Is it a good option to rent a car in Cancun?

Question

Going to Cancun in Nov end this year from Boston.. wondering if it is a good option to rent a car online before getting there.. since we plan on going to Cancun and visit Tulum, Xel-Ha and Chichen Itza.. Is it safe to rent a car? what are the risks involved at this time of the year? Any bad experiences or good ones?

Answer 1

I did a similar trip a couple of months ago and I rented a car. I think it is the best thing you can do if you want to make your own schedules. If you go on a tour, you have to adjust to their schedule.

Answer 2

Do not use Pastor International Marketing, S.A. de C.V (PIMSA), look at the bottom of the websites for some or all of these words. Hosted, designed, developed by PIMSA. They took my family for alot of money and ruined our trip to Cancun,

Answer 3

Not from many companies that act like car rental companies, that are really brokers. Wait til you get to the Airport or the Resort. If you rent online make sure that it is a real company like Dollar or Avis. Not a website hosted or devloped by another broker that will sell your reservation to another company. Only websites from real companies. We got ripped off by one of these last month..

Answer 4

If you need to rent a car. then there are options at the hotel, just hire one as you need it, don't book online unless you use a well known Company.

If you are doing any of the excursions, Chichen Itza, Tulum, Xcaret then it is probably better to use the transport provided by the Company. Grayline do some good tours and at good rates.

Remember that the roads are not exactly wonderful in alot of places, especially after heavy rainfall, when they flood very easily. Nobody, especially taxi drivers, use their lights for changing direction etc and will try to squeeze into the smallest space between you and the car infront. There is no consideration at all for other road users, so you'd need to know where the horn is on your car.There are plenty of Topes (speed bumps) many of them you don't see very well, especially at night.

My advise would be, use the Public transport for short journeys, as it's less than $1.00 US to catch the bus and one of the white knuckle rides in Cancun. It's not really that expensive in a taxi either (but ask the rate before you get in) or check the rate at the hotel so you know you're not being ripped off.

For the Tours, use the coaches, you can doze safely on the way there and back as many places are a good distance away from Cancun.

No matter what, you're sure to enjoy yourself.

Answer 5

Renting a car is a good option.  If you are staying at an all inclusive place, they will give you a good deal especially if you tell them you are going to another location to rent the car.  The only problem is everyone is going to try to get you to buy a timeshare.  Don't do it!  Having sat through several sales pitches, I am at the point where I will pay a few extra dollars to rent the car rather than get a 'deal' listening to a pitch.  Just make sure you check the car well and don't bother with the insurance if you are renting with visa.  Visa provides you with insurances on your purchases.  Call them up and make sure though.

Answer 6

Car rental is a good option if:

- You are comfortable driving in a less than organized environment;

- comfortable driving with cars that are less than perfect;

- likely standard cars;

- are planning to do some exploring.

Rates are a bit higher compared to the US and their cars are lots worse.  Even if you take insurance you are responsible for 10% of the damage up to 10% of the total cost of the car.

It is a personal choice.  Lets talk for example about Chichen Itza.  It is a long drive (almost three hours each way.) The road is good, but a bit expensive with the tolls and gasoline.  If you take the car you can decide how long to stay.  If you stay until night time for the Ligh and Sound show, then you still have to drive home in a long and boring road after spending all day exploring the ruins.

If you are a bigish group, it might be cheaper renting car than paying a tour for each person.  But in a tour you have guide and save drive.

Having a car is a good way to explore Tulum and Playa del Carmen and maybe Puerto Morelos.

To visit Xel-Ha and Xcaret it might be better to take tour.  These places might take all day and the car is just parked doing nothing.  Xcraet has a terrific show at night, but finishs late, then driving back can be boring and tiring.

It is relatively safe to rent there.  Many foreigners do it.  The roads can be dangerous due to high speed drivers and alcohol.

As someone sugested check if your credit card will cover your insurance.  Just be ware.  If you decline their insurance and you have an accident or the car gets stolen, the Car rental will charge the total amount to your credi card and then you will have to sort out the refund with your credit card.

Answer 7

Don't rent the car. When in the states of Q Roo and Yucatan, I choose to use the bus system. They are safe, clean and inexpensive. The ADO bus is air conditioned with plenty of leg room. Remember, if you drive from Cancun to Chichen, you will have to pay tolls along the way.

At Chichen, get there early, it is hot and crowded. Tulum, Coba and Xel-Ha have a bus that will drop you off within a short walk of the entry. You drive all year. Let someone else do it for you while on vacation. The link will provide a timetable and pricing for the bus system down there. I just returned from that region last week and would not waste time renting a car.