When visiting Mexico you are taking a journey into a foreign culture where some things are done differently.  Here are some useful tips for your visit and to assure that you will have a good time in Mexico.

When Stopped by the Police
When stopped by the police be polite but firm. There is no need to pay the officer any money and you are not required to show your passport. If stopped for a traffic violation the standard procedure is to surrender your driver’s license. At this point you have the choice of following the officer to the station to pay your fine or go to the station later to pay your fine and retrieve your license. At the time you pay the fine your license will be returned to you. They don’t want your license and they don’t want you in their jail. Many times when the police stop you they are looking for a bribe. Just say no. Most of the time the officer will let you off with a warning and give your license back to you.  If not, the worst thing is that you make a trip to the station. As you are on your way to the station think of the great story you will have to share with your friends when you return home.

In Need of Medical Services
If you need medical help we have a local doctor we recommend to our clients that we have used ourselves. He is knowledgeable, fair, and reasonably priced. Most hotels have a Dr.on call. Wherever you end up for medical care take a polite but firm hand.  If a procedure is suggested that you feel is not warranted stand firm. A common typical procedure is to automatically hook up and IV.  Use your best judgment and don’t be intimidated. Make sure you ask how much each procedure is going to cost before allowing the procedure. In an emergency situation it is advisable to have a friend or family member with you.

Using Credit Cards
We rarely use credit cards when traveling internationally. The simple fact is there is more credit card fraud in Mexico than in the US.  If you use your credit card check your balance frequently to look for activity that is not your own. ATM’s are easily found and using an ATM to get the cash you need may be a better choice.

Think Smart, Act Smart
Don’t take chances.  Don’t walk down the street alone, drunk and after midnight.  This is good advice no matter where you are in the world.  Don’t associate with anyone on the street after midnight.  If someone offers you drugs or sex, keep walking, don’t stop.  Don’t even slow down to say no. If you do you are then associating with drug dealers.

Gas Stations
In the 10 years I have lived in Cabo I have been taken twice.  You can’t fill your own tank so are dependent upon the guy at the pump. With the exchange between dollars and pesos, and change with a foreign currency visitors are easy marks.  For instance the 50 peso is a magenta color and the 100 pesos bill is red.  Upon giving the attendant a $100 peso bill and waiting for change he reported I had given him only a 50 peso bill.  I argued but lost the argument.  A better plan is to make sure the attendant sees the bill you are using and naming the bill.  Look them in the eye and tell them the amount you will spend.  They will move their shell game to someone less alert.

Changing Money
Everyone takes dollars but not at the same exchange rate. Most places will give you a price in dollars and in pesos. Ask what rate they are using and then compare to make sure you are paying an equal amount.  Many places will bring your change in pesos after you have paid in dollars. Again, confirm the exchange rate to make sure you have the correct change. We usually exchange our dollars at a bank or ATM for the best rate.

Consumer Complaints
Profeco is Mexico’s agency for consumer complaints.  The website is www.profeco.gob.mx. To file a report in English go to http://www.profeco.gob.mx/english.htm and click on “quejas y denuncias”.  Profeco is one of Mexico’s most respected government branches and famous for not being corrupt.

I believe a great part of Mexico’s charm is the wonderful people.  However, as in all communities around the world, there are those who would take advantage of those that appear vulnerable.  The best posture is to be alert, and polite but firm in any situation.  The Mexican people love tourists, are helpful and want you to enjoy your stay.

When getting ready for travel to Cabo San Lucas or any other destination you may want to consider AAA’s tips for traveling both in the U.S. and Internationally.

Consult a quality travel agent At Baja Sur Vacation Rentals we have lived in the area since 1998, know the area well and have been in every home in our inventory. This knowledge is an advantage to you, the consumer. Travel agents know their business and can help you with all details.

Copy documents such as credit cards, itineraries, emergency contact information and important phone numbers.

Keep in touch: Leave copies of important documents with a reliable person who can be contacted in the event your documents are lost or stolen.

