The Club El Rincon El Pedregal

The Club El Rincon reopens this month after the summer.  Located in The Pedregal this facitlity is open to both residents of the Pedregal, locals and visitors vacationing in Cabo San Lucas.

Hours of Operation:

Mon to Fri 7am-9pm
Sat 9am- 6pm

GYM
Monthly membership $75usd ($65usd for Pedregal Homeowners)
Weekly pass $30usd
Daily pass $10usd
No registration fee.
**These rates include access to the gym, lap pool, showers, lockers, steam room and Jacuzzi (only women area).

During this first week of October there is a 15% discount on Spa treatments.

Baja Sur Vacation Rentals offers a wide variety of Cabo condos, homes and villas in the area.  Many of our Cabo Vacation Rentals are walking distance to this Gym and Spa.  Contact us today for availability.

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.

Baja Baby Gear is the brainchild of owner Jenni Reichert who experienced excess baggage fees for all of her baby Wyatt’s gear when traveling from Cabo to the U.S. She has specifically targeted timeshare families staying for a week or more as well as families who have rented vacation homes in the area. She also offers a baby concierge service, delivering baby supplies along with the equipment. Almost all of the equipment was shipped in from the U.S. so as to give the traveling consumer peace of mind in familiarity. Known brands such as Graco, Chicco, Disney are represented in her rental inventory.

Jenni converted her garage into a storage room for immediate access to her inventory. She charges a $25.00 delivery fee for orders under $100.00 Free delivery for orders over $100.00. Items are priced for daily and weekly rentals. For example a high chair is $35 per week or $7.00/day. A box of toys is $14.00/week, a crib $65/week. Cribs come with complimentary bumper pads, bedding and mobile. A car seat is $50 for the week. Fold away beds, portable toddler beds, mosquito netting for cribs, car seats for 2-5 year olds are also available with plans to expand depending on requests.

Cleanliness is always an issue and when items are picked up after each rental they are washed with a soapy solution and water. Any cloth items are machine washed with Dreft. All gear is then steam cleaned. The equipment is then sterilized with Lysol and plastic wrapped to be stored. When items are requested for use, they get another once over with Clorox. Finally, when she delivers the items she gives them one last wipe down with Lysol wipes.

Baja Baby Gear is a member of the Baby Travel Pros Association which is a collection of international baby equipment rental companies, who all adhere to a high standard of safety and quality practices.

When traveling to Los Cabos with little ones leave all your equipment and gear at home and contact Jenni at info@bajababygear.com. You can see her entire inventory with prices at www.bajababygear.com Renting on line and making arrangements for pick up or delivery upon your arrival is available. Local cell: 044-624-157-9123

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.

June 14, 2010 Mexico approved new regulations for changing US dollars into pesos.  This new law is an effort to curb money laundering.  Tourists are able to exchange up to $1500.00 at any bank when presenting a passport without having an account at the particular bank.  If one needs to exchange more than $1500.00 he/she must have an account at the particular bank.  Even with a local bank account a maximum of $4000.00/month can be converted. Checks and wires however, are unlimited.

Some stores are not accepting dollars as it would be difficult for them to exchange or deposit the dollars for pesos with a $4000.00/ month USD limit.  The Mexican government has approved a number of stores to receive more than the allotted US currency.  The list includes Wall-Mart, Soriana, Coppel, Oxxo, Waldos, Mega, Chedraui, Sears, and Office Max.  A number of stores are taking the steps necessary to be allowed to receive up to $100 USD per transaction with no limit.  Please note this regulation applies only to cash transactions.  Credit cards, debit cards and ATM’s  can be used as usual.
 
The word in Cabo is that most hotels, restaurants and stores are still accepting US dollars with sales over $100.00 completed in multiple transactions.