Mexico is a country adjacent to the U.S. but has a very rich Hispanic heritage. The people are very accommodating and the tourist spots are exceptional. Holidaying in Mexico can be a unique experience and is definitely one not to be missed. Keep in mind that the speed limit in Mexico is only 80 km/ph on most two-lane roads. Always be on the lookout for speed indicators so you will not be apprehended. Driving in Mexico can be dangerous because of poorly maintained or poorly lit roads so don’t over speed or drive after dark. Wear your seatbelt all the time. Drivers and all passengers inside the car should be properly buckled up. Children should occupy the rear seat. Provide car safety seats for children below 4 years old. Police officers can fine you on the spot so better stick to the rules. For minor violations, the attending officer could even ask you how much you are willing to pay. Usually, a $10 bill will do. Gasoline stations are found on most highways. The government gasoline monopoly, Pemex, does not accept currencies other than the peso.
They may not even honor credit cards so always have local money in your pockets for petrol. Unleaded and premium petrol are both available and prices are generally the same throughout the country. Mexico is a land rich in ancestral beauty and lavish coastline. Sightseeing is already a pleasure in the Latin country. Car rental in Mexico is an effective way to see remote areas of the country and avoid the hassles of public transport. Renting a car is usually easy and not too expensive, but be warned: driving in Mexico is not for the faint hearted. If you are a nervous driver stick to buses and air travel. There are a number of car rental agencies to choose from in Mexico, most of which are based in major cities, airports and popular tourist destinations. It is advisable to stick to established international agencies such as Budget, Avis, Dollar and Hertz. Local agencies may offer cheaper rates, but they are also less reliable and in many cases tax and insurance are not included in quoted prices. Rates start at around $55 per day which includes unlimited mileage, tax and insurance.
Compare rates carefully and consider daily, weekly and monthly rental options. Often agencies will offer a discount for weekly and monthly rentals. National in particular are known to offer bargain deals, as are Thrifty. You will obviously have to pay for your own gasoline which is sold under the brand name Pemex and is quite expensive. Two types of fuel are available, Premio which is leaded and Magna Sin which is unleaded. Look out for gasolinerias or gas stations which are indicated by white and green overhead signs. If you know that you are going to be looking in the way of a car rental, it is advisable to get an international driver's license before leaving your home country. While photo-card licenses from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK are all valid in Mexico, officials will give you less trouble if you present them with an international driver's license. Having an international license also saves you the trouble of having to cart around additional documents that are required when you drive on a license from another country.
The legal driving age in Mexico may be 18, but to hire a car you need to be 25 or older. When you hire a car you will be required to sign two slips, one to cover the actual rental fee and one to cover any damages. It is advisable to be extremely careful when driving, as agencies will charge you ridiculous rates for even the smallest of dents and tiniest of scratches. Mexican roads and traffic can be incredibly daunting. Mexican motorists drive far too fast, hog lanes and do not use the correct signals when turning or overtaking. Road surfaces in Mexico are rougher than roads in the US and other countries. It is worth paying the price to drive on decent roads and avoid the trucks and buses that clog up non-toll highways. Private and government toll gates or cuotas as they are called in Mexico are set up all over the country. A couple of practical considerations to keep in mind when driving in Mexico: avoid driving at night if possible as ninety percent of road accidents in the country occur between midnight and dawn.