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| Location:
Cancun is located northeast of the Yucatan Peninsula, in the state of Quintana Roo, 350 miles southeast of Miami, Florida.
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| Time Zone:
Cancun is 15 hours behind Japan.
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| Currency:
The peso is Mexico's official currency, but almost all purchases can be paid in US dollars. There are currency exchanges in the Hotel Zone and downtown, and you can also exchange currency in the hotels and banks.
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| Telephone and Mail Service:
In addition to the telephone service provided by the hotel, there are public phone booths where you can make national and international calls. Easy to follow instructions are provided and all you need is a credit card or calling card number. To dial direct to the United States or Canada you dial 001, the area code, then the local number. Long distance calls to other parts of the world are preceded by 00.
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| Tourist Information:
There are several tourist info booths in the Hotel Zone, as well as a tourist information center downtown on Av. Tulum, next to the Presidencia Municipal open from 9 am until 3 p.m., and from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. daily.
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| Tipping and Taxes:
Your waiter will only bring you your check when you request it. Tips range from 10% to 20% of the total bill. A 10% IVA (VAT) tax is applied to all products and services.
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| What to Wear:
Casual tropical wear for day and night is the norm. Bathing suits are not allowed in shopping centers, discos and restaurants.
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| Language:
Mexico's official language is Spanish and some locals speak Mayan. Most travel agencies and hotels have personnel who speak English, French, German and Spanish.
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| Flora and Fauna:
This is a tropical jungle setting, with mangroves and exotic trees such as the chicozapote (where chicle comes from). Several species of monkeys may be seen, as well as armadillos and deer. Endangered species, including the toucan and jaguar are protected by federal law.
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| Beaches:
All beaches and federal property are open to everyone. The sand is white and fine and the sea is turquoise! Use extra precautions at beaches located on the open sea because of strong waves and undertow.
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