FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions - Cabo San Lucas
Questions about Cabo San Lucas and the Los Cabos area of Baja California Sur, Mexico?
Here are the answers to the most popular and frequently asked questions about Cabo.
Is there Tourism Office or Visitor's Bureau in Cabo San Lucas or in the United States where I can obtain tourist information or promotional materials. or make comments about services received?
Yes, there is a Los Cabos Tourism Board office in Cabo San Lucas and one in Los Angeles, California. This Tourist Information page will also have addresses for other Mexican Tourism related government offices that can privide information and assistance to foreigners visiting Mexico.
How can I file a complaint about rip-offs or make comments about poor services received?
Profeco, Mexico's consumer protection agency, wants to help people who do not live in Mexico full time. Profeco is committed to always providing the best service. We extend our protection to the people who do not live in Mexico and acquire any product or service from a Mexican supplier and are not satisfied with the good or service. This is a totally free service and does not require the presence of the consumer in the procedure.
What is the best way to get from the Los Cabos International Airport to Cabo San Lucas - Airport Transfers?
There are four ways to get from the airport to Cabo. TRANSFER COMPANIES offer pre arranged private or shuttle transfers. See your travel agent for details. PRIVATE TAXI CABS will take four people to Cabo San Lucas for $60 U.S., with an additional charge of $5 per person over 4 people. AIRPORT SHUTTLE VANS provide service to Cabo for $10 to $15 per person, and there may be a stop or two on the way to your hotel to drop off other passengers. PRIVATE LIMOUSINES will cruise up to 6 people to Cabo in style for $100 U.S., and that price includes one cervesa per person!
What about the public transportation bus system?
Los Cabos does have a public transportation bus service. These busses that run between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo all day, every day of the week. They start running in San Jose at 5:00 AM and in Cabo they start at 5:20 AM, and run until 9:30 or 10:00 PM. There are official bus stops, with seats and shade, but the busses can be flagged down, from almost anywhere along the highway, by waving your arms. They will usually stop, if they see you in time. It is safer and easier to walk to the designated bus stops. The busses only run on the main highway and pass each stop (approximately) every twenty minutes. The fare is around 16 pesos (about $1.50 U.S.) between the two towns, less if your only going part of the way. It is a good idea to have changes for the fares.There are also express busses that won't stop for you (they must be boarded at a bus station), but wave any way, they all look alike around here. More Cabo San Lucas Public Transportation from CaboTips.com
Weather and Climate - What is the weather like?
Average annual rainfall: 10 inches - Coldest months: December and January
Storm season: July to October - Average water temperature: 72º F.
Average air temperatures: 50 to 80º F. winter; 70 to 100º F. summer.
The Pacific Ocean side of Los Cabos is generally 10º F. cooler than the Sea of Cortés.
The average year-round temperature is 78F. During the high tourist season, October to April, the temperature is typically 80F during the day and cools to the 60's at night. In the low season, May to September, the temperature will go up to 100+F during the day and stay in the upper 70's and low 80's in the evening. The average year-round water temperature in the Sea of Cortez is 72F. During the summer months the water temperature can reach the mid 80's. The climate is arid with over 300 days of sunshine, with some reports of over 350 days. Average annual rainfall is 10 inches (25.4cm), most with occurring during the months of September and October. Check out the current weather using our weather links page.
United States of America Consular Agency - Tijuana – January 16, 2009. The U.S. Consulate General in Tijuana announces the appointment of Trina Brown as the U.S. Consular Agent in Cabo San Lucas. Ms. Brown will assume duties at the Consular Agency in Cabo San Lucas beginning January 26, 2009.
Location: Tiendas de Palmilla, Carretera Transpeninsular Km 27.5
Local B221, San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, C.P. 23406
Telephone: (624) 143-3566 | Fax: (624) 143-6750
E-mail: usconsulcabo@yahoo.com
Canada Consulate - Ms. Peggy Dillman, Representative, #9 Plaza Jose Green (Banamex), Boulevard Mijares, San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Telephone: (624) 142-4333 | Fax: (624) 142-4262.
