Shopping in Cancun

The centros comerciales (malls) in Cancún are fully air-conditioned and as well kept as similar establishments in the United States or Canada. Like their northerly counterparts, they also sell just about everything: designer clothing, beachwear (including tons of raunchy T-shirts aimed at the Spring Break crowd), sportswear, jewelry, music, video games, household items, shoes, and books. Some even have the same terrible mall food that is standard north of the border. Prices are fixed in shops. They're also generally—but not always—higher than in the markets, where bargaining for better prices is a possibility. Perfumes in Cancún are considerably less expensive than you might find at home, and you'll even beat the duty-free price you would pay at the airport. Of course tequila is a bargain here as well, but make sure you buy at the supermarket rather than at a souvenir shop.