LOS CABOS– TIPS BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

General Information

Framed by the sea of Cortez and the Baja California desert, Los Cabos is one of the five counties of the State of Baja California Sur, Mexico, and is located in the southern end of the State in the same length as Salt Lake City. It is at latitude 22 ° south of the Tropic of cancer. The county seat is San José del Cabo and the most important city is Cabo San Lucas 32 km from the header. This area is one of the most important tourist destinations of Mexico.

San José del Cabo: Located 10 minutes from the international airport of San Jose del Cabo, San Jose is a colonial city with a special touch of old world charm. The main Avenue, Paseo Mijares has wonderful shops and charming restaurants and excellent Street. Picturesque and historic, San José del Cabo still seems a colonial city founded in the 18th century by missionaries

Cabo San Lucas:32 Kms from San José del Cabo is Cabo San Lucas, which at the time that retains its original spirit as a small fishing village, it is also in a constant development, home to many world-class hotels, restaurants, exclusive and a very active nightlife. The new marina has a capacity to accommodate more than 300 boats and its surroundings one can find shopping malls to buy, banks, restaurants with open terraces and nightclubs. Cabo San Lucas is the most demanded of the destination.

Tourist corridor: Partitioned along the coast for 29 kilometers and linking the cities of San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, the tourist corridor is a scenic repetition of golden beaches and is where most of the new hotel developments are being established, including several hotels of five stars, golf courses and beaches.

Los Cabos is a refined development of tourism of the State of Baja California Sur, and is considered as one of the three main tourist destinations in Mexico.

NOTE: Los Cabos (Baja California Sur) are located within the Mountain Time zone, i.e. the Pacific Standard Time, 2 hours behind Central Standard Time (use prime time). The schedule varies depending on DST.

Where do I fly into?

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO

IATA Code: SJD

Telephone. +52 (624) 146-51-11, 146-51-12/13

Fax. (624) 146-52-01 / 00, 146-52-08

Address: Carretera Transpeninsular Km. 43.5

San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur  C.P. 23420

Website:  http://aeropuertosgap.com.mx/es/los-cabos.html

Los Cabos Weather:

The coolest months are December and January. The storm season is from July to October (the month higher probability of rain in September). The water temperature is approximately 21 c. Air temperatures are approximately between 10 and 24 C in the winter, and in the summer and fall of 21 c to 38 C. Side Pacific peninsula is 5 degrees C colder than the side of the sea of Cortez

From November to May, the temperature reaches 24 c in the day and low 16 c at night. From June to October, temperatures can go from the 33 c and reach 38 c on the day, falling between 21 C and 27 C at night. In the summer the water temperature can be up to 27 C. The climate is arid with over 300 days of sunshine per year.

Passport and Visa Information:

Citizens of the following countries or regions do not require a visa to travel to Mexico and may apply for admission as a visitor (without permission to engage in lucrative activities).

The immigration authority may request the foreign person demonstrate the reason for your trip, using one of the following documents:

1. Hotel reservation, Ticket or return itinerary, proof of the tour
2. Letter of work in Spanish of the main or subsidiary company, indicating that abroad is an employee of the same and will be the payment of the services rendered by his country
3. Copy of the transfer of technology, patent, and trademark, purchase of machinery and equipment, technical training of personnel, or any other related to the production process of a company based in Mexico or linking foreigners with the Mexican, or proof of appointment by the shareholders of the companies legally established in Mexico
4. Letter from the organization or public or private institution in which the foreign person is invited to participate in activities not remunerated in Mexico revealing the purpose of the visit and the estimated length of stay, likewise where the organization or institution assumes the costs of travel and stay of foreigners in the national territory must have attached the responsive letter.
5. Letter of invitation or acceptance of any institution belonging to the national system of education courses, research projects or studies or training for a maximum of one hundred and eighty days of temporality

Health and Safety:

The firm qualified Strategic Forecast Inc. (Stratfor) placed Los Cabos as one of the tourist destinations more secure in the country.

The hundreds of thousands of tourists who visit Los Cabos each year enjoy a very high level of security and protection, as well as warm hospitality, with very low crime and tourism as the primary industry. Los Cabos is at once a safe destination and a smart choice for your holiday.

Los Cabos Currency:

Mexican Peso. Anyway US dollars are accepted in Los Cabos.

