Renting a car in Mexico is the way to go if you want to explore the country at your own pace. That’s what my sister and I did the first time we visited Mexico, and sure enough, we had a real blast during our road trip!
You may, however, have some doubts – we did, too, until we set off with our car rental and realized it was so much fun. You may fear the country is not safe enough to drive around. You may worry about traffic (here’s a tip: don’t drive in big cities such as Mexico City – not unless you want to give yourself a headache!) and road conditions.
You may also think about the possible scams (and well, I won’t deny it: it can be an issue). Indeed, these are certainly issues you should consider when planning your trip, but they should not put you off from renting a car in Mexico if you really want to explore everything this country has to offer.
When renting a car in Mexico (and anywhere else in the world), I use Discover Cars, my favorite comparison site. What’s great about it is that they have a very powerful engine that searches international corporations as well as local Mexican companies, pulling out the best deal for you, and they also have free cancellation up to 48 hours before you actually pick up the car (you can trust this one: I have done it many times!). You will also appreciate their budget-friendly full coverage policy.
If you want to know everything you need to expect when you rent a car in Mexico, you are in the right place – I have done it myself, and I am ready to share my knowledge. Here are all the secrets to renting a car in Mexico and making the most of your time there.
Are you struggling to put together an itinerary for Mexico? Head over to my post, The Best Itinerary For A Mexico Road Trip.
Table of Contents
How To Rent A Car In Mexico
There are basically three ways to rent a car in Mexico. Continue reading to find the one most suitable to your travel needs and budget.
Rent a car online via Discover Cars
There are a selection of car rental sites out there that offer up a comparison for users, doing the hard work of research so you don’t have to. In my opinion, Discover Cars is the way to go to find the best car rental in Mexico.
This is personally my favorite way of renting a car in Mexico and anywhere in the world. I use them all the time, and they never let me down.
Here is the procedure to follow:
Put your details in, the location you want to rent the car from (and where you want to return it), your dates of travel, and what type of car you want.
Filter by ratings – some people suggest a minimum rating of 7 out of 10 stars, but I normally go for 8 minimum. The overall price may be more expensive, but usually, the best-rated companies offer a better service and don’t have any hidden fees.
Select Full Coverage – it’s a small additional daily fee of up to $10 USD per day, but that covers any damage to the car, including repair work, towing, lost keys, windows or glass repairs, etc.
Once all is set, the engine will provide you with a list of rental car companies and prices to suit your search specifications.
Let me stress that last-minute bookings may not be the best way to go, even on third-party car rental sites like Discover Cars, but it’s still better than showing up at a car rental agency in Mexico without any booking at all.
My go-to comparison site for car rental is Discover Cars. It’s super competitive – you can use it to search the prices of all the main car rental companies, and it will pull up the most convenient one for your class range. One feature I really appreciate about them is that they allow free cancellation up to 48 hours before you are due to pick up your car – which is super convenient in case of some last-minute changes.
Book through a rental company
If you know which company you want to rent a car from in Mexico, you can go directly to their site and scroll through for the car you want to rent, make the booking, and then simply head to the agency when you arrive. Everything will be pretty much ready to go.
You will often find great deals directly through the site, and if you book far enough in advance, you can sometimes snag a veritable bargain. The only catch is that it can take some time to do the research in order to find the company you want to use in the first place.
There are many international car rental companies in Mexico — Hertz, Avis National, Sixt, Alamo, Budget, Thrifty, and Enterprise are all here. There are also Mexican car rental companies – the best one is Mex Rent A Car.
Unless you’ve got a tried and tested company that you like to use, you really need to read online reviews to make sure you are renting with a good company.
The process may be so overwhelming that, in my experience, it’s still better to use a comparison site like Discover Cars.
Rent a car upon arrival – I don’t recommend this!
You can also wait until you actually arrive in the country and go directly to the counter of a rental car company at the airport and then start talking with the staff there.
This is not the best way to rent a car in Mexico – depending on the time of year, you may not be able to get the car you want or for the amount of time you want it. With the increased number of tourists, the availability of rental cars in Mexico is becoming increasingly limited.
