Mexican Auto Insurance
If you're driving to San Felipe - and most people are - you absolutely need Mexican auto insurance. This isn't optional. Your US or Canadian auto policy doesn't cover you in Mexico, and if you're in an accident without valid Mexican insurance, things can go sideways fast. Under Mexican law, car accidents are treated as potential criminal matters, and being uninsured dramatically increases your chances of being detained while the situation gets resolved.
Fortunately, getting covered is easy and affordable. Buy your policy online before you leave from reputable providers like Baja Bound, Lewis and Lewis, COTA, or MexicanInsuranceStore. You can get a single-day policy for $15-25 or an annual policy for $150-300, depending on your vehicle's value and coverage level.
Go for full coverage if you can afford it - it's not much more than liability only, and it covers your own vehicle damage, theft, and roadside assistance in addition to liability. Make sure the policy covers the full value of your vehicle. Print out a copy and keep it in your glove box, and save a digital copy on your phone as backup.
If you forgot to buy online, there are insurance shacks at the border crossing in Mexicali. They work fine but tend to charge a bit more and it takes time you could be spending on the road.
Currency and Money
The official currency is the Mexican peso (MXN). As of early 2026, the exchange rate hovers around 17-20 pesos per US dollar, though it fluctuates. Many businesses in San Felipe accept US dollars since so many American visitors come through, but you'll almost always get a better deal paying in pesos.
Here's the practical approach: bring some US cash for emergencies, but use pesos for day-to-day purchases. ATMs in San Felipe dispense pesos, and the exchange rate through your bank is usually better than what shops give you when converting dollars. There are a few ATMs in town, mostly near the main commercial areas. Withdraw enough to last you a few days since the machines sometimes run out of cash on busy weekends.
Credit cards are accepted at larger restaurants, hotels, and some shops, but plenty of places are cash-only. Taco stands, small stores, beach vendors, and many family-run businesses don't take cards. Always have pesos in your pocket.
Notify your bank before you travel so they don't freeze your card for "suspicious" Mexican transactions. Also check if your debit card charges foreign transaction fees - some banks waive them and some don't.
Emergency Numbers
Save these in your phone before you go:
- General emergency (police, fire, ambulance) - 911 (yes, it works in Mexico too)
- Red Cross (Cruz Roja) - 066 or local office at (686) 577-1555
- Municipal police - (686) 577-1134
- Fire department (Bomberos) - (686) 577-1414
- US Consulate in Tijuana - (664) 977-2000 (for serious emergencies involving US citizens)
- Tourist assistance hotline - 078 (nationwide, multilingual)
- Green Angels (roadside assistance) - 074 (free government roadside help on major highways)
The Green Angels are worth knowing about. They're a government-run fleet of green trucks that patrol major highways looking for stranded motorists. They'll help with flat tires, mechanical issues, fuel delivery, and towing. The service is free, though tips are appreciated. If you break down on Highway 5, call 074 and they'll send someone out.
Fishing Licenses
If you plan to fish in Mexico - from shore, a boat, or anywhere else - you need a Mexican fishing license. This applies to everyone over 16, whether you're on a charter or casting from the beach.
You can buy licenses online through the Mexican government's CONAPESCA website, or through authorized vendors. Many sportfishing charter operators will arrange licenses for their clients as part of the trip. Prices run roughly:
- Day license - $15-20 USD
- Week license - $30-40 USD
- Month license - $40-50 USD
- Annual license - $50-60 USD
There are bag limits and species restrictions, so check current regulations before you go. For most recreational anglers, the daily limit is 10 fish per person, with specific limits on certain species. Undersized fish must be released. Enforcement is real - inspectors do check boats and shore anglers, and fines for fishing without a license or exceeding limits are steep.
Gas Stations and Fuel
Gas stations in Mexico are branded PEMEX (or more recently, some international brands have entered the market). In San Felipe, there are a couple of stations in town where you can fill up without any trouble.
