Golfing in Mexico: Bring your balls and exchange your money at the airport

A recent golfing trip through Mexico once again illustrated the folly of leaving home without enough golf balls. I ran into several golfers who told me stories of shelling out $100 for 24 balls (and these were the kind of cheapies you can usually get 24 for $24 in the states).

If your bag’s not stocked when you leave home, expect to get socked.

It’s also a good idea to exchange some money in the airport. While everyone will eagerly take U.S. dollars in Mexico, you’ll lose a sufficient amount in this unofficial exchange rate game. The airport’s the best place to get something official because there are not as many ATMs as you’re used to in Mexico. I stayed at the Iberostar, the poshest resort in Riveria Maya (Cancun area), and they didn’t have a single money machine in the entire complex.

Four connected hotels that effectively made up their own tourist town. Endless beaches. Almost 20 restaurants. An ice cream shop over the pool. Salsa classes. No ATMs.

It’s a fun world, it just doesn’t have all the conveniences you may have grown dependent on.