| Note: All United States citizens are required to have a valid passport to re-enter the United States.
Size / Population: Los Cabos includes the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo along with the 18 mile Tourist Corridor between the two. The population of the area is 170,000.
Political Status: Los Cabos is located on the Baja Penninsula in the Republic of Mexico.
Language: Spanish is the primary language but English is widely spoken in the tourist areas. It will be handy to learn a few key phrases.
Currency: The Mexican Peso is the primary currency. U.S. dollars are accepted in some locations. ATMs are available and credit cards are widely accepted.
Electricity: 110 volts, same as U.S.
Time Zone: Mountain Standard Time; Daylight Saving Time is observed.
Communication: To dial Los Cabos from the U.S dial 011 + 52 + 624 and the 7-digit local number. International telephone calls from Mexican hotels can be very expensive, so it's best to use your own phone credit card service or use the Telmex phone booths that take Ladatel phone cards, in denominations of 30, 50 and 100 pesos, or call collect. Internet service is widely available in resorts and Internet cafes. Check with your cell phone provider for information regarding international coverage.
Drinking Water: Most hotels and restaurants will serve purified water. If in doubt ask ("agua purificada"). In the countryside stick to bottled water.
Transportation: Taxis are abundant, and the local bus service is efficient and affordable. If you plan on doing some exploring a rental car may be the cheapest and easiest bet. Drivers must be 21-25 years old (varies by rental company) and must be in possession of a valid U.S. driver’s license and major credit card.
Local Customs: The legal drinking age is 18. Tipping is generally 15-20% in restaurants; bellmen: $1 per bag; housecleaning staff: $1-$2 per day. Gas station attendants fill your tank and appreciate a tip, but it’s not mandatory.
Getting Married: U.S. citizens can legally get married in Mexico. Please contact a Vacation Express representative for details on resorts offering special wedding packages and to discuss your particular wedding requirements. Our experienced group department will be happy to assist with travel arrangements for all attendees.
Ten Spanish Phrases Everyone Should Know
• ¿Cuánto cuesta? How much is it? (As you're pointing at an item)
• ¡Qué hermosa eres! You are so beautiful! (To a girl ... For guys, substitute “hermosa” with “guapo,” which means “handsome”)
• ¿Donde estoy? Where am I?
• ¿Cómo se dice ... ? How do you say ... ? (Followed by the word you wish to learn)
• ¡Muchas gracias! Thank you!
• Con permiso. Excuse me. (As you are trying to get by someone)
• Por favor ... Please ...
• No hablo español. ¿Hablas inglés? I don't speak Spanish. Do you speak English?
• ¿Dónde está ... ? Where is ...
• No, gracias. No, thanks.
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