What To Pack For Cancún: 23 Essentials + Ultimate Guide In 2024

Last Updated on April 30, 2024 by Ashlea J. Russell

What To Pack For Cancún 2024 

Making a packing list for your Cancún trip can be overwhelming especially when you’re trying to think of every last thing you might need.

The good news is whether you’re going for a beach vacation, outdoor activities, Mayan ruins or just some warm weather I’m here to provide a little help on what to pack.

To cover all the bases I’ve put together a list of the 23 essential items to pack for your Cancún vacation. I’ve also included a few other lists of items to consider along with how to pack for the wet season and items for an all-inclusive resort vacation.

The Essentials

No matter what you’re planning to do when you get there, this list of essentials covers the most important things to pack on your trip to Cancún.

1. Cash In Mexican Pesos

When possible, bring Mexican Pesos with you in a variety of denominations. ATMs are not always readily available, may charge high fees and sometimes don’t have cash. You will be expected to tip porters, drivers and most people you accept help from upon arrival, so have some small bills ready.

2. Travel Insurance

I recommend everyone take out travel insurance when traveling. Pack a copy of your policy and any emergency numbers you may need to use.

3. Waterproof Phone Case

A waterproof phone case is an absolute essential for anyone who uses a smart phone (which is pretty much everyone these days).

I used the JOTO Waterproof Phone Pouch at some Central Mexican hot springs and even after being fully submerged, my phone was totally fine. The JOTO seals water-tight, has a handy neck strap and allows you to use your touchscreen for pictures underwater, plus it’s really cheap!

4. Power Bank

A power bank should be absolutely essential on any Mexico packing list including Cancún. Who wants to be stuck in the hotel room charging their phone or wasting precious vacation time looking for somewhere to plug in? A power bank allows you to charge your devices anywhere, anytime.

There are lots of great power banks out there but I use the INIU 10000mAh Power Bank because it’s really slim and lightweight so it doesn’t take up much room.

I have a very large phone and this gives me just over two full charges. The paw light indicates how much charge is left and it comes with a little cushioned pouch for added protection. Note: This power bar only works for USB-C phones.

5. Water Shoes

Water shoes are a great way to protect your feet in the ocean, on boat rides, on beach days, during water sports and water activities! Certain activities and excursions will also require travellers to wear water shoes.

My favourite water shoes are from Sea Star Beachwear. They have lots of gorgeous styles, colours and patterns to choose from. These shoes are comfortable, quick-dry and have non-marking deck shoe soles. So, these are a great option to go from the beach to the boat to dinner.

6. Pair of Sneakers/Walking Shoes

Planning to visit Chichén-Itzá? Want to take the ferry to Isla Mujeres? Looking to shop ’til you drop? Nothing ruins a trip faster than blisters and sore feet.

It’s important to pack shoes you’re comfortable spending all day on your feet in. Comfort means something different for everyone but I like the Roxy Bayshores. These shoes are super lightweight, breathable and comfortable, plus they come in lots of colours and I can wear them with dresses or jeans.

7. Polarized Sunglasses

There are sunglasses and then there are Polarized Sunglasses. The sun is really bright in Cancún so it’s important to protect your eyes! Polarized sunglasses eliminate glare and allow you to see without being blinded by the Mexican sun.

Look for sunglasses that offer UVA and UBA protection and have anti-glare lenses.

8. Bathing Suit

Even if you’re not a big swimmer you’re going to want to pack at least one bathing suit, two if you intend to swim a lot. It’s hard to resist the turquoise waters or a margarita from the swim-up bar so don’t forget your bathing suit!

9. Bathing Suit Cover-Up

Mexico is actually a modest country so even though there’s no specific dress code your beach packing list should include a cover up for when you’re not at the pool or on the beach in Cancún.

This is especially important if you’re planning to visit smaller towns. Jumpsuits, dresses, flowy pants, there are lots of ways to cover up and still look great.

10. High SPF Sunblock

As a pale Northern Irish woman I know a thing or two about sunblock. Everyone needs to protect their skin from the sun regardless of skin tone.

The sun is strong in Cancún so pack sunblock, preferably with a minimum SPF of 30.

