Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Is driving in Mexico suicide?

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Is driving in Mexico suicide?

We are going to PDC next month. After reading all the pros and cons about renting a car there - we thought we would rent instead of spending money on taxis and tours. Problem is - - every time I mention to people that we are going to rent and drive around - they FREAK and say DON'T DO IT!!! - it is sooo dangerous to drive in Mexico. I am so confused about all the conflicting information that now I am stressing out over a vacation that was supposed to be relaxing! I'd like some input from prople who have rented and driven in this area....PDC .....Tulum......road from Cancun airport etc. I like the idea of having my freedom while on vacation but maybe I am being unrealistic re: Mexico?

By all means, rent a car! I have driven all over in Mexico for many years and never had a problem--I enjoy it very much. The Cancun--PDC--Tulum road does carry a lot of tourist bus traffic but most is 4 lane highway and not a problem. Just use common sense, as you would anywhere! A car does provide great flexibility to enjoy many things others will miss! Robert

Dear Chris: You are talking to the wrong people. Driving in the Yucatan is no problem as long as you follow some common sense precautions (We were there last May so I have a pretty good idea of current condtions). My advice: 1. If you are flying into Cancun but staying in PDC, take the Maya Riviera bus from the Cancun Airport to PDC, and rent your car in PDC. It is much cheaper to rent in PDC than at the inflated rates at the Cancun airport. You won't need a car in PDC itself - it's small and pedestran friendly - just if you plan to visit Chichen Izta, Tulum, Coba, Akumal, etc.... 2. Rent from a reputable, internationally known agency (we used the Avis office in the PDC Playacar development with no problem) - not some no-name outfit. 3. Purchase adequate insurance when you rent. Your US car insurance is worthless in Mexico. You MUST have proof of adequate insurance if you get into any kind of problem, or risk going to jail. The insurance will be expensive, but it will give you peace of mind and confidence. 4. The main north-south road (RT 307)on the Mayan Riviera, the toll road to Chichen Itza, and even the smaller road to Coba are all in good condition. 5. Learn about the driving habits of the Mexicans. There is a book called "The People's Guide to Mexico" written by some aging hippie types which has a comprehensive (and often hilarious) account about what to expect on Mexican roads. I think that these people also have a website... Driving in the Yucatan is not that bad -mainly a matter of staying alert to what might wander onto the road, adjusting to how Mexcian driver pass, and remembering to always SLOW DOWN at the edge of settlements to avoid the giant speed bumps (topes). 6. This one is important - DO NOT drive at night in Mexico. 7. Do not get nervous if you see roadblocks manned by armed soldiers. They are only interested in interdicting drugs and illegal firearms. If you look like Jerry Garcia on a bad day, you might get pulled over and searched. Otherwise you will most likely just get waved through as we did on several occasions. 8. Car-related crimes are more common in the North of Mexico, Mexico City, and places like Chiapas where there is lot of civil unrest. The Yucatan is much safer. Naturally, lock your car and don't leave valuables in sight to tempt thieves - but would'nt you do this anywhere? The worst "crime" we encountered was a gas station attendent who tried to overcharge us - just watch the amounts on the pumps carefully and make sure that they start pumping on zero. Having a car will make going to places like Tulum, Coba, and Chichen Itza so much nicer - you will be able to get there ahead of the crowd, stay as long as you lime, etc...

Chris Re: Insurance in Mexico If you have Mastercard, give them a call and ask if they cover you in Mexico. We have Capitol One Mastercard and they covered us in Mexico 2 wks ago. All we had to do was to refuse the insurance offered to us when we picked up the rental.

Just got back from 2 weeks. Drove from Cancun to Merida to Palenque to San Cristobal back to Palenque and then to Tulum and back to Cancun. No problems. Highways in good condition. Hwy 307 which runs along the coast from Cancun to Tulum is 4 lanes almost all the way. No problem. Just move over when faster vehicles want to pass you. We took the risk and declined insurance, because our MC covers it. What this means is that if you are in an accident you may be required to pay any damages up front and be reimbursed by your card company later. Some people prefer the peace of mind of getting the insurance offered by the rental companies. We prefer to take the risk and save the $15-25 per day extra cost. It's a personal decision. We've rented in Mex 3 times with no problems and driven all over the Yucatan. It's an unbeatable way to see the area. You won't be disappointed. Always book online or by phone before you go for the best rates. We use a national company like National or Hertz because if you have any problem with charges it's easier to deal with them when you get back home. Do a thorough damage check before you leave the rental office and note ALL dings or scratches on the form provided. Check to make sure you have spare tire, jack etc, too. Have fun and don't worry. Most of the naysayers have no first hand experience.

THANKS to all of you for your input - I feel confident that we can handle driving now. After all - - we drive in Boston every day - in and around The Big Dig - so what could be worse? Thanks again. 5 weeks and counting!

After recently visiting, I would have to say that I would drive just about anywhere in Mexico before I would drive again in downtown Boston!