Travel & Safety
In preparation for your journey to Hope4Cancer’s treatment centers in Cancun and Playas de Tijuana, it is important to keep in mind some key considerations.
Whichever destination you choose, rest assured that we are here to facilitate a seamless experience for you. From arranging your arrival logistics to providing essential safety tips, we’ve curated the following resources to streamline your travel arrangements and ensure a smooth transition into your treatment journey.
Safety is often a concern when traveling internationally. Rated a top destination for medical tourism by industry research publication Patients Beyond Borders, Mexico is visited by more than one-million travelers per year specifically for medical care. In most areas, it is just as safe as the U.S. Nonetheless, we prioritize the safety and well-being of our community every step of the way.
Even before you reach our doors, we take extra care to ensure you are safe and comfortable. Our private transportation team will greet you upon arrival in Mexico and escort you from the airport to our treatment centers. For Cancun patients and companions staying off the Hope4Cancer premises, we also work closely with our partner four- and five-star hotels to ensure you receive our standard of top-quality service, even outside our facilities.
Travel Tips
Preparing for your journey can be made simpler with a few proactive steps. We recommend the following tips to ensure a smooth and efficient travel experience:
- All travelers arriving in Mexico by air must possess a valid passport. While U.S. citizens may use enhanced IDs when crossing the Tijuana border via land, passports are still preferred.
- Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay and stored in an accessible location. While the Mexican government only requires passports to be valid for the duration of the trip, having some extra time before it expires can be beneficial.
- Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages.
- Keep copies of important documents, such as passports, personal identification, and flight itineraries, with a trusted contact in case of loss or theft. Though such instances are rare for our patients, preventative measures are essential for international travelers.
- If you are traveling from a country outside of the U.S., please check with the Embassy or Consulate of Mexico in your country to ensure that you have all the necessary travel documents.
Coordinating Travel Logistics
Connect with your Admissions Specialist to finalize transportation and accommodations.
The specifics of your transportation logistics will vary based on your chosen destination and whether you opt to travel by air or land. Patients heading to Cancun are responsible for booking air travel to Cancun International Airport (CUN), where our driver will warmly welcome them before accompanying them to their outpatient accommodations.
Patients bound for Playas de Tijuana can arrange air travel to either Tijuana Airport (TIJ) or San Diego International Airport (SAN) and then cross the border via land with the assistance of our transportation team. Please note that all air travel arrangements are the responsibility of the patient. Be sure to finalize your plans directly with your Admissions Specialist to ensure our transportation team is prepared to meet you promptly and make your journey a smooth one.
Travel Tip
Upon reaching your destination, local transportation such as buses and taxis are available, should you wish to explore. If opting for a taxi, always ask about the fare before entering the vehicle. Also, be aware that tipping taxi drivers is not customary in Mexico
Managing Your Money
In Mexico, the official currency is the Mexican Peso. While you can exchange cash at various locations such as the airport, currency exchange booths, ATMs, or banks, many find it convenient to plan their budget ahead of time and bring allocated cash.
If carrying more than $10,000 USD in cash, remember to report it to customs upon entry. Additionally, major credit cards like Visa are widely accepted, although keep in mind that a credit card fee, typically around 3 percent, may apply to your transaction.
Travel Tip:
To prevent having an inconvenient hold placed on your card, notify your banks and credit card companies in advance of your international travel plans. When using a credit card in Mexico, it’s best to pay in pesos to get the best exchange rate.
