San José del Cabo, Mexico Guide

Know Before You Go...®

Why San José del Cabo, Mexico?

  • San José del Cabo is the second oldest city in the state of Baja California Sur.
  • The city is located at the tip of the Baja peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.
  • San José del Cabo is known as a cultural and artistic hub, boasting a variety of galleries and art festivals throughout the year.
  • San José del Cabo is home to some of the best beaches in Baja, including Playa El Medano and Playa Costa Azul.
  • San José del Cabo is a popular destination for whale watching during the winter months.

Transportation on San José del Cabo, Mexico

Getting to San José del Cabo, Mexico and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Entry Documents

  • Passport valid for the stay
  • Tourist permit (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) obtained upon arrival
  • Visas may be required for certain nationalities

Departure Tax

A departure tax of approximately $60 may be required for travelers departing from Mexican airports. It is often included in the cost of airfare but should be confirmed with the airline.

Driving

  • Driving License: Foreign licenses are valid; an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
  • Driving Side: Right.
  • Roads: Vary by region, with toll highways offering better conditions than free roads.
  • Speed Limits: Typically 60-100 km/h (37-62 mph) on highways and 40 km/h (25 mph) in urban areas.
  • Traffic Rules: Watch for speed bumps (topes) and follow local regulations. Exercise caution when driving at night due to poor lighting in some areas.

Know Before You Go...® - San José del Cabo, Mexico Travel Tips

Before making their way to San José del Cabo, Mexico , vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in San José del Cabo, Mexico even more relaxing.

Capital: 1 word La Paz
Population: 2021 approximately
Size: 2019 Unknown.
Electric Current: 120/127
Official Language: The official language spoken in Baja California Sur is Spanish, as it is the primary language in all of Mexico. However, due to its close proximity to the United States, English is also widely spoken and understood, making it the secondary language in the
Currency: Baja California Sur, located in northern Mexico, uses the Mexican Peso (MXN) as its official currency. The peso is available in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 pesos, with coins available in 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 peso denominations. Most businesses in Baja California Sur accept major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, although it is always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases. ATMs are widely available and can be found in most cities and towns, allowing for easy access to cash. Traveler's checks are not widely accepted in Baja California Sur, and it can be challenging to find places to cash them. It is recommended to bring a small amount of cash in U.S. dollars to exchange upon arrival, as this is often easier than exchanging money in banks or currency exchange offices. When paying with cash, it is essential to have small bills on hand, as many businesses may not have enough change for larger denominations. It is also worth no
Tipping and Taxes: Tipping and taxes in Baja California Sur, also known as Baja Sur, are an important aspect of the local economy and culture. Tipping is a customary practice in this region and is expected in most service industries, while taxes are imposed by the government on various goods and services. When it comes to tipping, it is generally expected to be around 10-15% of the total bill in restaurants, bars, and taxis. It is also common to tip hotel staff, tour guides, and spa employees. This is not only a way to thank them for their service, but it also helps supplement their income, which may be low in some cases. In Baja Sur, there are two types of taxes that are applied to goods and services: the Value Added Tax (VAT) and the Lodging Tax. The VAT is a federal tax of 16% that is added to most goods and services, including food and drinks, hotel stays, and tour packages. This tax is usually included in the listed price, so there is no need to calculate it separately. The Lodging Tax is a state
Dress Code: The dress code in Baja California Sur is typically casual and relaxed, with lightweight and comfortable clothing being appropriate for the warm climate.
Topography: Baja California Sur is a rugged peninsula with mountains, desert, and coastal plains, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Sea of Cortez to the east.
Telephone: Country code: +52 Area code: 612

San José del Cabo, Mexico Weddings and Honeymoons

In Mexico, getting married involves a few clear steps and required documents.

Application: Apply for a marriage license at the Civil Registry Office in the municipality where the wedding will take place.

Required documents include:

  • Valid passports
  • Tourist permits (issued upon arrival in Mexico)
  • Birth certificates (with a Spanish translation and apostille)
  • If applicable, provide a divorce decree or death certificate from a previous marriage

Medical Tests: Some states require blood tests for certain conditions, taken within a specific timeframe before the wedding.

Waiting Period: Varies by state but is typically a few days after applying.

Ceremony: Civil ceremonies are legally binding and conducted by a judge or Civil Registry official.

Costs: Marriage license and ceremony fees vary by state but typically range from $30 to $120. Additional costs may apply for translations, apostilles, or officiant travel.

Optional Religious Ceremony: Can be conducted after the civil ceremony but is not legally binding.