VISITING SAN FELIPE, MEXICO

This web site section provides information on what to do once you have arrived in San Felipe, Mexico.

Accommodations

There are a wide variety of accommodations in San Felipe. If you are trying to save money, there are many places you can camp in a tent or in an RV right on the water. Most places have showers, either included or for a small fee.

There are also many decent motels/hotels similar to Motel 6 accommodation. These can cost between $55 and $85 per night. So far, we have not seen any difference in the quality of a motel that costs $55 versus one that is $85. If you want to save money, choose the less expensive motel in your preferred location. Some motels require a deposit for the remote control that is refundable when you return the device at the end of your stay.

Upscale hotel accommodations are limited, but can be found at places like the Marina.

If you are more interested in staying at a house, there are many houses for rent.

• Click here to see a list of Accommodations from the "Yellow Pages" area of the web site.
• Click here to see Accommodation Reviews from that area of the web site.

Entertainment

In San Felipe, you can enjoy off roading, golfing, fishing, digging for clams, dancing, sightseeing, taking light airplane rides, and being towed behind a boat on a banana raft. Or, enjoy pampering at one of the recently, opened day spas. Of course, their still is our favorite pastime - gazing at the water while drinking an adult beverage and chating with new friends.

Click here to see some of the activity options from the "Yellow Pages" area of the web site. Or, check our Events section.

Malecón

Malecón means "jetty" or "breakwater" in Spanish. In downtown San Felipe, the Malecón is the street that is closest to the water with the tourist shops, pharmacies, restaurants, and bars. Day or night, this is where most of the action is.

At and near the Malecón, there are different colored curbs to designate where you can park.

• Green curbs or those with no color mean that you can park for an unlimited amount of time (unless there is a sign saying otherwise).
• Yellow curbs mean that the space is reserved for the customers of the business in front of that curb. There will often be a sign indicating this in front of the parking space as well.
• Blue curbs are handicapped parking spaces and you must have a handicap plackard displayed.

When purchasing items in tourist shops, you can either shop around for better prices (many stores carry the same items), or you can haggle for lower prices. If you are looking for ceramic items, you should shop for them at the ceramic stores on the road north out of town because the prices can be up to 50% cheaper.

There are many street vendors walking the Malecón. If you see jewelry or something else you like, but it isn't exactly what you want, tell the vendor what you are looking for. Chances are that he knows someone else who has exactly what you want. All prices are negotiable.

It is illegal to beg. If someone asks you for money, the chances are high that this person needs the money for drugs. Do not give money to these people.

There are many pharmacies and most of them have people who speak English. If they don't have the item you need, they can usually find it for you. Some pharmacies have more than one store near the Malecón. Some pharmacies even have someone that can recommend medicines based on you describing your symptoms. However, seeing a doctor is very inexpensive here. So, if you are concerned about your health, see the doctor. We had a friend who had a parasite. He waited so long to see the doctor that he almost died. At St. James Infirmary, doctors, nurses, tests, and everything only cost him 400 pesos (not dollars).

If you need money, you can find an ATM near the Malecón at Bancomer. See details on ATMs in the Money section in the "Arriving" portion of the web site.

Restaurants

There are many reasonably priced restaurants in San Felipe with good food. In San Felipe, you can find Italian, Chinese, Pizza, Deli sandwiches, American (steak, hamburgers, hot dogs, and fries), and, yes, Mexican. However, don't expect fast service, especially if the restaurant is busy. Also, you will almost always have to ask for the check. Just say "La cuenta por favor" (lah qwen-tah poar fah-vor). Or just ask in English because they will understand you.

The fish, shrimp, and clams in San Felipe are delicious. They are obtained locally and typically are fresh. You can ask your server if the item you are interested in is fresh. Most servers speak English. However, if yours does not, for fish ask "Es fresca el pescado?" (ehs fres-ka ehl pes-ka-do). For shrimp ask "Es fresca los camarónes?" (ehs fres-ka lohs ka-ma-rohn-es). For clams ask "Es fresca las almejas?" (ehs fres-ka lahs ahl-meh-has).

The flour tortillas are also usually made by hand the same day.