Although sunblock is available, it is often overpriced, especially at hotels and resorts so you’ll want to pack some to bring with you. I like Hawaiian Tropic Weightless because it goes on smooth, is moisturizing, smells amazing, and doesn’t leave a greasy residue or white cast.

11. After Sun Cream

In the event that you suffer some sunburn or overexposure you’ll want to hydrate your skin as much as possible to avoid the dreaded peel.

Choose a lotion that cools the skin and slows the burn while locking in the moisture your skin really needs after overexposure. Aloe is your friend!

12. Lip Balm With SPF

Lips are just as susceptible to burn as any other part of the body! Look for a lip balm that has moisturizing ingredients like aloe and vitamin c with an SPF of at least 30.

13. Moisturizing Conditioner

The salty ocean water and chlorinated pool water can do a number on your hair. Make sure you pack a good conditioner for Cancún to keep your hair from drying out and getting damaged in the sun.

If you dye your hair you might want to invest in some colour power drops that help prevent your colour from fading.

14. Anti-Chafing Stick

Most people can relate to the discomfort of heat rash, chub rub, whatever you want to call it! Walking around in the Cancún heat can cause heat rash between the thighs, under the arms and other areas!

There are lots of tricks and home remedies out there but last time I visited Cancún and Playa Del Carmen I tried the Body Glide For Her and I have to say, it works! It looks like a deodorant stick and you apply it exactly the same way but in the areas you have heat rash problems.

The stick is colourless and fragrance-free so you don’t have to worry about transfer or irritation. It basically works as a barrier to allow your skin to rub without the friction.

15. Bug Repellant

Most of the area surrounding Cancún is jungle so pack bug spray. On several of my day trips to places like Chichén-Itzá and cenotes I found my legs covered in bug bites. I tried the a few natural repellants but nothing worked for me except deet.

16. Tummy Stuff – Gravol/Pepto Bismol/Imodium

Montezuma’s Revenge is a real problem! If you’re not careful, one dodgy ice cube, street taco, or simply opening your mouth in the shower can result in a very upset stomach.

To avoid any awkward conversations or trying to figure out how to describe your issue in Spanglish, you should pack something from home. You can also download your Free Useful Mexican Words & Phrases Cheatsheet below which includes the most common things you’ll need to ask a doctor or pharmacy for.

17. Anti-Theft Travel Backpack/Day Pack

A travel backpack is an essential item for any traveller. You need somewhere secure to keep your money and belongings while you’re out exploring or lounging on the beach!

I wear a leather backpack pretty much every day of my life but I wanted something more secure, functional and inexpensive for travelling and I found this Anti Theft Backpack and it’s one of the best things I’ve bought for travel.

It comes in two sizes but the medium is small enough to count as a personal item on most airlines.

The zipper on this bag sits against your back which means people walking behind you can’t open the bag. It has multiple pockets of different sizes like the side pockets which are perfect for a water bottle or compact umbrella and a small zippered pocket that fits a passport.

I was shocked by how much I was able to fit in this bag! On my last flight I had a tablet, phone charger, water bottle, umbrella, pair of long pants, my ziploc bag of liquids, glasses case, power bank and wallet. Oh and by the way it’s water resistant.

18. Quick-Dry Towel

Many resorts will offer beach towels but to avoid having to rent a beach towel or pay for a beach club it’s a good idea to pack a quick-dry towel for Cancún.

These are usually compact so they take up less than the space of a pair of jeans. They also come in handy on daytrips like swimming in the cenotes.

19. Ear Plugs

Mexico is just not a quiet place. Traffic sounds, late night music, early morning cleaners, the list goes on. On any given trip to Mexico you’ll need ear plugs at one time or another.

You can pick up ear plugs at the pharmacy but why not just pack some to bring with you? Trust me, you’ll thank me for this one.

20. VPN – Virtual Private Network

If you are doing anything sensitive using WiFi it’s a good idea to use a VPN. For security purposes it is strongly advised to avoid activities such as online banking or even logging into secured accounts without using an effective VPN.

If you’re not familiar with VPNs they are basically a way to turn on a private network that scrambles your information so hackers can’t see what you’re doing while you’re on a public network.

It might sound complicated but using one is really easy. I use NordVPN which allows me to protect up to 5 devices. It’s really easy to use, once it’s installed I just click the big Connect button and I know I’m safe.

