Sam's Club?

[beachreader]

This is probably more a question for the Playa folks, but do you need a Sam's membership to shop at the Sam's in PDC? We only have Costco around here, so I don't have a Sam's card.

I'm thinking I might swing by and see if they have any decent beach chairs for cheap that I can bring to CT and maybe just leave there. I guess I can check out Wal-Mart too, but I kind of hate Wal-Mart in general and don't like shopping there unless I have to.

And yes, I know Sam's and Wal-Mart are the same company.

I guess I can check the mega store, whatever it's called, on Constituyentes, and maybe the new Soriana on 307.

Any other ideas?

[minniemex]

Don't have a clue if you need a membership down there, but my guess would be yes you do. Other than that, I think you covered all the stores. The Soriana on the 307 would be my first choice - easy in and out - all on right side of highway.

[beachreader]

The only thing about the Soriana is that it's past town, so you're sort of committed to it, and if they don't have what you want, you either have to do a retorno or forget about it. Which really wouldn't be so bad.

As I believe I might be picking someone (I hope) up at the ferry dock, I'll be heading into town anyway, so maybe the mega store on Constituyentes would be a place to start.

[minniemex]

As I believe I might be picking someone (I hope) up at the ferry dock, I'll be heading into town anyway, so maybe the mega store on Constituyentes would be a place to start.

Yep, that sounds like a plan!! Especially if you are picking up that mysterious person (who insists they ARE going to be there!) at the Ferry:boat: ;)

[mexigirl]

This is probably more a question for the Playa folks, but do you need a Sam's membership to shop at the Sam's in PDC? We only have Costco around here, so I don't have a Sam's card.

I'm thinking I might swing by and see if they have any decent beach chairs for cheap that I can bring to CT and maybe just leave there. I guess I can check out Wal-Mart too, but I kind of hate Wal-Mart in general and don't like shopping there unless I have to.

And yes, I know Sam's and Wal-Mart are the same company.

I guess I can check the mega store, whatever it's called, on Constituyentes, and maybe the new Soriana on 307.

Any other ideas?

Yes, you do need a membership. I got there last month and realized I'd forgotten my card back at the condo. I decided I'd get a coke at the outside snack bar before heading back for my card. They wouldn't even sell me a coke without it.

[beachreader]

Is there a cheap and easy way to get a card up here before I go? Do they care if the card is in my own name? I mean, maybe I can borrow one from a friend or something.

Do you just pay in cash, or do they do the Amex-only thing like Costco?

[AdGuy]

Is there a cheap and easy way to get a card up here before I go?


Use this link for a Free Day Pass: http://www.samsclubmemberservices.com/InviteToJoin-Jan.aspx

[mexigirl]

Is there a cheap and easy way to get a card up here before I go? Do they care if the card is in my own name? I mean, maybe I can borrow one from a friend or something.

Do you just pay in cash, or do they do the Amex-only thing like Costco?

Beachreader,

You should also know that in the US, Sams takes only Discover and I think they added Master card a year ago. However, in Mexico (I've been to Cancun and Playa Sams) they will NOT take Discover, but they do take Visa. Go figure.

[beachreader]

Thanks, Lee, I'm printing out my invitation now. I hope they honor it in Playa! And thanks Mexi for the info on cards. I'll probably use my debit card or cash anyway, but it's good to know.

[lazydog]

When you are at Wal-Mart or Sam's Club, just remember to tip the baggers, those kids don't get paid even though they are wearing Wal-Mart uniforms. They are considered volunteers.
http://action.walmartwatch.com/page/content/paythekids2/

(on a side note, I really hope that this is still not the case and I just have found some outdated information)

[james]

I have a friend that used to always go to the counter at Sams and finesse his way in with a day pass. He forgot his pass in the states... he left it in Cozumel... always some excuse. However, I'd just do Mega, Walmart or Soriana. Sams takes cash.

good tip on the tipping of the baggers at the grocery stores. In most cases these are unpaid jobs.

[beachreader]

Mega, that's the one I was thinking of, I think. Down on Constituyentes, right? I've always wanted to go in there, this may be my excuse.

I never knew that about the baggers! Who would think that's a "volunteer" job? Shoot, I didn't tip the kids at San Francisco the last few times I was there. How much do you give them?

[minniemex]

Depending on the size of your order, I would say 10 to 20 pesos. I always give them a 10, and if I had alot of groceries and I liked the job they did, I give them more.

The only reason I knew to tip them was when I was watching them bag and the "local" in front of us gave a tip to the bagger.

