For your trip to Mexico, we recommend purchasing a SIM card from OXXO. OXXO is a widespread convenience store chain in Mexico that can be found on practically every corner. They offer affordable prepaid SIM cards from providers such as Telcel, Movistar, and AT&T.

Proceed:

1. Purchase and registration : Buy a SIM card at OXXO (Costs about 3€)
2. Top-up : Top up your balance directly at an OXXO store. €10-20 should easily be enough for a two-week vacation.

Alternatively, you can also purchase and top up SIM cards directly at Telcel stores. This way, you can be reached quickly and easily in Mexico and always stay in touch.

Type A and Type B sockets are used in Mexico.

• Type A : These sockets have two flat parallel pins and are used for devices with a 2-pin plug without earthing.
• Type B : These sockets are similar to Type A, but have an additional grounding pin beneath the two flat, parallel prongs. They are used for appliances with a 3-pin grounding plug.
  
  

It's advisable to bring a universal adapter that's compatible with both Type A and Type B outlets when traveling to Mexico. This way, you can safely plug in your electronic devices, regardless of the outlet type.

When exchanging money in Mexico, you should keep the following in mind:

1. Exchange offices and banks : Use official exchange offices or banks like BBVA Bancomer, Santander, and Banorte. These offer better rates and are more secure.
2. Compare exchange rates : Compare exchange rates at different exchange offices and banks before exchanging money. Be aware of additional fees.
3. Airport exchange offices : Only exchange a small amount of money at the airport, as the rates there are usually worse.
4. ATMs : Use ATMs of major banks to withdraw pesos. Be aware of the fees charged by your home bank and your Mexican bank.
5. Credit and debit cards : Many places accept cards. Check out foreign transaction fees and use cards with no fees.

Tipping is customary in Mexico. In restaurants, you should plan on leaving about 10-15% of the bill. However, check to see if the tip is already included in the bill. It's often listed as "propina" or "servicio." For taxi rides, people usually round up the fare or give a small extra. Hotel staff and porters appreciate 10-20 pesos per piece of luggage or service.

Tipping is also important for tour guides and drivers. A reasonable tip is approximately 100-200 pesos per person for the guide and 50-100 pesos for the driver, depending on the length and quality of the tour. This shows your appreciation and supports them in their often difficult job.

In the sunny regions of Mexico, sunscreen is essential to prevent sunburn and skin damage. Travelers can find sunscreen at local supermarkets or pharmacies in Mexico, but prices are likely to be higher than at home. It's advisable to choose a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) and water-resistant properties, especially if planning activities such as water sports. Additionally, travelers should look for environmentally friendly products when purchasing to protect and preserve Mexico's fragile ecosystems, including coral reefs and cenotes.

It is recommended to drink bottled or purified water in Mexico, especially if you are unsure about the quality of the tap water. Avoid using ice cubes made from tap water and make sure to use bottled water when brushing your teeth and eating fruits and vegetables. This way, you can avoid stomach upsets and illness and enjoy your trip without worry.

General emergency number : 911
This number can be used for all types of emergencies, including medical emergencies, fire, or police assistance.

Police : 060
If you are a victim of crime or need police assistance, call this number to contact the local police.

Consular assistance : +52 (55) 5283 2200 (German Embassy in Mexico City)
In case of emergencies such as passport loss, arrest or other consular matters, contact the German Embassy in Mexico City or the nearest German consulate.

The Riviera Maya occasionally experiences a minor buildup of seaweed, especially during the summer months. These buildups are usually not a major problem, as many hotels and resorts take steps to remove the sargassum (seaweed) and keep their beaches clean. However, during the summer months, the amount of seaweed may increase slightly, which can lead to increased occurrences on the beaches. Nevertheless, it's important to emphasize that most hotels and municipalities conduct regular cleanups to ensure the beaches remain pleasant for guests.