 What can I use as proof of citizenship to enter Mexico?
To enter Mexico you need to obtain a Tourist Card (FMT). To get your Tourist Card you will need to prove citizenship, a passport is best for this purpose. Other forms of accepted proof of citizenship include a certified birth certificate, voter's registration card, naturalization papers, or a notarized affidavit of citizenship. A passport can serve as proof of citizenship and photo ID. Airlines will furnish the Tourist Card on board. Be sure to save the your copy, as you must present this when leaving Mexico.
What is that blue piece of paper I received when entering Mexico?
The blue piece of paper you are given when you enter the country is your Tourist Card, and it's very important that you don't lose it. You can get another, but the process is time consuming. Keep it in a safe place until you leave, along with your passport and other documentation, preferably a hotel security box.
I was wondering what the customs at the Los Cabos airport are like when I arrive (will I be searched??).
Upon arrival at the Los Cabos International Airport you are asked to push a button on a random red-green ‘stoplight’ system that will determined if you are searched or not. If you get a green light, you are free to leave; if you get a red light, your luggage is searched.
Will I be able to use my credit cards? Can I get cash from the banks with my credit cards?
Yes, to both questions. All major credit cards (except Discover) are widely accepted. In restaurants, it is best to ask before ordering, not every business accepts credit cards, just as back home. Some of the banks will give cash advances, and have ATM machines at their locations. If you lose a credit card call one of the numbers listed in Banks and Currency.
What is Los Cabos’ time zone?
Los Cabos is Mountain Standard Time and practices Daylight Savings time.
Currency and money matters...
The peso is Mexico's official currency, but almost all purchases can be paid in US dollars with change in pesos. Dollars are accepted almost everywhere, however large bills can be difficult to break. It's a good idea to bring along plenty of $1's, $5's, and $10's or use ATMs. If you go on an adventure out of the main tourist areas, take small denominations of pesos. Before traveling to Los Cabos, we suggest you have $100 US in small bills for tips and unexpected expenses, etc.
What about tipping and taxes?
Your waiter will only bring you your check when you request it. Like back home, tips range from 10% to 20% of the bill. Tip as you normally would. A 10% IVA (VAT) tax is applied to all products and services.
What will the weather be like in Los Cabos?
Most of the year Los Cabos is warm and sunny, with an average temperature of 78 degrees F., or 26 degrees C. Occasional rains fall in the stormier months from August to October. Winters are cooler and nights can be chilly on the water. Late summer is hot, with temperatures in the high 90s F., and warm nights.
I'm trying to get a good idea of the weather conditions. We'd like to avoid the hurricane season.
The official hurricane season is June to October, however most storms form in September, the hottest month. The best time to visit is from late October to late May.
Can I buy Cuban cigars? Can I take them back with me?
Yes, you can buy them, and yes, they are expensive. No, you cannot take them back to the US, but if you are returning to Canada, they are legal. Be careful of counterfeit cigars and buy from a reputable shop.
Postal services, stamps, and snail mail?
Stamps are available from the post-office (Servicio de Correos Mexicana), open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 3pm, and Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm. A stamp for a postcard to the US and Canada is currently $3.50 pesos, and takes approximately two weeks to arrive at its destination. There are post offices in on Lazaro Cardenas near McDonald’s in Cabo San Lucas and on Boulevard Mijares near the Red Cross (Cruz Roja) in San Jose del Cabo.
Where and how can I make International phone calls?
International telephone calls from Mexican hotels can be very expensive, it best to use your own phone credit card service or use the Telmex phone booths that take Ladatel phone cards, in denominations of 30, 50 and 100 pesos, or call collect. We advise not to use the private telephones offering international long distance, they can charge up to $10 US per minute. You will be charged a connection fee if you use your phone card from your hotel room. To dial direct to the United States or Canada dial 001, the area code, then the local number. Long distance calls to other parts of the world are preceded by 00 and then the country code, city code and the corresponding telephone number.
What is I.V.A.?
I.V.A. (Impuesto al valor agregado), is the Mexican sales tax, it is 10% in the state of Baja California Sur. Many items that you wish you purchase will have a notice: "tax included" or " I.V.A." not included.”
Can I drink the water?
Stick to purified water, which is served in nearly all restaurants, hotels, and bars throughout Los Cabos. But it doesn't hurt to ask. In most hotels and restaurants, you will get purified water, if in doubt - ask: (Agua purificada?)
