FAQ
RIVIERA MAYA TRAVEL FAQ
Do I need a passport?
Yes! Blue Passports BOOKS are REQUIRED for travel to Mexico. If you attempt to use a passport card or any other combination of IDs for international air travel, you will be denied entry to Mexico.
If your passport needs to be renewed, or if you will be getting your passport for the first time, it would be best to start that process ASAP so that if you encounter any issues you have plenty of time to sort them out.
Do I have to be careful not to pack certain things when traveling to Mexico?
Yes! A few things to keep in mind:
TOBACCO:
There is a per person maximum for ALL tobacco products coming into the country. If you have more than the allotted amount per bag, you will get an astronomical fine (it is sometimes in the thousands of dollars). If you are traveling with cigarettes, please make sure you are aware of the per person limits, and distribute them correctly per bag. Each person has to have their allottment in their own bag - if you are traveling as a couple and have a the amount for two people in one bag, they will consider this belonging to one person and give you a huge fine.
As of September 2024, the limit for tobacco products that can be brought into Mexico is 200 grams of tobacco, 25 cigars, or 10 packs of cigarettes per person for travelers over the age of 18. We try to keep up with any changes to this to keep you informed, but if you are traveling with these products it is 100% YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to check the limits immediately prior to travel.
LARGE ELECTRONICS:
If you are traveling with any electronic, please be aware you are only permitted ONE large electronic per person such as a laptop, iPad, etc. If you have more than one in your bag, they will charge you a tax, which can be quite high.
PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT:
If you are traveling with any sort of photography equipment, drones, etc., these are all subject to taxes as well. Please keep a copy of the receipt on you so that they know the cost of the items as that is what they base the tax on.
ILLEGAL ITEMS:
PLEASE MAKE SURE you do not have anything illegal to bring into Mexico in your bags. This is SOLELY your responsibility to find out what is and is not permitted, but a few examples:
Double check your things if you hunt - something like an random bullet left in a bag or shoe can earn you a lengthy stay in jail and high lawyer fees (this has happened!). Triple check if you use anything with THC. Very illegal and your US-issued medical marijuana card will not save you from Mexican prison.
A few common things you cannot bring with you are: e-cigarettes and vape pens, CBD oil, ANYTHING WITH THC IN IT, sharp objects, weapons (including key chain defense weapons - looking at you, my fellow true crime junkies). If you are unsure of an item, please ask us and we are happy to let you know!!
What time is check in and check out?
Check in: 3:00pm
Check out: 12:00pm
Please note that you can arrive earlier than check in or stay later than check out and continue to use the amenities/restaurants as long as it is between 8am and 6pm.
Do I need to bring cash?
We HIGHLY encourage you to bring cash to tip for good service. As minimum wage in México is around $8 PER DAY, tipping goes a long way and can really make a difference in a staff member's life. We highly recommend tipping for good service while on your vacation. US dollars or Mexican pesos are both accepted and appreciated for tips. If you are bringing USD for tipping, please go to the bank and ask for new bills. Staff members can exchange crisp USD for pesos, but if the bills are worn, damaged, or torn, they will not be able to exchange them at their banks.
If you do plan to leave the resort for any meals, shopping or excursions, we recommend bringing and using Mexican Pesos as that is the country's currency.
Do I need dinner reservations at Hard Rock Riviera Maya?
If you would like to make dinner reservations, you can see the on-site concierge team when you check in, and they will let you know if any restaurants require/all reservations. All other restaurants will operate on a no reservations system. If you show up and there is a wait, they will give you a buzzer so that you can grab drinks at the closest bar and wait for your table. We HIGHLY recommend going early or late to dinners, and sticking to groups of 2-6 people to avoid the longer wait times.