Cancun, Mexico (Wal*Mart)

[incognitotoday]

We are headed to Cancun, MX, for vacation.  We have a villa that sleeps 6 and has a full kitchen.  With my allergies to many foods, I had read on Trip Advisory there was a shuttle that takes you to and from a local Wal*Mart, and a ton of people buy their groceries there, to make their own meals in their villas.  Has anyone (shot in the dark here) been to a Wal*Mart in Cancun, MX.?  What can I expect?  I was thinking of taking some snacks with me in my suitcase, b/c we will be there for 8 days, and I do have many allergies; however, since I am coming from the states, I was thinking, they would search my bags and not allow me to bring the snacks.  I want to avoid that.

[librarygirl]

I haven't been to the one in Cancun but when I lived in Cuernavaca (a city in central Mexico) I went to the Walmart that was near me every week for my groceries. They're just like the ones in the states I'd say. I'm not sure if it's the same in Cancun, but for the one in Cuernavaca, going to Walmart is a big deal...people get dressed up, the whole family goes, they even have valet (no the valet parkers are not dressed in fancy attire though). But everything your local Walmart has at home, they'll probably have the same stuff there (i.e. there was a meat section, produce section, pantry items, tons of American food imports, etc) along with clothing, electronics etc and of course wares that are unique to Mexico (they had a ton of Day of the Dead food things). It's a resort area so prices may be more than the Walmart in a non-touristy area but at least for me nothing was astronomical. 

As for bringing snacks with you, as long as they are sealed you shouldn't have a problem. I always bring sealed foods from home and never had issues at customs. 

[incognitotoday]

Jan 23, 2014 14:22:26 GMT -5 librarygirl said:

I haven't been to the one in Cancun but when I lived in Cuernavaca (a city in central Mexico) I went to the Walmart that was near me every week for my groceries. They're just like the ones in the states I'd say. I'm not sure if it's the same in Cancun, but for the one in Cuernavaca, going to Walmart is a big deal...people get dressed up, the whole family goes, they even have valet (no the valet parkers are not dressed in fancy attire though). But everything your local Walmart has at home, they'll probably have the same stuff there (i.e. there was a meat section, produce section, pantry items, tons of American food imports, etc) along with clothing, electronics etc and of course wares that are unique to Mexico (they had a ton of Day of the Dead food things). It's a resort area so prices may be more than the Walmart in a non-touristy area but at least for me nothing was astronomical. 

As for bringing snacks with you, as long as they are sealed you shouldn't have a problem. I always bring sealed foods from home and never had issues at customs. 

This is all good to know.  Yeah, I wanted to bring Almond Butter, b/c I cannot have Peanut Butter and I know that 'snack' on apples or celery would 'hold' me over in between meals.  Wasn't sure if I could bring it though.

[hazel]

Wow, I totally forgot that I did go to a Walmart in Cancun. I went there in 2007 with my ex-husband, so it's been a while and I'm sure things have changed. We went there to buy some snacks and water. I do remember it didn't seem like it was a big trip for the locals and that the makeup section was gated with it's own cashier. Sorry, not too helpful! But it didn't seem that much different than what you would expect in the U.S.

I don't think we brought any of the food home, so I can't comment on that.

[incognitotoday]

Jan 23, 2014 22:35:50 GMT -5 hazel said:

Wow, I totally forgot that I did go to a Walmart in Cancun. I went there in 2007 with my ex-husband, so it's been a while and I'm sure things have changed. We went there to buy some snacks and water. I do remember it didn't seem like it was a big trip for the locals and that the makeup section was gated with it's own cashier. Sorry, not too helpful! But it didn't seem that much different than what you would expect in the U.S.

I don't think we brought any of the food home, so I can't comment on that.

I am assuming they'll have many groceries. I'm just concerned they won't have certain "organic" ones that I can eat. I have a ton of allergies.

[hazel]

Jan 23, 2014 22:43:47 GMT -5 incognitotoday said:

Jan 23, 2014 22:35:50 GMT -5 hazel said:

Wow, I totally forgot that I did go to a Walmart in Cancun. I went there in 2007 with my ex-husband, so it's been a while and I'm sure things have changed. We went there to buy some snacks and water. I do remember it didn't seem like it was a big trip for the locals and that the makeup section was gated with it's own cashier. Sorry, not too helpful! But it didn't seem that much different than what you would expect in the U.S.