[PhyllisB]

WOW I had no idea. Damn. We never buy many things, but I never would have thought. Argh! Next time!

[AdGuy]

Depending on the size of your order, I would say 10 to 20 pesos. I always give them a 10, and if I had alot of groceries and I liked the job they did, I give them more.


Wow...I think I finally figured out how to extend my Tulum stays! If you figure one customer every three minutes and 2/3 of them tipped an average of 15 pesos, I'd be looking at yanking down roughly 200 pesos each hour.

Of course, I'd probably need to be nice...so the whole plan would quickly collapse! :)

[james]

Wow...I think I finally figured out how to extend my Tulum stays! If you figure one customer every three minutes and 2/3 of them tipped an average of 15 pesos, I'd be looking at yanking down roughly 200 pesos each hour.
a couple pesos is the average tip

Here in Sweden you have to pay for your bags. You estimate how many you'll need and grab them while putting your food on the belt. Like most of Europe (at least where I've been) you have to insert a coin into the cart to unlock it and use it. The coin is returned when you return and relock the cart. However, probably my biggest pet peeve in the grocery store here: the rear wheels are also steerable, so the cart, especially when full, is difficult to get around corners since you have no lateral traction. OK, now I'm done.

[AdGuy]

a couple pesos is the average tip

Strike One: Personality
Strike Two: Economics
Strike Three: No way I can rock that hat. :(

[mariposa]

Adguy,

What I wouldn't give to walk into the San francisco and have you be my bag boy!!

So, I printed out my day pass but I have the same problem with the whole shopping at Walmart thing that Beachreader does.. and the same rationalization about Sam's club. Funny.

Anyway we leave FRIDAY morning and will definitely be stopping somewhere on the way down for stuff

Here's what we'll be looking for:

Umm...beer
umm..tequila
groceries (just a few staples..)
skeeter coils

and for the life of me I can't think of what else right now..Should we just go to "Mega?" or what do you guys think? I have to say that this long term obsessive trip planning has left me a little freaked out with only 2 days to go..What if I forget something? What if I need to ask you guys something?
I'm kidding (mostly..) but there's something to be said for being, for example, my husband, who's just gonna get on the plane trusting that I've made all the right choices and brought all the right stuff and that we will never eat a single meal that hasn't been highly recommended...:eat-drink:

[AdGuy]

What if I forget something? What if I need to ask you guys something?


You've moved from a pupa to a full-blown butterfly, mariposa. Time to leave the cocoon and fly to paradise...you'll be fine. Besides, there's always Internet cafes if you need some last-minute help.

Enjoy!!! http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/16/16_7_209.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZNxmk762YYUS)





http://www.smileycentral.com/sig.jsp?pc=ZSzeb097&pp=ZNxmk762YYUS (http://smiley.smileycentral.com/download/index.jhtml?partner=ZSzeb097_ZNxmk762YYUS&utm_id=7925)

[beachreader]

Mariposa, if you fly into the new Terminal 3, there's a Duty Free right there in the baggage claim. You can buy some very good tequila there for very good prices.

As for the rest, I'd just wait until you get to the San Francisco and buy what you need there. I don't know how Lamar feels about coolers in the rooms, never asked them because Kin-Ha is right next door so I went there for my bevvies. They'll fill an insulated mug with cocktail for you if you wish (at least, they did before, and I'm sure it's the same folks now).

I know you'll be buying for the rental house as well, but you'll have figured everything out by then I'm sure. :)

Can't wait to meet you!

[minniemex]

I'm kidding (mostly..) but there's something to be said for being, for example, my husband, who's just gonna get on the plane trusting that I've made all the right choices and brought all the right stuff and that we will never eat a single meal that hasn't been highly recommended...:eat-drink:

I am so with you mariposa on the "husband getting on the plane & trusting" thing!! LOL He absolutely loves Tulum but I do all the planning, research, and booking and DH, like you say, just gets on the plane!! No worries!!

You are going to have a wonderful trip and even if you do forget something, remember where you are and that you really don't need it!!

[james]

Here's what we'll be looking for:

Umm...beer
umm..tequila
groceries (just a few staples..)
skeeter coils

and for the life of me I can't think of what else right now..Should we just go to "Mega?" or what do you guys think?

no point going to Sam's for that stuff. you can pick it all up at the San Francisco (Super San Pancho) in Tulum.

[firecop680]

Are the prices for beer and water cheaper at the San Francisco than they are at the little store across from the bus station?