Is it safe to drink the water?

No. Stick to bottled water or use a filtered water bottle. Brush your teeth with bottled water to avoid stomach issues.

Should I exchange money before I go?

No. Use a local ATM to withdraw pesos directly from your bank account. Use a debit card that refunds ATM fees if possible.

Planning a Romantic Caribbean Mexico Getaway on a Budget

To keep costs low, fly into Cancun and take a direct ADO bus to Tulum or Puerto Morelos instead of booking private transfers. Stay at locally-owned boutique guesthouses a few blocks back from the beach and eat at street-side taco stands to save at least 40% compared to all-inclusive resorts.

Pick a secondary beach town. Avoid the high-cost hotel zones in Cancun or Playa del Carmen. Target Puerto Morelos or Akumal; these areas are quieter, more romantic, and significantly cheaper for accommodation.
Master the transport. Skip the 'official' airport taxis which charge $80-$100. Walk to the ADO bus terminal at the Cancun airport. For $15-$20, they will drop you in the center of most major coastal towns.
Time the booking. Book your flights 3 months in advance for travel in the 'shoulder' months: May, June, or November. Avoid mid-December through April, when prices double.
Ditch the resort dining. Find restaurants where the menu is written in Spanish and not printed on glossy paper. If you’re paying more than $12 for a main course, you are likely in a tourist trap.

Is it safe to drink the water?: No. Stick to bottled water or use a filtered water bottle. Brush your teeth with bottled water to avoid stomach issues.
Should I exchange money before I go?: No. Use a local ATM to withdraw pesos directly from your bank account. Use a debit card that refunds ATM fees if possible.