Read the news or watch TV on a regular basis to stay up on current events not only at home but around the globe.

Be aware of what is going on around you at all times. This is good advice every time you leave your home whether traveling outside your area or not.

Don’t leave luggage unattended at any time.

Carry medical information with you.

Consider investing in travel insurance, which will cover some costs of travel and cancellation, and assistance in case of an emergency.

Heed all travel warnings and advice.

Contact the U.S. Embassy when needed. Lost passport in Cabo call 1443-3566

Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs. At Baja Sur Vacation Rentals we are happy to answer any of your questions.

Fill out the emergency information page in your passport so authorities are better able to help you in an emergency.

Consider getting an International Driving permit through AAA. A U.S. driver’s license is ample for Cabo but this may be a good idea. Consult your local AAA office.

AAA is one of the best values for your dollars spent. If you aren’t already a member check with AAA regarding cost and membership advantages. On our first drive down the Baja Peninsula AAA provided us with a Triptik that was invaluable. This is just one of the many services provided by AAA.

Volunteer First Department and Volunteer Lifeguards
Cuerpo de Bomberos and Cuerpo de Salvavidas Voluntarios
Cabo San Lucas: 143-9000
San Jose del Cabo: 142-2466

http://www.bomberoscsl.com/index.htm

The Cabo San Lucas Fire Department is a civil association that operates in large part from the donations of equipment, supplies, or money by people wanting to invest in their security. This project was made a reality because of good, hard work and each person who contributed his or her own donation.

The Cabo San Lucas Fire Department was founded in 1982, when a single citizen by the name of Gildardo Payan Azcarraga, hailing from the state of Sinaloa but adopted by these lands, became aware of the social necessities at that time. Among them was the need for a group of firemen to look after the security of the people; armed with a pail, couple of radios, an old vehicle, the patio of a house as central, but most importantly loaded with enthusiasm, he founded what today you know as the Cabo San Lucas Fire Department.

The priority of the fire department is safeguarding the lives and goods of both locals and visitors who arrive at this tourist destination. The firemen believe unquestionably in prevention through the education of the public; to prevent is to save lives and goods in advance

For more about the Fire Department in Cabo San Lucas go to: http://www.loscabosguide.com/bomberos/index.html

The following article has been reproduced here from Travel Agent Central News.  We want to share this with our readers.

The latest results of a two-year-long study of Mexico’s 31 States ranks Los Cabos (San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas in the state of Baja California Sur) as second in public safety, tourist services and transportation infrastructure nationwide. Baja California Sur also ranks first in natural resources and environmental protection nationwide with an overall satisfaction index score of 97 percent.

Ron Hatfield, president of Los Cabos based Del Mar Developments, says in a written statement, “Avoiding vacationing in areas of Mexico like Los Cabos because of the crime in Tijuana or Mexico City is like avoiding Seattle because of problems in Los Angeles. Los Cabos remains one of the world’s most coveted destinations, untouched by the violent crimes happening in areas of mainland Mexico.”

Hatfield, a local resident and a fixture in the Los Cabos community for over 15 years, is joining forces with Jacobo Turquie Alcerreca, secretary of tourism for the state of Baja California Sur, to spread the word that Los Cabos is a safe and ideal location for vacationers and home buyers.

“The municipality of Los Cabos, a thousand miles from the U.S. border, boasts a unique geographic location at the tip of the long, narrow Baja California peninsula,” says Alcerreca, also in a written statement. “Separated from mainland Mexico by the Sea of Cortes (christened the “World’s Aquarium” by Jacques Cousteau), the twin cities of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo and the surrounding countryside are an island-like sanctuary, unaffected by any crime or violence occurring elsewhere in Mexico.”

Visit www.visitloscabos.travel and www.delmardevelopment.net.

Mexican Red Cross – Cruz Roja Mexicana

24 hour rescue and ambulance service funded by donations.

Cabo San Lucas: 143-3300

San Jose del Cabo 142-0316

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiViGOtakV8