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1)  Posted on 03/02/08

Question:
Hello Molly, my husband and I have often fantasized about leaving the rat race and trading up for a warmer lifestyle. After recently visitig Los Cabos for a vacation we are thinking seriously, for many reasons, that this may be the place for us. However, we have two girls (8 & 12), family pets including a horse that must be considered. Can you forward me info re.good neighbourhoods, private schools, property insurance (hurricane, flood etc), health care and equeastrian facilites. Gee, thats not too much to ask is it? I already tried bajainsider.

Answer:
Hi Angela,

When you ask a question, you don't mess around :) I have not spent much time in Los Cabos so am not familiar with the neighborhoods but found this link online with some info: http://www.loscabosguide.com/realest/lcreintro.htm  scroll down to 'The Tourist Corridor' section. They list some developments and information about the neighborhood.

I have researched schools in the area, here are some names with address and phone. This is a small selection of what is available, but they are ones that were recommended by two persons with children in the area, a native Mexican, and a single Mom from the states.

Private Schools in Los Cabos:

** Cabo San Lucas
1. El Camino (1-12), Callejón del Jorongo Num 210.  Tel 624-143-2100
2. Montessori Omeyocan (1-6), Jacarandas s/n Lomas del Pacifico.  Tel 624-173-0156
3. Colegio Amarento, A.C. (1-6), Km 6.7, Carretera Transpeninsular. Tel 624-145-8701
4. Papalote (1-6), 5 de Febrero E/ignacio Zaragoza.  Tel 624-144-4311

** San Jose del Cabo
1. Juan Mc Gregor (1-6), Km 24. 8, Carretera Transpeninsular. Tel 624-144-5595
2. Instituto Particular International Libertad, A.C. (1-9), Morelos Num 17.  Tel  624-142-0428
3. Centro Educativo Cactus y Mar (1-6), Manzana 21 Lote 8.  Tel 624-172-8288

Here are some resources for health insurance when living out of the U.S., Canada or elsewhere (that will cover you anywhere in the world):

1. Multi Nacional Underwriters (based in the U.S.) –  http://www.mnui.com
2. Medibroker (based in the UK) –  www.medibroker.com
3. Expat Financial - http://www.expatfinancial.com/
4. International Health Insurance.com –  http://www.intlhealthinsurance.com/

You may also want to consider an emergency evacuation policy for your family, if your regular coverage does not include this.

Companies who will provide property insurance in Mexico who serve the Baja California Peninsula are:
1. Lewis & Lewis –  http://www.mexicanautoinsurance.com/
2. ING – http://www.ing-usa.com/us/index.htm
3. Mexican Insurance Company  –   http://www.mexicoinsurancecompany.com/
4. West Coast Insurance - http://www.InsureBaja.com

Here is a link with information on horse people in Cabos - one of these companies will be sure to have the information you need: Los Cabos Guide; Horses http://www.loscabosguide.com/activity/horses.htm

Sounds like an amazing adventure - I hope it works out well for you, Molly

2)  Posted on 04/01/08

Question:
Hello molly, i need to buya car and was planing to buy a efficient model as pos in the states but heard you can only buy 10 year old models if your importing to mexico..is this true and how do i get answers for these questions. any tips and thanks in advance

Answer:
Hi Mike,

I have a pleasant surprise for you... importing a car to the Baja California Peninsula, and importing a car to the mainland in Mexico are two separate issues with different rules and regulations. I'm assuming you are wanting to head to Baja as that is my category, but did a quick check for requirements to the mainland also.

In reference to your import question (for longer than six months), see below.

** Taking a car to Baja **
The good news for Baja travelers is they are exempt from obtaining a permit - keep your car for as long as you want - and the mandatory posting of a bond (from $200 - $500) required of mainland visitors. You do need valid Mexican car insurance policy (U.S. insurance policies are not valid in Mexico). One source for insurance, with a lot of good info about driving in Mexico on their website, is Discover Baja Travel Club (http://www.discoverbaja.com/).

