| State Government of
Baja California Department of Tourism Recommendations |
What's the best time of year to visit?
Answer:Anytime! The weather is similar to San Diego's coastal areas, but with
constant ocean breezes keeping us cool in summer. Year round, we enjoy an
almost perfect climate with mild winters and balmy summers.
Question: Do I need a passport to go to Mexico?
Answer: US citizens can sail right through the San Diego - Tijuana border without
a passport. It’s a good idea to bring some kind of ID (Driver’s license for instance) in
case it’s needed. Conditions varies for citizens of other countries, better check with the
Mexican consulate in your area.
I don't speak Spanish. Will I be able to communicate?
Answer:English is spoken almost everywhere in the main tourist areas.
Do I need special insurance for my car?
Answer:If you're driving, Mexican auto insurance is recommended since your U.S.
auto insurance is not valid anywhere in Mexico. Inexpensive Mexican
insurance can be purchased by the day, week or month at numerous highly
visible locations near the border on both sides. Getting Mexican insurance
is so quick and easy that many of these places have drive-through windows.
A number of San Diego rental car agencies also rent vehicles to Rosarito
and provide the Mexican insurance.
Question: Can I bring in merchandise into Mexico?
Answer: You can bring in your car, personal clothing, camera, and other personal
items without a problem. For general merchandise such as food or medicines there is a
limit of up to the added value of $400.00 US Dollars duty free, anything over that amount
has to go through customs and pay import duty.
Firearms are usually illegal in Mexico and a heavy jail sentence can be applied for their possesion;
special permits can be obtained for hunting, but the legal entanglements are way beyond
the scope of this page .
Question: How can I exchange currency?
Answer: The official currency in Mexico is the Peso, but U.S. Dollars are readily
accepted by most merchants in Baja California.
If you still need to exchange currency there are several banks and money exchange houses
within a short distance most hotels that will make the exchange (in either Pesos or U.S.
Dollars) for you.
Question: Are there ATM machines in Baja?
Answer: There are several banks in all the main cities (mostly downtown) that have ATM machines: Notably Banamex and
Bancomer. They accept Visa and Mastercard only and dispense bills in Pesos.
Can I drink the water?
Answer:As opposed to mainland Mexico, Baja's water is from wells and has been
considered safe for years. In addition, there is a Mexican federal law
stating that restaurants must serve purified, "drinkable" water, tested
free of contaminants, both for drinking and for ice. Most hotels in
Rosarito also provide bottled or purified water in guest rooms, and popular
international brands of bottled water are available for purchase virtually
everywhere.
Question: What are the alcoholic beverage laws in Mexico?
Answer: Legal drinking age is 18, most bars and night clubs request an ID before
admittance when they doubt the customer's age. Drinking on the streets is against city
ordinance, fines are applied when caught. Drinking and driving is definitely against the
law, offenders will land in jail and will have to pay a big fine.
What about mind altering drugs?
Answer: It is a criminal offense to use, posses or traffic illegal mind altering drugs
(Cocaine, marijuana, heroin, etc.). Even the possession of a few grams can bring a jail
sentence of 8 years or more. Legal medicinal mind altering drugs (Valium, etc.) require
a medical prescription for purchase and use.
Question: What if I get ill while vacationing in Baja?
Answer: There are many excellent hospitals and doctors in all of Baja's main cities. If needed ambulance and even helicopter transportation to the US is
available. Most prescription drugs are available over the counter at approximately 1/2
to 3/4 of US prices.
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