21. SIM Ejector Tool

Don’t forget your sim card ejector tool so you can get started right away with a Mexican SIM card. SIM cards in Cancún are very inexpensive and easy to purchase. They also include unlimited free calls and texts to Mexico, US and Canada making them much cheaper than most roaming packages.

TELCEL SIM cards can be purchased at any 7Eleven or OXXO. SIM cards are activated for you in the store, so just pop it in and get going!

22. Arrival Transportation Details

If you intend to take a taxi from the airport it is always recommended to pre-book through the Cancún airport website. Regular taxis and Ubers are not allowed to operate from the airport. Book in advance directly through the airport for a reliable service.

23. Accommodation Details

Make sure you have the full name and address of your accommodation. Addresses in Cancún can be vague and hotels often have similar names so pack a written copy of the name and address to show your driver.

Necessary Documents

• Passport – A good rule of thumb to follow is having a minimum of 6 months validity left on your passport when traveling anywhere internationally.
  
• Copy/Photo of Passport – In the unfortunate event anything should happen to your travel documents while in Cancún pack a copy to make getting a replacement easier.
  
• Visa – Travelers from many countries receive 180 days visa-free in Mexico. You can check if your nationality is on the list here. If your flight transits through another country you should also check if you require a transit visa.
  
• Onward Travel Details – Border security will sometimes ask to see proof that you intend to leave the country, this is true of most countries around the world. Having a copy of your flight, bus, or future accommodation in another country is helpful.
  
• Copy of Prescriptions – If you are bringing any prescription medications to Cancún, pack a copy of your prescription.
  
• COVID-19 Certificates – COVID-19 requirements are constantly changing. Mexico does not require vaccination or testing to enter however your airline and any transit countries may. Check your airline’s website for information on what is required to board.

Money

It is a common misconception that you should bring US Dollars to Cancún. You can use US Dollars in some areas of Cancún, particularly the hotel zone, however this is not advisable. US Dollars are subject to harsh exchange rates and price gouging.

It is always best to use the local currency. For the best experience pack Mexican Pesos for your trip to Cancún.

• Credit/Debit Cards

Clothing

It may come as a surprise but Mexico is a conservative country. In the major tourist beach destinations and resorts it is common to see people dressed very casually and scantily.

If you intend to leave these areas you will be expected to dress more modestly so as to not offend the locals i.e. skirts and shorts that come to the knee, tops that offer more coverage, etc.

• Underwear – Always pack more than you need.
• Bras
• Sun Hat
• Rash Guard
• T-Shirts
• Long Sleeve Top
• Light Sweater/Fleece
• Light Jacket
• Tank Tops
• Shorts/Denim Shorts
• Capris
• Dresses
• Skirts
• Pair of Pants/Jeans
• Jumpsuit
• Exercise/Yoga Pants
• Socks
• Sleepwear

Shoes

• Sandals/Flip Flops
• Exercise Shoes – For Excursions
• “Nice” Shoes – Flats, Wedges, High Heels, etc

Toiletries

It is best practice to pack all liquid toiletries in a ziploc bag to avoid spillage. If you plan to pack your liquids in your carry-on they will all need to fit in one ziploc bag.

Each container cannot exceed 100ml in volume and the overall volume of all containers cannot exceed 1L.

• Shampoo
• Body Wash
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Floss/Flossers
• Razor
• Shaving Cream
• Deodorant/Antiperspirant
• Skincare
• Cotton Swabs
• Hand Sanitizer
• Make Up
• Hair Product
• Hairbrush/Comb
• Hair Ties/Accessories
• Travel Hair Dryer/Iron
• Contact Lens Solution and Case
• Extra Contact Lenses
• Glasses with Case
• After Bite
• Pads/Tampons
• Cramp Cream
• Antacids
• Pain Killers
• Band-Aids/Blister Cushions
• Any Prescription Medications

Necessities & Gadgets

• Phone
• Portable Charger
• Tablet
• Earphones
• Camera/GoPro
• Extra Memory Cards
• Selfie Stick/Tripod
• Beach Bag/Dry Bag – Look for something that will keep your items dry and sand-free
• Crossbody Bag
• Power Adaptor – Not necessary for US and Canadian plugs
• Sleep Mask
• Binoculars

Additional Items To Consider

• Money Belt – I personally have never used a money belt and have fortunately never had my money stolen while traveling but some people like the peace of mind a money belt offers.
• Pen – On arrival in Cancún you will be required to complete a landing card so pack a pen.
• TSA Approved Lock – To avoid having your luggage lock cut off, purchase a TSA approved lock which allows TSA to open and close your lock as needed to perform searches.
• Packing Cubes – Packing cubes help to divide and compress clothing. While I personally don’t use packing cubes there are many travelers that swear by their efficacy.

