Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of our most Frequently Asked Questions, hoping that they will help you and answer some of your questions about San Jose del Cabo. We will be adding to the list of questions anytime we think it is necessary.
Will I be able to use my credit cards? Can I get cash from the banks with my credit cards?
Answer: 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. All of the banks will give cash advances, most have ATM machines at their locations, for after hours cash.
What will the weather be like in January (or any other month)?
Answer: Nobody can predict the weather. If I could I certainly would not be doing what I am doing. We have an Average Temperature Chart on our Local Weather page. Check this and call your hotel a few days before your arrival to make sure. We do not have the sophisticated weather services here that so many people take for granted in the U.S.
What is the legal drinking age in México, and what time do the night clubs close?
Answer: The legal drinking age is 18. There is no set closing time, many of the night clubs stay open until the wee hours of the morning (3 or 4 AM).
Will my hair dryer (portable iron, electric toothbrush, etc.) work in México?
Answer: Yes, if you are from the U.S. or Canada. México uses the same voltage as the United States (110V). If you are coming from Europe, or any country that uses 220 volts, you will need the proper adapters.
What about going topless or totally nude on the beaches?
Answer: Both are illegal in México although enforcement is almost always ignored. The practice may be tolerated in some areas and not in others. Use your common sense, look around, see what others are doing, if there are others that are topless nearby, the chances are pretty good that it is, most likely, locally accepted.
Will my cellular phone work in Mexico?
Answer: We have local cellular service. Some (very few) cellular services will allow you to roam in Mexico. Most cell phones will work, but they must be reprogrammed by the local service provider (Baja Celular or Telcel). Remember to have it reprogrammed again before returning to the U.S.
How can I access the Internet to receive my E-mail?
Answer: There are a few Internet Cafes within a block from the main Plaza in downtown, with more in the many strip malls located around the city. Also a lot of hotels offer internet to their guest. You should have no trouble finding a place to check your E-mail.
Can I use my laptop computer to get my e-mail?
Answer: Many Internet Cafes will allow you to hook up your lap top to their network or to use a phone line.
Can I buy Cuban cigars? Can I take them back with me?
Answer: Yes you can buy them, and yes, they are expensive. No, you cannot take them back to the U.S., but if you are returning to Canada it is OK. Be careful of counterfeits.
What can I use as proof of citizenship to enter Mexico?
Answer: I will let the Mexican Consulate of New York answer this question. Click here. Then just click on the country you are from. Call your airline, they are the last word on who flies with them and with what kind of ID.
Can I drink the water?
Answer: In the hotels and most restaurants, you will get purified water. I would not drink the water from a private home or condo, unless you know there is a purification system installed. The water here is very pure, but the distribution system is not so perfect. Buy bottled water. Why not be completely safe!
Can we get married in Los Cabos?
Answer: Most definitely, many people do. It will be almost impossible unless you hire someone who, speaks the language, understands the legal requirements and procedures. You do not want to spend all of your time in Cabo running around after all of the necessary papers and permits. If you want to get married in Los Cabos check our Weddings page.
Is it safe to walk around the town at night?
Answer: Yes definitely, I feel much safer here than I do in the United States. There is very little crime here, and what little there is, is usually very petty compared to the U.S. Use your common sense, and be careful.
Can you tell me what the taxi rates are?
Answer: No, I can’t, as they varies from taxi to taxi. I can say that the taxis here are some of the most expensive in all of México, you may want to think about renting a car if you plan to go very far. It is best to check with the desk at your hotel. They should be able to tell you what the fare should be. Then check again with the taxi driver. Do this before you get into the taxi! You can try to bargain with the driver for a cheaper fare, especially if there are several in your party.
What about the public bus system?
Answer: There are public buses that run between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas 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. The busses only run on the main highway and pass each stop (approximately) every twenty minutes. The fare is 16 pesos (about $1.45 U.S.) between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, less if your only going half way. There are also express busses that won’t stop for you (they must be boarded at a bus station), but wave anyway, they all look alike around here. Don’t expect a first class bus with air conditioning and drink service, this is México, after all.
How will I know if I am getting a good deal on merchandise?
Answer: This is one question that nobody but you can answer. A good rule of thumb is, with street or beach vendors, always get at least a 30% discount, sometimes more. 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 price of something, then you are getting a good deal.
What about hospitals and doctors?
Answer: There are some very competent doctors here. 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. Always check with your doctor if there is any doubt in your mind. Medical service here is nowhere near as sophisticated as in the U.S. or Canada.
Are the beaches safe?
Answer: Generally, yes. (Si, pero no) The beaches here are usually safer in the winter than they are in the summer. The beaches in the hotel zone can be very dangerous in the summer. Costa Azul is probably the safest place to swim, but make sure there are no big swells. The bays of Chileno and Santa Maria are usually safe, but be careful if there are any larges waves (usually summer), the undertow can be fierce if the waves are crashing on the beach. There are some beautiful, swimmer friendly, beaches along the road to the east cape.
Remember, there are no lifeguards here. During the summer there can be large swells, even on the Sea of Cortez. Be careful and buddy up; swim with a friend, always! Tell other people where you are going to swim and your expected return time.