What Currency is used in Los Cabos?
The currency is the Mexican Peso. Exchange rates at booths and hotels are slightly lower than banks, but you may have to wait in line a lot longer. Banks are open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or later, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Some do not exchange travelers check's. Ask before you line up. Shops and restaurants accept dollars and credit cards. Both towns have ATMs and American Express offices. Cash is dispensed in pesos.
Credit Cards - will I be able to use credit cards? All major credit cards are accepted in Los Cabos and in Mexico - VISA and MasterCard are the most widely accepted. American Express is accepted in some stores and restaurants, but VISA and MasterCard are preferred. The Discover Card is not yet accepted. It is suggested that you ask the merchant, in advance, which credit cards are accepted.
Will I be able to get cash from the banks with my credit cards?
All of the banks will give cash advances, most have ATM machines at their locations, for after hours cash.
Water - Can I drink the water in Los Cabos?
The water supply for all of Los Cabos is piped from aquifers in the Sierra de La Laguna range. All major hotels and restaurants have purified water. Bottled water is available in tourist areas. The water here is very pure, but be careful. The pipes used for distribution of the water supply and other factors can lead to contamination. Although many people drink the water directly from the tap, it is not recommended. Anywhere in the world a change in drinking water can cause stomach distress. We recommend that you drink only bottled or purified water. If there is any doubt in your mind, do not hesitate to ask for purified water "Agua Purificada" or bottled water.
Internet Access - How can I access the Internet to receive my e-mail?
There several internet cafes in the Los Cabos area that provide internet access service. Please check our section on Cabo Internet Cafes for the latest information.
Medical Care - What about hospitals, doctors and dentists?
Both towns have modern hospitals and good medical and dental facilities. A diver’s decompression chamber is in Cabo San Lucas at the Hospital de Especialidades. Phone: 143-3666. We have a nice new hospital in Cabo San Lucas and we have some competent doctors, many speak English. The equipment here is usually older and somewhat out of date, compared to what you are probably used to. The hospital is not equipped for severe trauma cases. Check with your hotel for the name of an English-speaking doctor, write their phone numbers down and carry them with you. Medical service here is nowhere near as sophisticated as in the U.S. or Canada. Our Medical, Health and Emergency Services page has a listing of medical services.
What do you need to travel in Mexico? - Mexico's Entry Requirements:
Beginning on January 23, 2007 all travelers traveling are air must have a valid passport. 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. The Government of Mexico requires that all U.S. citizens present proof of citizenship and photo identification for entry into Mexico. U.S. citizenship documents such as a certified copy (not a simple photocopy) of a U.S. birth certificate, a Naturalization Certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or a Certificate of Citizenship are acceptable. However, the U.S. Embassy recommends traveling with a valid U.S. passport to avoid delays or misunderstandings. All travelers traveling are air must have a valid passport.
Change in Entry/Departure Requirements - Beginning on January 23, 2007, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will require U.S. citizens to present a valid U.S. passport or other accepted identification when entering or departing the United States by air or sea travel to or from Mexico or Canada. Please visit the U.S. Department of State official Travel Initiative web site at http://travel.state.gov/ for more information.
If you are driving, stop at the border and inquire as to the location of the immigration office and get your Tourist Card there, there is an immigration office in Ensenada and an officer now stationed at the check point just south of Guerrero Negro. If you cannot obtain a Tourist Card from anyone during your trip, stop at the Immigration Office in La Paz or Cabo San Lucas immediately upon arrival, to obtain your visa.
The Ferry to Mainland Mexico - What is the schedule? Where do they leave from?
The Ferry leaves from La Paz daily and goes to Mazatlán and Topolobampo on the mainland. There is no ferry service from Cabo San Lucas or La Paz to Puerta Vallarta. The Ferry Dock is located at Pichilingue Terminal n La Paz. Visit our page on Ferry service for more information about the Ferry to Mainland, Mexico.
