Economy.
The main economic activity is the exploitation of the jungle, rich in tropical woods from which mahogany, cedar and chicozapote - the chicle tree - are obtained. Also important is fishing for lobster, huachinango (red snapper) and pargo, among other species. To a lesser extent, agriculture - fundamentally maize - and cattle raising contribute to the local economy. In recent years, tourism has become increasingly important to Quintana Roo's finances.

Climate.
The average annual temperature ranges from 77°F (25C) to 86°F (30C).Cenote water temperature for snorkeling or diving is around 76°F (24°C) year-round.Offshore water temperatures range from 78°F (26°C) in January to 84°F (29°C) in August. May through November is the rainy season.

Money.

Transportation.
The main point of arrival is Cancun International Airport, a two-hour flight from Mexico City. From here, the Riviera Maya can by covered via the coastal highway which links the city of Cancun with Tulum and continues Southwest, and another which links the cities of Tulum and Cob'a. Available transportation from the airport includes buses, rental cars or taxis which depart from the terminal. Playa del Carmen has a small airport with planes which make short hops to the more distant places. Ferries also depart from Playa del Carmen and Calica, linking the continent with the islands. There are also local bus lines which service different locations along the highway.

Communications.
Telephones. The area code for Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya is 984. All local numbers have seven digits, and all numbers begin with 8. If a number is written (984) 873-1234, when in Riviera Maya you must dial 873-1234. International code while calling from the US dial 011 + 52 . While calling home from Mexico dial 001 before the area code and US phone number.
Internet Access. There are plenty internet café’s in town, In Playa del Carmen you can mainly find them along 5th. And 10th. Avenue. All the large hotels offer internet service, different rates apply.
Newspapers. Most hotel gift shops and newsstands carry English-language magazines, and Mexican newspapers in English.
Post Office. The main post office is located in Playa del Carmen on Juarez between 20th and 15th. Open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5pm and Saturday from 9 am to 12 pm.

Language.
Spanish is the official language and Mayan is the local language, but English, French, Italian and German are also widely spoken.

Measurements.
Speed limits are posted in kilometers. Dive operators generally use both feet/psi and meters/bars when communicating dive data.

Entry Requirements.
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.

Taxes & Service charges.
A 10% value-added tax called IVA is added to all goods and services within the State, including hotel rooms and rental cars. Be sure to ask if the tax is included in the quoted price on the menu in restaurants.

Tips.
It’s customary to leave 10 to 20% in tips, depending on service.

Taxis and distances. (rates are approximate)
FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN:
To Xcaret: 7 kms / 4 miles / 7 minutes / Taxi $6 US
To Puerto Aventuras: 19 kms / 11 miles / 18 minutes / Taxi $11 US
To Akumal: 32 kms / 20 miles / 28 minutes / Taxi $17 US
To Xel Há: 49 kms / 30 miles / 43 minutes / Taxi $21 US
To Tulúm: 62 kms / 39 miles / 55 minutes / Taxi $27 US
To Valladolid: 160 kms (Playa-Tulúm-Cobá-Chemax) / 99 miles / 2 hours
To Puerto Morelos: 32 kms / 20 miles / 28 minutes / Taxi $17 US
To Cancún: 67 kms / 42 miles / 1 hour / Taxi $30 - 35 US
To Paamul: 17 kms / 10.5 miles / 15 minutes / Taxi $10 US
To Coba: Taxi $50 US

The travel times are those which it normally takes, based on an average speed of 80 to 110 kilometers per hour, the maximum limit authorized, and on the current conditions of the highways.
If you want to convert from kilometers ( kms ) to miles, multiply the kilometers by 0.6214 . If you want to convert from miles to kilometers, multiply the miles by 1.6093

Safety.
Riviera Maya and the Quintana Roo area is very safe to visit, due to the rapid growth of this Destination with almost 23,000 hotel rooms in only 7 years, unemployment is not an issue. Worldwide renown Mexican hospitality applies to the area, the majority of the people in the service area are bilingual. There is little crime in Riviera Maya, in the tourist areas, you are generally safe late at night. Like any other beach resort, do not leave money or valuables unattended on public areas.
- On the beach. Swimming in the Riviera Maya is safe since we have the second largest coral reef barrier in the world that protects the shore, nevertheless it could present danger from undertow, but if you follow the flag system you should have no fears about swimming in the beautiful glasslike turquoise colored water.
Green Flag -- Water completely safe for swimming, but use commonsense.
Yellow Flag -- Water somewhat rough. Swim with caution.
Red Flag -- Water very rough. Swim with extreme caution. Stay near the water's edge.
Black Flag -- Absolutely no swimming. Too dangerous.

Families.
If you’re traveling with children, you’ll be pleased to know that all the All inclusive resorts have playgrounds, miniature golf courses and mini theaters with special kids-only entertainment programs. All the tours welcome children while accompanied by their parents.

Electricity.
Domestic electric current is 110 volts, the same as in all of Mexico.

Business Hours.
Most businesses and shops are open from 10 A.M. to 10 P.M., closed between 2 and 4 P.M.

Driving.
Rental cars and taxis are available. Driving is on the right. There are several car rental companies, rates will depend on availability, size and type of car. You will be expected to pay for any gas, insurance, taxes, or extra equipment. If your reservation is for a time period more than 5 days, a weekly rate will be quoted.

Medical.
A recompression chamber is located in Playa del Carmen. Air evacuation is available from the Cancun airport or the small airport in Playa del Carmen.

Getting there.
Several air carriers and charters offer direct services to Cancun.

Dress.
Casual dress is the norm for the Riviera Maya. Cover-ups are required when leaving the beach areas. Some restaurants have dress codes that prohibit sandals and require men to wear long pants. During the winter months (December. through march) temperature may drop at night. Light Sweaters are recommended and comfortable shoes while going on tours.
For trips into the jungle, you should wear pants, long-sleeved shirts and shoes or zapatillas and use insect repellent for mosquitoes. The temperature drops at night and a light sweater or bush jacket is suggested.

People.
The ethnic makeup of this area is indigenous in origin, belonging to the Maya race. There are also other races present, due to the influx brought about by the zone's economic development over the past 20 years