You may also get confused by all the technical jargon used by the staff (I know I would!) and subsequently end up getting talked into paying over the odds for insurance or the rental itself.
Generally, this is going to be the most expensive way to rent a car in Mexico as oftentimes only the most expensive cars are available last-minute – most people book the cheaper stuff online. The other two methods are usually much cheaper.
Even if you are already in Mexico and are looking to rent a car, I still recommend going online to look for a car rental. I did this on my last trip, and it saved me the hassle of physically going to the car rental company and scouting for the best prices. Discover Cars will be able to pull up the best deals even for last-minute travelers.
Do You Need Full Coverage When Renting A Car In Mexico?
When it comes to insurance, the most important thing to remember is that even if you have your own insurance – via your credit card or otherwise – the likelihood is that this will not be accepted in Mexico. You will need to purchase third-party insurance when you rent a car, and it’s actually compulsory in Mexican law. You have to do this!
However, things can be a little bit confusing in Mexico. That’s because the insurance costs can often be hidden within the pricing of the car rental itself and can end up adding price hikes to the overall cost of the car.
It’s important to make sure that you are covered by comprehensive insurance that covers you for liabilities, just in case you might be involved in an accident while driving your rental car. That’s why I recommend getting Full Coverage via Discover Cars.
This doesn’t cost too much – you are looking into an additional $10 USD per day on average, which is totally worth it for peace of mind. It’s actually cheaper than getting full coverage directly with the car rental company, which usually costs an additional $30 USD per day.
Full Coverage includes CDW (collision damage waiver, which you often have via your credit card company for most US accounts), which covers the vehicle if there’s an accident, and personal liability insurance, which covers medical expenses for passengers in the event of an accident; and theft protection (just in case).
To put it a bit more simply, Full Coverage insurance covers you for any damage that occurs in the event of an accident, as well as any damage to the body of the car (tires, glass and windows, lost keys, towing expenses, and more).
CDW is sometimes accepted as the only insurance you need by car rental companies in Mexico, but I honestly would not take any chances and still purchase full coverage.
Will local car rental companies accept Discover Cars Full Coverage policy?
One thing I need to point out is that, at times, car rental companies in Mexico may try to push their own full coverage policy even if you have purchased it online already with Discover Cars.
It’s happened to me a bunch of times, and once, I ended up paying because I was too tired to discuss. When I reported it to Discover Cars, they were super professional about it and even refunded me!
You can decline the additional insurance offered by the local company because Discover Cars Full Coverage will fully cover you in case of any damage. In this case, they will hold an additional deposit on your credit card (usually around $3,000 USD), which they will return when you return the car with no damage.
If, on the other hand, there’s damage, you need to claim it to Discover Cars which will process it within 48 hours and reimburse you for (typically) up to $3,250 USD.
Filing a claim with Discover Cars is super easy. They have an app that can be downloaded on both iOS and Android, or you can do it via their website from your computer. You need to log in with the email you used to make the booking.
Should You Be Renting A Car In Mexico?
I truly recommend you rent a car in Mexico. This is what I did on each of my trips to this incredible country, and my experience has always been extremely positive.
You see, Mexico is a big country. You can certainly join a tour or, if you wish to travel independently, you can also use the extensive ADO bus network or even join the locals on the colectivos to get around. If destinations are particularly distant from each other, you can even fly.
However, having your own set of wheels gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore this vast country at your own pace. In the Yucatan Peninsula, particularly, I found that driving is safe, the roads are well maintained, and having a car makes it easy to travel to destinations that aren’t very well connected by public transport (such as cenotes).
If you don’t want to have to wait around for public transport or pay for expensive tours and day trips (which often give you a very limited amount of time at a site), then you can take matters into your own hands with a rental car.
