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Heading to Cabo? Be prepared to pay when you land

Nov. 08, 2019
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2 min read
Rock Formations In Sea Against Sky
Heading to Cabo? Be prepared to pay when you land
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Cabo is a popular travel destination for folks looking to relax on a Mexican beach with a drink in hand, or party until late into the evening. There are perfect resorts for families, and plenty of kids activities as well. But starting Nov. 9, 2019 you'll need to pay to get the fun (or relaxation) started.

We're not talking about hotel taxes, departure fees or tourism taxes. You can still expect all of those things. And now, you'll also have to pay a fee of roughly $18.50 per person. This tariff isn't confined to Los Cabos, either. It's actually a state tariff, so all destinations in Baja California Sur, including La Paz, should begin charging this fee.

There will be kiosks at Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) and there's a news report of an app being available as well. However, a search of the airport website didn't yield any further information on either the app or approved payment methods. It seems likely you'll be able to pay this fee with a credit or debit card. But, if you have a trip planned soon, packing some extra folding money wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.

The Cape Los Cabos (Melanie Lieberman / The Points Guy)

The fee is only applicable if your stay in Baja California Sur is longer than 24 hours. So, even though Cabo is a popular cruise destination, a port call for the day doesn't seem likely to incur the fee. Guests arriving by land will be required to pay the fee when they check-in at their hotel.

New and increasing tourism taxes have begun frequently appearing in the news. Last month, Amsterdam announced it would be raising tourism taxes, adding a flat fee of 3 euros per person, per night, in addition to a 7% hotel tax (up from 6% in 2018).

Travelers will also encounter new tourism taxes in New Zealand, Croatia and Japan — the latter of which, a cool 1,000 Yen (or $9) kicks in when you leave.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.