Visiting Chetumal

Visiting Chetumal was productive in terms of learning the process of traveling to Mexico, however it is not a trip that representatives want to make on a regular basis.  First the sea was choppy therefore the hour and a half boat ride ended up taking two hours.  Then upon arrival to Mexico all passengers were greeted by the army with not a word spoken as they searched the luggage.  All the luggage was lined up (including personal items) as the dog sniffed his way down the line.  We then proceeded to the immigration office where we were informed we had to find a local bank and pay an immigration fee even only being there for one day (5 hours).  After that we were assigned a taxi driver who spoke only Spanish.

On a search for supplies we visited a local Sam's Club which was only a five minute walk from the terminal.  Everything was in Spanish but the environment was the exact same as you would find in the US.  We then stopped by a local hardware store to see what tools and supplies were available as well.  Our last stop was the bank where we spent almost an hour in line to pay the immigration fee.  Afterwords we traveled back to the terminal to wait for the boat to San Pedro - how refreshing it was to arrive in San Pedro! 

Boat to Chetumal

Chetumal, Mexico border

Dog searches luggage/bags

Taxi drivers await tourists

Checkout at Sam's Club

Inside Sam's Club

Mexican flag in the background

Waiting in line at the bank at Chetumal

Man sweeping the concrete with natural broom

Local Chetumal hardware store

Inside hardware store