Best Places To Rent A Car In Mexico
You can base yourself in one town and then your rental car for day trips. Here are some of the best places to rent a car in Mexico, based on personal experience:
Chiapas/San Cristobal de las Casa
Generally speaking, it’s not recommended to rent a car in small colonial towns in Mexico. Parking can be difficult, the roads are tight, and most of these small towns are very walkable. San Cristobal de las Casas definitely falls into this category.
However, there’s so much to do around Chiapas and San Cristobal that the freedom of having your own car may very well be worth it.
My sister and I rented a car to explore the lovely San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan, and it was definitely worth it.
There are several other nearby villages, waterfalls, canyons, and other remote activities that are much easier to access with a car.
Cancun/Yucatan Peninsula
A rental car definitely comes in handy in the Yucatan Peninsula and the Riviera Maya if you’re looking for adventures. Almost everything can be reached by bus or private transportation, but you’ll have so much more freedom and independence with your own car rental.
For example, the Tulum ruins and the Coba ruins are near one another. Whether you’re based in Playa del Carmen, Cancun, or Tulum or own a car, it will make getting between the two very easy.
No matter where you’re based, you’ll certainly want a car for some memorable day trips.
Popular day trips from Cancun include the popular Chichen Itza ruins and a day exploring the cenotes. Day trips from Tulum include heading down to Bacalar or Mahahual and exploring ancient Mayan ruins. Day trips from Playa del Carmen include finding the best beaches around and maybe even heading to Isla Holbox!
Finally, it’s hard to visit all the best cenotes around the Yucatan Peninsula without a car or personal means of transportation.
All of these are so much easier with your own car.
Oaxaca City/Oaxaca
Oaxaca City is another excellent place to have a car. The city itself is very walkable and convenient, with tons of tours going to nearby tourist destinations and attractions.
However, you’ll be able to experience and see so much with a little more independence.
Monte Alban and Mitla are two popular archeological sites near Oaxaca. And there are plenty of other fun activities, as well.
You can even head over to Puerto Escondido, which is about a six-hour drive from Oaxaca City, for some beach time.
All in all, renting a car in Mexico allows you to travel at your own pace, which is fantastic. To rent a car in Mexico, it’s probably a good idea that you are an experienced, confident driver who has had at least some time behind the wheel in a country that isn’t your own.
My favorite site to check the price of renting a car in Mexico is Discover Cars. It’s an easy-to-use comparing site that allows you to put in a number of criteria (including, for example, whether you want to pay by credit or debit card or even the rating of the rental car company) so you can pick what’s best for you.
The worst places to rent a car in Mexico
While having your own car is the best way of getting around Mexico, this doesn’t mean you should drive anywhere.
There are places in Mexico where a car is not only unnecessary but actually a burden. For example, most people don’t want to rent a car in Mexico City.
Mexico City
Mexico City is a huge urban hub with good public transport and terrible traffic that makes it bad for driving (and not very affordable, either).
The public transportation in the capital works well – the subway takes you to most places, including the airport. And if you really don’t want to use public transport, taxis can get you around well enough, and you don’t have to worry about dodging the traffic yourself.
Additionally, a car rental in Mexico City is usually more expensive compared to public transportation.
Because of this, renting a car in Mexico City usually isn’t recommended.
Merida
Renting a car in any large city is usually not recommended. And since Merida is both a larger city and a colonial town, it’s even more challenging.
You really don’t need to rent a car in Merida unless you really want to get out and explore. It can make things fun if you want to visit some of the lesser-known ruins near Merida or take frequent trips to the beach. But if you’re exploring the town itself, you won’t need a car rental.
In general, driving in historic colonial towns is not recommended. We found it difficult to drive around the center of Merida, and we pretty much parked the car and moved around on foot in San Cristobal de las Casas.
These charming cities and towns are best explored on foot, and there are always taxis to help you travel further distances too.
How Much Does Renting A Car In Mexico Cost?
One thing you should consider if you want to rent a car in Mexico is the cost – is it going to be the right move for your budget?
The answer is that it depends, but on average, you are looking into $30 USD per day for an economy car with full insurance coverage.