Approximately 15 miles (20kms) from the border (mainland) is considered a Trade Free Zone, where the below does not apply. If traveling further into Mexico (mainland only, the Baja Peninsula is exempt) you need to obtain a permit and post a bond.

Note: There used to be a Free Zone area in Sonora when crossing from the Loredo border entry point but this is not the case anymore (from the info I read).  When traveling to Sonora you need to follow the guidelines below for mainland entry.

Here is the info I came up with for taking a car to Mexico on the mainland (valid for six months). I found it on the U.S. Department of State Website (http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html#entry_requirements) and the page was last updated Sept, 2007.

** Taking a car into Mexico (mainland)**
"Tourists wishing to travel beyond the border zone with their vehicle must obtain a temporary import permit or risk having their vehicle confiscated by Mexican customs officials.  At present the only exceptions to the requirement are travel in the Baja Peninsula..."

** Acquiring a permit **
"To acquire a permit, one must submit evidence of citizenship, title for the vehicle, a vehicle registration certificate, a driver's license, and a processing fee to either a Banjercito (Mexican Army Bank) branch located at a Mexican Customs (Aduanas) office at the port of entry, or at one of the Mexican Consulates located in the U.S."

MEXonline.com (http://www.mexonline.com/drivemex.htm) has a list of 'Banco del Ejercito' at border entry points, (scroll to bottom of page) but the info on Sonora is out of date - 2004.

** Posting a bond **
Mexican law also requires the posting of a bond at a Banjercito office to guarantee the export of the car from Mexico within a time period determined at the time of the application.  For this purpose, American Express, Visa or MasterCard credit card holders will be asked to provide credit card information; others will need to make a cash deposit of between $200 and $400, depending on the make/model/year of the vehicle.  In order to recover this bond or avoid credit card charges, travelers must go to any Mexican Customs office immediately prior to departing Mexico."

** U.S. Customs Fraud Alert **
"Travelers should avoid individuals outside vehicle permit offices offering to obtain the permits without waiting in line, even if they appear to be government officials.  There have been reports of fraudulent or counterfeit permits being issued adjacent to the vehicle import permit office in Nuevo Laredo and other border areas."

** Importing a car, for longer than the six months allowed with the permit above - info for mainland, Baja is exempt **
From the way I understand it, you either have to leave Mexico every six months (cross the border to get your bond back) and then re-enter applying for a new six-month permit and posting a bond again, or can do some fancy paperwork and turn your can into a Mexican car... that will not be allowed back into the U.S. You will need to do some research. Many Mexicans and Americans import cars from the states to sell in Mexico.

Be smart and follow these guidelines!  Here is what can happen if you don't...  "Travelers without the proper permit may be incarcerated, fined and/or have their vehicle seized at immigration/customs checkpoints."

Hope that helps, Molly

3)  Posted on 04/01/08

Question:
HI Molly...I am wondering if there is any other way to get from mzt to sjd besides flying? I know there used to be a ferry but I can only find one from mzt to La Paz  thank Kathe

Answer:
Hi Kate,

The ferry system from Cabo to Puerto Vallarta has been out of operation since 1989 - big bummer. If you do not want to fly into San Jose del Cabo, the Mazatlan to La Paz ferry, then bus is the way to go. Simple and low-cost, though will take two days in total.

I have taken the ferry from Mazatlan to La Paz and it is a very basic boat - large, with a sitting area that many camp out in to sleep (primarily Mexican families), bar & cafeteria with very basic snack options. Your ticket comes with a simple breakfast and basic dinner, nothing fancy.  There is a nice upstairs lounge, with view, snacks, full-bar and movies.

The ride is slow and easy, did not cause myself or son to become ill, though a Baja bus ride usually does.  The cabins are basic but comfortable, with four bunks in most. Private bath optional. We have taken it back and forth twice, and always had a four-bunk cabin to ourselves.

From Mazatlan the overnight journey leaves at 3 p.m. and arrives in La Paz the following morning around 9 a.m. It costs approximately $80 U.S. for ticket, an additional $25 U.S. for a bunk in a cabin.