Will my cell phone work in Mexico?
There is local cellular service from Telcel and Movistar. Very few cellular services will allow you to roam in Mexico. Most cell phones will work, but they must be reprogrammed by these local service providers.
Can I use my laptop computer to get my e-mail and have Internet access?
You can bring your laptop computer legally into Mexico, most hotels have DSL or wireless connections with conveniently located Internet Cafes in both towns.
Can we get married in Los Cabos?
YES! Los Cabos is one of the most popular wedding destinations in North America with experienced and professional wedding planning services. If you want to get married, check out our wedding information section.
Is it safe to walk around the town at night?
You should feel much safer in most parts of Los Cabos than in the United States. There is very little crime here, and what does exist is usually petty compared to the U.S. Private citizens are not permitted to own firearms. Use common sense, like you would anywhere else.
What is the distance by car to...?
Check our table to find distances to some important destinations in Mexico and USA. Locally, it is 20 miles between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. From Cabo San Lucas, it is 27 miles to the International Airport, 45 miles to Todos Santos on the Pacific Coast, one and a half hours to Los Barriles on the East Cape, two and a half hours to the capital city of La Paz, and 24 to 36 hours to Tijuana at the US-Mexico border, depending on how long you choose to be on the road each day (we do not suggest driving this route after dark).
How will I know if I am getting a good deal on merchandise?
This is one question that nobody but you can answer. A good rule of thumb is, with street or beach vendors, try to get at least a 30% discount. In most stores, the prices are fixed, just as they are at home. If you are making large purchases or if there are several people in your party that are buying something, you can always ask for a discount. If you’re happy with the quality and price of an item, then you are getting a good deal.
Mexican pottery, is it any good, where can I get some good quality handcrafts?
Because Mexico has so much to offer in the way of variety, quality and good prices, shopping has become one of the highlights of a visit to Los Cabos. There are many quality stores - read more in our shopping section.
What about hospitals and doctors?
There are some very competent doctors in Los Cabos. Many speak English. Check with your hotel for the name of an English-speaking doctor, write the phone number down and carry it with you. If there is any doubt in your mind about a doctor, procedure or medication, check with your doctor at home, if possible. Public and private hospitals, ambulance and evacuation services, and English speaking doctors are all listed on the Emergency Information page.
Are beaches private or public? Are the beaches safe?
All beaches in Mexico are public property, and are open for everyone, even the beaches in front of the hotels. While most hotels usually don't have a problem with visitors walking through their grounds to get to the beach, it's a good idea to ask, and to be more careful about crossing over private property to get to some of the other beaches. There are few lifeguards here and many beaches are not safe for swimming. Read the beaches section carefully and stay well above the tide line on all Pacific beaches, especially around the arch area and Solmar Beach on the Pacific side of Cabo San Lucas.
I was wondering if there are any nude beaches in Los Cabos?
No, there are no nude beaches in Los Cabos, but there are many remote areas where you can have more personal freedom. Please remember you are in a Catholic country and nudity in public is illegal. Please respect the local customs.
We are very interested in extreme sports, is there anything like that here?
Surfing, rock climbing, skydiving and other extreme adventures are all available in Los Cabos. Check out tours and activities section for more information.
When does the ferry leave for Puerto Vallarta?
There used to be a ferry service from Cabo San Lucas to Puerto Vallarta but it has been discontinued for many years. There is an overnight 18-hour ferry that goes from La Paz to Mazatlán and back, available 120 miles north at the Pichilingue terminal near La Paz, the state capital.
Any Golf course information?
Please check our golf section.
I want to bring my children with me, but safety is always my top concern. Is there anything for kids to do in Los Cabos?
Los Cabos is a very safe area, you won't have problems bringing your children. Mexican people adore children and they will go out of their way to make you feel welcome (in restaurants for example). Beaches are endless entertainment for kids. There are many boat excursions that are safe for kids and lots of watersports activities. Check out our "What to Do section."
How can I get to Los Cabos by sea?
Arriving by sea, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, and Holland American line among others, all serve Los Cabos from Los Angeles and San Diego, CA.
Are there dress codes, and how late will I be staying out?
The dress code is casual, some clubs do not accept sandals, tank tops or shorts, but generally anything goes, as long as you are wearing shoes! You can stay up as late as 5 am in some bars in Cabo San Lucas, known as the party capital of Mexico.
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