TRAVEL TIP: PASSPORTS EXPIRING WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF DEPARTURE DATE WILL DISRUPT TRAVEL
Make sure to leave adequate time to renew your passport!
FLYING TO MEXICO
To get to Cabo, you will fly into San Jose del Cabo International Airport (SJD). Many airlines service Cabo as it is a major travel destination with many direct flights from cities world-wide. Here are the carriers that seem to have the most frequent schedules:
From the States: Alaska, Southwest, Virgin, United,
- Arriving at Cabo Airport -
Once you arrive, you will walk down the jetway and head towards customs. You will need your passport and the forms that were given to you on the plane for customs. After customs, you will walk into the baggage area to pick up your bags (if you checked bags). After this area, you will walk through the baggage check area and they will ask you if you brought any foods, plants, etc. and then they will have you press a button. If you get the green light, you walk right through without having your bags checked. If you get the red light, they will have you put your bags through the machine. After the baggage check area, you will walk through a set of double glass doors. There will be a lot of people from hotels and activity vendors that will try to get you to talk to them basically to sell you something. Don't stop here. Continue to walk through another set of double doors. After these doors, proceed outside where you will be asked by many taxi vendors if you'd like to book a taxi...these are the guys you want to talk to if you want to grab a taxi to your hotel. Tell them you want a "shared taxi" using the "toll road" only. Rental cars and other car services are also located in this area. Ask any of the airport staff if you have any trouble finding your means of transportation.
AIRPORT TO CABO
The drive from San Jose del Cabo International Airport to downtown Cabo takes about 35 minutes. Here are a variety of ways to consider making the trip:
- Group Airport Transfers of 6 or more (cheaper than taxis) -
If you are traveling in a group of 6 or more people it is cheaper to book a private airport vehicle (in advance) than taking a taxi upon arrival. For instance, 6 people in a shared taxi van will cost $20 per person with multiple hotel drop-offs, and a private vehicle will cost as low as $12 per person (and will stop at a grocery store upon request). To get an instant quote and to book your reservation we recommend using Cabo Transfers {www.CaboTransfers.com}.
- By Shuttle or Private Transfer Service -
Having a private, air-conditioned car can be more relaxing, you know up-front what the price will be.
The Sheraton's concierge staff will assist in arranging individual transportation. Please email for assistance:
Irma.toala@sheraton.com & Guadalupe.barocio@sheraton.com
Shuttles can be booked in advance, or you can wait until arrival and book one directly at the airport terminal. There are several booths set up. It is a good idea to book your transfers before, as it will be cheaper than at the airport. Some companies to use:
- Taxi -
A taxi from SJD to Downtown Cabo can cost up to US $60.
- Rental Car -
For those who are spending more time in Mexico, renting a car may be more appealing. Be aware that when you go to book a rental car it will tell you the price is only $5/day. When you arrive you will be obligated to get car insurance that will cost you an extra $50/day.
Please be sure to inspect your rental car very carefully as the rental companies will hold you responsible for any small marks or scratches on the vehicle that you fail to report when you first sign for the car.
There are a variety of companies you can rent from, many with booths at the airport, and you can also reserve online. Some companies such as Avis, Alamo, Budget, Dollar, Europcar, Hertz, and National.
** If staying at the Sheraton, Cabo Del Sol is the property next door. We will have shuttles set up for night of the wedding, however it is close enough to walk**
GETTING AROUND CABO
For those staying at the Sheraton, it is a 10 minute cab ride to Medano Beach or downtown Cabo San Lucas. The area around the wedding venue and downtown hotels are generally quite safe, but smart travel rules apply here as much as anywhere else - avoid walking down dark streets alone late at night after several margaritas. While the street layout is a bit haphazard, it can be easier to get around during the day by orienting off the beach and asking a local for directions if need be. We recommend taking cabs at night unless you have gotten the directions down pat, as the streets get more confusing without daylight. Finally, watch your step - the streets and particularly the sidewalks of Cabo are amazingly uneven in places, with big curbs, uneven stairs and the occasional unmarked pothole so it is best to keep an eye on the ground while walking around, especially at night.