The bus from La Paz to CSL will take approximately two hours - if I remember correctly! It costs approximately $15 U.S.  There is a lot of road construction going on so you may experience some delay.

Hope that helps! Have a great trip, Molly

4)  Posted on 04/02/08

Question: 

I live in Real de Catorce which is central Mexico. If you know of anything about tax on a 10,000 dollar car and wether you can guide me on import restrictions ie only 98 models for this year but I am very grateful for your speedy and detailed answers

Answer:
Hi - I think I understand your question now- here is what I found.

The way I understand it, Mexico wanted to stop the competition from new car sales being made in the states and brought into Mexico (they place a whopping 30% of value of car tax on newer autos, which then the dealer has to pass on to the consumer, so it is cheaper to purchase new autos North).

In making these changes, seems they went a bit over-board.

As of March 2nd, only 1998 year car models may be imported into Mexico.

Read this article online:  Mexico Abruptly Restricts Car Imports http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080302/used_cars.html

Here is a good discussion going on online - at Digg, you might want to check it out - http://digg.com/world_news/Mexico_Abruptly_Restricts_Car_Imports?t=13336079

                     ------------------------

This should be added to the info above. Is for those living in Mexico long-term:

**  Having a Car with a FM-3  or  FM-2 Visa  **
The above answer is correct for bringing a car into Mexico within the six-month time frame, but for those with an FM-2 or FM-3 Visa, you are allowed to keep your car in Mexico for up to five years - you renew your 'car permit' when you renew your visa.

Here is a paragraph describing the process from Foreigners Living in Mexico website at http://www.tomzap.com/living.html :

"Under the FM-2 and FM-3 visas, a foreigner may keep his or her car in Mexico. The car's permission runs with the period of the visa extension. After renewing his or her visa annually, the foreigner must write a "solicitud " (a letter of application in Spanish) asking permission to keep the car another year in Mexico, make copies of the renewed visa and copies of the car's title and entry papers and send all that off to a state office of Hacienda (the tax revenue service). They review the application and send the car owner an official letter which must be carried at all times in the car. By means of that "oficio", the car is legally sanctioned for another year in Mexico. A word of warning: When one reaches the status of "immigrant", it's no longer possible to keep a foreign car in Mexico. No one mentioned that to me, and I was surprised and dismayed to learn that I'd have to drive my '93 Quest back to the States, sell it, and return to Mexico to buy a car here."

Never been to Real de Catorce, but sure it is lovely, Molly

5)  Posted on 04/05/08

Question:
Im going to cabo san lucas but im landing in la paz.I want to know how many hours is it to cabo from la pa

Answer:
Hi Lisa, I´m assuming you are driving. From La Paz to Cabo San Lucas you can take Highway one via the East Cape and it is approximately 3 hours.  Your other option is to drive Highway 19 via the West Cape. This route is shorter, approximately 2 hours.  Approximately 10 miles or so past La Paz you can either continue to travel on Highway 1, or chose Highway 19.

The main tourist towns on the East Cape are Los Barriles & Cabo Pulmo. Todos Santos is on the West Cape. You may have delays for road construction.

If you email at molly.vivalabaja@gmail.com and give me your email, I will send you a free Viva La Baja! Travel Guide - have fun, Molly

6)  Posted on 04/09/08

Question:
I am planning a travel to baja california and I would like to get to usa crossing the cortex sea from santa rosalia to Guyama,  but I can't find some reliable web site that couls help me to book tickets in adavance? where and how can I buy bus ticket in advance from Guyama to Tucson? Is there any travel agency that could help me  What About The Ferry connection between santa rosalia and guyamas? the website is not very friendly?

last but not least what are reliable rent a car agencies in la paz or Santa Rosalia ?

Answer:
Hi Catia,
I hear ya - the websites are hard to find, and a lot of info you do find on the Web is out-of-date, with incorrect times and pricing! Website listed below, includes pricing for vehicles.

The ferry from Guaymas (mainland) to Santa Rosalia (Baja) is a day trip - it leaves the dock in Guaymas at 8a.m. and arrives in Santa Rosalia around 3p.m.  The ferry departs from Guaymas on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday.

