The Go-To Grocery Store in Cancun for Visitors — And How to Shop Smart

Walmart in Cancun is one of those places every traveler ends up visiting at least once. It’s cheap, convenient, and honestly a lifesaver when you need snacks, sunscreen, SIM cards, or a quick meal.

After living here for years, I’ve been shopping at Walmart most of the time. I learned which locations are the easiest to reach, what’s worth buying, and the sections travelers should head to first.

Shopping at Walmart in Cancun can save you 50-70% compared to hotel zone convenience stores. Whether you need sunscreen, snacks, drinks, or souvenirs, Walmart offers the best prices for stocking up during your vacation.

If you want to shop smart and avoid wasting time, this simple guide has everything you need.

 Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of those links, I may earn a commission at zero cost for you. You can read my disclaimer policy and privacy policy.

Walmart in Cancun: At a glance

All three of Cancun’s Walmarts are located in downtown Cancun, and you can easily access one of them from the buses that come from the hotel zone. 

👉🏼 What is Walmart like in Cancun, Mexico?

Walmart in Cancun is similar to those in the United States or Canada.

The huge store has fresh produce, a bakery, a deli, and all the groceries you could need.

Take your time to look around for unique snacks and Mexican treats; you will find many things you cannot easily get outside of Mexico. You can also buy beer and alcohol there.

In addition to food, the Cancun Walmart has clothing, accessories, electronics, and home goods.

Like in other countries, Walmart is clean, well-organized, and has signs to help you find what you want.

You can even find affordable souvenirs to take home or give as gifts there. 

Since Walmart is an easy and affordable place to buy many items, it is popular with both locals and tourists.

Depending on what hour of the day you go, you can expect it to be fairly busy. Try to avoid going at peak hours, such as when locals get out of work. 

Walmart Cancun location

There are three Walmarts in downtown Cancun.

The easiest Walmart to visit from the Cancun hotel zone is at Avenida Coba 21, 77500.

The other two Walmarts are further from the hotel zone, they are located at Av. Cobá Mz.2-lote 2, 77500 and 511 Manzana 4 SM 97 Lote 8, Mayapan, Zona Industrial, 77530. 

All three of these are full-sized Walmarts with bakeries, groceries, and clothing and home goods. 

Walmart opening hours

The Walmart closest to the hotel zone for you to visit in Coba 21 is open every day from 11:00 am until 8:00 pm.

The Walmart at 511 Manzana 4 SM 97 Lote 8, Mayapan, Zona Industrial is open every day from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.

The Walmart at Av. Cobá Mz.2-lote 2 is open every day from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm. 

Walmart Cancun important information

Here are some quick tips about Walmart in Cancun that you may be looking for.

• Currency Exchange: Walmart doesn’t have a currency exchange, but you can pay in USD and get the change in Mexican Pesos. ATMs from local banks are usually available (if they are working) and they give you Mexican Pesos. It’s generally more convenient to withdraw with your card from the ATMs and pay in Mexican Pesos.

• Language Assistance: It’s rare to find staff who speak English. So some Spanish vocabulary will help you if you need to ask for information.

• Return Policy: You have 30 days to return some items, and there is a customer service desk at the entrance of every Walmart. There are items or situations for which it doesn’t apply, due to the nature of the departments and/or items: Underwear, Swimsuits, Costumes  Clothes and shoes, Cosmetics (Makeup, facial and dermatological care),  Perfumery,  Gold and diamonds, Headphones, hands-free or headbands for video games, Apple products Digital Media (Software licenses, downloadable video games),   Gift cards (Xbox, PlayStation Plus, iTunes, Netflix, Nintendo, Google Play, etc.) SIM cards  . Pantry products, Wines and Spirits, Pet food, Motorcycles,  Mattresses. Some products sold by third parties (Marketplace) that are imported (international shipping)

• Special Sections: Every Walmart has organic food sections, international food aisles, or specialty Mexican goods.

• Safety Tips: As a general safety tip for shopping in Cancun, avoid carrying large amounts of cash and keep your personal belongings close to you. A zip bag would be much better than a backpack.

• Fruits and veggies: At Walmart, you’ll usually find an excellent section for them. However, if you want to support local farmers, I recommend visiting Mercado 23 to buy local produce. They are a little more expensive, but you help the local farmers.

Walmart Cancun delivery

If you want to stock up on groceries and supplies without having to go shopping, Walmart in Cancun does offer delivery.

To use this service, you must go to their website, create an account, and place your order.

The Walmart website is only in Spanish. If you want groceries delivered but are not comfortable using the site in Spanish, there are several delivery services that will pick up food from local restaurants or grocery stores and bring it to you.

