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Would renting a car in Cancun just be stupid? Or is it safe?

Posted on 3/30/23 at 6:43 pm
Posted by 3BlockUber
Member since Aug 2022
626 posts
Posted on 3/30/23 at 6:43 pm
Heading to Playa del Carmen via the Cancun airport. Staying at a resort.

Would renting a car at the airport and driving to playa del Carmen be a stupid move as far as safety goes? Has anyone driven around play del Carmen or Cancun?

I know I don’t need a car but I get anxiety when I feel trapped at a place (like a resort). Knowing I can take a drive to the store or gas station to get what I want helps. Sounds stupid, I know, but it is what it is. I would feel so much more comfortable having a car just to be able to run an errand each day.
Posted by diat150
Louisiana
Member since Jun 2005
47259 posts
Posted on 3/30/23 at 6:54 pm to
Its no big deal. There is alot of cool stuff to do and see in that area it would be ashamed to just be trapped in a resort.

I recommend isis car rental. Ive hward bad things about the large chains in mexico and I found alot of travelers recommending isis.
This post was edited on 3/30/23 at 6:55 pm
Posted by GOP_Tiger
Baton Rouge
Member since Jan 2005
20733 posts
Posted on 3/30/23 at 7:24 pm to
There are ruins and cenotes you can explore. Renting a car is a great idea. Google maps will get you where you want to go.

I don't think that driving in Mexico is particularly hard. I will say however, that I stayed at a resort near Playa back in January, and there was nasty construction work near the airport, and traffic was backed up an hour getting to the airport. So, unless they have finished, be prepared to sit in traffic.
Posted by OldHickory
New Orleans
Member since Apr 2012
10778 posts
Posted on 3/30/23 at 7:25 pm to
Why do you think they’re called CARtels?
Posted by VABuckeye
NOVA
Member since Dec 2007
38283 posts
Posted on 3/30/23 at 7:36 pm to
I had a terrible experience renting a car in Cancun. I won’t ever do it again. The car was broken into and the policia shook us down twice. Get over the dumb anxiety and save yourself a possible bad time.
This post was edited on 3/30/23 at 7:37 pm
Posted by Twenty 49
Shreveport
Member since Jun 2014
20885 posts
Posted on 3/30/23 at 8:34 pm to
I know someone who had a similar bad experience driving down there. He said he was not returning until the country was under new management.
Posted by cgrand
HAMMOND
Member since Oct 2009
46744 posts
Posted on 3/30/23 at 8:58 pm to
i rented and drove to tulum and it couldn't have been easier or more hassle free. honestly the highway there is better than most around here
Posted by HoustonGumbeauxGuy
Member since Jul 2011
32754 posts
Posted on 3/30/23 at 9:30 pm to
No issues

We’ve done it twice in the past 2 years

Posted by Bill Parker?
Member since Jan 2013
5240 posts
Posted on 3/30/23 at 10:46 pm to
Can confirm that road construction near the airport will impact driving as of 2 weeks ago.
Posted by H2O Tiger
Delta Sky Club
Member since May 2021
7701 posts
Posted on 3/30/23 at 11:54 pm to
I rented a car, it was fine but we did have the rental company (Hertz) try and stick us with charges for some pre-existing damage. Finally, after some back and forth with the manager, they let us go to the terminal and my CC was never charged.

Also, be aware of some unmarked speedbumps. Though I noticed them more between Playa and Tulum. Jumping a Mexican rental Chevy Malibu off a speed bump at 55 isn't a fun experience.
Posted by LemmyLives
Texas
Member since Mar 2019
13573 posts
Posted on 3/31/23 at 12:22 am to
quote:

Jumping a Mexican rental Chevy Malibu off a speed bump at 55 isn't a fun experience.


I haven't wanted dash cam video so bad...
Posted by TheOcean
#honeyfriedchicken
Member since Aug 2004
45165 posts
Posted on 3/31/23 at 6:26 am to
We exclusively rent cars when we go to Mexico now. Pick a large name brand at the airport. We went with Hertz and they were great. A lot of the other car rentals will try and screw you.
Posted by LSUfan4444
Member since Mar 2004
56656 posts
Posted on 3/31/23 at 7:14 am to
Did it once, never again, just not worth the risk or hassle for us to justify it when the places we would want to go all have easily found, reliable transportation at very reasonable prices.

Arranging transportation through the resort is now our go to but we don't have daily errands. Make a list early in the trip, maybe two trips to the grocery or market.
Posted by bushwacker
youngsville
Member since Feb 2010
4010 posts
Posted on 3/31/23 at 8:11 am to
ive done it multiple times. be prepared to be pulled over for "speeding" and have a couple twentys handy. Other than that I had no problems LOL.
Posted by Lawyered
The Sip
Member since Oct 2016
37272 posts
Posted on 3/31/23 at 8:23 am to
To each their own, but I wouldn’t want to risk any of the hassles that may come with this

Posted by diat150
Louisiana
Member since Jun 2005
47259 posts
Posted on 3/31/23 at 9:49 am to
quote:

To each their own, but I wouldn’t want to risk any of the hassles that may come with this
. Live a little! Lmao
Posted by LaLadyinTx
Cypress, TX
Member since Nov 2018
7133 posts
Posted on 3/31/23 at 9:53 am to
quote:

Its no big deal. There is alot of cool stuff to do and see in that area it would be ashamed to just be trapped in a resort.

I recommend isis car rental. Ive hward bad things about the large chains in mexico and I found alot of travelers recommending isis.


I have rented from Isis in Playa del Carmen and it was fine. However, you need to decide what you want to do. If you are just staying at the resort and doing an excursion or 2, don't bother with the car. You can take a cheap taxi in to Playa. If you want to explore somewhere (Chichen Itza, Tulum, etc.) just rent a car for the day in Playa and don't bother with driving from Cancun.
Posted by LaLadyinTx
Cypress, TX
Member since Nov 2018
7133 posts
Posted on 3/31/23 at 9:54 am to
quote:

I had a terrible experience renting a car in Cancun. I won’t ever do it again. The car was broken into and the policia shook us down twice. Get over the dumb anxiety and save yourself a possible bad time.


My coworker had the same experience. I rented in years past, but probably won't do it again.
Posted by BigBinBR
Baton Rouge
Member since Mar 2023
9335 posts
Posted on 3/31/23 at 12:53 pm to
If you decide to rent a car make sure you buy insurance in Mexico. Make sure you do your research though and use a reputable company. Your insurance from the US will not cover you.

Please note that any traffic accident in Mexico is a criminal offense. The police will detain you even if it isn’t your fault and you are likely to get shaken down. If it is your fault they can and will detain you and make you pay for repairs to the other vehicle on the spot. If you have “reputable” Mexican insurance then the insurance will drive to you and pay the other party.

Realistically though it’s not worth it and you should just take whatever transportation the resort offers.
Posted by VABuckeye
NOVA
Member since Dec 2007
38283 posts
Posted on 3/31/23 at 2:30 pm to
quote:

If you decide to rent a car make sure you buy insurance in Mexico.


This is usually a requirement. I know for sure that if you rent in the US and drive into Mexico you are required to get Mexican car insurance.
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