Major credit cards are also accepted in most establishments. Banks offer currency exchange during open hours. The exchange rate fluctuates so it is prudent to check the exchange rate of the day

ATMs are widely available for cash withdrawals with the rate of change of that time. Visitors can access cash in various systems such as VISA, MC, Cirrus and PLUS

Many ATMs have menus in English. ATMs only deliver pesos.

Banks

Most of the banks in Los Cabos (San Jose and San Lucas) are open Monday to Friday from 9-14:30 hrs, and some Saturday from 10-14. Since the hours vary, it is best to go early when rows are shorter, faster service, and the money available

To change money in Mexican Pesos, you must go to the desk of international currency at any bank exchange between 9 am and 1 pm. The exchange rate will be published at the counter of the cashiers and fluctuates daily. If you need to change money after hours of the Bank you can go to one of the Exchange money, but keep in mind that their exchange rates is not the best and vary considerably from one place to another.

ATMs are found in almost all bank branches and large grocery stores. Your ATM card can be used at all ATMs Mexicans are while connected to a banking as Plus or Interac. The instructions are in Spanish and English and machines work exactly as in your country. However, they can arise casually with your PIN number problems, consider that the PIN is more than four numbers. If you are having problems, see one of the largest banks as Banorte, HSBC, Banamex or Bancomer. All the money will be given in Mexican Pesos.

Clothing:

The use of casual clothing is recommended. Cotton or linen clothes are always fresh to these temperatures, Bermuda shorts, shorts, t-shirts of cotton, swimsuit, blouses, shirts short sleeve, a good hat is essential.

If you plan to visit clubs and fancy restaurants don’t forget to bring more formal wear, refer to codes of dress at the time of reservations.

If you want to go fishing or be on the beach, wear thicker clothing for mornings and evenings, when it cools and a t-shirt long sleeves and pants to protect themselves from the Sun, bandana, and shoes sports Yes seeks stroll through sand dunes

On the nights of November, December, and January the weather can be cold. Therefore, it is suggested tourists of the season bring a jacket or coat, shawl or sweater.

Electricity:

Standard electricity is 110 volts AC, the same as in the United States and Canada. Three-prong plugs are not readily available; an adapter is a good idea. Electrical stores in Los Cabos have them in stock. Most of the hotels have converters for the majority of the 220-volt devices. Mexico does not use a ground wire in your electrical wiring so the variations of power are a common problem. If you want to use a laptop computer, you should invest in a guard against overload, usually sold in Mexican electronic stores

Tips:

Service is included in the Resort all inclusive. Please note that it is not an obligation, but if you feel that you have received exceptional service, it is of course free to let what you like.

For restaurants and bars outside it, the average of a “correct” tip is 15% on the service. It can be in Mexican pesos or its equivalent in US dollars, although you avoid giving American coins because they are hard to change.

Note: The tip should not be considered as “mandatory” if you receive a poor service.

Water:

Avoid drinking water directly from the tap, always is better to drink bottled water.

Soft drinks are used in cans or bottles with straws, items are sanitized with Mexican water. It is always better to be safe and not get sick during their holidays; even the locals used straws, so it is best to follow their example

Language:

Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken by persons employed in tourism.

What to pack for a trip to Los Cabos

• I recommend traveling as light as possible without forgetting the items that are essential for your comfort, health, or enjoyment.
• Sun Protection
• Mosquito repellent
• Toiletries
• Swimsuits (You will want at least two. Also, a beach cover-up or t-shirt for when the sun gets too hot)
• If you’re going somewhere fancy at night, you’ll want to pack an outfit suitable for nightlife
• Men: Pants and suitable shoes. (Some other tips say don’t bother to bring them, but you may need to fancy restaurants and cold nights bring a jacket)
• Women: If they travel in the winter season, bring a sweater; wind is very cool at night.
• Aloe vera gel
• Immodium, Pepto Bismol (just in case)
• Aspirins
• Sunglasses
• Sandals
• Hat
• Tennis
• Binoculars if you plan to go to the tour to see the whales
• Camera

Things to carry on with you:

• A copy of your passport and driver’s license.
• Your emergency telephone list of phone numbers from back home
• A business card showing the phone and address of your hotel.
• Cash cards only if you plan to go to the bank.
• Credit cards only if you plan to go to the bank, major shopping, or to a nice restaurant