In the last few years, delivery services have become much more popular in Mexico and your host might have a service they recommend.

Walmart Cancun Prices: What to Expect

One of the most common questions travelers ask is: “How much will I spend at Walmart in Cancun?” Here’s a realistic breakdown to help you budget.

Sample Prices at Walmart Cancun

Beverages:

• 6-pack Corona beer: $5-6 USD (90-110 pesos)
• 12-pack Modelo: $9-10 USD (160-180 pesos)
• Bottled water (24-pack): $3-4 USD (50-70 pesos)
• Soft drinks (2-liter): $1.50-2 USD (25-35 pesos)

Snacks & Food:

• Chips/snacks: $1.50-3 USD (25-50 pesos)
• Fresh tortillas (1kg): $1-1.50 USD (18-25 pesos)
• Mexican candy: $0.50-2 USD (10-35 pesos)
• Bread from bakery: $2-4 USD (35-70 pesos)

Beach & Sun:

• Sunscreen SPF 50: $6-8 USD (110-140 pesos)
• Beach towel: $5-10 USD (90-180 pesos)
• Bug spray: $4-6 USD (70-110 pesos)
• Aloe vera gel: $3-5 USD (50-90 pesos)

Alcohol:

• Tequila (750ml, mid-range): $12-20 USD (220-360 pesos)
• Mezcal (750ml): $15-25 USD (270-450 pesos)
• Wine (imported): $8-15 USD (140-270 pesos)

Budget Estimates

Week-Long Stay (2 people):

• Drinks & snacks: $30-50 USD
• Alcohol: $30-60 USD (if drinking)
• Toiletries & sunscreen: $20-30 USD
• Total: $80-140 USD

Compared to Hotel Zone: Buying the same items at hotel zone convenience stores would cost $200-350 USD.

💰 Potential Savings: $120-210 USD per week

How to get to Walmart Cancun

How to Get to Walmart Cancun: All Your Options

Option 1: Uber or DiDi (Recommended for Convenience)

Cost: 80-120 pesos (~$5-7 USD) from Hotel Zone to Walmart Coba 21 Time: 15-20 minutes Pros: Safe, convenient, air-conditioned, no negotiation needed Cons: Requires internet connection and app

How to Use:

1. Download Uber or DiDi app before your trip
2. Enter “Walmart Coba 21” as your destination
3. Wait for pickup at your hotel
4. Driver will drop you at the entrance

💡 Pro Tip: DiDi is often 10-20% cheaper than Uber in Cancun.

Option 2: Public Bus (Budget-Friendly)

Cost: 12-13 pesos (~$0.70 USD) each way Time: 25-35 minutes from Hotel Zone Pros: Very cheap, authentic local experience Cons: No exact change given, can be crowded

Step-by-Step Instructions:

From Hotel Zone to Walmart:

1. Find a bus stop along Boulevard Kukulcan (marked with blue signs)
2. Look for R1 or R2 buses heading to “Centro” or “Downtown”
3. Wave the bus down (they don’t always stop automatically)
4. Pay driver 12-13 pesos (have exact change or small bills)
5. Tell driver “Walmart Coba, por favor” or show the address
6. Ride takes 25-35 minutes – watch for the large Walmart building
7. Press the stop button or say “Baja aquí, por favor” (Stop here, please)

Return to Hotel Zone:

1. Exit Walmart and walk to Avenida Coba
2. Cross the street to the opposite side
3. Look for R1 or R2 bus marked “Zona Hotelera” or “Hotel Zone”
4. Same process – pay 12-13 pesos and ride back

Important Bus Tips:

• Buses run every 10-15 minutes from 6am-midnight
• Keep small bills (20, 50, or 100 peso notes) – drivers often can’t break 500 peso bills
• Bring reusable bags for your purchases – you’ll need to hold them on the bus
• Avoid rush hours (7-9am and 5-7pm) when buses are packed with commuters

Option 3: Taxi

Cost: 50-80 pesos (~$3-5 USD) from Hotel Zone if negotiated properly Warning: Taxi pricing in Cancun varies wildly

How to Get a Fair Fare:

❌ DON’T:

• Take a taxi from the Walmart exit taxi stand (sitio) – these charge 2-3x tourist rates
• Accept the first price offered
• Take unmarked taxis or random people offering rides

✅ DO:

• Walk to the street (Avenida Coba) and flag down a passing taxi
• Negotiate fare BEFORE getting in the car
• Ask “¿Cuánto cuesta a [your hotel zone location]?” (How much to…?)
• Expect to pay 50-80 pesos to Hotel Zone during daytime
• Use a taxi app like “Free Now” for guaranteed pricing