To be more specific, the rental rates vary depending on a number of factors – your location in the country; how long you want to rent the car for; what time of year you’re renting; how far in advance you book; which rental agency you use; and sometimes even how far you want to drive!
Some rental car rates in Mexico will quote as little as $10 per day, but that is a misleading quote. Often, these low prices may be attractive, but they exclude hidden costs such as sales tax (relatively high in Mexico) and full coverage; therefore, that initial $10 USD is actually far more expensive than you initially thought.
Not all quotes will include unlimited mileage, so it’s a good idea to read up on all the details of the policy. Some car companies, for example, will include a free allowance of a certain number of miles and then charge for every mile (or kilometer) on top of that.
Other companies will charge per mile or kilometer as soon as you start your trip. Finally, the price will increase if you return the car to a different location where you picked it from.
Standard costs for renting a car in Mexico will vary, but generally, they start at around $30 per day. This is for a smaller vehicle with larger SUVs and other high-end makes costing more.
Ultimately, however, it’s actually often more expensive to rent a car in Mexico than in the US. In recent times, there has been a shortage of rental cars, which has led people to go to the extreme of hiring removal vans to get around – not something I recommend!
Want to have an idea of the prices? Head over to Discover Cars to check out the prices of car rentals in Mexico.
What’s Needed To Rent A Car In Mexico
There are certain specific requirements you need to fulfill in order to rent a car in Mexico. Let’s look into the details.
Valid driving license
In order to rent a car in Mexico, you need to have a valid driving license. As long as your license is in the Latin alphabet (for example, if you have a US driving license or a license from any of the European Union countries or the United Kingdom), you will be able to use it in Mexico.
If your license is in another language (for example, Arabic, Chinese, or Japanese), you will need to get an International Driving Permit in your country of residence.
Credit or debit card
This is pretty much standard anywhere in the world. Your card will be swiped for a safety deposit. If you have a credit card, the money will simply be put on hold. If you have a debit card, your card will be charged, and the money will be returned after you return the car.
Minimum age
The typical minimum age for renting a car in Mexico is 25, with some companies also renting cars to drivers between 21 and 24 years of age. Very few companies allow you to rent a car in Mexico if you are between 18 and 20 – you can typically find out which ones when looking for a car on Discover Cars.
Mexican Insurance
This is a minimum requirement for car rental in Mexico. Remember that insurance is required by Mexican law. You can get insurance through Discover Cars when you book them or pay Exra for full coverage through the rental car company.
It might seem like a pain and unnecessary spending at the time, but if anything happens, you’ll also be beyond happy you have it.
Is It Safe To Rent A Car In Mexico?
It’s totally natural to worry about the safety of driving in Mexico. Of course, driving anywhere that isn’t your own country comes with its own risks and differences, and it really pays to be aware of what might come up during your trip.
Overall, it is relatively safe to drive in Mexico – my sister and I never encountered any real issues, other than a few nuisances (and a very windy road) when we drove from San Cristobal to Palenque via Agua Azul. Driving in Mexico does change depending on where in the country you’re driving.
Road conditions change, weather varies throughout the country, and general road safety is also not the same everywhere.
Somewhere like the Yucatan Peninsula, it is safe to rent a car, so if you want to drive up and down the Maya Riviera, it’s definitely doable. You should make sure that you understand the traffic regulations and signs, as they will be different from what you know.
Another thing to be careful of is sticking to the main roads if you’re not in a touristy area. Main roads are usually well maintained and easy to navigate – exploring dirt roads is probably not the best idea, and it certainly is a good way to get lost!
Something else to bear in mind is the speed limit. Breaking the speed limit could easily lead you to be pulled over by the police (we had that happen and had to pay a bribe so they’d let us rush to the airport for our flight).
Speaking of speed, you should keep an eye out for speed bumps, too – these can damage the car (and maybe you) if you hit them at high speed.
Another safety tip is to know some Spanish. Not only will this help you with road signs and traffic signals, but it also will help you ask for directions if you’re lost. It’s just a good idea to brush up on some basic Spanish before you rent a car in Mexico.