Cabs are the best way to go longer distances and travel at night. There are taxis available on most major streets in town and at the hotels. They usually charge a per person fee, approximately 5-7 dollars for short distances. Most taxis in Cabo are large vans that fit 10 or more people, which is great for traveling with groups. Cabs do not run on a meter like in the US so it is a good idea to negotiate the fee with the driver before you set off. US tipping customs apply.
TRAVEL Q&A
FAQ's
Q – What is the weather like?
A – Beautiful! You can expect 75 – 90 degree days, and cooler nights with an average 60% humidity (Baja is a desert ecosystem, but Cabo is located very close to the tropic of cancer, so expect some humidity). The sun can be strong, so be sure to pack sun block and sun glasses, and drink plenty of water.
Q – Will I be able to use my US cell phone while in Cabo?
A – Most US cell phone carriers charge $1 per minute for calls, $.05 per incoming texts, $.50 for outgoing text messages, and $5 or more for every megabyte of data. If you want to use your cell phone while in Cabo, it's recommended to turn your data off, and only use internet applications when connected to wifi. Or, you can rent a local phone that can also be used to call and text US and Mexican numbers for about $35 per week. Certain carries also have a flat rate per day where you can use data wherever you are.
Q – Will Wireless internet be available?
A – Yes. Highspeed Wi-Fi access is available in most bars, restaurants, beach clubs, and more.
Q – What is the current exchange rate?
A- The exchange rate usually fluctuates between 16% and 20%. In other words, $1 USD is worth anywhere from 16 to 20 Mexican pesos.
Q – Do I need to change currency?
A – Changing your dollars into pesos is not required, but it is recommended. Almost everyone accepts US dollars for goods or services. However, most merchants offer a less favorable exchange rate when taking dollars. You'll get much better prices when paying with pesos. The vast majority of places accept US dollars and credit cards, so having cash in pesos is not a strict requirement. However, it is a very good idea to bring enough cash in dollars for a couple of days of incidentals as ATMs are available but not always in service. Also the ATMs will charge a fee to get cash out. There are ATMs that provide both pesos and US dollars. Cash is most useful in cabs, and preferred.
Q – Where can I go to exchange money?
A – The easiest and most cost effective way to get pesos is not to bring dollars and exchange them, but simply to pull pesos out of an ATM after you arrive in Los Cabos. Bank ATMs give the daily exchange rate (best possible rate) with reasonable fees. Examples include Banorte, Santander, Banamex, and HSBC. If you go to a non-bank ATM, you will pay higher fees.
Q - Will I be able to use my US credit cards while in Cabo?
A – Yes. It's recommended that you notify your bank before departing and let them know you'll be traveling outside of the US. This will ensure your card will work properly in Mexico. When using a credit card you will pay small international transaction fees, but your exchange rate will be the best possible daily rate. Almost all businesses accept Visa and Mastercard.
Q - Is it safe to consume water and ice in Los Cabos?
A - If you're dining in a full-service restaurant or hotel, it is absolutely safe to drink house water and ice. If you're eating at a taco stand, street vendor, or palapa, you should only drink bottled water. It's never a good idea to drink water from the tap.
Q – What if I get sick?
A – If you feel sick and would like to see a doctor, speak with the concierge at your hotel to see if a hotel doctor or nurse is available.
Medical facilities:
Amerimed – 624-105-8550
Blue Medical Net San Jose – 624-142-3511
Blue Medical Net San Lucas – 624-104-3911
If it's an emergency: Dial 066 (the equivalent of 911)
Q - Are there language restrictions?
A - You will get by just fine in Cabo if you do not speak a word of Spanish, but before arrival you should practice key phrases like "Amigo! Otra cerveza, por favor", "Amigo! Otra margarita, por favor", "Donde esta la boda de Ryan y Paige?" and, for Sunday morning, "Pase la agua y el Advil por favor". In addition to these important items and for engaging with local culture, Spanish is most useful for negotiating prices of cab rides, boat trips and other local services so it is a good idea to include at least one Spanish speaker in your group.
Q – What are the local practices for tipping?
A – Standard tipping rates are about 15%.
Q – What is the best place to buy groceries or other personal products?
A – San Jose has two major grocery stores; Wal-Mart and Mega. Mega is a higher-end option with more American products, but is slightly more expensive that Wal-Mart.
San Lucas has a Wal-Mart and Costco.
If you just need to grab something quickly, OXXO stores are small, reasonably priced convenient stores located all over town.