Packing For Rainy Season & Hurricane Season

Travelling to Cancún during the Rainy Season or Hurricane Season is a good option to save some money but you’re going to need to add a few items to your list of things to pack that you wouldn’t need for Dry Season.

Rainy Season in Cancún is June through October. This is summertime and during this time Cancún’s humidity and temperatures are much higher than the winter months. Because Cancún is located on the water weather rolls in quickly and it rolls out quickly. Though it may rain or storm it’s unusual for this to last all day.

‘Hurricane Season’ sounds like the time of year everyone should avoid but truthfully, the likelihood of a hurricane blowing through your vacation is pretty rare.

In the last 30 years only two hurricanes have made landfall in the Cancún area. So while it’s possible to see an actual hurricane, it’s unlikely. Hurricane Season in Cancún is June to November and this is when you are more likely to see bursts of strong winds, occasional thunderstorms and breaks of rain, rather than an actual hurricane.

Click here for more information on the best time to visit Cancún.

• Compact Umbrella
• Rain Jacket or Poncho
• Light Scarf – Wet Season can be very hot so a light scarf may be more comfortable than a jacket.

Packing For All-Inclusive Resort Vacations

• Snorkel Mask
• Personal Entertainment – Kindle/Book, playing cards, music, etc
• Travel Cup – To avoid using multiple plastic cups pack a travel cup for Cancún, and they float!
• Pool Inflatables – Some hotels and resorts in Cancún will provide inflatables but if you’ve been wanting to spend the afternoon on a floating flamingo, now’s your chance to pack one!

What Not To Pack For Cancún

• Jewelry – Expensive jewelry such as diamonds and gold are not common in Cancún. Pack costume jewelry and silver as they are less likely to attract the wrong attention in Cancún.
  
• Designer Bags/Luxury Products – Don’t pack labels such as Prada, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, etc for Cancún. Well known luxury items could attract the attention of thieves and pickpockets.
  
• US Dollars – Don’t pack USD for Cancún! It’s Mexico, use Mexican money.
  
• Certain Over-The-Counter Medications – It is illegal to bring certain over-the-counter medicines commonly used in the United States, Canada and other countries, including inhalers and some allergy and sinus medications. Medicines that contain pseudoephedrine, such as Actifed, Sudafed, and Vicks inhalers, or codeine are prohibited.  

Making The Ultimate Packing List

Deciding what to pack to Cancún can be a daunting task. It’s easy to overpack and hard to think of everything while trying to avoid an “Oh no..” moment of realization at the airport.

I have traveled to over 40 countries and hundreds of cities, so I have my packing process down to a fine art. Personally, I wouldn’t bring a checked bag on a trip unless the trip was more than 3 weeks in length, but not everyone operates this way.

I would consider myself to be a low maintenance traveler. I don’t use a lot of makeup or hair tools and although I like to look good when I travel, fashion is not my main concern.

Being comfortable and dressed appropriately for the weather and culture are more important to me than having a different outfit every day.

As a general rule, most frequent travelers will agree it’s ideal to pack as lightly as possible. There are a lot of benefits to travelling light. You can head straight to security at the airport instead of bag drop, you don’t have to worry about lost luggage, you can bypass the luggage carousel in your destination and get to having fun faster, and it’s easier to navigate shuttles and taxis with a smaller bag.

It can be easy to get carried away with travel anxiety when making a packing list. We can often overthink what we will actually need and use on a trip when trying to plan for any eventuality. In everyday life we might wear the same pair of jeans three times a week with three different tops but suddenly when packing for a week’s vacation we think we need a different bottom for every day of the week.

Step 1: Think Of Everything

The first step is to write an all-encompassing Everything-I-Might-Need List.

This is not the time to make cuts, everything I think of makes the list. Jackets, shoes, bags, books, bathing suits, jeans, jumpsuits, that top I’ve been meaning to wear, everything makes the list.

