Car rental in cancun
Mar 5th, 2009, 01:00 PM
#1
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Car rental in cancun
Going to Cancun in April and was wondering if anyone had suggestions on rental cars. On Orbitz I could get a car for 45.00 for four days. This will be less than if I rented a car back and forth to the airport which would have been 63.00 for 3 people. Does my credit card cover insurance in Mexico (AMEX,MC)? Also could use it to go to dinner in the evening. Are there any drawbacks in car rental that I don't know about?
Mar 6th, 2009, 04:40 AM
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Where are you staying in Cancun? If your staying in the hotel zone, you really don't need a car. The local bus system is good and reliable. Depending on your hotel, walking to resturants is an option also. If you want the car to travel around the area for sightseeing that would be different or you could book tours so someone else can drive you.
My only concern with rental cars in Mexico is there has been reported issues of police corruption with tourists, so if you chose to rent one insure that you follow all laws and watch your speed. We have never rented a car in Mexico and never will. Just one of those things where you're asking for trouble. However, many people do without issue. It's just not in our comfort level. Do some additional research and check for yourself.
My only concern with rental cars in Mexico is there has been reported issues of police corruption with tourists, so if you chose to rent one insure that you follow all laws and watch your speed. We have never rented a car in Mexico and never will. Just one of those things where you're asking for trouble. However, many people do without issue. It's just not in our comfort level. Do some additional research and check for yourself.
Mar 6th, 2009, 04:05 PM
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I have rented many times. There are some scams that are tried by some rental companies. Not had any problems with Avis or Executive. Some scams include:
1. Not putting in a spare tire and then claiming it was there when it was rented - charge to you.
2. Take care to make note of all scratches, dents,, missing items, etc. I usually take pictures of the car with my digital.
3. Take the extra insurance. Even though your credit card may cover it, if there is an accident you will be charged and will then have to try and seek reimbursement. If you hit someone then it's a huge issue.
4. Do not speed. Even though everyone is speeding around you.
5. The gas stations are owned by the gov't and are all the same. Do not ask to have your tank filled up. Tell the attendant how much you want and then count out the money after he has filled the tank. Make sure the meter is zeroed out before he starts. Use small bills to pay.
6. Watch out for topes in the road ( speed bumps)as they will take out the bottom of the car. Sometimes they are marked and sometimes they are not.
If you are only staying in Cancun I would take the bus or a taxi if I needed to go anywhere. You can also take the colectivo up and down the highway (307) all the way to Tulum at a minimal cost. If you do decide to rent a car do some research on the rules of the road as they are a bit different. There's been lots of stuff posted about renting and driving in Mexico online at either www.playa.info or www.locogringo.com
1. Not putting in a spare tire and then claiming it was there when it was rented - charge to you.
2. Take care to make note of all scratches, dents,, missing items, etc. I usually take pictures of the car with my digital.
3. Take the extra insurance. Even though your credit card may cover it, if there is an accident you will be charged and will then have to try and seek reimbursement. If you hit someone then it's a huge issue.
4. Do not speed. Even though everyone is speeding around you.
5. The gas stations are owned by the gov't and are all the same. Do not ask to have your tank filled up. Tell the attendant how much you want and then count out the money after he has filled the tank. Make sure the meter is zeroed out before he starts. Use small bills to pay.
6. Watch out for topes in the road ( speed bumps)as they will take out the bottom of the car. Sometimes they are marked and sometimes they are not.
If you are only staying in Cancun I would take the bus or a taxi if I needed to go anywhere. You can also take the colectivo up and down the highway (307) all the way to Tulum at a minimal cost. If you do decide to rent a car do some research on the rules of the road as they are a bit different. There's been lots of stuff posted about renting and driving in Mexico online at either www.playa.info or www.locogringo.com
Mar 9th, 2009, 08:55 AM
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I don't think that the sites like Orbitz include the cost of insurance in their quotes. Insurance changes the cost of car rental in Mexico dramatically. You'll want collision/damage, and liability insurance. I believe you must get liability to rent a car in Mexico.
Mar 9th, 2009, 09:42 AM
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Just back on Saturday. We rented from Cancun Car Rental, they were great. We had been a little nervous, did our research well, knew of potential police scams, gas station scams, had never rented before on any of our trips....We were so glad we did! No troubles whatsoever.
Mar 9th, 2009, 04:07 PM
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As per the previous poster, you do not need a car in Cancun. The bus service around town is excellent and very inexpensive. Also, if you want to go to the ruins there are many tour companies. I personally would not drive in Mexico.
