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 residential beachfront section and is adjacent to the town of Playa del Carmen. Phase II is the second development of the private Playacar residential community. Our properties in Playacar Phase II are also within walking distance to town and the beach and are located on or near the golf course.
You can look at maps of Playa del Carmen and Playacar
to get an idea of where rentals are located.
What documentation do I need to get into Mexico?
You are required to have a passport to enter Mexico, Canada and the USA regardless of your nationality. 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:
- Airport Shuttle Bus: There is an airport shuttle bus named "PLAYA EXPRESS" which has direct service to and from Playa del Carmen. After passing through immigration and customs, you will see several booths for transport, tours and car rentals. Continue outside and turn right. The buses depart from the far corner of the international airport. There is usually a bus there but if not either ask a porter or just walk over to the bus stand which is right at the end of the front of the terminal.The tickets are approximately $65 pesos per person and the bus has frequent departures. The shuttle bus drops you at the downtown terminal in Playa del Carmen and all of the Playa Beach Rentals properties are just 5 minutes taxi ride away. We've found this to be pleasant transportation option as the buses are clean and air-conditioned.
- Taxi: Always available, and usually quite expensive.
- Private transportation from/to Cancun airport: We would be happy to arrange your round trip transportation. We need your flight information at least 48 hours in advance of your arrival date.
- 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
- 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 abundant internet cafes in town as well as public phones. Mobile cell phone service is pretty good in the Riviera Maya area. Some US and Canadian cell phone providers have agreements with Mexican mobile phone companies to provide service to their customers. It is recommended you check with your provider at home regarding activation of this feature on your cell phone. Check with your provider on rates and be aware some additional local charges may be added.
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?
There are many supermarkets in town: Sam's, Walmart, Soriana and Comercial Mexicana. There is a supermarket not far from most of our homes, but you might want to take a taxi cab or drive there. Near Sam's, you will find the Chedraui supermarket which is located on the left side of the highway just south of the Juarez Avenue entrance. Chedraui supermarket has just about all you need.... including fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry, bakery, liquor selection, clothing and other goods. There are also mini-supers and bakeries scattered around town.
Are there babysitters or cooks available?
Yes! We would gladly arrange a babysitter or cook at your convenience although we cannot ensure you that 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 good doctors available that speak English?
There are good Doctors and Hospitals in town with service 24 hrs. We can also give you the name and phone number of a recommended doctor who will make house calls if needed.
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?
Yes! Several of our properties are in close proximity to each other and can be combined to accommodate you. Villa Flamboyan, Casa del Mar and Villa Marina can be combined for groups. Villa La Perla Blanca, Casa Milagro, Casa Colandrea, Villa Azucena and Villa Gecko are also premium homes which are near to each other and can be rented together to accommodate up to 30 people.
You and your family can vacation together, but not feel crowded. Ideal for those family reunions!
Can you arrange my transportation, diving, excursions, etc.?
We would be more than happy to provide you assistance in any additional service you may wish from jungle tours, personal diving, snorkeling, fishing trips, excursions, etc. Some of these services require reservations or a deposit in advance. Although we cannot be responsible for some services, should you experience any problems we do want to know about it and will assist you.
Any links you recommend?
Cancun Weddings - American operated
company helping couples to plan their wedding in Cancun
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