Originally posted by: Moralpanic
When are you going? If you're going in December, expect it to be full of college students on break. Also, don't show overt signs that you're American to the locals, they hate Americans. Americans are ignorant, litter, loud (with their parties that is), treat the locals like crap, etc, so they don't like them. Canadians that go down are actually told by the hotels and advisors to put a flag on their backpacks etc.
Don't expect stuff to be cheap either if you're going to stick by the hotel. You need to go into the local towns to score the goodstuff, and like i said, the locals don't like Americans... this includes the local law. But police can be paid off (they actually expect to be). Don't be proud and argue with them even if you're in the right.
I've been there twice and am going again this December. I do not agree with a single thing in your post.
The locals and police were extremely friendly and very helpful, even downtown. You will be treated as you treat them
Prices for goods are very compareable to the US and even less expensive for some things such as beer and tequlia.
As for what to do while there:
Enjoy the beautiful beaches (you cant swim though due to a bad undertow)
Parasail or rent jet skis
Take a day trip to Cozumel
Take a day trip to Chichen Itza ruins (very interesting)
Snorkel or SCUBA dive the coral reef
Go downtown to the markets. It's a blast "negotiating" with the locals
Go to Senor Frog's for a crazy night of dancing and drinking
A few tips:
Take the bus anywhere for 5 pesos
Do not wander off the strip after dark. Travel off the strip after dark can be dangerous
Drink only bottled water and remember that mixed drinks contain ice that may not be purified
If you stay at an all-inclusive give the bartender at the pool $10.00 every morning and you will be treated like a king
Have a great time
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