Fast Facts

Area Code -- The telephone area code is 984.

Currency Exchange -- Playa has several banks and ATMs. Many currency-exchange houses are close to the pier or along Quinta Avenida at Calle 8.

Doctor -- For serious medical attention, go to Hospitén in Cancún (tel. 998/881-3700). In Playa, Dr. G. Ambriz speaks English and was trained in the U.S. and Europe. His office is at the corner of Avenida 30 and Calle 14 (tel. 984/109-1245).

Drugstore -- The Farmacía del Carmen, Avenida Juárez between avenidas 5 and 10 (tel. 984/873-2330), is open 24 hours.

Internet Access -- Internet cafes are all over town; most have fast connection speeds.

Parking -- Most parking in Playa is on the street. Spots can be hard to come by. The most accessible parking lot is the Estacionamiento México, at avenidas Juárez and 10 (where the entrance is located). It's open daily 24 hours and charges $1.25 (70p) per hour, $10 (£5.50) per day. There's also a 24-hour lot a block from the pier, where you can leave your car while you visit Cozumel.

Post Office -- The correo, on Avenida Juárez, 3 blocks from the plaza, is on the right past the Hotel Playa del Carmen and the launderette.

Seasons -- The main high season is from mid-December to Easter. There is a mini high season in August. Low season is all other months.