Price Ranges:

• Walmart to Hotel Zone (north): 50-70 pesos ($3-4 USD)
• Walmart to Hotel Zone (south): 70-100 pesos ($4-6 USD)
• Walmart to downtown Cancun: 30-50 pesos ($2-3 USD)
• Night rates: Add 20-30% more
• Rainy weather: Add 20-30% more

Option 4: Rental Car

Cost: Free (if you already have a rental), plus minimal parking Time: 10-15 minutes from Hotel Zone Parking: Free and plentiful at Walmart

Directions from Hotel Zone:

1. Head west on Boulevard Kukulcan toward downtown
2. Continue straight as it becomes Avenida Bonampak
3. Turn right onto Avenida Cobá
4. Walmart will be on your right at Avenida Coba 21

💡 Parking Tips:

• Walmart has large, free parking lot
• Don’t leave valuables visible in your car
• Park near the entrance for convenience
• Parking lot has security, but still use common sense

Which Option Should You Choose?

Transportation Comparison Table:

My Recommendation: Use Uber/DiDi for convenience, or take the bus if you’re on a tight budget and enjoy local experiences. Avoid the taxi stand at Walmart’s exit at all costs.

PRO TIP – If you are staying in the Hotel Zone, Uber can’t come and pick you up and taxi are extremely expensive. You can get the R2 bus (16 MXN) to Avenida Kaba (ask the driver to drop you off you as close to Walmart as possible) and from there either walk or get a Uber to Walmart. From Walmart get a Uber to get back, but keep in mind that you cannot call an Uber if there is an official Taxi Stand. Walk a few meters away and call an uber.

Best Things to Buy at Walmart Cancun

Best Things to Buy at Walmart Cancun (2025)

Not everything is worth buying at Walmart, but these items are absolute must-buys for savvy travelers.

🏖️ Beach & Sun Essentials (Major Savings)

Highly Recommended:

• Sunscreen (SPF 30-50): Save 50-60% vs hotel zone. Brands: Banana Boat, Hawaiian Tropic, or local Mexican brands.
• Aloe vera gel: Essential for sunburn relief. Mexican brands like “Sábila” are excellent and cheap ($3-5 vs $10-15 at hotels).
• Beach towels: Basic towels for $5-10 vs $20-30 at beachwear shops.
• Water shoes: Protect your feet from rocky beaches. $8-15 vs $25-40 in tourist shops.
• Snorkel gear (basic): If you don’t want to rent. $15-25 for mask and snorkel.

Skip:

• High-end sunglasses (limited selection, similar prices to US)
• Designer swimwear (go to Playa del Carmen for a better selection)

🍺 Alcohol & Beverages (Biggest Savings!)

Stock Up On:

• Mexican beer: Corona, Modelo, Pacifico, Dos Equis – 30-50% cheaper than hotel zone
  • 6-pack: $5-6 USD
  • 12-pack: $9-10 USD
  • 24-pack: $16-20 USD
• Tequila: Great selection from budget to mid-range
  • Budget tequila (Jimador, Cazadores): $12-18 USD
  • Mid-range (Espolòn, Herradura): $20-35 USD
  • Premium options are available too
• Mezcal: Better selection than you’ll find at home. $15-40 USD depending on quality.
• Bottled water: Absolutely essential. Buy the 24-pack for $3-4 USD.
• Soft drinks & juices: Half the price of hotel minimarts.

Pro Tip: If staying at an all-inclusive, you might skip alcohol. But for Airbnb or non-AI hotels, stocking up here saves HUGE money.

🌮 Mexican Food & Snacks (Unique Finds)

Must-Try Mexican Products:

• Fresh tortillas: Made daily in the tortillería section. Get them warm! (~$1 for 1kg)
• Pan dulce: Mexican sweet bread from the bakery (conchas, cuernos, etc.) – $0.50-1 each
• Salsa & hot sauce: Entire aisle of Mexican salsas you won’t find at home
  • Try: Valentina, Cholula, Búfalo, Tamazula
• Mexican candy: Tamarind candies, Pulparindo, Rockaleta lollipops, Duvalín
• Takis & chips: Mexican chip brands like Sabritas, Rancheritos
• Chocolate Abuelita: Traditional Mexican hot chocolate tablets
• Mexican coffee: Brands like Café Legal or Café Combate (great souvenirs too!)

