Myth Busters

beach therapy vacations…perceiving reality one misconception at a time.

Mexican’s prefer American money to pesos!

Wrong! Pesos are the currency for this country. Tipping in dollars only means they have to go change them into pesos. It’s like a cheque vs. cash. Cash is king and in Mexico so is the peso. $10 pesos = about $1 American. For an easy conversion technique just take off a “0”. You can do it!

The more you drink the better you look.

Absolutely! You've got 2 hands - use 'em!

Convert your Canadian $$ into American before arriving here.

Could be wrong! Depending on where the Canadian $ stands, it may be a better deal to withdraw pesos out of one of the many instabanks here in town. It is definitely more convenient and you don’t have to worry about carrying so much money on your person. For your best exchange rate, withdraw from your Visa card.

Tequila makes your clothes fall off.

This is a highly controversial topic that is affected by many factors. Some of these may include the amount & type consumed, how windy it is, and how cute the guy is sitting beside you.

Mexico is unsafe for vacationing foreigners.

Contrary to sensationalized news reports as of late, Playa del Carmen maintains a lower crime rate than all major cities in the US & Canada. When a vacationer is involved in a crime in a foreign land, it is usually sensationalized by the press worldwide. If the same crime was committed in your city, it may not even be reported.

Alcohol greatly improvesh your eshpanol schpeaking abilitiesh.

Absolutely! Don't knock it 'til you've tried it.

You should always give back your hotel key cards!

Wrong. Ever wonder what is on the back of your magnetic key card? Well we’re gonna tell you…customer’s name & partial home address, hotel room number, check-in & out dates, and the customer’s credit card # and expiration date! When you turn them in to the front desk your personal information is there for any employee to access by simply scanning the card in the hotel scanner device. The information is not erased off the card until it is re-issued to the next hotel guest. Bottom line: Keep the cards, take them home with you or destroy them. They will not charge you for the card, as it is illegal.

Chicks dig guys in leopard print thongs & banana hammocks / marble bags.

Sure we do! Obviously these guys didn’t get the memo. Next subject please.

Driving in Mexico is the same as driving at home.

In order to obtain a license in Mexico, all that is required is some pesos and a donation of blood. You do the math. We have 2 words for you: “Defensive driving” or better yet 1 word “TAXI!” Buckle up for safety – it’s the law. Remember, you’re the foreigner – you’re wrong!

Don’t drink the water in Mexico!!

We wouldn’t exactly recommend drinking out of ditches or toilets, but all purchased bottled water & ice are made from purified water and are completely safe. Also, all water in large resorts is purified nowadays too. The real issue here is not that the water is so bad but that our bodies do not have the same amoebas, since we were raised in another part of the world, and we get sick from the local amoebas that we simply have just never been exposed to yet. Bottom line: Save water drink beer!

Hey lady want to see my leezard?”

If you should find yourself posed with this question, do not have a panic attack. A local vendor is probably just inquiring if you would like your picture taken with his pet iguana. If you’re a man, you’re probably just a pretty boy.

Hospitals in Mexico are unsafe.

Here in Playa we have the Riviera Maya Hospiten located by Playacar that is top shelf with an excellent staff providing excellent patient care. In fact, some people (my Dad) have commented that it feels more like a resort than a hospital.

The donkey is still the preferred mode of transportation for Mexicans.

Absolutely! And all Canadians live in igloos.

A realtor is a realtor is a realtor!

Wrong! They do not have a governing realtor’s board here as we do in Canada & the US and this means that anyone can sell real estate. There are different laws & regulations in effect here so before purchasing any properties make sure you are dealing with a qualified educated realtor who knows the local ins and outs. You’re not in Kansas anymore.

Mexicans prefer blondes.

Absolutely! And redheads and brunettes and…basically they LOVE women! Need an ego boost & want to feel beautiful and adored? Bottom line: For the time of your life come visit us in Playa del Carmen!

It’s all free parking if there are no meters!

Wrong! DO NOT park beside a red or yellow painted curbside. Even if it looks like the paint is fading. Do not think you have a case for argument and will talk your way out of it. The policia will not tow your car; they will take your license plate off. The longer you wait to retrieve it, the more it will cost you. If you happen to not notice the missing plate on your car, trust us the car rental place will, and you will be dinged for the extra charge at the time you go to pay. They do know the number to the local police if you decide you do not want to pay. Just pay your fine and continue on with your vacation fun. Bottom line: Park only beside a white or non-painted curb except for designated parking areas that are painted yellow downtown. Clear as mud? Exactly.

beach therapy vacations is run by really cool, very good-looking Canadians! Is this an urban legend?

Absolutely! Bottom line: The more you drink the less you’ll realize we are a legend in our own minds and the better we’ll all look.

Questions / Comments?? Contact us at info@beachtherapyvacations.com.

If we don’t know the answer… we’ll make one up.