The trip from Santa Rosalia to Guaymas is a day trip, leaving Santa Rosalia on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 9a.m.

Cost of the seven hour trip is approximately $65 per person (without a cabin), $75 if you want an overnight cabin (total price). Children under up to 1 year are free, up to 11 years are half-price.

Baja Ferries website - for trips from La Paz (does not have the Guaymas to Santa Rosalia trip): http://www.bajaferries.com/modules/content/index.php?op=edit&id=12

Santa Rosalia to Guaymas website with info and pricing - including pricing for vehicles:  http://www.ferrysantarosalia.com/htm/rates.htm

I do not think there are car rental companies in Santa Rosalia, but I could be wrong - I am not familiar with what is available in La Paz, but here is a site I would use if I were you - Rental Cars for Less in La Paz, Mexico at http://cars-for-less-car-rent.com/?http://cars-for-less-car-rent.com/deals/mexico/la-paz.html

Here is another site that lists names and contact info for six major car rental agencies in La Paz - http://costabajaresort.com/newhome/la_paz/getting_to_la_paz.php

Lastly, you can not buy your ticket in advance, they are not set-up for online ticketing.

Email molly.vivalabaja@gmail.com if you want a free 30-page Viva La Baja! Travel Guide.  Have a great trip, Molly
 

7)   Posted 04/09/08

Question:
My wife and I live in Pescadero, B.C.S. and have for 4 years.

Until recently our autos were licensed in the U.S. Now we both have Mexican driver licenses and need to license our autos in Mexico to obtain insurance. We own a 1996 Pontiac Grand Am and a 2000 Chevrolet 1/2T pickup. We are retired here permanently and own a home. We have no possessions in the U.S. What do we do? Thanks in advance.  Bill

Answer:
Hi Bill,

These car questions are killing me :)  From the way I understand it, you do not need to have your car licensed in Mexico to obtain car insurance, and can use either a Mexican driver´s license or other to obtain insurance.  As long as you have proof of ownership/title you obtain ´Mexican Insurance´ similar to getting a policy in the U.S, but it is provided and underwritten by a Mexican company - and therefore recognized in Mexico as valid. The website www.discoverbaja.com is a good resource and you can buy your policy through them.

Baja is a Free Trade Zone, so permit restrictions and car import policies (having to put up a bond that is returned when the car is taken back out of Mexico) do not apply.  That is my understanding.

I hope that helps, Molly
http://www.vivalabaja.com

8)  Posted on 04/10/08

Question:
Hello Molly from Kingston, Ontario, Canada. 10c and sunny here. Would have any web addresses for realators who sell every day type homes in Mexicali? Most sites on the net are flogging tourist type developments for hundreds of thousands of dollars. I'm looking for something a middle class Mexicali an might be able to afford. Thank you in advance. Mark

Answer:
Hi & burrrr :)

I would contact all the realtors you can find and simply ask if they have listings in your price range.  I spent some time in a real estate office in Mulege - and worked on a website for them with listings... they - as well as most others - list the higher-end properties, but have many lower-priced listings as well, a prospective buyer just needs to ask.  Don´t be discouraged if they are listing homes out of the reach of your pocket book, or in developments you would not care to live in. Most likely that is only a partial segment of what is available.

Don't forget that some home owners, Mexican or other, sell there property themselves - going for a week or longer and asking around, traveling the neighborhoods you like, etc. may be an effective way to find something in your price range that is not listed by a realtor. 

As well, remember there are no real estate licensing laws in Mexico - do your research and never buy a property that you do not have a title for (must be register in Mexico City to be valid) and title insurance!  I cover those issues more extensively in my eBook - it may be a good value for you.  Check out the table of contents at www.vivalabaja.com

Best of luck, Molly

9)  Posted on 05/22/08

Question: 

Hi Molly, A friend of mine has invited me to go on vacation with her and her family to Mulege! I'm excited and scared at the same time. Haven't been out of the states in awhile. I was just wondering if you can tell me how safe that area is for camping? And how long is the drive to Mulege from San Diego? Thanks in advance!

