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Submitted by an expat woman living in Cancun, Mexico
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| City: |
Cancun |
| Country: |
Mexico |
| Submitter's Name: |
Lauren |
| Nationality: |
Canadian |
| Arrival Date: |
September 2008 |
| Date Submitted: |
June 15, 2009 |
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Cancun is a coastal city, on Mexico's easternmost state, Quintana Roo, which lies on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Cancun is also known as the Mexican Caribbean - In my opinion it has the perfect climate, and most beautiful waters.
Temperatures in Cancun can be described as warm and tropical. Depending on the season, temperatures can range from 26C in January to 32C in July. Evening temperatures can be a bit cooler - between 18C and 25C.
Tropical storms can occur in Cancun. Season usually begins May and ends in December. From my own personal experience, I have never had a bad May as it tends to be drier.
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| Positive aspects about Cancun: |
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Warm weather year round. |
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Beautiful beaches. |
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Excellent schools for children. |
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Excellent schools for children. |
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Beautiful place for children to grow up. |
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Safe. |
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Good hospitals (private). |
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Excellent restaurants. |
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Can still find some things from Canada at Costco, or Wal-Mart (thank goodness). |
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Has a soccer/futbol team. |
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World premier golf courses are closeby. |
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Close proximity to the Riviera Maya, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, etc. |
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Toooo many more things to list |
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Cons about living in Cancun:
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It is growing too fast. |
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Terrible drivers, but that is all of Mexico. |
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Poverty, but again that is all of Mexico. |
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Crime - with poverty, comes crime. |
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Personally, I feel Cancun is a FANTASTIC city for families. I would never hesitate to start and raise a family here in Cancun. Work-life balance is amazing. Your kids can still ride their bikes to the park, and play in the front yard with the neighbours. It truly is a gift, and allows kids to be kids!
Cancun is also an amazing place for couples. There is so much to do. You have "el centro" with all of the local restaurants, pubs and bars, but you also have the Riviera Maya at your doorstep. There is never a shortage of things to do - that I promise!
Singles - mostly I would suggest the famous Hotel Zone. Parties from 7pm until 4am! Every night of the week.
Religion - mostly Roman Catholic
Dress code - Work is less casual than suit attire. Linen is in!
Security - I personally have not been all too concerned with security in the past, but with the ever-growing population it is bound to be a problem. I am more afraid of a 'break and enter' in Cancun, than I was in Canada... However, I am less concerned with the more serious crimes of rape, murders, etc. The problem in Cancun is the poverty - with poverty comes crime. We have electrical wire on our fence, and will soon have an alarm system installed. Still, in Cancun we do not know if that is enough. As long as most people do not "advertise" their belongings or money, they will most likely stay out of the spotlight! Be smart, as you would anywhere in the world.
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Accomodations can really range. In Cancun if you have money - you can live anywhere you want. If you do not, well you can still find something. In Cancun you can expect to pay between US$300-$1200 in rent/month. This really depends on what you want. US$300 will get you a one bedroom condo for rent. US$600 will get you a house, but you will be in charge of the expenses. US$1200 will get you a 3 bedroom house, with a pool in an affluent neighbourhood. Regarding rent, if you speak Spanish you will find a better deal. |
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Maids are VERY common in Mexico. Some even joke "the maids have maids".
We had a gardener who I called "Superman" who gardened, cleaned the pool, painted our rooms, hung curtains, got water from the store, etc. - this being the reason I called him Superman! We paid him approximately US$80/month. |
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Making calls internationally is not very affordable from Cancun. I recommend doing this either through the internet (Skype, Magicjack) OR buying calling cards. Most people use Nextel, Telcel, etc... Cost usually US$30/month. We use the same company for internet service and no complaints. Hi-speed is now available!
TV - You can buy satellite television, and you have a few choices. Most channels are in English, and you can have Spanish subtitles... or vice versa.
Postal Service – Door-to-door for national service. However, international is unreliable and not recommended.
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Learning Spanish in Cancun is fairly important. You do not need to speak fluently, but you should definitely know your basic conversation. In the Hotel Zone you can get away with little to no Spanish, however, in El Centro - you should really speak Spanish! At least conversational. There are many Spanish schools in Cancun. You have the school of Berlitz, Amerispan, etc. Google them for more information. |
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Water - Is not safe to drink from the tap. You usually have water deliveries come through the neighbourhood yelling "Agua, Agua", but when you are completely out - run to the store around the corner. Water in Cancun is CHEAP!
Electricity is run by the city, and VERY expensive. Do not use electricity unless you need to. Use air conditioning only when necessary. |
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It is not very easy to find a job in Cancun. Maybe it is easier than other developing nations, but not compared to Canada. Most people who speak English try and get a job in the hotel zone, working for a huge hotel chain.
I usually recommend people check out the local novedades. Google them for updates.
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The local currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN), however, the USD is widely accepted.
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Private medical care is the only option to me. If you have the money, buy the private health care... it is really worth it in Mexico. |
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Again, if you have the money there are more than enough amazing schools in Cancun. Private schools are the only way to go in Mexico if you can afford it. |
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It is very easy to own a car in Cancun, and even easier to get a driver's licence. However, I do recommend just getting an international licence first - then if you really do stay, get a permanent drivers licence.
Buses come and go all the time. They are very inexpensive and easy to use. Just get used to the idea of not having a seat!
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Cancun has many shopping malls in the city - La Isla, Plaza las Americas, Sears, Costco, Ultra Femme, etc. You can find products like Clinique, Estee Lauder and Christian Dior, but forget about Sephora and Mac - does not exist as of yet. You will miss it so much, but the good thing is when you have family come they will bring all your essentials for you!
Haircuts are easy to come by - many wonderful top class salons.
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Soccer/Futbol is really the only sport I pay attention to. Cancun has a professional team named Atlante. POTROS! What a fun event for everyone!
Also, bowling, American football, etc. are very popular sports here in Cancun. With weather like this - anything goes!
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It is very easy to bring a pet into Mexico. We brought a dog into Mexico and the requirements were a certified letter of health from our vet within 14 days of our arrival. This may have changed, and differs depending on country of origin. Vets in Cancun are fantastic! |
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City Description
Healthcare
