Driving Mexico
 

I've always heard that its not safe to drive in Mexico. Then a friend here in Albuquerque said she goes every year to a little town on the Gulf of California and has a great time. I'm considering going to Juarez and renting a car for a driving trip. Any advice or good or bad stories? <BR>Thanks!

Driving in Mexico is not that difficult. Mexico City may be the only clear exception.<BR><BR>Street signs vary greatly by city or even by neighborhood. In some cities the traffic police still expects a bribe, in others you can go to jail for suggesting one. To be on the safe side, never offer or give bribes.<BR><BR>You'll see that highways are numbered, but no one pays attention to the numbers, so the highway is called "Origin-Destination", like Juarez-Chihuahua. Whenever you have the choice between a toll road (cuota) or a free road (libre), ALWAYS take the toll road.<BR><BR>You'll also see speed limits. On highways these are usually suggestions, and it is not strange to see people doing 100 mph when you should be doing 65. However, if you get caught speeding on the highway, you may be in BIG trouble. Highways are controlled by the Federal Police. They are tough, but they can also be very helpful if there is an accident or you need assistence.<BR><BR>When you rent the car, make sure that your insurance includes "Proliber". In case of an accident where people are hurt (it doesn't matter if it is only a little cut), everyone gets arrested until responsibilities are assigned. "Proliber" doesn't get you out of the mess, but it will keep you out of jail.<BR><BR>Anything else?

When we were in Playa Del Carmen recently we saw many reasons to just take a bus. The highway was only one lane in each direction with a fairly large shoulder. If people weren't going fast enough for other driver's they would just scoot over into the shoulder and let them pass. They would also pass other vehicles in the oncoming traffic lane. Seemed like it could be a little crazy if you aren't used to driving that way. I have also heard from someone (just before we went on our trip) that they had rented a car, got pulled over and had to give a bribe to an officer after he asked for one. This person had also been to PDC in the last 6 months.

How much does gas cost in Mexico?

Take the US price and multiply it by two (more or less).<BR><BR>Price of unleaded is 5.7 pesos per liter, or roughly US$2.15 per gallon.