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Cabo San Lucas Travel Basics
Calling Codes
The country code for Mexico is 52.
The city code for both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo is 114. To call the United States or Canada dial 001 + the area code and number; to call elsewhere internationally, dial 00 + the country code, the area code, and the number you wish to reach.
Electricity
Mexico runs on the 120V, 60Hz system, so U.S. travelers won't need electrical converters. However you may need an adapter, since many electrical outlets haven't been updated to accommodate three-prong plugs. Additionally, in hotels with 110-volt outlets for low-wattage appliances like shavers, be careful not to use them with higher-wattage appliances like blow-dryers, or you'll be shopping for a new one.
Emergency Contacts
Fire department, Cabo San Lucas: 3-35-77
Fire department, San Jose del Cabo: 2-24-66
Police, Cabo San Lucas: 3-39-77
Police, San Jose del Cabo: 2-03-61
Red Cross, Cabo San Lucas: 3-33-00
Red Cross, San Jose: 2-03-16
Fax/Modem
Sending or receiving faxes is not a problem in Los Cabos. More than likely, your hotel can provide this service. If you'd like to have something faxed for less, look for a copy shop or pharmacy in the center of town. Try Mailboxes Etc. in the Marina Cabo Plaza (+52 114-3-30-33) or The Paper Works at 20 de Noviembre Y Morelos (+52 114-3-07-24). For a modem connection, your options are limited to C@ffe On Line (+52 114-3-72-83) or Dr. Z's NetZone (+52 114-3-53-90).
Local Language
The local language of the Los Cabos area is standard Mexican Spanish. Nearly everyone working in or around the tourist industry, however, speaks decent English, which is to say just about everyone. Speaking a little Spanish, however, will earn you some respect and make your vacation more enjoyable.
Public Holidays
New Year's Day: January 1
Carnaval: February
Constitution Day: February 5
Anniversary of Benito Juarez's birth: March 21
Semana Santa, the Holy Week of Easter: Late March or early April
Labor Day: May 1
Cinco de Mayo (Anniversary of Mexico's 1862 victory over the French): May 5
Independence Day: September 16
Dia de la Raza: October 12
Day of the Dead: November 2
Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution of 1910: November 20
Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe: December 12
Christmas: December 25
Time Zone
The time zone for the Los Cabos area is the equivalent of the United States' Pacific Standard Time (GMT/UTC minus 8 hours). As throughout Mexico, daylight-saving time is observed.
Travel Documents
Australia: Citizens of Australia must have a valid passport to enter the United States if they are staying less than 90 days and have an onward or return ticket.
Canada: Citizens of Canada need proof of citizenship for entry into the United States. This can be either a birth certificate with a raised seal or a voter registration card with a photo ID. A driver's license is not enough. Canadian citizens under 16 need notarized permission from both parents.
France:Citizens of France must have a valid passport to enter the United States if th ey are staying less than 90 days and have an onward or return ticket.
Germany: Citizens of Germany must have a valid passport to enter the United States if they are staying less than 90 days and have an onward or return ticket.
Ireland: Citizens of Ireland must have a valid passport to enter the United States if they are staying less than 90 days and have an onward or return ticket.
Japan: Citizens of Japan must have a valid passport to enter the United States if they are staying less than 90 days and have an onward or return ticket.
United Kingdom: U.K. citizens must have a valid passport to enter the United States if they are staying less than 90 days and have an onward or return ticket.
What to Take
Los Cabos has a warm-weather climate year-round, so pack shorts, sandals, and light shirts. It does get breezy in the evenings, so it's a good idea to also bring a light jacket or sweatshirt. Los Cabos has an active nightlife, so you might want to bring something a bit dressy--though still light. Of course, if you plan on sunbathing you'll need sunscreen or sunblock. Best to stock up before you go, as prices on the spot are inflated.
When to Go
Los Cabos boasts 350 days of sun a year, so anytime is the right time to go. However, from June to October temperatures soar. The only month when there's any measurable rainfall is September, but it's not usually enough to ruin travel plans.
High season is officially from January to April, when the climate is mildest. Hotel accommodations do rise upwards of 30% during this period, so beware.
Just like Mazatlan, spring break also turns Los Cabos into one big fiesta. So plan your stay accordingly.
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