Money & Cash Basics
- Bring cash (Mexican Pesos): Many places don't accept cards, especially street food, cenotes, and taxis.
- ATMs: Use ATMs at banks (BBVA, Santander) when possible to avoid very high fees from standalone machines.
- Tipping: 10–15%-20% good service at restaurants.
- USD accepted: Some places take dollars, but you'll almost always get better value paying in pesos.
Safety Tips for Women in Tulum
- Travel in groups at night: Especially in the Hotel Zone and on darker roads.
- Use trusted taxis: There's no Uber — taxis are union-controlled. Ask your hotel or restaurant to call a trusted taxi for you and always agree on the price before you get in.
- Watch your drinks: Keep your drink in sight and don't accept open drinks from strangers.
- Avoid very dark areas: Stick to well-lit streets and busy spots, and avoid walking alone at night in unknown or very dark areas.
- Keep valuables secure: Use a crossbody bag or fanny pack and don't leave phones, cameras, or bags unattended on the beach.
🚕 How to Move Around (Without Losing Your Mind or Your Budget)
Taxis
- There's no Uber — taxis are union-controlled and can be expensive.
- Always agree the price before you get in.
- In town: around $15–20 USD, can go up to $40 USD depending on where/when.
- To/from Hotel Zone: often $60–100 USD late at night.
- For long days or many trips, renting a car can be cheaper than multiple taxis.
Bikes
Fun, freeing, and very Tulum — but not always easy, especially on highways.
- Check the bike before you leave: brakes, tires, seat, and lights.
- Watch traffic — highways and cenote roads have fast cars and buses.
- Lock it every time you leave it, even for “just a minute”.
- Best for short distances: town ↔ cafés ↔ nearby cenotes.
Cars
My favorite way to get around.
- Great for cenotes, Sian Ka'an, nearby towns, and day trips.
- Roads can be bumpy — SUVs/jeeps handle potholes better than tiny cars.
- Parking in the Hotel Zone is usually around $20 USD/day.
- Obey speed bumps (topes) and limits: 40–60 km/h in town, 80–100 km/h on highways.
- No drinking or weed while driving — laws are strict and it's not worth the risk.
Colectivos (Shared Vans)
Cheapest local option and very authentic.
- Good for getting to cenotes and beaches along the highway (Caleta Tankah, Dos Ojos, etc.).
- You'll usually get dropped on the highway, then walk 5–10 minutes to the spot.
- Pay in cash (around 40 pesos) and expect them to be hot + crowded in high season.
- No fixed schedules — be patient and flexible.
Walking
- Distances are long — town to Hotel Zone can be 1.5–2+ hours on foot.
- Walk early morning or around sunset to avoid the strongest heat.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water if you'll be walking more than 15–20 minutes.
- Avoid walking alone at night in unknown or very dark areas.
🎒 Small Essentials That Make Your Trip Easier
- Reef-safe sunscreen.
- More than one bikini (you'll live in swimwear).
- Waterproof sandals (cenotes, rocky paths, showers).
- Comfy sneakers (ruins, walking, tours).
- Small crossbody bag or fanny pack for essentials.
- Dry bag for boat days, cenotes, and sudden rain.
- Bug repellent (mosquitos love Tulum).
- Basic meds: painkillers, antihistamine, stomach meds, electrolytes.
- Power bank for long days out.
- Light long-sleeve or kimono for sun protection.
🍽️ Quick Food & Stomach Tips (Because No One Talks About This)
Don't try all the spicy + all the street food + all the alcohol on day 1. Go slow.
If you have a sensitive stomach, start with: tacos, grilled fish, cooked dishes, and skip raw veggies at sketchy spots.
Wash hands or use sanitizer before eating, especially after the beach or colectivos.
If you do get sick, it's super common — rest, hydrate, drink electrolytes, take pharmacy meds, and keep food plain for a day or two.
Final Thoughts
Tulum is beautiful, but it can be overwhelming without a plan. These tips are here to make your trip easier — so you can focus on turquoise water, cenotes, beach days, and soft jungle nights instead of logistics. Breathe, go slow, and enjoy it. 🤍