Should I Rent a Car in Cancun Mexico?

I have gotten to know many places in the world by renting a car. Having a car is a plus. While there are many options for places to visit by taxi or bus, nothing compares to the freedom you have to explore when you have your own vehicle.

So, Should I rent a Car in Cancun? You should rent a car in Cancun if you want to get to know the area. It will make for an excellent trip, full of great experiences. It is well worth the effort if you want to experience the culture of another country during your vacation, as you can go anywhere at your own pace. Remember, Cancun is not only a nice hotel and beautiful beach – there is so much to see and do when you have your own wheels and you will have the opportunity to get to know the most hidden treasures. There are many places you can`t see without a car, plus during peak hours you can avoid the crowds. Take a picnic, play your favorite music and there you go.

When planning your trip, there are some things you should know before renting a car. There are regulations and steps you can take so that you feel secure in your car rental.

Where To Rent a Car in Cancun Airport:

You can rent a car online before your trip and pick it up at the airport. Once you are outside of the customs area, you will find all of the car rental company booths. Their agent will lead you to the shuttle, which will take you to the main office just a little way from the terminal.

When Reserving a car online, you`ll get a better rate and you can add all the accessories beforehand – like GPS, car seat, etc. Secure full insurance through the rental agency.

How to Rent a Car at Cancun airport.

The rental companies at the airport will walk you through the process efficiently – they are accustomed to working with travelers. Make sure to rent a car with a company that has branches in the Riviera Maya as well, in case you decide to venture beyond Cancun. You will have faster assistance in case of an emergency.

The process is pretty much the same as renting a car in the United States. You’ll find Mexican car rental companies as well as most of the major U.S. brands, such as Dollar, Hertz, Avis, Europe, Alamo, Budget, Thrifty, and many others.

Documents that you need when renting a Car, The documents you need when renting a car are a current driver’s license, credit card, and passport. You do not need an international driver license.

Tips when renting a Car:

Book online
To get a cheaper rental rate, book at least a week in advance.
Make sure the headlights and windshield wipers work.
Take photos or video of the vehicle and point out any damage to the rental agent before you sign the rental agreement.
Make sure the gas tank is full, or if not, make sure the company makes a note of the level.

Important on Car Rental Insurance:

The rates do not include Mexico’s mandatory insurance, which can double or triple the cost.
Be aware that by law you can not waive the mandatory insurance in Mexico.
Make sure to look over the vehicle with the agent and make a note of every scratch before you drive away

Should I get a GPS Or A Map when renting a car in Cancun? You should get a GPS or have a map. It`s a great idea to have a GPS system to make sure you’re going the right way! MAPS.ME is a great navigation app that works for free offline if you don’t have an international travel plan on your phone. Just make sure you download the city map or the country map with WIFI before hitting the road, then you can use it offline. Also, most rental companies will rent a GPS with the car. You should always keep a basic map on hand in case your phone dies; hotels will always provide you with a local map. No matter how simple a route may seem, it is always good to have a map.

How Old Do You Have To Be to Rent a Car In Mexico?

The youngest age for renting a car in Cancun is 21 years old, and the oldest is 75 – these are the standard established terms of car rental companies. However, there are some companies who will rent to drivers under 21 but you will need to pay an additional fee called the “Young Driver Fee”, which provides additional insurance for inexperienced drivers.

Tips to Avoid Scams When Renting a Car:

When renting a car, you can prevent many scams by learning and obtaining information ahead of time. When it does happen, I believe much of it comes from not understanding rates, insurance, etc. at the time the reservation is made. This is not only in Cancun, but this also happens everywhere, in USA and Europe. Some so many friends have had good results renting cars in Cancun including myself. I guess if you are planning to rent a car you need to do your homework and get a quote with all the insurance and specific information and ask the following questions

How much is the rental rate per day and what is included?
How much is the basic insurance per day?
How much is the full insurance?
Is mileage included, and if not how much per mile or kilometer?
How much for an additional driver?
What is the charge per liter of gasoline if I do not return the tank full?
Check your spare tire, the windshield, and the license plate.
Make sure the car is in good condition, and check for scratches or damage from previous renters.

Are there other scams to be worried about when driving in Cancun area?

You need to be very careful when fueling up your car at a gas station. A very common scam happens frequently and you want to be sure to avoid it. What happens is this: the attendant will start chatting with you about your trip, etc as a distraction. Then when you hand him a $500 peso bill, for example, he will very quickly switch it for a $50 peso bill and swear that’s all you gave him. There is no arguing with his word against yours. This happens very often when you are on your way to the airport and in a hurry. The best is to use a credit card if you can. Otherwise, do NOT take your eyes off the money that you hand over. Maybe even say the amount out loud as you give it to him

Do I need Insurance for renting a Car in Cancun?

When you rent a car in Mexico there is generally required liability insurance. Every company is different – most will publish online the most economical rates which do NOT include any of the coverage. However, my suggestion is to purchase full-coverage insurance with no deductible so any damage will not result in charges. When you fill out your online car rental reservation, most major companies now have a page where you can select which insurance options you want to purchase. This gives you a chance to do some research and find out what you actually need.

What Happens if You Decline Car Insurance?

If you choose to decline additional coverage at the rental counter, a hold will be placed on your credit card, and you’ll stumble upon another issue. Some credit cards have coverage for car rental insurance call them before you rent a car to make sure exactly what they will cover.

Is it Safe to Rent a Car in Cancun?

Renting a car in Cancun is as safe as renting a car in Miami. I`ve rented a car in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum numerous times and as long as you understand the procedures and regulations, there is no reason to feel unsafe.

Can I drive a rental car from Mexico to Belize or Guatemala?

Yes, you can drive a rental car from Mexico to Belize and Guatemala. Many of the rental car agencies will not authorize it, but it is possible to find one that will do the paperwork for you, I don`t want to mention one agency here as the policies change very often. Once at the border in Belize you will need to buy car insurance that will cost around USD$20, then go through customs and immigration and you are set. The same applies to the border crossing from Belize to Guatemala. Buen Viaje!