How Safe Is It To Live In Cabo San Lucas?

Is Los Cabos Safe In 2021?

With so many looking to start travelling again, or to finally retire in one of the beautiful oceanside Los Cabos properties, the question “how safe is Cabo San Lucas?” is brought up often. This doesn’t come as a surprise as Mexico in general has gotten a lot of bad press lately due to the current political climate. However, the media has a tendency to only report the “scary stories”; and many people don’t realize that the area of Los Cabos is among the safest regions in all of Mexico.

Travelers to Los Cabos and the Mexican state of Baja California Sur will find a safe and secure travel region, as long as they limit their travel to tourist areas like Cabo San Lucas. Of course it is always best to check the U.S. State Department website for specific information on Mexico.

How To Stay Safe In Cabo San Lucas

There are so many things to do and see in Los Cabos, but there are also some safety issues you should know about before visiting. While Cabo can be a great place to visit with others or on your own, there are some safety concerns and even scams that you want to be aware of. To maximize your fun and minimize any problems you might experience, below is a list of tips to help you stay safe in Cabo San Lucas.

• There are dedicated tourista police, specifically for protecting visitors;

• Avoid being alone in the downtown area between 10:00PM – 5:00AM;

• Always call a cab, and confirm prices with your driver before getting in;

• Take only the cash you need with you, and use a money belt or hidden pouch;

• Leave your passport, valuables and credit cards in your resort safe;

• Be wary of scams and free offers that sound too good to be true;

• Never feel pressured into doing anything; 

• Learn some basic phrases in Spanish; and

• Join an expat community, to have some close contacts. 

Knowing how to stay safe in Cabo San Lucas is like keeping fit; it’s not rocket science, but requires some discipline. If you follow some simple rules, you can come to Cabo and be safe without having to worry too much. 

What To Do If You Are The Victim Of A Crime In Los Cabos

The municipal police are the first line of defense against crime. The city of Cabo San Lucas is one of the safer cities to visit in  Mexico. That said, any large metropolitan area is susceptible to crime, but the chance is slim that you will become a victim while visiting or living in Cabo.

The Federal Police and the Secretariat of Public Security (SSP) are Mexican government agencies that work with the U.S. Consular Agency to help U.S. citizens who become victims of crime in Mexico. The Federal Police and SSP can: Provide you with a list of local attorneys and translators; Assist you in finding medical services; Help you file a police report; and, provide information on how to claim the property that was stolen from you.

If you become the victim of a crime in Mexico, the following things will be helpful: 

• The contact information of your family and friends; 

• The phone numbers and/or email addresses of your insurance companies; and

• A copy of your passport and visa.

The Mexican Federal Government (Gobierno de México) provides help and counseling for other crimes. You can find this general assistance link online at: http://www.gob.mx/cms/uploads/attachment/file/62551/Victimas_Federales_en_Mexico.pdf

Below, you will find a list of phone numbers that will also be helpful should you need any assistance while traveling or living in Los Cabos:

Long Distance Access numbers

Los Cabos cell numbers (from Mexico)

044-624 + number

Los Cabos cell numbers (from U.S.)

011-52-1-624 + number

Emergency (anywhere in Los Cabos): 911

Cabo San Lucas

Fire Station: 143-3577

State Police: 143-0296

Municipal Police (Local Police): 060 or 143-3977

Tourist Police: 143-3977

Join A Group For Expats In Cabo San Lucas

Los Cabos is an excellent place for expats to settle – it is in the top 5 places to retire in Mexico or top 3 places to downsize in Mexico. It is also great for long-term vacationers (also known as snowbirds). There are many things that make it a good retirement spot, including the lower cost of living, the mild climate, the year-round sunny weather, and its proximity to other places in Mexico.

Add in medical care which is inexpensive compared to U.S. prices, excellent international airports, scenic landscapes, and other features, and you have a place that is incredibly appealing to the expat community.

Expats living in Cabo are part of multiple groups on Facebook and they can help you get settled or answer any questions you may have before you travel. Many of these expats have lived in the area for a long time. They can show you how to do things like: 

• Get utilities set up; 

• Apply for an EIN; 

• Banking for foreigners; 

• Tell you where to buy supplies that are hard to find; 

• Help locate local services; and 

• Be great contacts in case of an emergency. 

It never hurts to know some people in Los Cabos before you visit or decide to make the move down. 

Taking Precautions Will Keep You Safe, So Enjoy!

So, how safe is Cabo San Lucas? Traveling to Los Cabos is a great idea and definitely worth your while. However, there are things that you should be aware of if you decide to visit Los Cabos and Baja California Sur. It is important that you take into consideration some safety and security precautions. Doing so will  ensure your trip is safe, fun and relatively worry free