Our favorite restaurants are all on the Malecón:

• Conchitas for the great view, low prices, and $1 beer. They have Mexican food and fish.
• Rice and Beans for the ability to sit inside and still have a water view on both hot and cold days with reasonable prices. They have Mexican food and fish.
• Taco Factory for the good, reasonably priced food and the view of the water. They have Mexican food and the last time we were there they had amazing barbeque ribs.

Wondering where to eat?

• Click here to see a list of Restaurants from the "Yellow Pages" area of the web site.
• Click here to see Restaurant Reviews from that area of the web site.

Bars

When you are at a bar, always pay as you go. Otherwise, you may find a huge bar bill at the end of the night that you did not expect. We have had bar patrons put drinks on our tab without permission on more than one occassion.

There are many bars throught San Felipe. In town, our favorites are:

• Beachcomer (on the second story) for people watching and because there is a fantastic hot dog stand in front in the evenings Thursday through Sunday (in case you get the munchies).
• Miramar to sit during the day and relax while viewing the water (and because the taco stand next door has amazing food).
• Al's Backstreet bar at night when the people watching becomes boring and you just want to hang out with the local gringos (try Al's homemade tequilla).
• Fandango's for pool, free wireless Internet access, and buy two - get 1 free on Wednesdays.

North of town, we like:

• El Paraiso at Pete's Camp (km 178) for their $1 beer Happy Hour from 4 - 5 Monday through Friday, their live entertainment Wednesday through Saturday, their good, reasonably priced food, and their free wireless Internet.
• We also like Playa de Oro (km 179) because they have free wireless Internet access, karaoke on Tuesday and other entertainement Wednesday through Sunday (another plus is that they are also close to El Paraiso).

South of town, we like Percebú (km 20) on a nice day to sit outside and watch the birds or to look at ocean life in the "tide pools". Try one of their famous consuelos, but only if you have three friends with you. A consuelo comes in a big bowl with straight alcohol and fruit pieces and costs about $20 U.S. A consuelo tastes great, but can knock you on your you-know-what. The food there is good as well. Bring your own toilet paper because there may not be any in the restroom there.

Phones/Calling Home

• Click here to see the Phones/Calling Home section in the "Arriving" portion of the web site.

Money

• Click here to see the Money section in the "Arriving" portion of the web site.

Gas Stations

All gas stations are Pemex stations and have green signs. There are four Pemex gas stations in San Felipe. One more is being build near km 179.

• As you enter town, there is a Pemex on your right not far from the arches.
• At the glorietta (round about), continue straight and there is a Pemex on the right.
• At the glorietta (round about), turn right and there is a Pemex on the right a mile or so down the road at a stop sign.
• At the glorietta (round about), as you exit town, there is a Pemex on the right.

You can usually choose to pump your gas or have someone do it. If you want to pump your own gas, look for the pump without an attendant. Either way, make certain the pump says 0 before you begin pumping. Also, not all gas stations do the currency conversion correctly, so ensure when you are paying that you convert the amount of gas you want into pesos for them so they know what you are expecting.

If it is a busy weekend, get your gas the day before you leave to avoid long lines.

Internet Access

The easiest and least expensive way to access the Internet is to bring your own laptop with a wireless card. Speeds can vary, but Internet access is free north of town at Pete's Camp's El Paraiso restaurant/bar (km 178 - ask for the password), at El Dorado Ranch's La Palapa, at La Ventana del Mar golf course's Pavillion Restaurant, and at Playa de Oro's Beach Grill (km 179). In town, Fandango's has free wireless access (in the south part of downtown San Felipe across from Remax and next to The Wash Tub).

If you don't bring your own computer, you can use a computer for a fee at The Net (in the south part of downtown San Felipe across from Remax and next to The Wash Tub).

Groceries

There a many, many small grocery stores throughout San Felipe. Look for the signs that say "abarrotes" or "mercado". Most of the "abarrotes" stores have a tall Tecate sign in front of their store as well. The grocery selection in San Felipe is not as extensive as you are probably accustomed to.

A good place to find fresh shrimp, fish, and clams is on the Malecón. Locals sell these items out of the back of their truck or their trunks. They will have signs saying "camarónes" (shrimp), "pescado" (fish), or "almejas" (clams).

Do not shop in stores that do not have the prices of items clearly marked. Otherwise, you may find you are expected to pay an unreasonably high grocery bill. This happened to us and we chose to leave rather than pay. We have never returned to that store.

