driving do's and don'ts in mexico

I like road trips but in a foreign country it can be a bit harrowing.  Other countries have different rules, signs and in some places they even drive on the wrong side of the road! I find preparation reduces the anxiety (as much as it can be reduced) and hope this post helps someone else in his/her preparation.

El Castillo @ Chichen Itza

I recently returned from Cancun, Mexico where my friend and I rented a car to drive to Chichen Itza and surroundings before plopping ourselves on a beach in Playa del Carmen.

General DO Tips:

1) Research your destination and local driving tips online (e.g., Tripadvisor) and offline (e.g., friends, guidebooks).

2) Book rental car from a reputable company. After reading reviews and doing a price comparison, we choose http://www.easywayrentacar.com/ (more on easyway in my next post).

3) Bring your US driver’s license and US credit card. And a print out of car reservation. You don’t need an international license if you have an US license.

4) Get the Mexican car insurance! Don’t argue. Even though most US credit cards provide car insurance coverage, that does NOT extend to car rentals in Mexico. Your US car insurance also does NOT cover Mexico.

5) Thoroughly check out the car for any damage and take pictures before leaving the rental company. Make sure there’s a spare tire and parts.

Double Hump Topes 

6) Take the toll (cuota) road. It’s safer and faster. You won’t have to deal with the infamous speed bumps (topes) that are on free (libre) roads which may damage the rental and generally slow you down. There are two types of topes- ones embedded with steel balls and wide humps. You have to slow WAY down to go over the ones with steel balls if you want to keep your teeth and car intact. Roads are in great condition- no potholes to report. Toll booths do take US dollars but it's best to have pesos.

7) Fill up on gas. Stations may be far (like 50 km) in between exits, especially on toll roads. Make sure the pump meter is zero before the attendant starts pumping. Pay in pesos and count out the bills so there’s no confusion on what you actually paid.

More speed bumps

8) Use a navigation system e.g., googlemaps, garmin or paper map. Confirm exact directions with hotel front desk.

9) Familiarize yourself with local traffic signs and laws.

10) Be aware of returno. Exit road by passing your destination to your left, and then make a safe U-turn at Returno sign. On certain roads, these off ramps can be many kilometers apart so make sure you get off when you must, otherwise you may be detouring for good long while (as we unfortunately did- twice).

11) Fill up on gas before return. Do a thorough inspection upon return.

12) Take advantage of the freedom your own rental provides verses a pre-set tour. Stop by the local stores for food and crafts.

DON’T Tips:

1) Don’t be stupid by drinking and driving, parking illegally, speeding and not wearing a seatbelt.

2) Don’t drive at night. You can’t see topes, speed limit signs or road kill.

3) Don’t pay morditas (bites) or bribes. If stopped for an infraction, pay the fine at the police station or car rental company.
4) Don't let #3 scare you away from exploring the magnificent Yucatan peninsula and getting away from the bus tour hordes.

Details of our adventure-filled mini-roadtrip will be in my next post.