La Paz Services, Banking, Communications, Internet, Marinas, Medical, Tourist Information, Transportation in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Services

BANKING

Banks are concentrated in the downtown area. Both Banamex and Bancomer have ATMs. Banks have limited hours and some long waits for money exchange. Money changers (casas de cambio) have longer hours. Ask about service fees. Some shops will take US dollars and travelers checks but it is better to deal in pesos.

COMMUNICATIONS

Public phones can be found around the city. You can use a LADATEL telephone card, purchased in a variety of denominations from small shops for local calls and to access an international operator. The post office is at Revolucion and Constitucion. Both marinas receive and send mail and faxes. They announce mail and faxes received over the net in the morning. Libreria Contiempo, a bookstore on Calle Arreola just off the Malecon sells international magazines and Mexican newspapers as well as the two local newspapers.

INTERNET PROVIDERS

CIBNOR
(Centro Investigaciones Biologicas Noroeste)
http://www.cibnor.mx/

UABCS (Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur)
http://www.uabcs.mx

The Internet Cafe
Walk-in Internet access.
http://www.baja.net.mx

MARINAS

Marina de La Paz and Marina Palmira offer full marina facilities. Marina de La Paz is at APDO Postal 290, La Paz, BCS, Mexico. (Fax 011-52 (612) 125-5900).

MEDICAL

Both public and private hospitals handle emergencies for foreigners. You will need to pay for services when you leave so get a receipt in case you want to collect on your insurance. Look in the phone book for specialists such as allergists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, dentists etc.

TOURIST OFFICE

The office, located on the Malecon at Avenida de Septiembre, provides a basic town map and limited information about the area.

TRANSPORTATION

AIRLINES - La Paz is served by Aero Mexico and Aero California. The airport is 12 k outside town. Taxis and shuttles run regularly. There is a standard fee for given distances and it always seems to be more coming into town than returning to the airport. Ask before you get in. Arrive knowing the exact address of your hotel/guesthouse, including the cross street. Drivers don't necessarily go by building numbers.

BUSES - Buses are the most economical way to get around. Local buses are identified by destination. Start at the central market and look for the destination you want. From the Terminal Malecon at Paseo Obregon 125, buses run north to the Pichilingue ferry terminal. From the Jalisco and Independencia Bus Depot buses run to cities north and south of La Paz.

CAR RENTAL - Rentals are available at the airport and at store fronts along the Malecon. Unless you just want a one day rental, make an arrangement in advance.

COLLECTIVOS - Shared taxi vans can be hailed for in town destinations as painted on the front window.

TAXIS - Several local companies offer reliable service. Check around for the going rate. There is a set cost for up to a certain number of blocks. Determine the cost before you get in. In making an arrangement in advance you will be given the driver's name and the vehicle number. You can request a station wagon.