Beer cost includes the cost of the bottles. Look for places that will accept returned bottles so you will not have to pay the bottle deposit on your next beer purchase. A six pack of Tecate can be found for about 50 or 60 pesos. If it costs more than that, you should just go to Conchitas on the malecón and drink their $1 beer or to El Paraiso at Pete's Camp at Happy Hour (from 4 - 5 Monday through Friday) for $1 beer.

Milk based dairy items spoil quickly and sour cream and cheese are difficult to find. Batteries can be expensive. Eggs are not refrigerated.

You can find upscale deli meats and cheeses and fresh bread and pastries at SunDance Deli at km 179 in Playa de Oro (6.9 miles north of town).

There are a couple larger grocery stores in San Felipe.

• DJ - When coming into town, at the glorietta (round about), bear left as if you were going south of town towards the Marina. A short distance later on the right is DJ. The prices are a little higher than at Hipon, but you may find items here that you cannot find at Hipon (e.g., dog and cat food).
• Hipon - When coming into town, turn left at the first stop sign onto the paved road. Go over two speed bumps. Go two stop signs and turn right on the paved road. Go two stop signs and turn left onto the dirt road. Go two streets and turn right on the dirt road. Hipon is one street up on the left. There is a sign over the store. Parking is in front of the store if you turn left on the street in front of the store.

Click here to see a list of Grocery Stores from the "Yellow Pages" area of the web site.

Laundry

In San Felipe, you can either do your own laundry or have your laundry done for you. Cost to have your laundry done for you is about $5 per load. You usually can drop your laundry before noon and have it done by 3 pm. If you do your own laundry, it will cost you about $2.50 per load (washer and dryer cost) plus the cost of your detergent.

You can have your laundry done for you at Juanita's/The Wash Tub, at the Dolphin Wash at Playa de Oro, or at El Cachanilla (the El Dorado Ranch RV park). You can also wash your own clothes at any of these facilities.

Medical Care/Hospital

St. James Infirmary is the hospital in town. Hospital and Doctor costs are low compared to U.S. prices. U.S. medical plans may even reimburse your costs. To see a list of physicians, pharmacies, and labs, click here to see them in the "Yellow Pages" area of the web site.

Buying Real Estate

There are many, many developments that have land and houses for sale. There are four ways you can "buy" real estate in San Felipe.

1. If you are not a Mexican citizen, you can have land put in your name in a bank trust (fideicomiso) for 50 years (the bank trust is renewable). The Mexican government will then have you listed as the land owner and you pay taxes on that property to the Mexican government yearly based on the property's appraised value. You can also obtain Title Insurance with this option. You will need an FM-3 visa to own property this way. You will also need to pay yearly fees to the bank who holds the trust in your name (~$500).
2. If you are not a Mexican citizen, you can lease property. You would not pay taxes on this property and the land would not be owned by you. The lease can be renewable.
3. If you are a Mexican citizen, you can purchase and own land outright.
4. If you have a Mexican business and the land you are purchasing is in the company's name and will be used for business purposes.

Real estate agents in San Felipe currently do not have licensing. Anyone can sell real estate, so you should protect yourself by obtaining a Mexican real estate lawyer before making any offers. Your lawyer should be able to do a title check for clear title and write a purchase agreement that protects your deposit. You may even be able to place your money in an escrow account in the U.S. If you buy land and want to obtain or transfer a fideicomiso, your lawyer should be able to assist with that as well.

If you are purchasing property that you plan to put in a fideicomiso (bank trust), find out if there is an existing fideicomiso on the property that can be transferred to your name. If a fideicomisos does not currently exist, it can cost over $10,000 in permits, appraisals, taxes, bank fees, notario fees, and legal fees to obtain one. Additionally, if you are buying from a developer who has not filed all the appropriate subdivision paperwork with the Mexican government, it could take two years or more to obtain a fideicomiso (while you are waiting for the developer and the Mexican government).

However, if you are buying from a developer who already has had people obtain fideicomisos, but there is not an existing fideicomiso on the land you are buying, obtaining your fideicomiso should only take about six months (but might still be near $10,000). Your Mexican real estate lawyer should be able to investigate how easy it will be to obtain or transfer a fideicomiso and provide more accurate cost estimates.