Answer:

Hi Christine,

10)  Posted on 06/09/08

Question:
Question: My boyfriend and I are planning on flying into SJD in June of this year and staying for 5-6 days. However we are flying on guest passes and our flights are slowly filling up ( which means we may get left behind).There are no flights out on La Paz so I noticed we could get a flight out of Loreto but I cannot find any information on drive times between Cabo and Loreto. Would it be worthwile to rent a car and take a road trip? Im assuming the drive would be around 6 hours to Loreto but again, have found nothing definite. How far away are they and what are the roads like bewteen the two? Thanks!

Answer:

Hi Deborah,

Mileage from Loreto to San Jose del Cabo is approximately 550 km (360 miles) and is pretty much a straight shot driving so can estimate how long you think it would take you depending on how you drive (lots of speed racers on Highway 1, keep alert and let the hotheads pass by signaling your left-hand blinker when you can see it is clear ahead).

Email if you want a free Baja Travel Guide!  molly.vivalabaja@gmail.com

Molly

11) Posted on 06/09/08

Question:

Answer:

Hi Phyllis,

Get ready for your trip and have a great time! With a few simple safety precautions, you do not need to worry any more than you would at home about diseases for your son, or of having him vaccinated for a short visit to Mexico, for someone to suggest otherwise is a bit ridiculous.  If you were going to move for an extended time, there are considerations that may be important, but is not applicable here.

Your child will have the same basic issues that you or any traveler may experience, such as possible upset digestive tract due to the change in diet, etc. This can be greatly reduced by taking acidopholus supplements prior to your trip and during your stay for all family members as it gets the 'good bacteria' up in numbers in your system.  Open up a capsule and put into drinkable yogurt or juice for your son.

Another suggestion I would make is, of course, to not drink the water but also to not brush your teeth with it, use bottled water so you have no risk of exposure to organisms. Sqeezing fresh lime on a salad or fresh vegetables at a restaurant, and waiting a minute or so, may be smart as it does kill a certain amount of bacteria on the outside of foods.

Mexico is a high risk country for Hepatitis A, you may want to avoid raw shellfish or fish such as in cerviche, and make sure when you eat any seafood it is thoroughly cooked. Fruits you can peel such as bananas or oranges are safe foods to give your child.

Use insect repellent if out at dusk or dawn, as Baja does have dengue fever carrying mosquitos.  And of course, have a lot of high quality sunscreen on hand, most likely your biggest health risk is sunburn!

Have a great trip, Molly


******  added on 05/16/2008  ******

I was rushed in answering the question, wanted to add three more things:

1.  As a Mom you already know this, but it can't be emphasized enough for a young toddler - drink plenty of fluids, gatorade is available everywhere, as is Pedialyte in pharmacies if your child does become ill - children dehydrate faster than adults.

I would recommend as well to drink only bottled, pasturized juices, not fresh-squezzed from a restaurant or vendor.  

2. Cabo San Lucas has high-quality medical facilities with english-speaking physicians, in case you should encounter any health difficulties.  Here is one clinic that is opened twenty-four hours a day - http://www.loscabosguide.com/amerimedcabo/index.html

3.  I mentioned lime juice above, which is good to add to salads, but does not 'purify' food by any means, and does not kill parasites (lime juice in cerviche does not make it safe to eat).  Wanted to make sure that info was clear!

Have a great time, Molly
www.vivalabaja.com

13)   Posted 06/14/08

Question:

HI MOLLY, THANKS FOR YOUR PROMPT ANSWER. HOWEVER I DO GIVE MY SON PROBIOTIC ACIDOPHOLIS AND PLENTLY OF OTHER SUPPLEMENTS INCLUDING IMMUNE SUPPORT. HOWEVER YOU DID MENTION IF WE WERE TO STAY IN MEXICO FOR A LONG PERIOD THERE ARE OTHER THINGS YOU WOULD SUGGEST. SUCH AS? IM TRYING TO GET WELL INFORMED ABOUT THE AREA SO THAT I CAN WELL PREPARE.          

THANKS AGAIN.

Answer: