While on vacation, we sometimes encounter the simplest things to be the most difficult: Making a phone call or paying for a taxi ride can be a challenge. At Cabo’s Elite Getaways we want you to enjoy your vacation to the most, without having to suffer for these little inconviniences. The following recommendations are intended to reduce the stress of leaving home and guarantee maximum satisfaction in your vacation. An remember, we are always one call away to come to the rescue if necessary.
Medical Services
The medical profession in Los Cabos is fully reliable. Hospitals and clinics located in both San José and Cabo San Lucas are equipped with the newest technology and many have bilingual professionals available. We recommend and have personally used the services of AMERIMED and HOSPITAL DE ESPECIALIDADES.
Water
Inside your unit, tap water is safe for cooking and brushing your teeth, but not for drinking. Drink only bottled water or from the refrigerator water dispenser. Most restaurants in Mexico have purified water. Also, use caution when eating at a taco stand. If it does not appear to be safe, then it is probably not.
Money
The official currency used in Los Cabos is the Mexican Peso. Hence, unless otherwise stated, all service and merchandise prices are published in pesos. Most businesses and service providers will accept American dollars, although at a slightly unfavorable exchange rate and change will be given in pesos. One US dollar is equal to about 10.5 Mexican Pesos. To check the current exchange rate, please click here. VISA and Master Card are the most widely accepted credit cards. The exchange rate applied when paying with plastic will be that of the day you make the purchase. Beware that some businesses will overcharge a three to seven percent service charge depending on the company that issues your card. To insure a more favorable exchange rate and to ease getting change back from a vendor, we recommend exchanging your money into pesos. Banks are opened on weekdays, closed on national holidays and a few are open on Saturdays. Hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm. The American Express Office is located in downtown Cabo at Plaza Bonita and inside the Puerto Paraíso shopping mall. You will need a photo ID to complete this transaction. In many cases, a California driver’s license is not accepted.
Communication
International communication from Mexico can be costly. Therefore, international calls are not allowed from our vacation rental units, unless equipped with a Vonage line, which makes them costless. Please write us to find out your whether your vacation rental unit has this service or not and what will the number be. If the unit does not have a Vonage line, we prefer you to use a calling card for long distance service or have the other party call you. You can buy a calling card online at the US Telmex site. Cellular phone roaming service is available for certain companies, please check with your local provider. Cell phone rentals are available through your concierge.
Customs
American citizens do not require a passport to enter Mexico, just proof of citizenship and a valid photo identification; nevertheless, a passport is strongly recommended to avoid delays and misunderstandings. If you are an American citizen but do not have a passport, please check the US Consular Information Sheet for Mexico for valid proofs of citizen and further information. Citizens from all other countries will require a valid passport. Children under eighteen will require a notarized permission for any parent or guardian not traveling with the child. Before landing, you will be provided a tourist form, FM-T, that you must fill up and present at Customs. Please keep that form, as you will need it when leaving the country.
Safety
Both San José and Cabo San Lucas have a very low crime rate among the local community and crime is virtually nonexistent within the tourist areas. Nonetheless, it is prudent to be aware. Do not do anything you would not do back home, do not trust anybody you wouldn’t trust back home. Also, use extra caution at night, in the bars, with your personal belongings. In case of emergency, the number to dial is 066.
Rental Cars
To rent a car, you must have a valid drivers license, be 21 years or older and leave a deposit with a credit card. Please contact your concierge or call our offices for a reservation. Try to limit driving to daylight hours as some of the highways have free-roaming livestock; keep your eyes on the road and drive defensively. There are Pemex gas stations all throughout the area. Mexico has a government-funded highway patrol, the Ángeles Verdes or “Green Angels”; these are green trucks that patrol the major highways twice a day and provide emergency service. The service is free, but you will be charged if supplies are needed.
Taxis and Public Transportation
Taxis are available 24 hours a day. They are located at all major hotels, downtown and at the airport. Negotiate the fare before accepting the ride and keep in mind that the cost is per cab, not per person. To call a taxi, call your concierge or walk to the security gate and ask the guard for assistance. There are public buses that run as shuttles along the highway between San José and Cabo San Lucas. These are very economical, between 5 and 10 pesos a ride, depending on the distance, and they run approximately every 15 minutes from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Internal Cabo del Sol Shuttle Service
For our guests at Cabo del Sol, there is a free shuttle service around the community free of charge. You can go to the Sheraton, the Fiesta Americana or the Club House at the Cabo del Sol golf course using this service. To use this service, please contact your concierge or walk to security and request the service at the time needed.
