In the case of a medical emergency, dial 060, which is like 911 in the U.S.

• Cruz Roja (Red Cross, downtown)
  Av Yaxchilán 2
  Local phone: 884-1616
  Open 24 hours for first aid.

• AmeriMed (urgent care ER, hotel zone)
  website
  Blvd Kukulcán Km 4
  Local phone: 881-3400
  Urgent care emergency room located in the hotel zone. Medical training and expertise is up to U.S. standards at both the ER and hospital, and staff is bilingual. They have a home office in Phoenix, Arizona.
  

• AmeriMed (hospital, downtown)
  Av Tulum Sur, Manzana 4,5,9 #260, Sm 7
  Local phone: 881-3400
  40-bed hospital in Plaza Las Americas.

• Total Assist (downtown)
  Claveles #5 at Av Tulum, Sm 22
  Local phone: 884-1058
  Emergency hospitals with English-speaking doctors. Open 24 hours.

Cancún is generally a very safe place to travel, certainly comparable to small cities in the U.S. However, petty crime is not uncommon, even at prestigious resorts and hotels. As a precaution, leave unneeded credit cards at home, along with other valuables such as jewelry or expensive electronics. Carrying the bulk of your money in traveler’s checks and in a money belt is advisable to guard against theft. Most hotels have a safe deposit box, sometimes even within your room. It is good practice to take the bare minimum with you, and to lock the remainder away. You should make a photocopy of your passport and credit cards in advance of your trip. Mexican law imposes harsh penalties for violations such as drug possession and being a tourist does not exempt you from these penalties. It is also important to note that topless sunbathing is prohibited by law, despite its widespread occurrence at many hotels in Cancún and Playa del Carmen. American citizens should contact the U.S. Consular Agency in case of emergency (for example, a lost or stolen passport, or trouble with police).

• U.S. Consular Agent, Cancun
  Plaza Caracol, Third Level, No. 320-323 Blvd Kukulcán, Km 8.5
  Local phone: 883-0272

• U.S. Embassy, Mexico City
  Phone within Mexico: 01-5-209-9100
  Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Obtain updated medical and safety information affecting travelers to Mexico from the following sources:

• Center for Disease Control and Prevention
  Phone: (800) 311-3435
  website
  Epidemiological health information and outbreak warnings are provided by this government agency. They also have a toll-free CDC International Travelers’ information line at 877-FYI-TRIP.

• U.S. State Department
  website
  Provides a Consular Information Sheet featuring health, safety, driving and other general information.

• Travel Health Online
  website
  A database on international health, vaccine and medical services.

There are no required inoculations for entry into Mexico. The risk of contracting Malaria in Cancún is low, but it increases in surrounding rural areas. Refer to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website for a regional breakdown. The CDC can help you determine, based on your itinerary, if you should have any vaccinations or take anti-malarial drugs.

The most common ailment to strike is usually nothing more than Montezuma’s Revenge (diarrhea), affectionately termed, “turista” (tourist) by locals. The bacteria in Mexico’s food and water cause Montezuma’s Revenge, so preventing it means watching where and what you eat and drink. In Cancún, most major resorts and popular restaurants have water purification systems (ice is often made with this clean water as well). To be safe, ask if the water is purificada (purified), and request water sin hielo (without ice). If you are still uncertain, stick to agua en botella (bottled water). Avoid salads, fruit you can not peel, unpasteurized milk and milk products, as well as undercooked meat, fish and shellfish. Resist the temptation to overload on tequila and quesadillas your first night in Cancún—ease into heavy spices and grease. Wash your hands frequently, as even money can be a source of germs.

The Caribbean sun is characteristically potent, and Cancún’s rays are no exception. Take the standard precautions against sunburns: wear a hat, use 30SPF sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection, and spend long stints in the shade. Should you still end up burned, you can sooth the pain with aloe lotions, coconut oil, cool tea, vinegar, or Solarcaine. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water, take lukewarm showers and stay under an umbrella. Keep in mind that, even in shaded areas, you are still catching the sun’s rays.

Although malaria is rare in Cancún, mosquito bites can still be nasty, especially in the humid months. In the evenings, wear long pants and spray exposed skin with bug repellent. If you are dining at an open-air restaurant, ask the waiter for an incense candle to put by your feet—mosquitoes in Cancún will nibble at your legs. If you are bitten, applying limejuice to bites will reduce the itch, clean the wound, and act as a repellent.

According to the U.S. State Department travel advisory, Cancún’s undertow is strongest from the Hyatt Regency south to the Sol y Mar resort. Do not underestimate the strength of the current—it can, and has, relentlessly pulled swimmers away from the beach, and lifeguard supervision is minimal. Nortes (storms), can sweep in and abruptly blacken the sky, changing beach conditions without warning. Check the flags staked at the water’s edge for the sea status—black or red indicates that the ocean is unsafe.

Although you can find most supplies in Cancún’s farmacias (pharmacies), a savvy traveler will toss the following into a suitcase before departure: Band-Aids, insect repellent with DEET, antibiotic ointment, hydrogen peroxide, sunscreen, anti-diuretic, painkillers, and an after-sun lotion.