If you’re traveling to Mexico’s Riviera Maya, you’ll likely need a negative COVID test result in order to fly home.
One of the easiest ways to get a COVID antigen test in Playa del Carmen is through Farmacias del Ahorro.
Disclaimer: This post is only meant to give general information for those in need of a COVID test to fly out of Mexico and/or to return home. If you do choose to travel, please do so responsibly and verify which tests you’ll need for the country you’re going to. Do note that operations, provisions, and availability of tests from Farmacias del Ahorro may have changed since publishing.
Flight Approved & Cheap COVID Testing
While many resorts take care of testing for guests, if you’re traveling on a budget or on your own, finding a cheap yet valid COVID testing site can be difficult.
There are a number of credible medical clinics that offer both PCR and rapid antigen tests, but again, they could be more expensive than simply going to Farmacias del Ahorro.
Rapid Antigen Testing at Farmacias del Ahorro
Farmacias del Ahorro is a popular testing option for locals, and only costs 346 pesos (~17 USD).
The drawback is that there is not a lot of information available for tourists or non-Spanish speakers and not every location has staff or a doctor who speaks English.
But fear not, it’s a rather simple process that I’ll map out here for you!
Please note that Farmacias del Ahorro only offers rapid antigen testing. So if you’re traveling to a state or country that only accepts PCR tests, you’ll have to go to a clinic to get tested.
Steps to Getting a Rapid Antigen Test in Playa del Carmen from Farmacias del Ahorro
Step 1: Find a Farmacias del Ahorro location that offers a Prueba de Antígenos
Not all Farmacias del Ahorro branches provide rapid antigen tests.
One I visited near downtown said they did, but couldn’t give me a definitive date or time to do so as the doctor offering the tests for this location just stopped showing up one day and hadn’t returned.
You can ask around, but there are at least four Playa del Carmen branches listed on the Farmacias del Ahorro website that should offer the test:
(Note: I say “should,” because there’s always a chance they could either stop providing the test, or like my anecdote above, the doctor could just disappear. My advice is to plan ahead and verify if the branch you’re planning on using has the tests available.)
- Farmacias del Ahorro- Arco Vial: Calle Av Petempich & Av. 28 de Julio
- Farmacias del Ahorro- Gavilanes: Av. CTM & Av. Loros
- Farmacias del Ahorro- Pelicanos: 10 Av. Nte. & Calle 10 Nte.
- Farmacias del Ahorro- Petempich: Av. Petempich & Av. 58 Nte.
Step 2: Reserve your spot early
While the actual testing doesn’t begin until 3 pm, the sign ups start each day beginning at 6 am.
The spaces go fast, so if you want to guarantee that you’ll get tested that day, it’s best to go as early as you can.
The staff at the Arco Vial branch said they have 24 spots available per day and usually fill their list before afternoon, so take that into consideration.
It’s worth noting that the farther down you are on the sign up list, your actual testing time will also be later.
For reference, I went to sign up at 7 am and was 6th in line, which corresponded with a 4 pm testing appointment.
When you go to the pharmacy, ask for a prueba de antígenos.
They’ll then ask you for your name so that they can add you to the reservation list.
Step 3: Pay and get your receipt + ticket
Next, pay for the test upfront which will cost 346 pesos (~17 USD) including taxes.
You’ll get a receipt plus your reservation information. Keep both!
The small receipt paper with the reservation information will tell you your place in line as well as what time to return for your test.
Step 4: Register online
Using the code on your receipt, you now need to fill out your information on the Farmacias del Ahorro registration page.
All of this should be done prior to returning for your actual test.
After registering, you’ll receive an email with a folio code which you’ll need to bring to your test.
Step 5: Return for your test
At your designated time, return to the pharmacy for your test.
The actual testing clinic will be either next door or around the corner from the actual storefront, so don’t be surprised if the staff directs you elsewhere.
The testing site will be clearly marked so it shouldn’t be difficult to find.
Take a seat in the waiting area until the doctor comes out to call you.
They’ll have the full signup list so you don’t have to worry about losing your spot or someone cutting in front of you.
Just make sure you arrive a little early but also plan on the appointments running a little behind schedule.
The doctor I had spoke very little English, but it wasn’t any problem at all.
He asked me to confirm my name as well as to provide the folio code given to me via email after registering on the website.
I then wrote my name and signed a form that he kept for their records.
Next, I was asked to sit on the observation bed as the doctor prepared the rapid antigen test.
What kind of COVID test is the Farmacias del Ahorro rapid antigen test?
The test is a simple nasal swab that takes no longer than a few seconds.
Does it hurt?
This doctor, very thankfully, was super gentle and the test was completely pain free.
How long does the antigen test take?
I waited no longer than 5 minutes before the results came back negative, and the doctor gave me a big thumbs up.
In total, my appointment took under 15 minutes.
How are the results given to you?
I received both a printed copy and digital version of the official results.
I’d recommend taking a second to look them over before leaving the office to ensure that your name matches with the results, or else the test will be completely useless for travel.
The digital copy gets sent straight to your email as soon as the doctor gives you the paper version so you can upload it to your airline’s travel readiness center quickly.
Additional Playa del Carmen Guides
- The Best 15 Day Trips from Playa del Carmen
- The Best Restaurants in Playa del Carmen Locals Love
- 10 Tips for Visiting Isla Mujeres on a Budget [2021]
- Visiting the Coba Ruins in 2021: 6 Most FAQs
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Hi there, thank you for the thorough and incredibly helpful guide to getting tested in Playa! Did the results you received from Farmacias del Ahorro come back in English? I’ve seen this is a requirement from the US airlines. I have no problem communicating with the pharmacy staff in Spanish, but It won’t matter if the test result itself isn’t in Enlish. Thanks so much!
Glad I could help! Results were in both English and Spanish when I had mine done earlier this year.
Thank you so much!