Is it safe to rent a car in Mexico: all tips you need to know

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Do you need to rent a car in Mexico?

Most travelers arrive in Cancun. From there, you can easily get around using public transportation. However, this does limit your freedom. Especially when traveling with children, it’s convenient to stay flexible and adapt your trip to their pace. Having your own car also makes it much easier to reach places that are less accessible and therefore less crowded.

Having a car to get around is of course convenient, but you also need to know the roads wherever you’re going. Renting a GPS always costs extra, and often quite a lot. But the best GPS is the one you already have: your smartphone! I prefer to use an eSIM when we travel. That way, you’re always connected. This is not only useful for using Google Maps, but also for looking up information about your destination, contacting the accommodations you’re staying at, and so on. There are now many eSIM providers. I always use Holafly, their eSIMs suit my needs best. You can find more information about eSIMs in this article.

Is it safe to drive in a car that you rent in Mexico?

You sometimes hear horror stories about Mexico — corrupt police, theft, accidents… Fortunately, it’s extremely rare to end up in a difficult situation. The roads in Mexico are actually very good. New highways have been built on the Yucatán Peninsula, and I can assure you that in many places the roads are better than in Belgium!
The only thing that can be a bit annoying is the Mexican way of slowing down traffic. You’ll come across high speed bumps in the most unexpected places. After hitting one too hard just once, you quickly learn to slow down as soon as you see a warning sign!

Traffic is fairly light. Traffic jams are almost nonexistent. Even in the busy centers of Cancun or Mérida, driving is very manageable and you can get around comfortably.

Is the type of car you choose important?

Yes, the type of car you choose does matter, but not as much as in some other countries. For most travelers in Mexico, especially in the Yucatán Peninsula, a standard sedan is perfectly fine. The roads are in good condition, highways are modern, and you won’t need a 4×4 unless you plan to drive very remote routes or into more rugged regions.

A few things to consider:

• A 4×4 is only necessary if you’re heading into off-road areas, nature reserves, or mountain regions outside the main tourist zones.
• Air conditioning is essential, especially in the humid climate of Yucatán.
• A car with a spacious trunk is useful to keep luggage out of sight.
• Families may prefer a slightly larger car for comfort on longer drives.

Is renting a car in Mexico expensive?

Prices can fluctuate a lot, it’s really a game of supply and demand. In general, car rental prices in Mexico are moderate. We rented a mid-size car for 5 weeks for €770. Not super cheap, but definitely not expensive for a comfortable family car.
Because prices can vary, it’s wise to book with a free cancellation option. That way, if prices drop, you can cancel and rebook a cheaper car.

What’s the best location to rent a car in Mexico?

At major airports like Cancun, most rental companies have an office that’s often open 24/7. This makes it easy to pick up your car as soon as you arrive. Do keep the time difference with Europe and your arrival time in mind. Booking a first hotel not far from the airport is a good idea so you can get some rest after the long flight.

Which rental companies are good?

In general, all major rental companies are reliable. I usually search for the best deals through Rentalcars.com. I also check the companies’ own websites, but most of the time I end up booking directly through Rentalcars.com.
Do you prefer an all-inclusive price so you don’t have to worry about insurance and extra fees? Then book through Sunny Cars. Personally, I find that they are often more expensive compared to other rental companies, but sometimes they offer a good deal and in those cases, an all-in package can be very convenient.

Can you always just rent a car, or are there specific requirements?

It is safe to rent a car and drive in Mexico. However, there are a few requirements.

Credit card

You need a credit card in the name of the driver. This is required for the security deposit. When traveling around Mexico, a credit card is essential anyway. The deposit can sometimes be quite high for rental cars, so consider increasing your credit limit before traveling to Mexico.

Age

For most rental companies, you must be at least 21 years old to rent a car. On top of that, young drivers pay an extra “young driver fee,” which applies up to the age of 25. Some rental companies also set a maximum age limit, for example, 75 years at Sixt.

Drivers license

If you have a valid driver’s license in the Latin alphabet, you do not need an international driving permit

This blog post contains affiliate links. If you book something through one of these links, it won’t cost you anything extra, but I may earn a small commission. This helps me keep the blog running — thank you for your support!

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