AAPG International Conference & Exhibition
October 24-27, 2004 • Cancun Convention Center • Cancun, Mexico

Location and Geography

Cancun is located in the state of Quintana Roo on the northeast corner of the Yucatan Peninsula. The island of Cancun is divided into two zones and is shaped like the number seven. The Downtown Zone is on the mainland and the Hotel Zone is on the island. The zones are joined by two short bridges -- each some 300 feet long.

Quintana Roo is the only Mexican state that shares a border with two countries, Guatemala and Belize. It is the only state with a shore on the Caribbean Sea. Underground rivers are located in Quintana Roo, where visitors can snorkel and dive in underwater caves full of spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Public Transportation

Local urban bus companies, Turicun and Autotur, service Route 1, Cancun's Hotel Zone. They stop at all hotels throughout the day and approximately every ten minutes at night. Taxis are available from the airport and any hotel lobby for approximately 120–170 pesos, or US$12–$15, at current exchange rates. To avoid misunderstanding, it is best to settle on the price with the driver before departing.

Climate

The climate in Cancun is tropical and humid with light ocean breezes. The average daily temperatures for Cancun in October are 68–87°F (20–31°C).

Language

Spanish is the official language. English is spoken in the hotels, restaurants, and shops and other area resorts. Maya and Spanish are spoken by the rural population.

Electric Current

The electricity standard is 110 volt AC, as it is in the U.S. and Canada.

Currency and Exchange Facilities

The peso is the Mexican currency. The rate of exchange fluctuates daily against the U.S. dollar, currently around 10–12 pesos. Banks, major hotels, and airports will have slightly different rates, so you may want to shop around for the best rate.

Business Hours

Most stores are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily in the Hotel Zone. Stores downtown may close between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and on Sundays.

Tax

The 10 percent Mexican VAT will be charged on all purchases made in Cancun for meals, beverages, restaurants, shopping, tours, transportation, etc. See page 54 for information on VAT savings on hotels.

Time Zone

Cancun is on U.S. Central Standard Time year-round (GMT/UTC minus 6 hours).

Country and City Codes

The country code for Mexico is 52. The city code for Cancun is 998.

Passport and Visa Documentation

Proof of citizenship is required for travel to Mexico. All nationalities must have a passport valid for at least 6 months after date of entry, except US and Canadian citizens, who may also use an original birth certificate, or certified government issued copy of birth certificate, along with a photo ID (driver's license). Many nationalities may need a Mexican visa, so you must contact your nearest consulate for information. Minors traveling alone or with only one parent must have a notarized consent to travel from non-traveling parent(s).

Customs Regulations

Flight attendants will hand out a Customs declaration form for you to complete before entering the country. Your bags will be checked if you have something to declare. Those with nothing to declare will go through a Customs line with a random "traffic light" check. A green light means pass without search, a red light means stop for a search.

Clothing and Sun Sense

Casual and dressy-casual clothing is appropriate for most situations. When outside be sure to wear a hat and biodegradable sunscreen. Drink plenty of water when visiting archaeological sites. The sun is at its strongest from midmorning until mid-afternoon.

Safety on the Beach

Due to danger from undertows, color-coded flags are used for your swimming safety on the Caribbean side of the island.

• Green Flag: Water completely safe for swimming, but use common sense.
• Yellow Flag: Water somewhat rough. Swim with caution.
• Red Flag: Water very rough. Swim with extreme caution. Stay near the water's edge.
• Black Flag: Absolutely no swimming. Too dangerous.

Tipping and Bargaining

Tips are rarely included on the bill. A gratuity of 10-15 percent is appreciated, depending on the quality of service. Airport porters and bellmen usually get US$1 per bag, and housekeepers receive US$1–2 per day. Tipping is at your discretion based on quality of service. Bargaining is expected in the markets.

Drinking Water

Although most Hotel Zone venues have safe drinking water and hotels will indicate this in the rooms, it is advisable to consume bottled water to avoid unwanted health problems.

Health and Medical Facilities

Most hotels in Cancun have 24-hour doctors on call. There are also a number of hospitals and clinics where English is spoken. The Cancun Convention Center is covered by Medicare ambulance units. No vaccinations are needed to enter Mexico from the U.S. or Canada.

Temporary Health Insurance

AAPG's Committee on Group Insurance has arranged for insurance plans designed to cover the special situations international travelers might encounter that may not be covered by their domestic insurance. HealthCare Abroad, for residents of the United States under age 85 traveling outside the United States, provides medical, accidental death and dismemberment, and worldwide assistance coverage. HealthCare Global, for foreign nationals traveling to destinations outside of the United States, provides accident and sickness coverage plus worldwide assistance coverage. Complete details, including information on cost and applications for coverage, may be found on the Internet at www.wallach.com. You may reach Wallach and Company by phone at 1 800 237 6615 or 1 540 687 3166 or by e-mail at info@wallach.com. The AAPG Insurance Program's Broker's office may be reached at 1 800 254 4788 or 1 703 367 8970.

Arrival Transfer to Hotels

You have the option to arrange transportation between the airport and hotels with IVI. Upon arrival in Cancun, an immigration official will ask you to present proof of citizenship and the completed Mexican Tourist card you will receive while boarding or during your flight. (Note: Keep the second copy of the Tourist card as you will need it for your return flight home.) From immigration, you will claim your luggage and then proceed to Customs, where random clearance methods are used as security measures. After clearing Customs, look for IVI greeters, who will be wearing white slacks and turquoise shirts and holding "AAPG Congress" signs. The trip to the hotels is approximately 20 minutes. Fee for this service is US$15 per person. Children under 4 years of age are free. Airport to hotel transfers must be ordered in advance. See page 56 to order these services. Departure transfers to the airport will be sold on site at the IVI tour desks for US$15 per person.

Discounted Airline Transportation

Travel Planners, Inc. (TPI) has contracted with American (AA) and Continental (CO) Airlines for discounted fares to Cancun. Discounted rates on AA and CO will apply for travel originating in the US and Canada only and are not available by calling the airlines directly or through another agent. Flight itinerary, airfare (including US$40 service fee and Mexican departure tax of approximately US$22) and booking policies will be provided for your approval prior to ticketing. Benefits include: Free $200,000 flight insurance; Frequent Flyer enrollment; and advance seat assignments. Call 1 800 810 2695, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central Time, Monday through Friday and ask for the AAPG representative.

NOTE: Attendees from countries other than US or Canada should purchase tickets with local agents as they often provide lower fares to Cancun. If you prefer to travel on another airline, TPI will be pleased to book your reservations at the lowest applicable fare.