13 Common Mistakes Tourists Make When Visiting Cancun (And How to Avoid Them)

Cancun is one of the most popular and easiest places to visit in Mexico, but that doesn’t mean everything always goes smoothly.

I’ve lived here since 2010, and I’ve been blogging about it since 2016. I have seen visitors make the same mistakes over and over again—some cost money, others cost time, but some prevent them from having the vacation of their life. Here’s what to look out for and how to avoid falling into the same traps.

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1. Staying in the Hotel Zone and Never Leaving It

Yes, the beaches are beautiful, no doubt. But Cancun has much more to offer. Head downtown for local food, markets, or live music. Explore nearby areas like Puerto Morelos, Isla Mujeres, or even just a local taquería off the tourist path.

Explore the mystical cenotes or rent a car to discover the spectacular Yucatan Peninsula. Alternatively, if you don’t feel comfortable driving, consider joining an organized tour with a local guide and driver.

And if you prefer not to join a group tour, private options are available that can create a customized itinerary tailored just for you and your party.

Basically, what I am trying to say is that you have no excuses. 🙂 Go out and explore this beautiful region.

2. Booking During Hurricane Season Without a Backup Plan

Hurricane season runs from June to November. That doesn’t mean there’s a storm every day, but you should know what you’re walking into. Flights can get canceled, and heavy rains can ruin beach plans. If you’re traveling during these months, consider purchasing travel insurance and avoid booking too many non-refundable tours.

If it rains, do not fret. There are still many things you can do. Book a spa day in one of the top spa resorts, such as Nizuc and Fiesta Americana, and visit one of the many Cancun Museums. Explore one of the indoor malls,

3. Assuming “All-Inclusive” Covers Everything

Some resorts claim to be all-inclusive, but still charge extra for services like room service, premium liquor, or select restaurants. Always read the fine print.

And if you’re not a big drinker or don’t eat three full meals a day, it might not even be worth it.

Also, keep in mind that Spa Services and Motorized watersports in Mexico are never included. There are some Hotel Brands, such as Secret Resorts (AmResorts) and Sandals, which include Diving and other motorized activities, but always remember to double-check before booking.

4. Not Pre-Booking Your Airport Transfer

Cancun airport is chaotic, and it’s not fun trying to figure out a ride after a long flight. The taxis there are overpriced, and scammers offering “free” transport are still a thing. Book a trusted shuttle or private transfer in advance and avoid the hassle.

I always recommend Cancun Airport Transportation because it’s the company I use when I don’t rent a car, and I find them very professional, always on time, and with decent prices. If you want to explore alternative options for getting from the Cancun Airport to your Hotel, check out my detailed post.

Get your free quote here ⤵️

5. Not Learning Any Spanish

You don’t need to be fluent, but knowing how to say “please,” “thank you,” and basic questions makes a difference, especially outside tourist areas. Locals appreciate the effort, and it helps things go smoother.

6. Tipping Too Much

Tipping is expected in Cancun, but many tourists go overboard thinking it’s like the U.S. In restaurants, a 10–15% tip is standard, while 20% is unnecessary unless the service is exceptional. For bellboys or housekeeping, $1 to $5 is fine. Tour guides might deserve a bit more, but there’s no need to tip excessively everywhere. It adds up quickly, and locals don’t expect huge tips.

On the other hand, there was a time when many Cancun restaurants were renowned for one of the biggest scams in Cancun; they used to include the tip in the bill, so that if you didn’t check it, you would end up paying double the tip.

I was one of the victims, but I realized that while paying, I told them off. It’s now been controlled, but I would recommend double-checking your bill every time, especially if it’s substantial.

7. Exchanging Money at the Airport or Hotel

The worst exchange rates are usually right where it’s most convenient. If you need pesos, wait until you’re downtown and use a local ATM (not in US, but to withdraw Mexican Pesos directly. When prompted, select that you don’t accept the local rate exchange so that your bank will apply its own, which is usually better. You can also use a proper exchange house (called a casa de cambio).

8. Paying Everything in USD

Yes, many restaurants, tour companies, supermarkets, and shops in general accept dollars, but it usually means you’re paying more. Some places even make up their own exchange rate on the spot. Use pesos for small purchases—it adds up.

9. Drinking Tap Water or Forgetting to Ask About Ice

The tap water isn’t safe to drink, and you don’t want to spend your vacation in the bathroom. Stick to bottled or filtered water. Most restaurants use purified ice, but it’s always a good idea to ask, especially in smaller establishments. I have tried this water-to-go filter bottle and it works wonders. You can stay hydrated everywhere you go.

10. Trusting Random People Selling Tours on the Street

I am not saying that all street tour vendors are scammers. Some of these are legit, but many are not. You might end up on a lower-quality tour, or worse, lose your money altogether. Book tours with trusted agencies or get recommendations from someone who knows the area.

I recommend booking your tour in advance, and here are my selected tours from Cancun on Viator. Make sure you are aware of the cancellation policy and schedule of each tour, besides what’s included and what’s not.

11. Trying to See Everything in One Trip

Chichén Itzá, Tulum, cenotes, Cozumel, Isla Holbox, Bacalar… it’s tempting to squeeze it all in. But Cancun is hot, and distances are longer than they look. Pick a few things and leave some good beach time to relax. You’ll enjoy it more and won’t come home exhausted.

12. Disrespecting Cenote Rules

Cenotes are fragile ecosystems. Always shower before entering, avoid using sunscreen (even “reef-safe” varieties), and refrain from touching the formations. Some places enforce this, others don’t—but do the right thing regardless. And always check what the entrance includes—some don’t provide life jackets or lockers unless you pay extra.

13. Not Getting a Local SIM or eSIM

Hotel Wi-Fi is unreliable, so you’ll want to use GPS for navigation or calling an Uber. Obtaining a Telcel SIM card or using an eSIM is inexpensive and straightforward. It’ll save you frustration, especially if you plan to explore beyond the hotel. Also, staying connected is one of the first unwritten rules of safety in Cancun.

Final Thoughts

Cancun is still a fantastic destination, and you don’t need to do everything perfectly to enjoy it. However, if you avoid even a few of these common mistakes, your trip will be smoother, cheaper, and likely a lot more enjoyable.

If you’re still planning your trip, I’ve got more guides on cenotes, hotel areas, and offbeat spots around Cancun—so you don’t have to figure it all out last minute.