Hotel Riu Cancun: Packing for Your All-Inclusive Trip

The Cancun sun is intense. Pack a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with good UV protection. For swimming at Hotel Riu Cancun, multiple swimsuits are practical.

Crucially, any sunscreen you bring for ocean activities must be reef-safe. Mexico has strict environmental regulations, and non-compliant products harm the delicate coral ecosystems. Look for mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Evenings can bring mosquitos, especially if you plan to dine outdoors or explore beyond the main resort buildings. A strong insect repellent, preferably with DEET or picaridin, will save you from itchy bites. Light, breathable clothing for daytime and a light long-sleeved shirt and pants for evenings can also help deter bugs and protect from the sun.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from Mexico. Upon arrival, you will receive an FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) tourist card; keep this safe, as you will need to present it when you leave the country. Losing it means extra steps and potential fees at the airport.

It is also wise to carry photocopies or digital images of your passport and FMM separately from the originals. Quintana Roo state, where Cancun is located, also has a tourist environmental tax, which can often be paid online before you arrive or at the airport.

While US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, you will generally get a better exchange rate paying in Mexican Pesos. We advise withdrawing pesos from bank ATMs rather than those in convenience stores or on the street, which often have higher fees and less favorable rates.

Credit cards are accepted at Hotel Riu Cancun and most larger establishments, but cash in smaller denominations (pesos) is essential for tipping, market purchases, and smaller vendors. Tipping in Mexico is customary, often around 15% for good service, whether in pesos or dollars.

Daytime at Hotel Riu Cancun means swimsuits, shorts, and T-shirts or sundresses. For evening meals, especially at the à la carte restaurants, men should pack collared shirts and closed-toe shoes, while women will find sundresses or smart casual separates appropriate. If you plan excursions to archaeological sites like Chichén Itzá or Tulum, bring comfortable walking shoes, light, breathable clothing, and a light jacket or long-sleeved shirt for sun protection.

For a night out in Cancun's vibrant party district, a slightly dressier outfit might be in order, but comfort remains key.

Always drink bottled water, even for brushing your teeth. Hotel Riu Cancun provides bottled water in rooms, and you can request more. Bringing a small supply of over-the-counter medications like pain relievers, antacids, and anti-diarrhea medicine is a good precaution, as local equivalents might be unfamiliar or require a pharmacy visit.

While pharmacies are plentiful in Cancun, having your preferred brands on hand saves time and potential language barriers. If you have prescription medications, keep them in their original packaging with your doctor's note, especially for controlled substances.