It’s a good idea to divide the list into two categories, clothes and shoes, and everything else.

Step 2: The First Cut

The Everything-I-Might-Need List is going to be full of things I don’t actually need so it’s time to make the first cuts.

I will run through my list and look for duplicates, this is the easiest place to make cuts. Am I really going to wear three sundresses, three skirts, three pairs of jeans, two pairs of shorts and two jumpsuits in a week? Probably not. I’ll cut one or two duplicates from each category.

Step 3: Think Smart

Using the “capsule wardrobe” approach I want to prioritize items that can serve me more than once. As a general rule, I look for tops and bottoms that I can mix and match to create multiple outfits and cut the one-off items. Exceptions can be made for items selected for a particular reason, like for a romantic dinner or special experience.

Step 4: Walk Away

I’m doing great! I made a list, I made some cuts, I deserve a break. I usually leave my list for a few days and come back later with fresh eyes.

While giving myself some time to breathe, I might have thought of something important I had forgotten and I feel rested and ready to make the tough decisions when I come back.

Step 5: The Plans

I’ve got my list of items but I haven’t considered how everything will play into my plans. When I travel, everything has to serve a purpose so it’s time to put my list to the test.

I’ll think about what plans I have for the trip: Where will I be spending my time? Will I be walking a lot? What is the weather forecast? Are there excursions or day trips planned? Will I be going anywhere fancy or keeping it casual?

I will match up outfits to particular activities. If I have a special dinner planned, I’ll match a dress to that. If I have a day of exploring ruins, I’ll have exercise clothes and comfortable shoes matched to that. This way I know I’m prepared for any specific plans that I have made.

Step 6: The Tough Talk

This is where things get serious. I’ve done all my rationalizing and reasoning but it’s time to be realistic. I go through my list one by one and ask myself the ultimate question: Am I Really Going To Use This? If I’m not 99% sure I’ll use it, I cut it.

Although I like to be as well-prepared as possible for my trip, I also don’t want to fill all my space. Mexico is known for having some amazing shopping and handmade goods so I want to make sure I leave some room to pick up one or two items to bring home.

Traveling With Checked Luggage

When traveling with checked luggage I follow the same process as when I’m traveling with carry-on only. The only difference is deciding what goes in my carry-on and what doesn’t.

As much as we hate to admit it, airlines and airports lose luggage all the time. When packing it’s important to consider what should be in your carry-on. I will always bring a few pairs of spare underwear, a bathing suit, toiletries, a change of clothes and something to sleep in just in case it takes a few days to receive my checked bag.

Read Next: Where To Stay In Puerto Escondido

Helpful Travel Tips For Cancún

• Don’t drink the water.
• Keep small cash and coins in a handy separate pocket to make small purchases without taking your whole wallet out.
• Stay hydrated!
• Apply and reapply sunblock throughout the day.
• Always pay by credit card in the local currency for the best rates. Do not pay for transactions in US Dollars.
• Bring Mexican Pesos with you.
• Pack light and smart. Selecting tops and bottoms to mix and match will leave more for shopping!
• Book your airport transfer in advance through the Cancún airport website.
• Ease yourself into street food! Try one taco and if you’re okay the next day, try two!
• When Mexicans say food is “not spicy” it may still be spicy to you.
• Try not to overindulge. It can be easy to overdrink in Cancún, so make sure you drink plenty of water and try not to skip meals.
• The salsas that come to the table with every meal are shared. Use the spoons provided and do not dip directly into the salsas.
• Be friendly! You’re a visitor. Remember to say hola, por favor and gracias.
• Do not purchase or seek to purchase drugs anywhere in Mexico.

Cancún FAQs

How Can I Get From Cancún Airport To My Accommodation?

If you intend to take a taxi from the airport it is always recommended to pre-book through the Cancún airport website. Regular taxis and Ubers are not allowed to operate from the airport. Book in advance directly through the airport for a reliable service with reasonable prices.

If you would like to take the bus, shuttle or rent a car you can find all transportation information and rates directly on the Cancún airport website.

Should I Buy Travel Insurance For Cancún?

Yes, everyone traveling internationally should purchase travel insurance. Travel can be unpredictable so it is a good idea to purchase a comprehensive plan which covers (at a minimum) emergency medical, emergency transportation and trip cancellation and interruption.

