Passports, Visas and Consideration for Minors
Passports, Visas and Consideration for Minors
All United States and European Union citizens, including children, are required to have a valid passport in order to enter Mexico (and you will be required to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes your identity and nationality to re-enter the United States). We recommend that you keep a photocopy of the first page of your passport in a separate place in case of an emergency; you can leave your actual passport in the safe in your home.
Visas and other entry requirements, such as vaccinations, vary for individual countries. We recommend that you call the nearest consulate well in advance of your trip to confirm what you will need prior to travel. For the consulate nearest you, please visit
www.mexonline.com/consulate.htm.
In the case of minors, when traveling with your children, but without your spouse or partner, please have a notarized letter from the non-present parent authorizing the child’s travel. If not, the child may be held at security and unable to travel. This letter is highly recommended for any international destination (airlines include Hawaii in this case), and suggested for travel within the continental United States.
Hurricane Season
Hurricane Season is May 15-November 15, with the strongest point in Mid-August to Mid-September
Annual Average Temperatures
Annual Average High: 78; Annual Average Low: 54
Currency
American dollars are widely accepted so plan on taking additional cash and/or travelers checks. Many small companies do not take credit cards and those that do, may charge a credit card service fee. Regular banking hours for money exchange are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., however these can vary slightly depending on the branch.
The peso is the currency used in Mexico and Los Cabos. You will get a better exchange rate at currency exchange booths than at the various stores and restaurants. Your best bet is to use an ATM to withdraw pesos, as the exchange rate is based on that offered in Mexico City.
Cell Phone Reception
When calling Los Cabos from the United States you need to dial the following numbers: 011.52.624 and then the seven digit phone number. The country code is 52 for Mexico and the area code is 624 for Los Cabos. When using the home phone in Los Cabos to call the United States or Canada, you should use Line 2 and dial 9.1 and then the area code and number; this is a Vonage line and the call is complimentary.
Many United States cell phones and work reasonably well in Los Cabos, however service can be sporadic. Reception depends on your provider, so we recommend you check with your provider before your trip.
Time Zone
Los Cabos is in the Mountain Standard Time Zone, which is the same as Denver, Colorado, and observes Daylight Saving Time with slightly different change dates.
Voltage
120 Volts, 60 cycles AC (same as the United States). Europeans who bring electrical equipment need to use a converter compatible with the North American system.
Drinking Water
The drinking water in the home is purified so you can feel confident drinking it however, please be cautious when outside of the home. The home has been equipped with high end water purification filters. When you leave the house, we recommend bringing bottled water with you.
The water supply for all of Los Cabos is spring fed ground water. The water is very pure, but use caution as the pipes used for distribution of the water supply can lead to contamination. We recommend that you drink bottled water and avoid ice when possible outside of the home.
Most fruit and vegetable purchases are safe. However, we suggest you wash any fresh fruit or vegetables that will be eaten raw in a disinfection solution. Soak the fruit or vegetables for 30 minutes and rinse before consuming. If you peel or cook the fruit or vegetable you do not need to wash or soak them beforehand. Disinfection solution is kept in the pantry of the residence for your use.
You may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort if you drink water that has not been purified. Mild stomach cramps and diarrhea should not cause concern and should be easily treated with over-the– counter anti-diarrheal medications. Make sure to drink plenty of purified water to re-hydrate yourself. Seek medical attention if diarrhea is severe or bloody; if fever occurs with shaking chills; if abdominal pain becomes significantly worse; or if diarrhea persists for more than 72 hours.
Tipping Guide
- Taxi Drivers: $1 to $2
- Baggage Porters: $1 to $2 per bag, or more if the service was particularly friendly and helpful
- Cloakroom Attendants in Nightclubs, et al: $1 to $2
- Restaurants: 20 percent, or gratuity may be included in your final bill
- Bars and Lounges: $1 to $2 per drink
- Traveling Musicians in Restaurants: 30 to 50 pesos per song, depending on the size of musical group and if the song was a special request. If you enjoy multiple songs, the cost per song can go down to the lower end of the scale.
- Spa Treatments: 20 percent, or gratuity may be included in your final bill
- Tours and Tour Guides: 15 to 20 percent, at your discretion, based upon your experience
- Golf Club Cleaning: $3 to $5 per bag
- Fishing Guide: $60 to $100 for a full day
- In Home Chef: 20 percent
- Housekeeping: Your housekeeping team may be tipped at your discretion, based upon your experience. A general guideline is $10 or more per night based upon your travel party size and in-residence activities.
- Destination Host: Your Destination Host may be tipped at your discretion, based upon the amount of travel planning you required and your overall in-residence experience.
Traveling with Prescription Medicine
If you are traveling with prescription medicines, carry them in their original containers and bring a copy of your prescription. If you buy medications abroad, be aware that they may not be FDA-approved or allowed into the United States. For more information on customs rules and regulations, please contact 202.354.1000 or visit www.cbp.gov.