On Highway 5 between Mexicali and San Felipe, gas stations are sparse. Fill up in Mexicali before heading south and you won't have to worry about it. If you're heading further south toward Puertecitos, fill up in San Felipe - there are no gas stations between San Felipe and Puertecitos.
Gas is sold by the liter (about 3.78 liters per gallon). Premium (Premium) and regular (Magna) are available. Pay attention to the pump - make sure it's zeroed out before they start pumping, and watch the total. Most gas station attendants are honest, but the old "didn't reset the pump" trick exists everywhere in the world. Tipping the attendant 5-10 pesos is customary since they pump your gas, check your oil, and wash your windshield.
Cell Phone Coverage
Cell coverage in San Felipe town is decent. Telcel is the biggest Mexican carrier and has the best coverage in the area. AT&T Mexico also works reasonably well. In town, you'll get 4G most of the time, which is fine for calls, messaging, and basic internet use.
Many US carriers include Mexico in their plans. T-Mobile's plans include unlimited talk, text, and data in Mexico. AT&T has similar options. Verizon's international plans work but check the details - some require a daily fee. If your plan includes Mexico, your phone should connect automatically when you cross the border.
If your plan doesn't include Mexico, you've got options. You can buy a cheap Mexican SIM card from a Telcel store for a few dollars and load it with prepaid credit. This gives you a local number and affordable data. Or use WiFi calling when you're at your hotel or rental.
Outside of San Felipe - on Highway 5, in the desert, or south toward Puertecitos - coverage drops to spotty or nonexistent. Don't rely on your phone for navigation on remote stretches. Download offline maps before you leave, and let someone know your plans if you're heading into areas without service.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
San Felipe has a desert climate, which means it's dry almost all the time and temperatures swing dramatically between seasons.
Peak season (October through May) - This is when most visitors come, and for good reason. Daytime temperatures range from the mid-70s to low 90s, nights cool down into the 50s and 60s, and the weather is consistently sunny. It's comfortable for beach days, exploring, and just about everything else. Holiday weekends (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Spring Break) are the busiest times.
Summer (June through September) - It gets brutally hot. Daytime highs regularly hit 105-115°F, and even nighttime temperatures stay in the 80s and 90s. The water is warm and the town is very quiet since most tourists and many seasonal residents leave. If you can handle extreme heat, summer can actually be a great time to visit - prices are lower, beaches are empty, and the water is like a bathtub. But you'll need AC, lots of water, and a high heat tolerance.
Rain is rare any time of year. When it does rain, usually from tropical storms in late summer, the desert comes alive briefly and washes (arroyos) can flood. Don't camp in dry washes during storm season.
Wind is common, especially in spring. March and April can be windy enough to make beach days uncomfortable and kick up sand. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's worth knowing about.
Water Safety
The standard advice for all of Mexico applies here: don't drink the tap water. It won't necessarily make you sick, but the mineral content and treatment levels are different from what your body is used to, and an upset stomach on vacation is no fun.
Drink bottled water or purified water. Five-gallon garrafones (jugs) of purified water are available at every corner store for about $1-2 and are the most economical option if you're staying for more than a day. Most hotels and rentals provide purified water or have a filtration system.
Ice at restaurants is almost always made with purified water, so don't stress about ice in your drinks. Cooked food is safe regardless of what water was used. The main thing to avoid is drinking directly from the tap or using it to brush your teeth if you have a sensitive stomach.
Useful Spanish Phrases
Many people in San Felipe's tourist areas speak some English, but knowing a few Spanish phrases goes a long way. People genuinely appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation is rough.
- Buenos dias / Buenas tardes - Good morning / Good afternoon
- Gracias - Thank you
- Por favor - Please
- Cuanto cuesta? - How much does it cost?
- La cuenta, por favor - The check, please
- Donde esta...? - Where is...?
- Cerveza - Beer
- Bano - Bathroom
- No hablo mucho espanol - I don't speak much Spanish
- Muy rico - Very delicious (use this after every meal and you'll make someone's day)