Cozumel 101: Tips for Visiting Another Country

Traveling to Mexico can be a wonderful and exciting experience. If you have never traveled to Mexico; however, or if it has been awhile since you traveled to Mexico you may be confused about the new travel requirements. The most important thing to know about traveling to Mexico is that travel requirements are being phased in on a gradual basis. This means that travel requirements are based on the mode of transportation you use to travel to and from Mexico.

If you travel by air you will need a passport in order to re-enter the United States. If you opt to travel by land or sea then you will need to present two forms of valid identification. Examples include naturalization certificate or bird certificate as well as a driver's license or some other type of identification that is issued by an official agency or state. When you travel by sea or land you will not need a passport until at least 2008. While it is not an official requirement at the moment for all forms of travel, if you are planning to travel to Mexico (Cozumel included) then it is a good idea to plan ahead and obtain a passport.

Once you arrive on Cozumel you will find that you have a variety of transportation options available to you. If you are flying into the island, you can easily take a shuttle or taxi from the airport to your selected lodging. When it comes to getting around the island, it is generally a good idea to rent a car. This will provide you with convenience and flexibility during your stay on the island.

When packing for your trip to Cozumel you will want to make sure that you bring along several important items. An English/Spanish dictionary or phrase book is an excellent item to bring if you do not speak English. You will also want to make sure you bring along either plenty of film or an extra card for your digital camera. Cozumel is a beautiful island and you will certainly want to take plenty of pictures. Other important items to pack for your trip include sunscreen, a good pair of walking shoes and your swimsuit.

It is important to keep in mind when visiting Cozumel that you are traveling to another country. That said, you need to be aware of the fact that you will encounter some differences from what you may be accustomed to back home. Generally it is a good idea to stick with bottled water. In addition, it is a good idea to be wary of fresh vegetables which may not have been properly washed and sanitized.

As is the case when traveling to any foreign country, it is generally a good idea to bring along traveler's checks rather than cash or even your credit or debit card. When cashing your traveler's checks make sure you choose a currency exchange house that is in a good location. Generally, you will receive a better exchange rate at an exchange house as opposed to a hotel.