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Despite topping the charts as the most popular international destination for American travelers this year, a surprising number of Cancun visitors continue to run into problems during their sun-soaked holidays.
That’s according to a new report that shows that slow Wi-Fi speeds and lackluster public transport options are putting a dent in the city’s otherwise excellent reputation.
From unreliable – and even unsafe – hotel internet networks to overcharging taxi drivers, these issues continue to plague travelers visiting Cancun.
And with the city expected to smash its all-time travel record this year, officials are working to improve the city’s infrastructure to welcome even more visitors.
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With that in mind, here’s the latest on the main complaints Cancun tourists have this year and what’s being done to address them.
Cancun Travelers Generally Feel Safe During Their Caribbean Getaway
It’s no secret that Cancun is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading destinations for travelers; last year, the coastal hotpots welcomed over 20 million visitors, a number which is expected to grow even further this year.
In spite of Cancun’s everlasting travel appeal, a new report by Marketing Consultants, a local polling agency, shows that more and more travelers are complaining about the city’s slow Wi-Fi speeds. According to the report, over 25% of Cancun visitors find the destination’s internet unreliable.
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And for a city that prides itself on for being a forward-looking, digital-nomad-friendly destination, that number is a cause for concern.
Fortunately, authorities have responded to the complaints by opening more public Wi-Fi networks in Cancun beaches and other public areas, as well as investing in faster networks.
Last summer, officials installed new high-speed WiFi antennas in Playa Deflines, a move which has helped attract more travelers to the popular beach in hopes of uploading amazing selfies and social media content.
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Nowadays, a growing number of all-inclusives are investing in high-speed networks as more travelers opt for workcations and other forms of remote working.
Another increasingly common complaint by Cancun travelers is the city’s poor availability of affordable and reliable public transit options.
Although Cancun has thousands of taxi drivers, travelers regularly face overcharging and other scams, which have damaged the city’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination.
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That’s set to change massively later this year once the Maya Train begins operating fully; for now, only a small section of the massive railway project is up and running, with many travelers still relying on taxis, private transfers, and buses.
The high volume of complaints by both travelers and residents has promoted officials to take more aggressive measures to tackle taxi crimes.
From the introduction of legislation to legalize Uber and penalize law-breaking taxi drivers, taking a taxi is generally safe in Cancun in 2024.
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That said, travelers are still urged to pre-book their airport transfers in order to avoid becoming a victim of taxi-related scams.
Lastly, while many travelers have expressed frustration over Cancun’s limited internet coverage and poor public transit options, a growing number of visitors feel safe when visiting Cancun.
The city’s improved security situation is largely thanks to new efforts to crack down on organized crime and scams.
Last year, Cancun officials reported a record investment in law enforcement equipment, paving the way for safer city streets.
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This year, authorities will continue to implement a number of new measures to improve safety, such as launching five new police stations across Cancun’s busy downtown areas.
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