Finally, it’s best to avoid driving after dark. Hazards will be less easy to see, some roads may not be well-lit, and it’s generally just not as safe as driving during the daylight hours.
I recommend checking out the prices of car rentals in Mexico on Discover Cars.
Useful Tips When Renting A Car In Mexico
What car should you rent in Mexico?
I have mostly driven sedans in Mexico, and in my experience, that’s the best choice – though it obviously depends on how many people are traveling with you.
I have driven a (very stiff) Dodge once (going uphill on the way from Tuxtla Gutierrez to San Cristobal de las Casas was a challenge) and fun Chevrolets. Other cars you may find are Kia, Volkswagen, and Nissan.
Most rental cars in Mexico have automatic transmission – if you are coming from the US, this is what you will be used to. For us coming from Europe, automatic cars aren’t so common, but they are easy to adjust to.
What side of the road should I drive in Mexico?
Mexicans drive on the right side of the road, like in the US and Canada and in continental Europe. If you are traveling to Mexico from the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or South Africa, you’ll have to adjust to driving on the right side of the road (sorry, bad joke!).
Know what to do if your car breaks down
You never know when this might happen, and it’s not exactly an impossible scenario to find yourself in. When renting a car, you need to make sure that breakdown assistance is provided at the cost of the rental. Also, make sure that you’re provided with a number to call in the event of a breakdown.
Be aware of rental car scams and scams on the road
The main “Mexico car rental scam”
There is such a thing known as the “Mexico car rental scam,” though I have to say this so-called scam happens pretty much anywhere you rent a car. The main thing you need to be aware of is that if you see a price that seems too good to be true when looking online, it probably is!
Pay attention to hidden charges, as that will end up bringing the final cost of your car rental up.
To avoid feeling scammed when you think you have landed a sweet deal on your car rental in Mexico, but end up being charged way more when you pick up your car, consider that if you see a very low rate (ie, $10 USD per day), this is likely not including taxes, car rental insurance etc.
That price will likely double if you add the minimum insurance and triple if you add full coverage. Keep this in mind so you won’t feel like you are being overcharged when you finally go pick up your car.
Avoid getting blamed for preexisting damage
Also, make sure you document the state of the rental car very thoroughly prior to driving off the lot. Again, this should be done anywhere, especially if you’re renting from a “cheap” company that’s lesser known.
If there are any preexisting scratches, dents, or other damage, make sure you have a clear photo and/or video. This way, they can’t try to blame the damage on you when you return it.
Gas station scams
Scams can also be found more notoriously at gas stations (you can read more about it here). Fuel has been known to be sold at an inflated price, or the attendants may not have a chance to give you.
To solve at least one of these problems, make sure you have small changes (and note that at some larger gas stations, you can pay with a credit card).
Just pay at “fake” toll roads
Some more rural areas and villages will set up their very own “toll roads”. Sometimes they place barriers blocking the road, and sometimes even spikes. This is more common in poor communities and places around the safe (the direct road between Palenque and San Cristobal de las Casa is most notorious for these tolls).
You can clearly tell these are not government sanctioned tolls, so it might be instinct to refuse to pay. But everything will be so much easier if you pay and move on. Most of the time, they only ask for around 20 or 50 Mexican pesos, or $2 or $3 USD.
Take the toll roads
On that note, always take the toll roads. They are 100% the best roads to drive on in Mexico, and you should not avoid them just to save a few hundred pesos. These highways are straightforward and very well looked after, and they connect you with various destinations – mainly larger towns and cities – very easily.
What is the age to rent a car in Mexico?
This is pretty important! You have to be 25 years and older in order to rent a car in Mexico, and you also have to have held your driver’s license for two years or more. With some rental companies, if you’re under 25 years old, you may be subject to a young driver’s surcharge.
Further Readings
These posts will come in handy when planning a trip to Mexico:
- The Best Travel Tips For Mexico
- How To Get From Mexico City To Puebla
- How To Get From Mexico City To Oaxaca
- How To Get From Cancun To Merida
- How To Get From Cancun To Tulum
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