Cabo San Lucas Life and Visitor Travel Tips

(Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico)

Cabo San Lucas does not actually contain any government-run tourist offices and similar information booths as such. The area's official tourist office is run by the independent Los Cabos Tourism Board and Hotel Association and features English-speaking staff.

Also worth noting, there is a wealth of time-share seller booths located along the Boulevard Marina, who will be happy to provide fairly in-depth information about local life, travel tips, various discount vouchers and maps, together with a sales pitch.

Useful Contact Details

The Cabo San Lucas Tourist Office is where you should begin your visit and the staff here will be able to help you make the most of your time. If you have any problems regarding your passport or tourist card, or simply require advice about working in Cabo San Lucas, pay a visit to the US Consulate.

Cabo San Lucas Tourist Office
Address: Calle Madero, Cabo San Lucas, 23410, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 624 143 4180
Web: www.visitcabo.com
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 17:00

Main Post Office
Address: Boulevard Cárdenas, close to the 20 de Noviembre, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, MX
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:00 to 16:00

Immigration Office
Address: Corner Cárdenas and Gómez Farias, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 624 143 0135
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 13:00

US Consulate
Address: Boulevard Marina, Plaza Nautica, Cabo San Lucas, 23410, Mexico, MX
Tel: +52 0624 143 3566
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 13:00

Language and Dialect

When holidaying in Cabo San Lucas, do try to communicate with the local Mexicans in their native language - Mexican Spanish. Based on traditional Castilian Spanish and very similar, the main differences are some extra words that have been adopted and the way that it is spoken. Some Cabo San Lucas locals do speak English at varying levels, although all will be pleased if you attempt to speak to them in Spanish. Therefore, be sure to pack your Spanish phrasebook and practice a few Spanish phrases before you leave. Some examples are below.

• Good afternoon - buenas tardes
• How much is this? - cuánto cuesta?
• Could you lower the price a little?! - podria bajar un poco el precio?!
• No problem - no hay tos (slang)
• Can I see the room? - puedo ver la habitación?
• Does it include breakfast? - incluye el desayuno?
• I'd like to book - quisiera reservar
• Where are the toilets? - dónde están los banos?
• Can you show me? - me lo podria senalar
• Apologies - perdón
• Thank you - gracias
• See you soon - hasta luego

Dos and Don'ts

• Bookstores - a good bookstore is located on the Plaza de la Danza, off the Boulevard Marina, where books are readily available in different languages, including English
• Drinking Tap Water - before drinking tap water in Cabo San Lucas it should be sterilised first, by either boiling or using tablets (unless a sign in your hotel rooms states otherwise). Bottled water is always safe to drink, provided that the seal is still intact
• Internet Access - cybercafes can be found around central Cabo San Lucas and in particular, on the Plaza Aramburo
• Money - a number of banks in downtown Cabo San Lucas are happy to cash traveller's cheques. ATMs are also present on the Plaza Bonita and on the corner of Zaragoza and Cárdenas
• Smoking - the smoking laws in Cabo San Lucas are generally quite relaxed, although more and more restaurants are providing smoke-free areas. Smoking is not permitted on most flights and on city buses
• Sunbathing - if you are planning to sunbathe on one of the many beaches around Cabo San Lucas, then always use a good quality sunscreen and drink plenty, to avoid the possibility of sunburn
• Timeshare Scams - you may well be approached in Cabo San Lucas by salesmen trying to sell timeshares, many offering enticements. Some of these may not be legitimate and should be avoided, unless timeshare is something that you are genuinely interested in
• Tipping - many people involved with tourism in Cabo San Lucas expect to be tipped, such as porters and the chamber maids who clean your room. However, cab drivers do not need to be tipped unless they have provided a special service
• Using Toilets - if there is a bin next to the toilet, this is where you should put used toilet paper