City in Baja California Sur, Mexico
Cabo San Lucas
Baja's resort and party town: beaches, sportfishing, whale watching and the Arch, with polished marina dining. Expensive for Mexico, car-dependent and built for short holidays more than budget solo stays.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$2,470–4,120Comfortable, one person · MX$45,000–75,000Details
- Value for money12/100Better value than 11% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–AprWarmest: Aug, 31°CDetails
- Internet118 MbpsFixed broadband, Mexico medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or purified water; resorts and restaurants use purified ice.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$44–110Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards at resorts, restaurants and shops; cash for taco stands, buses, tips and some taxis.Details
Where to stay in Cabo San Lucas
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Marina / Downtown | Walkable core: bars, restaurants, water taxis to the Arch |
| Medano Beach | Swimmable beach with resorts and beach clubs |
| Pedregal | Quiet hillside villas above town; need a car |
| Corridor (to San José) | Upscale resorts and golf; taxis or car essential |
Apps that work in Cabo San Lucas
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Works in town; restricted at airport and some hotels |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Google Translate: Spanish menus and conversations
- Taxis: Taxis are costly and unmetered; confirm the fare. Shuttles from SJD are cheaper than taxis.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Mexico.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards at resorts, restaurants and shops; cash for taco stands, buses, tips and some taxis. Dollars widely accepted at poor rates.
- Currency: Peso (MXN). US$1 ≈ MX$18.21 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards roughly MXN 30–150 per withdrawal; always decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: 10–15% at restaurants (check whether service is already added), MXN 10–20 for gas attendants and grocery baggers; app rides optional.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work at many card terminals in cities; local bank transfers need a Mexican account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Air arrivals get a digital FMM (QR code) at immigration; the visitor fee is already included in your airfare.
- Officers set your stay and may grant fewer than 180 days; carry a return ticket, accommodation details and proof of funds.
- Land arrivals going beyond the border zone need an FMM; the visitor fee applies for stays over seven days.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · Tourist police 078 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 127 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Telcel or AT&T SIMs at airports, OXXO stores and carrier shops, about MXN 100–300 with data. Bring your passport to register the line. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Mexico
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.