Information to prepare for your trip: We encourage you to go online to http://www.discoverbajacalifornia.com/home.htm for specific information concerning the State of Baja California (Norte) and its standards. There is a wealth of information at this website that will respond to the most common requests and inquiries concerning travel in Baja (e.g. tourist cards, visas, vehicle insurance, traffic laws, points of interest, history & culture, etc.). Please note that proof of citizenship / residency is currently required for re-entry to the United States.

Medical / Dental Services? San Felipe has many well qualified physicians, dentists, pharmacies and a local community hospital with urgent/emergent care facilities. Our bilingual staff can assist if a medical or dental emergency occurs during your vacation.
Cash or credit? San Felipe is largely a cash and carry town. Credit cards and traveler’s checks are accepted at a few restaurants. U.S. dollars are commonly accepted, but may be subject to varying exchange rates. We recommend that you handle transactions in local currency (pesos) to avoid different interpretations of the daily exchange rate. It is very easy to obtain pesos once you are in San Felipe at the various money exchange sites or at the local banks. The bank will exchange US$ to Pesos before 1:00 p.m. daily, and will also cash traveler’s checks. You can use your ATM card at the local bank to withdraw the Peso equivalent of US$ (you will receive a printed receipt from the ATM transaction; but don’t get overjoyed when you see the balance in your account -– it is represented in pesos, not dollars– and will be at least 10 times greater than your actual balance!).
Banks & ATM’s? The local banks are Bancomer (on Av. Mar de Cortez and on Chetumal), and Banamex (on Chetumal). The banks have 24-hour ATM machines. ATM machines are also located in the AM-PM market adjacent to Pemex gas station (airport road) and at El Dorado Ranch.
Is there a local contact person? If you need us, we’ll be there. As our client, you will have immediate access to our local, bilingual staff during your stay. In fact, we recommend that you call as you are crossing the international border so that we know you are within a 2 hour arrival period. If you have a late arrival, we’ll leave the lights on for you.
Minimum reservation? During non-holiday / special event periods, a 2 night minimum is required. During most holidays and special event periods, a 3 night minimum is required. Some holiday periods require a 5 night stay. We accept reservations up to 12 months in advance.
Discounts? Each property has special rates for stays of 7 nights or more (excluding holiday periods). Some properties offer discounts for law enforcement or military personnel, teachers, auto-club members and retired persons. During non-holiday / special event periods, there may be discounts for last minute reservations.
How are reservations confirmed? We require a completed rental agreement and rental deposit. For reservations less than 7 days, a deposit of 1 night’s rent is required. For reservations of 7 days or more, a deposit equal to 1/3 of the rental amount is required.
Payment methods? We accept most major credit cards, personal checks, money order or payment via PayPal. Credit card transactions are subject to a merchant fee of 3.5%.
Security deposit? The rental agreement requires that you accept financial responsibility for loss or damage during your occupancy. We require that you provide a valid credit card and driver’s license in this regard. If loss or damage results during your occupancy, you will be notified in writing of the specifics and provided an opportunity to respond prior to a transaction being processed.
Cancellation policy? We realize that plans can change. We will offer you the opportunity to reschedule your reservation within 90-days, based upon availability. Cancellations do result in an administrative fee of $100.00, deducted from your rental deposit. If you chose not to reschedule your reservation, the remaining balance will be refunded as follows: 30 days or more = 100% refund. 14 days or more = 50% refund. 7 days = 25%. Less than 7 days = forfeit. ** Please note that holiday / special event cancellations of less than 14 days will result in forfeiture.
Any other fees? Yes, there is (1) a departure cleaning fee, unique to each property; and (2) a local room tax of 12% as required by the Mexican government.
Keys & directions? Keys to the property are maintained in a lockbox. Upon receipt of final rental payment (14 days prior to arrival), you will be provided with specific directions to the accommodation along with the combination to the lockbox. Upon your departure, please return the keys to the lockbox. Lost keys will result in a charge to re-key the property.
Check-in & Check-out? Unless otherwise arranged, check-in begins at 3:00 p.m. and check-out is expected by 12 noon. If there is no conflict with another client, the property may be available for earlier check-in (no earlier than 9:00 a.m.) or later check-out (no later than 3:00 p.m.).
Housekeeping? The property will be freshly prepared for your arrival, including sheets and towels. The property will be cleaned following your departure. Additional housekeeping services during your stay can be arranged either in advance of your arrival or through our local representatives.
What is provided? Each property has a fully equipped kitchen (microwave, coffee maker, blender, pots/pans, dishes, glassware, silverware, cooking utensils, etc.); television and satellite programming; dvd / cd player; pillows, bed linens for each bed; towels for each occupant. Toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap and hand soap is provided. Please see each property description for more details.
Electrical current? Standard 110 household current is used in Mexico. No special adapters or converters are required.
Drinking water? We recommend purified (bottled) water for drinking. An initial supply of purified drinking water will be provided in a dispenser (or in the refrigerator) at your accommodation. The drinking water and ice served at local restaurants is from purified water. Particularly during the warmer months, we recommend having extra water available to stay hydrated. Bottled water is available at all local markets and convenience stores.
What should you bring? Personal toiletries, beach towels, beach chairs, movies, music, books, etc. Please do not take towels from the house to use at the beach. Please be sure to bring your rental agreement. If you are returning to the USA, please bring proof of citizenship or residency (e.g. birth certificate, passport, visa, etc.).
Smoking or non-smoking? As a courtesy to others, our clients are advised that smoking is not permitted inside the private homes that we offer for vacation accommodations. Each property has outdoor patio areas available for smoking.
Pets? Each property has its own standards for well behaved pets. In the event that a pet will be travelling with you, a separate pet cleaning fee is required in order to ensure removal of hair, etc. from all areas. Pet approval must be obtained in advance of your arrival.
Grocery shopping? Local markets in San Felipe offer familiar products and cut-to-order butcher counters. In Mexicali, Wal-Mart, CostCo, Sam’s Club, Smart & Final and several other local markets are either on or near the route to San Felipe. Mesquite charcoal is available at local grocery stores for bar-b-que.
Internet access? Internet access is available at several locations in San Felipe at reasonable cost.
Cell phones? Check with your cell phone provider for roaming signal access in San Felipe.
Special events or celebrations? Our local resources make it easy to assist you in planning meetings, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, etc. Catering for private parties, floral arrangements, decorations, photography, videography, etc. are all locally available.
Other services? Massage, hair styling, facials, manicure/pedicure are just some of the services we can arrange for you.
Arriving via private plane? Our bilingual staff can file your flight plan (in Spanish) and assist with customs / immigration clearance, and arrange for ground transportation (taxi or car rental).
Recreational activities? Fishing excursions, water sports, horseback riding, ATV-rentals, sightseeing, dining, nightclubs, and local entertainment are all available in San Felipe for your enjoyment.
Referrals? Just let us know what you need to accomplish. We’ll provide you with referrals to competent and ethical local resources.