Upon arrival at the airport, you will proceed through customs (which can appear as a long and intimidating line).  Show your passport with your 2 brief documents you will receive and fill out on the airplane.  You go through security again and have to hit a button which randomly selects people to inspect their belongings.  Subsequently you will proceed out of the terminal into the transportation area.  This area is FULL of people.  Ignore the timeshare people, and just walk straight outside where you will look for our transportation (name will be determined).  Everyone is friendly – their livelihood depends on it, just ask politely and firmly if you have questions.  Transportation to the hotel will take approximately 15 minutes, take in the scenery, no big surprises here.  At the hotel, the driver will get checked in by the gate person and you will proceed into the hotel where you can jump out, the bellboy will take your bags, you check-in with your ID and leave a credit card imprint as with any other hotel.  You will receive a wristband for all your food and beverage privileges.

Credit Cards without an International Fee: http://www.cardhub.com/credit-cards/foreign-transaction-fee/  in case you want to go mall shopping.  Most of my CC have no fees, so you probably have a few that don’t either such as Chase Visa premier or travel cards.   In terms of local currency, you can use the hotel ATM which gives the best exchange.  ATM fees depending on your bank.  The exchange rate hovers around 12-13 to 1.  However, when you see something in pesos, independent merchants might exchange to a lower rate… as low as 10:1 (especially street or beach vendors) because it’s easier mental math.  Dollars are accepted everywhere except the Bus – which we have taken many times to the mall or the farmacia (someone needs their fluoride mouthwash AHEM!) - its 10 pesos a person.

Hotel shuttle to and from airport – included

Food and Beverage- included

Gratuity – included (though bringing dollar bills – approximately $5/day – for tips really helps the hard working servers… you can’t get this kind of effort in a US 5 star hotel)

24/7 Room service – included.