I don't think we brought any of the food home, so I can't comment on that.

I am assuming they'll have many groceries. I'm just concerned they won't have certain "organic" ones that I can eat. I have a ton of allergies.

Oh, I see. Sorry, I have no idea about that and I'm sure the selection has likely changed since I went there.

Is the villa your staying at part of a resort or have some sort of management that you can email and ask what the best local store is to buy food for yourself? Or at least if a shuttle will take you some place else? I just found this store:www.happycow.net/reviews/las-3-puertos-cancun-27023 by searching organic groceries in Cancun. Maybe you can have a few backup places in case Walmart doesn't have what you need? 

[incognitotoday]

Jan 23, 2014 23:04:50 GMT -5 hazel said:

Jan 23, 2014 22:43:47 GMT -5 incognitotoday said:

I am assuming they'll have many groceries. I'm just concerned they won't have certain "organic" ones that I can eat. I have a ton of allergies.

Oh, I see. Sorry, I have no idea about that and I'm sure the selection has likely changed since I went there.

Is the villa your staying at part of a resort or have some sort of management that you can email and ask what the best local store is to buy food for yourself? Or at least if a shuttle will take you some place else? I just found this store:www.happycow.net/reviews/las-3-puertos-cancun-27023 by searching organic groceries in Cancun. Maybe you can have a few backup places in case Walmart doesn't have what you need? 

You're so kind! What a brilliant idea. I will research this more tomorrow. Thank You.

[hazel]

Jan 23, 2014 23:06:24 GMT -5 incognitotoday said:

Jan 23, 2014 23:04:50 GMT -5 hazel said:

Oh, I see. Sorry, I have no idea about that and I'm sure the selection has likely changed since I went there.

Is the villa your staying at part of a resort or have some sort of management that you can email and ask what the best local store is to buy food for yourself? Or at least if a shuttle will take you some place else? I just found this store:www.happycow.net/reviews/las-3-puertos-cancun-27023 by searching organic groceries in Cancun. Maybe you can have a few backup places in case Walmart doesn't have what you need? 

You're so kind! What a brilliant idea. I will research this more tomorrow. Thank You.

No problem! I'm vegan so I understand your dilemma (to a certain extent, thankfully no allergies!). I have to do a lot of research before traveling so I know where I can find food!

[incognitotoday]

Jan 23, 2014 23:09:56 GMT -5 hazel said:

Jan 23, 2014 23:06:24 GMT -5 incognitotoday said:

You're so kind! What a brilliant idea. I will research this more tomorrow. Thank You.

No problem! I'm vegan so I understand your dilemma (to a certain extent, thankfully no allergies!). I have to do a lot of research before traveling so I know where I can find food!

I am allergic to yeast, soy, dairy, wheat, and sugar, so many of my groceries are bought at Whole Foods, Trader Joes, and Fresh Market.  One of my 'go-to' snacks is No Salt Almond Butter and Granny Smith Apples.  That alone, can hold me over between meals during the day, so I was thinking about bringing a sealed container.  I just am trying to avoid them searching my bag, b/c I hate when they go through your things.  I can eat fish, and I know there are a ton of restaurants that I can get a grilled piece of fish there, so I am not too concerned, but we will be there for 8 days, so I am worried a bit.  

I will definitely look into your suggestions.  Thank you again!

[mrsd2006]

I've been to Walmart and the Mega (the people at our hotel called it the Mexican Walmart). The only thing that freaked me out was the chicken- it wasn't packaged, just all sitting out on a table, it didn't even look refrigerated. Same with some of the breads. I'd also suggest posting on the TripAdvisor Cancun forum for more suggestions.

[incognitotoday]

Jan 26, 2014 22:42:31 GMT -5 mrsd2006 said:

I've been to Walmart and the Mega (the people at our hotel called it the Mexican Walmart). The only thing that freaked me out was the chicken- it wasn't packaged, just all sitting out on a table, it didn't even look refrigerated. Same with some of the breads. I'd also suggest posting on the TripAdvisor Cancun forum for more suggestions.

Didn't know that was an option (re: posting on TA forum). Good idea, Thank You!