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Destination:

Cabo San Lucas


Basics

topWhen to Go

The best time to visit Los Cabos is Nov-Dec, when the wind from the Pacific drops, but it’s beautiful late Oct-May. Jun-Sep can be uncomfortably hot; Aug-Sep are the stormiest months.

topTime Difference

Los Cabos is on Mountain Standard Time (7 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time), Daylight savings time is observed.

topPassport & Visa Requirements

A valid passport is required for all U.S. citizens. No visa is necessary for U.S. and EU visitors traveling as tourists. Non-U.S. citizens with valid U.S. visas may enter Mexico with the U.S. visa, and do not have to obtain a Mexican visa.

U.S. citizens traveling as tourists beyond the “border zone”, or entering Mexico by air, must pay a fee to obtain a tourist card, also known as an FMM, available from Mexican consulates, Mexican border crossing points, Mexican tourism offices, airports within the border zone and most airlines serving Mexico. The fee for the tourist card is approximately $22US and is generally included in the price of a plane ticket for travelers arriving by air. U.S. citizens do not require a tourist card for tourist stays of 72 hours or less within the “border zone" (generally defined as an area within 20 to 30 kilometers of the U.S. border, depending on the location).

Mexican laws states that any non-Mexican citizen under the age of 18 departing Mexico must carry notarized written permission from any parent or guardian not traveling with the child to or from Mexico.

topGetting Around

“Los Cabos” refers to San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, which are about 45 minutes apart. The international airport is in San José del Cabo – resorts stretch all along the shore between the two towns.

Taxis are readily available, and the best way to get around. The city has them incredibly well organized under one taxi company, with vans all painted the same color and uniformed drivers. The restaurants all have someone with a walkie-talkie to call for your ride, so travel is seamless, safe, and efficient to and from your hotel – no need to walk around. We didn’t use the meters, but always agreed on a rate up front.

topSecurity

Mexico has an exaggerated reputation for danger – millions of U.S. citizens travel safely here every year. While some areas of the country should certainly be avoided, the Mexican government makes a considerable effort to protect U.S. citizens and other visitors to major tourist destinations. Resort and tourist areas do not see the levels of drug-related violence and crime reported in the border region and along major drug trafficking routes.

We felt very safe in Cabo San Lucas, especially since the taxis are so efficient and well-organized. However, all normal precautions should be taken – stay alert, don’t carry a lot of cash, expensive bags, or jewelry, and avoid walking alone at night.

topHealth and Safety

Drinking Water

Major hotels and restaurants in Los Cabos have purified water, and bottled water is widely available. However, travelers should avoid drinking water directly from the tap.

Vaccinations and Medications

No vaccinations are required for visiting Los Cabos. There is no malaria risk in this portion of Mexico. For requirements in other areas of Mexico, please visit the CDC site.

Bringing an over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medicine with you is always a good idea.

Sun and Exposure

Do not underestimate the power of the sun at this latitude. Wear a sunhat and sunglasses, use a broad-spectrum sunblock of SPF 15 or higher, and drink plenty of water, even on cloudy days.

Swimming

The Sea of Cortez is generally calm and most of the beaches are safe for swimming and water sports. The Pacific side is rougher, with large waves that break very close to shore. Swimming here is not recommended.

topMoney Matters

Local Currency

Mexico’s currency is the peso, written M$. Prices quoted in U.S. dollars will normally be written ‘US$5’ or ‘5 USD’ to avoid misunderstanding. The peso is divided into 100 centavos. Notes are issued in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 pesos. Coins come in denominations of 20 and 50 centavos and one, two, five, 10, 20 and 100 pesos.

Credit Cards & Travelers Checks

Major credit cards are accepted by hotels, car rentals, and many restaurants and shops – MasterCard and Visa are the most widely accepted. The exchange rate is better than if you are changing money at a bank, though your card issuer will generally charge a small transaction fee. Travelers Checks will be difficult to cash outside tourist areas – if you choose to carry some just as a precaution, be sure to go with a well-known company like American Express.

Changing Money

American dollars are easy to exchange in Mexico, but it’s easier still to get cash in pesos from ATMs, which are readily available in Los Cabos. Purchases can sometimes be made in U.S. dollars (though the exchange rate won’t be as favorable).

Tipping

In Cabo, tip the same amounts as you would in the U.S. Tips can be paid in U.S. dollars or pesos, but most locals prefer pesos.

Restaurants: 15-20% of the bill, depending on the quality of service. Your waiter will only bring your check if you request it.
Porters and bellmen: $1-2 per bag
Maids: $2-5 per night, depending on the quality of the hotel and the level of service
Taxis: 10% of the fare for cabs hailed off the street (with official taxis, you negotiate a fare ahead of time, and do not add a tip)
Spas: 10-15%
Bars: $1 per drink

topPhone

Dialing Codes

Country Code: 52
City Code: 624

Information & Emergency Numbers

Fire, Police: 060
Medical Assistance: 065
Highway Assistance: 078

topElectricity & Adaptors

Electricity and outlets are the same here as in the U. S. (110 volts, 2 flat prongs). Keep in mind that older buildings may not accept 3-prong (grounded) plugs.

topDrinking Age

The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18, but caution should be used, as overindulgence is one of the biggest dangers for young travelers. While public drinking is tolerated to some extent, it is illegal to drink alcoholic beverages on the street, in vehicles, at the beach (except restaurants) and other public places. It is an offense to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

topWhat to Wear

Cabo is beachy and very casual. You’ll want some smart-casual resortwear for the finer restaurants – otherwise, think shorts, cropped pants, lightweight skirts and tops, and beach cover-ups. Men will need to bring long pants for the nicer restaurants. The weather can be breezy, especially on the Pacific side, so bring a sweater or long-sleeved shirt for evening, and be sure to pack a sun hat (the sun is very strong).