• Click here to see property in our Classifieds area.
• Click here to see Lawyers from the "Yellow Pages" area of the web site.
• Click here to see Real Estate companies from the "Yellow Pages" area of the web site.
• Click here to see Developments from the "Yellow Pages" area of the web site.

Visas/Passports

• Click here to see the Visas/Passports section in the "Arriving" portion of the web site.

Importing Household Goods

There are a few ways you can bring your household goods to San Felipe:

• Locate someone who can fill out the proper paperwork, arrange transportation, and facilitate payment to import all your goods at one time.
• Bring your goods a little at a time, knowing that you may be pulled over at customs and be required to pay fees that vary on their mood.

Or, why hassel with bringing your furniture? Why not purchase new or used furniture from a San Felipe furniture store (mueblería). Click here to see Furniture Stores in the "Yellow Pages" area of the web site.

Flat Tires

With all the construction going on in San Felipe, do not be surprised if you get a flat tire. Fortunately, there are plenty of places to have your tire patched. The best thing to do is remove the flat tire and put the spare tire on the vehicle. Then, look for a place with a lot of tires. You may see a sign that says "Llanta" or "Llantera". The cost for patching a small car tire is about $4 to $8. Agree to a price before the patching occurs.

If you go to have your tire fixed, stay while the patching is being done in case the tire cannot be patched and you need a new tire. That way you can obtain an estimate for a new tire and go to another place if you don't like the price.

Do not leave your vehicle while patching is done if you have not replaced the flat with the spare tire. You may return to find a new tire on your vehicle and a bill for that new tire, even though you were not consulted. This happened to someone we know and he was forced to pay $20 for a new tire when all he wanted was his old tire fixed.

Toilet Paper and Water

You probably will not find your favorite brand of toilet paper in the stores in San Felipe. If you cannot live without your toilet paper brand, bring it with you. Mexican brands can be similar to the toilet paper found in commercial restrooms in the U.S.

Do not drink the tap water in San Felipe. You can purchase water at grocery or water stores and refill the water. Refilling a gallon of water costs around 25 cents U.S. At water stores, you can buy larger jugs of water.

If you are staying in a house that requires water be delivered, click here to see Water Delivery services in the "Yellow Pages" area of the web site.

Things Not to Do

Below is a list of things we do not recommend doing while you are in San Felipe. If you have something to add, please Contact Us:

• Drinking alcohol and driving or being drunk and driving - The police will put you in jail if you are caught doing this.
• Riding your car, truck, SUV, or other vehicle on the wet sand when the tide has gone out - We have seen trucks sink in the muddy sections of wet beach areas, never to be recovered. We have seen ATVs flip when suddenly hitting a muddy patch in what appears to be a solid area of sand.
• Riding vehicles on sand dunes when unexperienced - ATVs and other vehicles can easily flip. We know of people who have been injured doing this.
• Inviting people you don't know to your accommodation - This is one way to have your belongings stolen.
• Getting in a vehicle with a stranger - We have seen many intoxicated girls do this, only to find themselves vulnerable to unwanted advances or worse.
• Letting your children ride off road vehicles unsupervised or when they cannot reach the vehicle's controls - We have seen children run into posts and vehicles at campgrounds. We have seen them fall over on motorbikes when they cannot touch the ground. We have seen them sprawled on the highway and on dirt trails near campsights. Being with your child may not prevent an accident, but being there to provide some common sense might.
• Riding without a helmet - Helmets are required in San Felipe. Without one, you risk getting pulled over by the police and fined.

Mexican Laws/Jail/Crime

Below are some illegal activities that you should be aware of:

• Drinking alcohol while driving
• Being intoxicated while driving
• Drinking alcohol in a public place (e.g., walking down the street)
• Taking or transporting drugs like marijuana or cocaine
• Possessing or transporting a firearm
• Not wearing a helmet while driving an ATV or motorbike
• Fishing without a permit
• Gambling
• Prostitution
• Working without a work visa

Just like anyplace else, there is crime in San Felipe. Theft is one of the biggest crimes. Always be aware of your surroundings and whether you are being watched or followed. People who are less fortunate or have drug habits are always looking for tourist targets. If you meet a prostitute, do not take this person back to your hotel room.

Other crimes are those of tourist against tourist. Do not put yourself in a situation where you might be forced into sex or worse.