Filling up in Baja?
 

No, this isn't a question about eating too many fish tacos! We're headed to La Paz tomorrow on our long-anticipated vacation and will be renting a car. I seem to recall reading something on this forum about gas station scams, but I can't find it and don't remember what to watch out for. Does anyone remember this?

I do know that we should check the tire pressures on the rental car before taking off. Any other advice related to driving in Mexico? Thanks!

<b>gas station scams</b>

Just watch to make sure the pump is zeroed out before they start with your vehicle ... sometimes they &quot;forget&quot; and you pay for yours and the previous driver's.

Also someone will jump in and wash your windshield and you're expected to toss a few pesos there way ... if you don't want this (like when returning the rental car, which will be washed anyway) be real firm about telling them 'no thanks'.

<b>Any other advice related to driving in Mexico?</b>

If you drive outside La Paz, say towards Cabo, the 'highway' is narrow and a lot of people (mostly US drivers) speed, so watch out for that. Also a lot of livestock on the roads at times.

Otherwise once you're outside the cities it's not much different than driving in rural USA, with narrow roads.

Bill

One other tip, when you pay, hold the bill up and be very clear about what bill you are handing over. One scam is to &quot;palm&quot; your bill, and show a smaller bill, then ask for the difference.

Thanks!

One other thing ... a blinking left hand turn signal may mean either they are going to make a left turn or &quot;pass me now, it's safe&quot; ... be real clear when you use yours ... I almost caused a wreck in Dec when I signaled and wanted to turn and the guy behind me misinterpreted it and sped up and passed. Luckily I saw him in time and held off on turning or he would have hit my door.