide your government issued identification (driver's license, passport etc.) and copy of ticket itinerary or reservation number at your specific airline counter.
• Check the airline for baggage restrictions.
• Be sure to pack your prescription drugs (in original containers), and valuable items such as jewelry, camera and laptop, in your carry-on.

Limitations for Carry-ons

• 3-ounce or smaller containers of liquids, gels and aerosols (hand lotion, toothpaste etc.) should be placed in a 1 quart clear plastic zip-top bag.
• Limit of 1 zip-top bag per passenger will be placed in the plastic bin for screening. See www.tsa.gov for exemptions.
• Check the airline for baggage restrictions.

Be Prepared for Screening

• Clothing: Be prepared to place certain wearable items, such as belts with metal buckles in the provided plastic bin.
• Footwear: You will be required to remove footwear for X-ray screening. Wearing footwear that can be easily removed helps speed you through screening.
• Boarding Pass and ID: When approaching the security checkpoint, you will be asked to present your boarding pass and your government issued identification. Please keep the boarding pass out and available throughout screening.

TSA Contact Center

For questions or concerns about security and screening call the TSA Contact Center toll-free at (866) 289-9673.

Traveling is a team effort involving your travel agent, TSA, airlines and passengers. TSA's mission is security, and they intend to maintain reasonable wait times without compromising security.

IMPORTANT CREDIT CARD NOTICE

When you pay for goods or service outside of the United States or its territories with a credit card, the invoice is always shown in the currency of the country you are visiting i.e. pounds, sterling, euros, etc.

Visa, MasterCard and others are now adding a transaction fee (surcharge) based on percentage of the total transaction and/or a flat fee for each ATM withdrawal.

Check with your credit card issuer before you leave home to fully understand their individual policy.