PREGUNTAS FRECUENTES
What currency is used, and what's the exchange rate?
The currency is the Mexican peso (MXN).
The exchange rate is 1 US = ~18 MXN.
Where's the best place to get cash?
ATMs are everywhere in Mérida. Use ones inside banks (Santander, BBVA, Banorte) rather than the standalone ones in shops, better rates, fewer fees. Decline the machine's offer to "convert" for you; always pay in pesos.
Can I use my card, or do I need cash?
Cards and ApplePay are accepted in almost all hotels, restaurants and shops in Mérida. Decline the card terminal offer to "convert" for you; always pay in pesos. Bring cash for the beach, markets, taxis and tips, smaller places may be cash only.
How much should I tip?
15% is the standard tipping rate at restaurants in Mexico. Tipping is expected here, unlike in some parts of Europe.
What's the weather like in February, and what should I pack??
February is the best month of the year here (18-32°C/65-90°). Occasional cold fronts called “Nortes” can bring wind and grey skies for a day or two, and it's noticeably breezier on the coast after dark. Bring a light layer for the evening, and sunscreen and a hat for the day. The sun is much stronger than it feels.
Can I drink the tap water?
No. Bottled water is everywhere, hotels provide it, and ice in restaurants and bars is made from purified water and is safe.
Do I need vaccinations? What if I get sick?
No vaccinations are required. Pharmacies are on every other corner and many have a doctor on site for minor things. Mérida has excellent private hospitals. Bring mosquito repellent for evenings near the coast.
What plugs and voltage does Mexico use?
127V, the same flat two-pin plugs as the US and Canada. UK, EU and Australian guests need a plug adapter, and high-wattage hair tools rated only for 220V will not work.
Will my phone work? How do I get internet?
Most US plans have coverage in Mexico. eSIM (Airalo, Holafly) are great and easy options; Telcel SIMs are also sold at the airport and at OXXO. Wi-Fi is good in Mérida and patchy on the coast.
Will people speak English?
Hotel and restaurant staff in Mérida generally speak some English.
Is it safe?
Yucatán is consistently ranked the safest state in Mexico, and Mérida among the safest cities in the Americas. Take the same sensible precautions you would in any city.
Do I need to rent a car?
We're providing transport for both events. Mérida's centre is walkable and ridesharing and taxis are easily available. A car is genuinely useful if you're adding days for cenotes and ruins. If you rent one: Mexican third-party liability insurance is legally mandatory.
What is a guayabera and where can I get one?
A guayabera is a lightweight embroidered shirt with pleated panels and four pockets, worn untucked. It's the formal shirt of the Yucatán and what men wear to weddings here, including the groom's family. If you'd like to wear one, you can easily buy one in Mérida (Ábito, Tsikbuk, Guayabera Canul Jr). Get white or a pale colour.
Are there beauty salons?
Yes, several good ones in Mérida, a few will offer at-home service, with an added fee to travel to the beach. Book as soon as you've booked your flights; there are several weddings in Mérida most weekends in February.
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Salón Herrera
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Salón Café
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Mielo Beauty
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Cósmica
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Dzagia Soul Space (a domicilio)
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Claudina Bridal (a domicilio)
Where should I shop?
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Claudina — a traditional Yucatecan baking and pastry (recipes from Sof’s grandmother and family)
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Casa T'HŌ — a restored mansion turned concept house: several shops plus a restaurant. The easiest single stop.
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Lagalá 56 — concept store, and a centre for culture and art.
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Coqui Coqui — perfumes and textiles; the Yucatán house scent is the classic thing to take home.
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Taller Maya (Centro, Santa Ana) — fair-trade pieces made by Maya artisan cooperatives. Good for gifts.
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Fundación de artistas — gallery and shop, in the Centro.
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Paloma van den Akker — [CONFIRMAR descripción — ¿cerámica? ¿textil? ¿dirección?]
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Ki'Xocolatl — Yucatecan chocolate, made with local cacao.