How Much Cash Should I Bring To Cancún?

This is a challenging question because everyone has different spending habits. Credit cards are widely accepted in Cancún especially for larger purchases like hotel nights, tours and restaurants. Cash will be needed for markets and street vendors, small purchases like water and coffee, tipping, and taxis.

ATMs are widely available and offer better exchange rates than exchange bureaus. It is best to withdraw cash from ATMs inside banks. Avoid cash withdrawals at the airport if possible.

Can I Use US Dollars In Cancún?

It is a common misconception that you should bring US Dollars to Cancún. You can use US Dollars in some areas of Cancún, particularly the hotel zone, however this is not advisable. US Dollars are subject to harsh exchange rates and price gouging. It is always best to use the local currency.

Do I Need To Tip In Cancún?

Tips are expected in Cancún, particularly in tourist hotspots. A standard tip of 10-15% is adequate although locals will often just round up to the nearest ten.

Some places in Cancún will automatically add tips to your bill, especially if you are in a large group. Check your bill for anything that indicates propina, the Spanish word for “tip”. If you see IVA on a bill, this is a standard government tax and is not a tip.

It is good practice to tip anyone who carries your bags for you and also housekeepers. 20-50 pesos per day is adequate. You do not need to tip taxi drivers but if they help with your bags you may want to.

Do They Speak English In Cancún?

As a rule, no. In popular tourist destinations you will encounter more people who speak English, especially in customer service positions at hotel and popular restaurants. If you find yourself in more local establishments and traveling away from the hotel strips you are sure to encounter a language barrier.

It is helpful to download Spanish Offline using the Google Translate app to have access to translations without internet. You can also download my Useful Mexican Words and Phrases Cheatsheet at the bottom of this page.

Is Cancún Safe To Travel?

Cancún is safe to visit as a tourist. It is highly unusual for tourists to be the target of violent crime. As with anywhere, it is always best to exercise caution and operate with common sense to avoid drawing unwanted attention. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry and watches, walking around neighbourhoods outside of the buzzing tourist areas at night, over intoxication and flaunting expensive items.

Do not purchase or seek to purchase drugs anywhere in Mexico.

Can I Drink The Tap Water In Cancún?

No, Mexico does not have a universal clean water program across the country. Drinking from the water supply can cause what Mexicans call “Montezuma’s Revenge” which consists of severe diarrhoea, vomiting and flu-like symptoms.

Because the weather is hot, staying hydrated in Cancún is extremely important. Bottled water is available in the vast majority of restaurants, hotels, bars, shops, supermarkets and is also often available for purchase from street vendors.

There are products like water purification powders and straws that can purify tap water in Cancún but finding bottled water is easy to do.

Can I Brush My Teeth With The Tap Water In Cancún?

The rule for testing brushing your teeth in Cancún is the same rule you should use for testing street food: Try once and see how it goes.

How your body reacts to the bacteria in Mexico is unpredictable. It is best practice to brush with bottled water however I have spent months in Mexico using tap water to brush my teeth and didn’t experience any adverse affects.

Can I Bring Prescription Drugs To Cancún?

Many medications are permitted entry into Mexico when accompanied by a prescription and all medications should be in their original bottles. Only pack a “personal use amount”, enough for your trip to Cancún and some extra.

Some medications such as Class 1 narcotics are considered to be controlled substances and the importation of these may result in arrest or monetary penalty.

Do I Clear Customs In Cancún?

Yes, when you land in Cancún you will be required to clear customs and passport control, and you will be required to complete a landing card.

Upon arrival in Cancún you will be issued with a Tourist Card, the cost is included in the price of your airline ticket. You MUST keep this card and give it to passport control when you leave the country. If you do not have this card you will have to purchase a new one and may incur additional penalties.

Summary: What To Pack For Cancún 2024

Knowing what to pack for Cancún can feel overwhelming but if you follow the guidelines provided you will be off to a good start. Remember to pack as light as possible and if you forget something, don’t worry! It’s Cancún, not the moon! Convenience stores, Walmart, supermarkets and pharmacies are easy to find and you’ll probably recognize a lot of the brands from home.

The most important thing to remember is to have fun! You’re in paradise after all!