Mexico has a rich culture and a long history, as well as some stunning attractions. Whether you are looking for historical sites, museums, or the beaches, there is something for you in Mexico. You could visit the ruins of Chichen Itza, experience the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City, enjoy the waters of Cabo San Lucas, see the Mayan ruins of Tulum, and so much more. Having a rental vehicle will make it much easier for you to experience as much as possible during your trip.
Renting a vehicle in Mexico
Even though the minimum driving age in Mexico is 15 years old, most of the rental companies require that the drivers who rent from them are at least 23 years old and that they have a minimum of two years driving experience. Driver’s licenses from the United States are valid in Mexico. You should buy Mexican auto insurance when you rent your vehicle. Make sure that you look over the vehicle you are going to rent before you sign any paperwork. In addition, be sure to ask for the emergency contact information and phone number, and how to get assistance from the agency if you need it.
Road conditions and safety
The condition of the roads in Mexico can vary quite a bit. The larger tourist friendly towns typically have good roads that are easy to drive on, although they may have more speed bumps than you are used to. As you get away from the cities, or into some of the smaller cities, the condition of the roads goes downhill. Some of the roads are in disrepair and have potholes and gouges in them.
Driving in Mexico can be dangerous for a number of reasons. The drivers do not always follow the traffic rules and the speed limit, and they may cut in front of you. It’s a good idea to keep your windows up and your doors locked while driving. Robberies and carjackings occur regularly in many parts of Mexico.
The signs are typically in Spanish. It is a good idea to brush up on your Spanish or have a Spanish phrasebook with you that your passengers can use while you are driving. Something to keep in mind is that if you are in an accident or an incident while in Mexico, you are guilty until proven innocent. Be careful when you are driving.
Speed limit
Always obey the speed limit laws in Mexico. The police are often looking for speeders, particularly near the larger cities, and close to the borders. The following are the typical speed limits for different types of roads.
- City – 40 km/h
- Outside of the city – 80 km/h
- Highways – 100 to 110 km/h
Driving a rental car in Mexico can make it much easier to get to all of the destinations you want to visit. You don’t have to rely on taxis or public transportation, and as long as you have a good map or GPS, you can get where you need to go.
