We know that you have many questions about moving to Mexico, about the process of buying and about Los Cabos itself. We have put together a list of the most frequently asked questions that we receive. Hopefully the answers to these FAQs will be helpful to you moving forward.

Is Cabo Safe?

In short: yes. It is considered safe to travel to both Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Violent events have plagued Mexico for quite some time leading the United States to issue a Level 2 Travel Advisory for the entire country of Mexico. This means that they recommend visitors exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping. However, the majority of the occurrences have involved locals and not tourists.

The good news is that Baja California Sur – the state Los Cabos is in – is not included in the travel advisory. At the time of this post [February 2020], travelers were advised to reconsider travel to other states like Mexico [which houses Mexico city].

For reference, the United States currently lists over 70 countries with a level 2 travel advisory. The extensive list includes super popular tourist destinations like Italy, Spain, Costa Rica, Belgium, and even the United Kingdom. If those places are not questioned, we should not need to ask “Is Cabo San Lucas safe?”.

Should I sell all of my household items or bring them with me?

The majority of resale homes in Los Cabos are sold furnished. This means that the basics are going to be there for you. You may need to invest in some kitchen items, decor and electronics to complete your home. Whether or not you bring those with you is up to you. You will certainly want to bring any personal items that are of sentimental value.

Pre Constrution homes come unfurnished so you are going to need to purchase a furniture package or go shopping locally.  We have Costco, Ashley furniture and a number of local stores that offer great selection.

Can I buy a car in Mexico?

Yes you can but you are going to need a Mexican driver’s license to operate it. You will also need proof of residency. If you are going to operate in Mexico under a tourist visa and will be filing your taxes in the USA or Canada then you will have to bring your own vehicle.

Can I get a bank account?

Yes – As long as you are a resident. A non resident must own property to be able to get a bank account.

Am I able to establish credit in Mexico?

Mexico works under its own credit system that is different from the systems used in the USA and Canada. Your CURP is similar to your Social Security/Social Insurance Number. That being said credit is not generally available to temporary residents. So you will have to wait 4 years before you can file to become a permanent resident. During that time you will not be able to purchase anything in Mexico using credit or apply for a credit card. You can of course use your USA or Canadian credit cards to make purchases.

What are the length of stay requirements?

If you are visiting under a tourist visa you are limited to 180 consecutive days. At that point you must leave the country. You may return almost immediately (your more pressing question may concern the amount time your current country of residence allows you to leave.) As a resident you have no restrictions on your time in Mexico. You are a resident!

Are there other people like me in Cabo?

There is no one quite like YOU!… but Cabo is full of a variety of different people. The expat community is made up of all ages and lifestyles. Finding a social network will be similar to finding a social network where you live now. The amount of effort you put in to meeting people will be about the same.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

No you don’t. Los Cabos is a tourist community and most of the residence speak some level of English. That being said it is just polite to make the attempt to speak some Spanish so that you can converse within the Mexican community. This is their country – not yours ???? Duolingo is a great app you can use to learn basic Spanish. Spanish tutors are available and are very inexpensive.

What is the healthcare like?

Mexico has a social health system available to it’s working citizens, the rest of us have to use private health. Now that might sound scary but its much less than north of the border. Private health insurance is available and very inexpensive. The service quality is remarkable – there are still doctors that make house calls!

Can I get my prescriptions filled in Cabo?

Mexican pharmacies are generally very well equipped and offer most products at a highly reduced rate. You will want to avoid the tourist pharmacies and head into the Mexican areas to get your prescriptions filled. You will get much better rates that way. If you have very specific pharmaceutical needs then we would suggest making an inquiry before you come.

How reliable is the Internet?

Telmex has been aggressively installing fiber optics across Los Cabos including all the major expat areas and heavy population areas in the Mexican quarter. With speeds as high as 200 megabyte the internet should be more than enough to handle any of your internet requirements. Expect costs to be half of what you pay north of the border.

Say hi! We would love to chat.

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Our Team

The conversion to PESOS may be subject to change. The PESOS value displayed is based solely on the official conversion rate applicable on the date the property was listed. The offered price is denominated in DOLLARS (US Currency), and as per the regulations outlined in article 8 of the monetary law, the final price for recordation purposes will be converted into PESOS using the official exchange rate in effect on the date of payment.

Affordable Cabo is proudly presented by Coastaro Real Estate and forms an integral part of our overall brand.