What Should We Pack?
While packing for your stay, please remember to bring casual, informal, lightweight, comfortable type of clothes for the main part of your wardrobe; however, early morning and evenings can be cool and we highly recommend sweats and/or sweaters or wind breakers for early morning and evening wear. ‘Uggs’ are great if you have them for fall/winter months. For those who might want to go to a fine dining establishment in either, Tijuana, Rosarito, or Ensenada, you may want a casual/dressy outfit or a sports coat. There are quite a few excellent restaurants both to the north and south. Which brings us to:
What about Credit cards?
There is some credit card capability in the Baja. Most higher-end restaurants accept credit cards and most attach a surcharge to the bill. Pemex gas stations accept cash, debit and credit cards (sometimes the machines are down). There are ATM’s in the bank foyers in town. However, on the weekends they have been known to “run out” of cash, or the cash may only be in pesos and you will incur an exchange bank charge. Please try to estimate your expenses and bring an appropriate amount of cash for your convenience. US currency is accepted most everywhere.
Any Special Driving Tips?
When making a left in Mexico on a two-lane highway, if someone is following or approaching you, pull off the road and wait till they have passed, don’t signal, stop and wait to turn. In Mexico, when someone has stopped with a left turn signal on, it means anyone can pass you on the left side. Accidents and deaths have occurred because American’s do not understand this law! Also, the left lane on the on a four-lane highway is a passing lane in Mexico. Use that lane for passing only or you might be pulled over and given a ticket.
Do I Need a Passport?
Yes, passports are required.
Do I need a Visa to Enter Mexico?
No special permits or visas are required for short stays unless you travel further South than Ensenada.
How do I Get around?
Drinking and driving in Mexico can be more dangerous than in the United States. We recommend if guests are going to drink while out of the community, make sure that you have a designated driver or take the taxis. If heading in to Rosarito, you can catch a taxi in for about $1.50 per person and generally return for $20.00 or less per carload late in the evening.
What About Drinking in Public?
Open containers of alcohol (cans, bottles, plastic cups) is considered Public Drunkenness under Mexican Law, even if you are stone sober. You can (and will) be detained, fined and possibly jailed for this misdemeanor. Please remember this when leaving the community, any public bar or restaurant in Rosarito and especially when driving/riding in any vehicle.
What Kind of Identification Should I Bring?
Remember, this is NOT southern California, you are in another country and passports are now required. This includes children though a school photo or DMV ID’s and a birth certificate seems to be accepted for now. It’s good to remember that as a US citizen, you cannot be denied entrance back into your country but without a passport you will probably be sent to Secondary Inspection which will seriously prolong your return to the US. A pet should have a rabies vaccine certificate and/or veterinarian records. Also good to remember, you are a guest in Mexico, please be polite if asked for ID or to search your vehicle.
Can I Use my Cell Phone When Driving
Usage of cell phones while driving in Mexico is not recommended. It is against the law in Mexico and an easy “bust” for the Mexico Policia.
Will my Cell Phone Work in Mexico?
It probably will, and unless you have a “Mexico Plan” with your carrier, look to spend about $1.59 a minute and texting and data are also very expensive.
Do You Have a List of Usefull Phone Numbers?
The Tourist Assistance Hotline is 078 from any public or private phone including cell phones if you have a plan that works in Mexico. Please check with your cell phone provider.
Bobby’s Baja Office: 619-955-7710 or 01152 661 613-2494
Bobby’s Restaurant: 619-262-2900 or 01152 661 614-1135
We look forward to your safe arrival – Buen Viaje!!
