Has anyone rented a car in Mexico?

behsco90

BF and I are going to Mexico in two weeks and we were thinking of renting a car (mostly because our friends who went last year to the same resort told us they wished they had rented a car since it was $120 round trip each from airport to resort, $30 taxi ride for 10 min, etc).

Anyways, I have never rented a car before, let alone in another country, and it seems like the insurance regarding renting a car in Mexico is very confusing.  So, have any of you done it before?  I'm hoping BF's credit card will have some insurance coverage, but even if it does, I am still confused as to whether we still have to buy more coverage from the rental company.  Help!

RebeccaB88

I would never do it.  Rental cars in Mexico are targets for criminals.  Mexico has such a huge crime rate, I wouldn't take that chance. If you don't want to pay a cab (those are targets too, and there's a lot of corruption), I'd make reservations at a resort that provides airport transportation.

gmcr78

We rented one for a day, and it was great.  No problems, and it was reasonable.

chibiyui

Stay in the touristy areas.

So. When I clicked on this thread I thought for certain the next question was going to be for advice on dumping a dead hooker.

I am a terrible person.

BreMR

There are US based companies there (Hertz, Avis). I think they have the same basic rules there that they do in the US.  We intended on renting a car last year in Mexico to visit a different resort and it seemed pretty easy.  Last minute we had a change of plans because of an unexpected medical emergency while we were there so we never went through with it.

ETF: Grammar

gmcr78

I should add, we rented it in Cabo San Lucas, which is a safe area.  We rented it through a rental agency in our hotel, a chain, but I forget which one.  Some name we knew was legit.  Anyway, we rented it for the day, and drove up to Todos Santos, which was awesome.  No issues.
You want to be careful where and who you rent from, and where you go.

gg&ld14

I'm Mexican... Yes, in Mexico, as in ANY other country, there are cities with higher crime rate than others, so there's that...

I'm assuming you're going to Cancun or Cabo, or something like that, so don't worry, in most of those cities cabs ARE safe, but it can get a little expensive. I would recommend renting a car, and as someone mentioned before there are american car rental companies in most of the cities with high flow of tourists. I would choose one of those if it makes you feel safer, and for you to be a little more knowledgeable about the politics, insurance, etc. 

GPS is your friend, you don't want to end up in dark alleys, or backstreets (but again, that's everywhere)

Don't be afraid to try the local dishes, we have a lot more than tacos If you're going to the Maya Riviera (Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel) be sure to go snorkeling, it's awesome. Enjoy your trip..:)

behsco90

Thanks everyone!  We are flying into Cancun but staying in Puerto Aventuras, so it's an hour drive from the airport and unfortunately the resort doesn't offer a shuttle or transport to/from airport.

@chibiyui No dead hooker, but if for some reason that happens, I know who to ask!

kimberly0315

We rented one in Mexico.  It wasn't a problem at all.  We took out the insurance there.  Our insurance didn't cover Mexico and I felt better knowing it was covered by a Mexican company. 

BreMR

behsco90 said:

Thanks everyone!  We are flying into Cancun but staying in Puerto Aventuras, so it's an hour drive from the airport and unfortunately the resort doesn't offer a shuttle or transport to/from airport.

@chibiyui No dead hooker, but if for some reason that happens, I know who to ask!

I could be wrong, but I think there are shuttle companies in Mexico if you wanted to go that route!!   I'm going to Puerto Aventuras next year to get married!!  I'd love to hear about how you like it!! 

behsco90

@BreMR I was thinking a free shuttle that the resort would offer.  Where in Puerto Aventuras are you staying?  We booked Catalonia Riviera Maya, it's an all inclusive.

I think we are just going to skip the rental car and take a shuttle, plus BF is under 25, so there's that extra fee since he'd be driving.

BreMR

We are staying at Dreams, also all inclusive I definitely want to hear all about the area!!!