What is Playacar?
 Playacar is a resort community connected to the southern edge of Playa del
Carmen. The resort has an 18 hole golf course, upscale shopping, aviary, beach,
and stone paved avenues with tropical landscaping. Playacar Phase I is the older
section of the resort and is closer to Playa del Carmen's main plaza. Playacar
Phase II is the newer section.
You can look at maps of Playa del Carmen and Playacar
to get an idea of where everything is located.
What documentation do I need to get into Mexico?
Be sure to bring your passport or an official, notarized copy of your birth
certificate (the hospital version will not be accepted) and a photo ID. The
certificate can be obtained from the country where you were born or the Department
of Health. On the plane, you will be asked to fill out a tourist visa and customs
declaration form. The customs official will give you a copy of the tourist visa
that you must have to leave Mexico. Please be aware that if you are traveling
with a minor, certain strict requirements apply. For additional information,
see the US State Department web page: www.travel.state.gov/mexico.html
What do I do upon arrival to the airport?
Once you give your proper documentation to the customs official, you retrieve
your luggage. Proceed to the "stoplight." You will be asked to hand over the
declaration form and push a button. Green means you pass right through, but
if you get the red light, you must open your belongings for inspection. This
is usually a casual inspection, so don't let it make you nervous.
Now, where do I get transportation to Playa del Carmen?
You have several options:
- Private Transportation: Playa Beach Rentals can arrange private transportation for you if requested. Cost varies according to the number in your group. Just ask us.
- Riviera Airport/Playa Bus: For a low cost transportation alternative, take the airport shuttle bus "RIVIERA" to Playa del Carmen. After passing through immigration and customs, you will see several booths for transport, tours and car rentals. Go to the RIVIERA booth which is at the very end just before you walk outside. If you don't see it and/or you get a bit confused by all of the vendors vying for your attention, you may purchase your ticket at their second booth which is just outside the doors. The tickets are only 65 pesos per person (approx $6 usd) and the bus has frequent departures. The bus drops you at the downtown terminal in Playa del Carmen and all houses are just a 5 minute taxi ride away. We've found this to be a pleasant transportation option as the buses are clean and air-conditioned.
- Shuttle: Next to the Riviera booth, there is a shuttle service which will take you for approx $19 usd per person.
- Taxi: Not always available and usually quite expensive
- Bus: Cheap at around $3.50 but you still have to get transportation to the terminal which can be time consuming. See www.cancunsouth.com/get_busses.htm for more info
- Transport Service: There is a good airport transfer service called Alltournative. To find out more about them, go to their website www.cancunairporttransfers.com.
- Rental Car: Easy and convenient. Numerous agencies are available at the airport. Hint: always book the lowest rate you can get in advance, then negotiate from there with any company. You can upgrade at this time but beware of extra charges. We have heard good things about Thrifty. If you are planning on leaving the car in Playa del Carmen instead of Cancun, make sure the agency will let you do this. Renting a car is a good option. You need not book it for your entire stay. You can keep it just for a few days giving you a chance to: buy groceries, take a few excursions on your own, explore the town, etc.
When should I change money to pesos?
The money exchanges at the airport are known for offering poor rates. Change
a small amount upon arrival then it is preferable to exchange your money or
traveler checks at a bank or Casa de Cambio in Playa del Carmen. An excellent
option is to use an ATM (know your PIN). They give the best rates and usually
have no lines.
How can I keep in touch with home by phone or Internet?
There are Internet cafes abundant in town as well as public phones.
You can call the US with an AT&T card or other calling cards
but you must know your international access number. The AT&T
number is 95-800-462-4240. The cheapest way is to buy a phone card
called Tarjeta Ladatel (sold in stores and pharmacies all over town).
They work with almost any pay phone and cost approximately $1.00
per minute. There are also phone/fax stores around Playa del Carmen
that will make the call for you. They accept credit cards, but are
sometimes quite expensive.
How far is Playa del Carmen from Cancun and other destinations?
Playa del Carmen is very centrally located. It is a quick 40 minute
drive to Cancun as well as to the ruins of Tulum. Cozumel Island
is a 40 minute ferry ride which currently costs about 120 pesos
or approximately $12.00 US. The eco waterpark, Xcaret, is only 5
miles away and the fantastic Xel Ha eco park about 35 miles from
Playa del Carmen.
How far are the homes to the beach and downtown Playa del Carmen?
This varies according to the home, but all of our homes are within walking
distance to town, the beach and the Playacar Golf Course. Homes in Phase 1 are
either on the beach or no further than 200 yards from the water. Phase II homes
are all within 400 to 800 yards of the beach.
Is there a good supermarket in town?
The main supermarket is Super San Francisco, located on 30th Avenue almost
to the corner of Constituyentes Avenue. It is about a mile from most of our
homes so you might want to take a cab or drive there. There are also mini-supers
and bakeries scattered around town.
In addition to the San Francisco supermarket, Playa del Carmen now has a new
grocery store called Chedraui which is located on the left side
of the highway just south of the Juarez Avenue entrance. The Chedraui
supermarket has just about all you need... including fresh fruit
and vegetables, meat and poultry, bakery, liquor selection, clothing
and other goods, and more.
Are there babysitters or cooks available?
Yes, we can help you arrange for a babysitter or cook, but we can't promise
you their English will be fluent!
Can I drink the water?
All of our homes offer bottled water, which is suggested for use in cooking
and drinking purposes. Although the water in Playacar is potable and OK for
brushing your teeth, it is best not to take chances.
Are there any cheaper rental properties?
All Playa Beach Rentals vacation homes are well maintained and secure and must
meet a high standard of quality to be included in our rental pool selection.
There are cheaper rental options in Playa del Carmen. We suggest Castillo
de Arena. Mention Playa Beach Rentals for a discount.
Are there good doctors available that speak English?
Yes. One doctor popular with tourists is Dr Jorge Mercado who has an office
on 10th Ave. Nte, corner of Constituyentes above the pharmacy. He is available
24 hours a day and makes house calls and is bilingual. He can be reached at
his office 873-3908 or his mobile phone 044-984-877-7400.
Is there good dining in Playa del Carmen?
We will be glad to give you a list of our favorite restaurants but don't take
our word for it! Get out and explore. Dining out is a major part of the nightlife
and should be enjoyed as much as possible. Do not be afraid to try even the
smallest places. The quality of food does not depend on the price and safe water
and ice is used everywhere. Be sure and tell us if you find a "must do" restaurant!
Can you host larger family, friend or corporate groups?
Villa Flamboyan, Villa Marina, Casa Tomas and Casa del Mar can be combined for large groups.
Any links you recommend?
Cancun Weddings - American operated
company helping couples to plan their wedding in Cancun
|
