Planning a trip to Cabo? A little local knowledge can make your visit easier, cheaper, and a lot more enjoyable. Here are 10 things worth knowing before you arrive — from money and transportation to beaches, dining, and activities.
1-Pesos vs. Dollar
U.S. dollars are widely accepted in Cabo, but paying in Mexican pesos can often give you a better value. Exchange rates can vary from one business to another, so it helps to know the current rate before you pay. Credit cards are accepted in many places, but it’s still smart to carry some pesos for taxis, tips, small restaurants, and local shops.
2-Airport Transportation
Los Cabos International Airport is about 30–45 minutes from Cabo San Lucas, depending on traffic. You can use a private transfer, shared shuttle, taxi, or rental car. If you already know where you’re staying, arranging transportation before you arrive can make the airport experience much easier.
Tip: Before getting into any vehicle, confirm the total price and whether it is in pesos or U.S. dollars.
3-Tipping in Cabo
Tipping is customary in Cabo, especially at restaurants, bars, resorts, and for tours or transportation. Around 15% to 20% is common for good restaurant service, and smaller tips are appreciated for drivers, hotel staff, and activity guides.
Tip: Check your bill carefully before adding a tip. A 16% IVA charge is Mexico’s sales tax, not a gratuity. It can sometimes look like a service charge if you’re not familiar with Mexican receipts, so make sure you’re not mistaking tax for a tip
4-Best Time of Year to Visit
Cabo is a year-round destination, but the weather changes quite a bit by season. November through April is especially popular because the days are warm, evenings are comfortable, and the humidity is lower. Summer and early fall can be much hotter and more humid, but you may find better hotel deals and fewer crowds.
Tip: If you want warm beach weather without the hottest summer temperatures, late fall through spring is a great time to visit.
5-Beach Safety
Not every beach in Los Cabos is safe for swimming. Some beaches have strong shore breaks, powerful currents, or steep drop-offs even when the water looks calm. Always pay attention to posted warning signs and beach flags before getting in the water.
Tip: If swimming is important to you, check ahead to make sure the beach near your hotel is considered swimmable. Beaches such as Medano are popular partly because the water is usually calmer than at many Pacific-facing beaches.
6-Drinking Water
Tap water in Cabo is generally not what visitors should rely on for drinking. Most hotels, resorts, restaurants, and vacation rentals provide purified or bottled water, and bottled water is easy to find throughout town.
Tip: Use purified or bottled water for drinking, and check with your hotel or rental about what they provide.
7-Getting Around Cabo
Getting around Cabo is fairly easy. Taxis are widely available, but Uber can be a convenient option and is often less expensive than a taxi. If you’re staying near the marina or downtown, many restaurants, bars, and shops are also within walking distance. A rental car can be useful if you plan to explore outside Cabo San Lucas.
Local tip: I use Uber almost daily in Cabo and have found it to be a safe, reliable, and usually less expensive option than a taxi.
8-Restaurant Reservations
Many casual restaurants in Cabo are easy to visit without a reservation, but popular restaurants and special-occasion spots can fill up quickly, especially during the busy winter season.
Tip: If there’s a restaurant you really want to try, make a reservation a few days ahead rather than waiting until the last minute.
9-Saving Money on Activities
Tours and excursions can become one of the biggest expenses on a Cabo vacation. Compare prices before booking, and look for discounts that apply to activities you already plan to do.
Tip: The Los Cabos Passport Card offers huge discounts on participating activities, restaurants, and services, and it may pay for itself after just one or two uses.
10-Don’t Over plan Your Trip
It’s tempting to fill every day with tours and reservations, but some of the best moments in Cabo happen when you leave room to explore. Spend some time walking the marina, relaxing at the beach, trying a restaurant you didn’t plan on, or simply enjoying the view.
Tip: Plan a few must-do activities, but leave some open time in your schedule. Cabo is a great place to slow down a little.
Ready to explore more of Cabo? Check out our favorite places to eat and drink, plus more things to do while you’re here.