Unique Snacks for Kids:

• Gansitos (chocolate snack cakes)
• Panditas (gummy bears with chili)
• Mazapán (peanut candy)

🧴 Toiletries & Health (Smart Buys)

Good Deals:

• Bug spray/mosquito repellent: Much cheaper than tourist shops. $4-6 USD.
• Basic medications: Aspirin, antacids, motion sickness pills – often cheaper than US.
• Shampoo & soap: If you forgot or ran out. Similar prices to US for American brands.
• Feminine products: Good selection, similar or lower prices.
• Hand sanitizer & wipes: $2-4 USD.

Pharmacy Section:

• Walmart has a pharmacy (Farmacia) inside
• Some medications available over-the-counter that require prescriptions in US
• Always consult a doctor before buying prescription-level medications

🥘 Groceries for Self-Catering

If You Have a Kitchen (Airbnb/Condo):

• Fresh produce: Avocados, tomatoes, limes, cilantro, jalapeños
• Eggs (cheaper than US)
• Cheese (including Oaxaca cheese for quesadillas)
• Meat & chicken (from the butcher counter)
• Rice, beans, and staples
• Breakfast items: cereal, milk, juice

Budget Breakfast Combo:

• Fresh bolillos (bread rolls): $0.30 each
• Eggs: $2-3 USD per dozen
• Coffee: $3-5 USD
• Fruit: $2-4 USD
• Total: Feed 2 people for breakfast all week for under $20 USD

🎁 Souvenirs & Gifts

Affordable Souvenirs at Walmart:

• Mexican hot chocolate (Abuelita or Ibarra)
• Mexican vanilla extract (pure vanilla is amazing!)
• Mexican coffee
• Hot sauce variety packs
• Mexican candy assortments
• Traditional molcajetes (stone mortar and pestle) – if you have room
• Talavera pottery (smaller items)

💰 Why Buy Souvenirs Here? Tourist shops charge 2-3x more for the same items. A bottle of Mexican vanilla costs $8-12 at Walmart vs $20-30 at souvenir shops.

❌ What NOT to Buy at Walmart Cancun

Skip These:

• Electronics (similar or higher prices than US)
• Designer clothing (limited selection, check Playa del Carmen instead)
• Luxury beauty products (stick to drugstore brands here)
• High-end tequila (buy at duty-free or specialty liquor stores for better selection)

💰 How Much Money Will You Save?

Sample Shopping Trip Comparison:

For a week-long vacation (2 people): You can easily save $100-200 by doing one Walmart run instead of buying everything at the hotel zone convenience stores.

🛒 Shopping Strategy

Best Approach:

1. Go early in your trip (Day 1 or 2) to stock up on essentials
2. Make a list before you go (snacks, drinks, toiletries, etc.)
3. Bring reusable bags (plastic bags are banned in Quintana Roo)
4. Check prices on alcohol in duty-free at the airport first (sometimes competitive)
5. Don’t overbuy perishables unless you have a fridge

Time of Day Matters:

• Weekday mornings (9-11 am): Least crowded
• Weekends & evenings (5-8 pm): Very busy with locals shopping after work
• The bakery is freshest in the morning

Shopping in Walmart Cancun tips

Shopping in the Cancun Walmart is very similar to shopping in any large supermarket in the United States or Canada.

The store’s sections are well-marked, and you can find food, clothing, accessories, and home goods.

You can also find any beach items that you may have forgotten to pack, such as beach towels, sunscreen, and water shoes. You can even find cheap Cancun souvenirs. 

The Cancun Walmart can get busy, and if you go during peak shopping times, expect to wait in line to check out.

Stay patient, and if you are in a hurry you can even have one person get in line while the other grabs a few items. 

The prices at Cancun Walmart are in pesos. Walmart will accept US dollars and the exchange rate should be clearly posted at the cash register. You can also pay with credit or debit cards. 

The state of Quintana Roo passed a law prohibiting the use of single-use plastic. This means that grocery stores can no longer give you plastic bags while you shop.

If you plan to do a lot of shopping, you should take reusable shopping bags with you to take your things back to your hotel, or you will need to buy them at the store. 

Safety Tips for Shopping at Walmart Cancun

General Safety:

• Walmart Cancun is in a safe area with security present
• Don’t leave valuables visible in rental cars
• Use a money belt or secure bag for cash/cards
• Shop during daylight hours if possible

Payment Safety:

• Use credit cards over debit cards (better fraud protection)
• Check ATMs for card skimming devices before use
• Keep receipts and check charges later

Transportation Safety:

• If taking a taxi, only use official taxis or ride-share apps
• Don’t accept rides from random people in the parking lot
• Keep purchases close on the bus – use reusable bags

Walmart Cancun vs US – Cultural Differences

What Makes Walmart Cancun Different from US Walmart?

