We have put together a list if Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's). We hope you will find these useful, or email us at sandytoes@barefoot-wedding.com and we will quickly reply to any question you have:

Passports & Visa
Proof of citizenship is necessary to cross the border into Mexico. Either a current passport, birth certificate or voter's registration will suffice (for citizens not arriving from USA and Canada please check with your local consulate or embassy). Minors traveling alone or with one parent need notarized consent from their parent(s) indicating that the parent(s) who have legal custody knowingly approve of the child's visit to Mexico. Upon arrival, visitors are given a Tourist Card that must be turned in upon departure at the airport. At that time, a departure tax is charged and payable in U.S. dollars or Mexican pesos. *** Make sure you have your passport valid well in advance as travel is a little more strict now!!

Currency Exchange
The exchange rate fluctuates each day around 8 and 10 pesos to the US dollar. Each bank or money exchange (casas de cambio) will have a slightly different rate. So shop around for the best rate.

What to Wear
Riviera Maya is a very casual place. T-shirts and shorts are the normal attire. At the more upscale restaurants and clubs, men generally wear long trousers and a casual shirt at night while women wear informal dresses and skirts. Generally speaking, Riviera Maya is very casual, and the evenings in Playa del Carmen you can dress nice with casual Miami style, beach/evening wear.

Weather
Not only does Riviera Maya have the warm sun year-round, but the average year-round temperature is a heavenly 80°F (27°C) and hardly humid! But during the winter the temperature can go down to a warm 65°F (19°C) at night. And in the summer temperatures can be as high as 100°F (38°C). Not to worry, the ocean breeze keeps Riviera Maya comfortable, compared to other areas of Mexico. November through February is the best time to go since that's when the sun shines with the odd tropical sprinkle.

Turista
"Montezuma's revenge," as we know it, or turista, as Mexicans call it, remains the greatest health concern of tourists, even though it's decreasing in incidence. This illness that can last a few days, is indicated by diarrhea and sometimes fever, and requires complete bed rest. It results from exposure to different bacteria from those you are used to at home because Mexico purifies its water differently. (Mexicans visiting the United States are often similarly affected by unfamiliar bacteria.) There is no guaranteed method for preventing it and the amount that it affects you depends on your immune system.

Food
Common sense can greatly reduce your chances of coming down with food or water related illnesses. Firstly, do not over indulge in spicy Mexican foods and pitchers of margaritas or strong Mexican beer during the first few days of your trip. Eat and drink in moderation and go slowly if you are not used to the Mexican spices and cooking.

Water
Bottled Water is the absolutely safest drinking water. Many first-rate hotels use purified water (agua purificada) in their taps. Budget hotels may provide agua purificada in bottles or carafes. Request beverages sin hielo (without ice) - do not take chances. More up-scale establishments use purified water for everything, but be sure to ask. For a glass of cold water, drink a chilled bottle of Mexico's mineral water (called agua mineral; sin gas if you don't want it carbonated).

Treatment
Many people swear by advance daily doses of chewable Pepto-Bismol to prevent illness. Treatment of turista depends on the intensity. If you do have a serious bout, stay in bed, restrict yourself to a bland diet, drink plenty of bottled water, and take the medicine your doctor recommends. (Many are available over the counter in Mexico.) Your hotel will arrange a doctor for you if you become concerned about your condition. Mexican doctors are experts in treating turista, so you should not feel hesitant about consulting them. Once you're better, continue with a bland diet until you feel back to normal.

On the beach
Swimming in the Caribbean presents a danger from undertow, but if you follow the flag system you should have no fears about swimming in the beautiful glasslike water. Be extra careful when you are swimming in isloated places - use the buddy system and use common sense.