Mexicans tend to be rowdy on the road. It’s not unusual to hear drivers exchange such greetings as “¡Baboso!” (Drooling fool!), “¡Eh, estúpido!” (Hey, stupid!), and, of course, the ubiquitous “¿Dónde aprendiste a manejar, menso?” (Where did you learn how to drive, dummy?). With enough practice, you’ll be able to curse with the best Mexican drivers. It’s also not unusual for Mexican drivers to overuse their car horns; drive down any busy street and you’ll be serenaded by a harmonious chorus of honks. In such a climate, it’s best to drive defensively.
In general, avoid freeways (libres) and driving at night, when chances of hijacking and other criminal acts are higher. Driving on unpaved side roads can be unsafe and difficult; if you plan to do a lot of driving off major highways, a 4WD car is recommended. The Association for Safe International Road Travel (www.asirt.org) is a good resource to learn more about safe car travel while abroad.
As some of the most beautiful parts of Mexico are off the major highways, a car is definitely advantageous in some regions of the country. Baja California, the Yucatán, and parts of the rural North, where bus stations are more spread out, are areas where you might consider renting a car. As some roads are not paved, having a car whose bottom is farther from the ground (e.g., a pick-up truck) is helpful. 4WD is not necessary, but is certainly recommended if available. You can drive in Mexico with a regular economy car, but keep in mind that cheaper cars tend to be less reliable and harder to handle on difficult terrain. Also note that less expensive 4WD vehicles tend to be more top-heavy, and are more dangerous when navigating particularly bumpy roads.
You can generally make reservations before you leave by calling major international offices in your home country. However, sometimes the price and availability information they give doesn’t jive with what the local offices in Mexico will tell you. Try checking with both numbers to make sure you get the best price and the most accurate information possible. Local desk numbers are included in town listings; for home-country numbers, call your toll-free directory.
To rent a car from most establishments in Mexico, you need to be at least 21 years old. Some agencies require renters to be 25, and most charge those 21-24 an additional insurance fee around US$20 per day. Keep in mind that policies and prices vary a lot from agency to agency. Small local operations occasionally rent to people under 21, but be sure to ask about the insurance coverage and deductible, and always check the fine print. The Mexico Car Rental Guide (www.mexicocar.net) compares the prices of numerous companies and helps make online bookings. Rental agencies in Mexico include:
Rental car prices start at around US$45 a day. Expect to pay more for larger cars and for 4WD. Cars with automatic transmission are harder to come by; if available, expect to pay up to US$20 more per day.
Many rental packages offer unlimited kilometers, while others offer a limited number of kilometers per day with a surcharge per kilometer after that. Return the car with a full tank of gasoline (petrol) to avoid high fuel charges at the end. Be sure to ask whether the price includes insurance against theft and collision. Remember that if you are driving a conventional rental vehicle on an unpaved road, you are almost never covered by insurance; ask about this before leaving the rental agency. Be aware that cars rented on an American Express or Visa/MasterCard Gold or Platinum credit card in Mexico might not carry the automatic insurance that they would in some other countries; check with your credit card company. Note that Mexican law permits the incarceration of drivers after an accident until they have satisfied their debts to the victim and/or car agency. Many rental companies in Mexico require you to buy a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), which will waive the excess in the case of a collision. Loss Damage Waivers (LDWs) do the same in the case of theft or vandalism.
National chains often allow one-way rentals (picking up in one city and dropping off in another). There is usually a minimum hire period and sometimes an extra drop-off charge of several hundred dollars. Full insurance will usually cost around US$10 per day for an economy car.
If you plan to drive a car while in Mexico, you must have a valid International Driving Permit (IDP), American license, or Canadian license. It may be a good idea to get an IDP anyway, in case you’re in a situation (e.g., an accident or stranded in a small town) where the police do not know English; information on the IDP is printed in 11 languages, including Spanish.
Your IDP, valid for one year, must be issued in your own country before you depart. An application for an IDP usually requires one or two photos, a current local license, an additional form of identification, and a fee. To apply, contact your home country’s automobile association. Be vigilant when purchasing an IDP online or anywhere other than your home automobile association. Many vendors sell permits of questionable legitimacy for higher prices.
Most credit cards cover standard insurance. Note that you will need Mexican car insurance if you plan to drive in Mexico. To avoid being taken into police custody in the event of an accident (as your international liability insurance is most likely invalid in Mexico), purchase Mexican insurance through your car rental agency, at a point of entry, or online at www.drivemex.com or www.bajabound.com.
If possible, avoid driving during the rainy season (June-Oct.), when road conditions deteriorate. If you are planning on driving extensively between cities, check with local authorities or with your nearest consulate for updates on potential dangers. Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit on Mexican highways is 100km per hr. (62mph), but, like most other traffic signs and regulations, it is often ignored. The speed limit in cities and towns is generally 40km per hr. (25mph). Although Mexican police have a reputation for bribery, most cops are honest and helpful. Do not offer a bribe, and if asked for money (usually about 50 pesos, or US$5) when you have not violated the law, stay calm and apologize. If this doesn’t work, requesting the officer’s badge number, or asking to speak to his chief (jefe) may prove effective.
If you’re unlucky enough to have a car breakdown on a major toll road between 8am and 8pm, pull completely off the road, raise the hood, stay with your car, and wait for the Ángeles Verdes (Green Angels) to come to the rescue. If you have access to a phone, call the Ministry of Tourism’s hotline (☎078). These green-and-white emergency trucks, dispatched by radio and staffed by English-speaking mechanics, are equipped to perform common repair jobs, tow cars, change tires, and address minor medical problems. Your green saviors may take a while to show up, but the service— provided by the government—is free (except for gas, parts, and oil). Tipping is optional but a good idea.
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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