🌮 Unique Sections:

• Tortillería: Fresh tortilla-making section (amazing!)
• Panadería: Authentic Mexican bakery with pan dulce
• Mexican Candy Aisle: Huge selection of tamarind and chili candies
• Salsa & Hot Sauce Section: Entire aisles of Mexican sauces

🛒 Shopping Differences:

• Produce is sold by weight (kilograms, not pounds)
• Bring reusable bags (plastic bags are banned in Quintana Roo)
• Less English on packaging
• Smaller cart sizes
• Fresh food counters (cheese, deli, meat)

👥 Cultural Tips:

• Greet staff with “Buenos días” or “Buenas tardes”
• Bag your own groceries or purchase bags
• Don’t expect the same level of English service as in the
• Tipping is not expected at Walmart except for the people who bag your groceries, usually elderly or young kids. 5 to 10 MXN, depending on how many groceries you have, will be enough.

Price Comparison Table

Why Shop at Walmart Instead of Hotel Zone Stores?

💰 Bottom Line: A family can save $50-100+ by doing one Walmart trip instead of buying everything at hotel zone convenience stores.

Alternative options for the supermarket

Many visitors to the Cancun area are familiar with Walmart from their hometowns, so they decide to do their shopping there.

There are actually several other one-stop retail stores in the Cancun area that have bakeries, groceries, clothes, and home goods.

Here are a few other stores to check out if you want a shopping experience that is similar to Walmart:

👍🏻 Soriana

Soriana is a 100% Mexican-owned company that has stores all over the country.

Soriana has different-sized stores, and the Hiper Soriana and Mega Soriana stores are its largest stores, which operate as one-stop grocery and retail stores.

They have bakeries, fresh produce, deli counters, groceries, pharmacies, clothing and accessories, and home goods.

Soriana also has smaller stores called Soriana Super, that operate as supermarkets mainly selling food. 

👍🏻 Chedraui 

Chedraui is a Mexican grocery store and department store.

It is similar to Walmart in that it sells food, clothing, and home goods. You may already be familiar with Chedraui because it expanded into several southern US states. 

👍🏻 Chedraui Selecto

Chedraui Selecto is a type of Chedraui that offers groceries as well as household goods.

There is a  Chedraui Selecto in the Cancun hotel zone. It is a great place to pick up all the supplies you need for your vacation. It also has a large selection of international food items and alcoholic beverages.

This multilevel store even has a comfortable food court. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there Uber/DiDi service to Walmart Cancun?

Yes, both Uber and DiDi operate in Cancun. The ride from Hotel Zone to Walmart Coba 21 typically costs 80-120 pesos (~$5-7 USD). This is often cheaper and more convenient than taxis. Refer to the above section for mor detailed info.

Is Walmart Cancun cheaper than in the US?

Most groceries and local products are cheaper, especially Mexican brands. Imported American brands may be similar in price or slightly more expensive. Alcohol and fresh produce are significantly cheaper.

Can I use US dollars at Walmart Cancun?

Yes, but you’ll get a poor exchange rate. It’s better to pay with a credit card or Mexican pesos from an ATM.

Is there a Costco in Cancun?

Yes, there’s a Costco in Cancun, but it requires a membership (just like in the US). Prices are similar to US Costco with a lot of imported items but also Mexican products.

What time should I go to avoid crowds?

Weekday mornings (9-11 am) are typically the least crowded. Avoid weekends and evenings when locals shop after work.

How much should I budget for a shopping trip to Walmart Cancun?

For a week-long stay (2 people), budget $80-140 USD for drinks, snacks, toiletries, and sunscreen. This will save you $120-210 USD compared to buying the same items at hotel zone stores. Use my Cancun cost calculator to have a better idea and plan your trip.

How many Walmart stores are there in Mexico?

There are over 300 Walmart Supercenter Stores in Mexico. 

Does Walmart deliver in Mexico?

Yes, Walmart delivers. To place an order, you go online to Walmart Mexico, make an account, and pick the items you want. 

Final Thoughts: Walmart in Cancun

Many visitors to the Cancun area like to shop at Walmart, which is one of the best supermarkets in the area.

They are familiar with the shop layout and know they can get everything off their shopping list there.

It is easy to go to the Cancun Walmart in a car, bus, or taxi; however, it is important to realize that Walmart is not the only one-stop shopping center in Cancun.

Soriana and Chedraui stores offer a large selection of food, clothes, and home goods too and the shopping experience is similar to that at Walmart.

You can find the store closest to you and shop there. Wherever you decide to shop in Cancun, it is good to know that you will be able to find anything you need for your visit.