Back to the original op question. Another thing is to book through someone like Apple Vacations that includes the transfers with your trip. Can go straight from Customs to the van, no need to stop to get tickets, etc. There is a guy out there with a hawaiin looking shirt that gives your tickets to the driver and you are off.
Getting the transfers for the way back can be a bit of pain. The guys work on island time and seem to show up at the hotel when they feel like it. But once I had them, we just left the hotel when we felt like it, grabbed a taxi and returned to the airport no problem.
Well, you're paying a helluva lot more for those transfers, and like you said - getting back on your schedule is pretty iffy.
So whats the Deal ?
It's my first time in cosumel I leave in 2 days. I thought I would take a taxi to get to the Iberostar
,but from what Im reading I can't ?
This seems a bit weird, What if I dont want to take a bus or 12 passengers VAN. There is no more "private" ride I can take ? I have to walk or rent a car , they must be something else
> First you stand in a long line at Immigration. Be sure to take a ball point on the plane and fill out the paperwork when the Flight Attendant give it to you. Present it with your passport.
> Next gather your luggage. Porters are available for help if desired.
> Next you go thru Customs gate. If you get a
Green light, go on. If you get a
Red light, he pretends to check your bags. I think it's about 10%
Red hits.
> Next you encounter a flock of lying time share hawks who try to set you up for a sales tour. You really want to avoid those people IMO. If you do ask one for directions, they often lie enough to get you into their offices. Oh, some people like times shares, I met one once, but I don't think you want to mess with them. You can get a better buy on one on the internet from someone wanting to get out of one.
> As soon as you clear customs, if you don't have prepaid van vouchers - turn right, the hawks get in your way but will move if you keep moving. The van ticket sales will be on your left.
> Go back the way you came from but turn right out the door and start asking for the van to your hotel. You will be directed to it, but watch your bags closely to ensure they get loaded into the correct van and stay loaded until the doors close as they are rearranged as they pack the vans completely full.
> You may make stops at other hotels on the way to yours and your bags are in danger of being left at the wrong one. I always get out and watch and have had to reload mine at times.
> There is no need to tip a van or taxi driver as I understand that their union has them very well compensated for their work. I never have.
> Do keep lots of $1, $2, and $5 bills handy and do tip the hotel porters, maids, Dive boat crews, and waiters during your stay. We don't see $2 bills in circulation in the US because of a superstition that goes back to the 1930s but I find they're quite convenient - especially when a taxi driver tells you that he doesn't have change, which is assuredly a lie. Ask your bank teller if s/he can find you some.
Getting back to the airport is a much more pleasant experience. Just ask the concierge to arrange for your cab.
Have a great trip. I presume you have DAN or similar dive insurance, Trip insurance, and a Safety Sausage or other SMB?