Banks Most banks (roughly Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-1pm) are along Tulum between Uxmal and Coba and in the biggest shopping malls - Kukulcan, Plaza Caracol - in the zona hotelera (9am-4pm). Most now have ATMs with US dollars as well as pesos. The Bital bank, Av Tulum 192, stays open until 7pm on weekdays.

Car rental Available at most hotels and at the airport, or try Budget, Av Tulum 231 (tel 9/884-0204) or Europcar, Av Nader 27 (tel 9/887-3272).

Consulates Canada, Plaza Caracol, Blvd Kukulcan 8.5 (tel 9/883-3060); UK, Hotel Royal Caribbean , Blvd Kukulcan Km 16.5 (tel 9/881-0100); US, Plaza Caracol, Blvd Kukulcan Km 8.5 (tel 9/883-0272).

Laundry Lavenderia Las Palapas, on Gladiolas, at the far side of the park (Mon-Sat 7am-8pm, Sun 8am-2pm); Lavenderia Tulum, Av Tulum 213 (Mon-Sat 7am-8pm, Sun 9am-6pm).

Post office Av Sunyaxchen, at the junction with Xel-Ha (Mon-Fri 8am-7pm, Sat 9am-1pm); has a reliable Lista de Correos (postcode 77501).

Shopping The fleamarket on the central Av Tulum has an abundance of different goods - the usual blankets, ceramics and silver - but the sales pitch is rather heavy. Mercado 23 (turn left off Av Tulum, three blocks north of the bus station), has a small range of arts and crafts from all over the country and is a more relaxed place to pick up reasonably priced souvenirs.

Travel agents There's an abundance of tour operators and travel agency desks at most hotels, which can easily fix you up with the standard trips to Xel-Ha, the main ruins or sell tickets for a cruise. EcoloMex Tours, Plaza Mexico, Av Tulum 200 (tel 9/887-1776, marand@Cancun.rece.com.mx ) is the best travel agency if you want to see the wildlife of the Yucatan.