Renting a Car in Mexico: Here’s What You Need to Know So You Don’t Get Scammed

Want to get a Mexico Car Rental (but confused about the process)?

You’ve come to the right place! I’ve lived in Mexico since 2018, and have rented cars throughout the country.

First and foremost, when I rent a car in Mexico, I recommend and always use Discover Cars — for several reasons.

1. They have FREE cancellation up to 48 hours before your rental.
2. They search international corporations and local Mexican companies, so you get the best deal.
3. They have an inexpensive Full Coverage policy for Mexican driving insurance.

Renting a Car in Mexico With Discover Cars

I have been living in Mexico since 2018, and travel frequently within the country. What I am going to explain is my personal experience renting a car about 10 times, in five cities throughout Mexico.

🚙 When I book a Mexico car rental online, I recommend and use Discover Cars because they always seem to have the best rates.

I use them because they have always had the best deals when I’ve searched, and they offer FREE cancellations up to 48 hours before your reservation.

Here is the exact process I have followed to get my rental car:

Personally, I don’t rent from local agencies with less than a 7 out of 10 Stars rating so that I have a great experience like those other reviewers did.

It’s like the saying goes: You get what you pay for.

For me, it’s worth sacrificing some money so I don’t get terrible customer service on my vacation in a foreign country.

😎 Here’s the Process

What has happened almost every time I’ve rented is that they will try to up-sell me to their insurance, which I decline.

As mentioned, the Discover Cars policy does legally satisfy any Mexico car rental insurance requirements.

When you decline the car rental company’s insurance, they will hold about $50,000 pesos ($2,700 USD) on your credit card.

When you bring the rental car back with no damage, they return your deposit in full. If you bring the rental car back with damage, they will take it out of your deposit.

From there, you’ll have to make a claim with Discover Cars, which is usually processed in 48 hours or less, according to their site.

As long as the damage is under $58,500 MXN pesos (about $3,300 USD) — which does cover a lot — Discover Cars will reimburse you under their Full Coverage Policy.

🤔 How do I make a Claim with Discover Cars?

If you need to file a claim with Discover Cars, the process is easy.

You’ll find your login credentials in your booking confirmation email, which you can use to login via your laptop or the Discover Cars app (📲 Android; 🍎 Apple).

At just $7-10 USD per day, the Discover Cars Full Coverage Policy is far cheaper than any I’ve been offered through the car rental companies themselves.

With direct policies, they usually charge about $30 USD per day.

If you choose to go that route, you must pay for car insurance when you get the car; it will not show up in then rental price upon booking.

If you would rather get full coverage Mexican insurance from the company directly, you can also do that and still rent with Discover Cars to take advantage of their great rates and NO FEE cancellation policy.

🚨 Disclaimer: Please Read This before you book

This information above is my first-hand experience of renting cars about 10 times in seven Mexican cities (including Tulum, Merida, Guadalajara, Cancun, San Luis Potosí, Oaxaca, and Mexico City rental cars).

I have always used Discover Cars, and always had a good experience.

Unfortunately, I have no way of knowing how your rental process will play out — but I hope this info was helpful for your Mexico trip.

If you do decide to rent with Discover Cars, the one tip I can’t stress enough is to only rent with a well-rated company.

I have had good experiences — and I directly attribute that to only using top-rated companies.

Of course, not all agencies are created equal, and you want to opt for the best car rental in Mexico — which for me is Discover Cars.

Renting A Car in Mexico

As a large country, Mexico road trips are popular, and most drivers enjoy a problem-free trip.

The one obvious caveat to that statement is you’ll be driving in another country, where you’re unfamiliar with driving laws, road rules and local customs.

Check out the 10 Mexico driving tips below that will help you get more comfortable driving in Mexico.

Renting A Car in Mexico

With group tours in Mexico, you only have a limited amount of time to explore, but with your own rental, you set the schedule.

As driving in Mexico is generally considered safe, and renting a car in Mexico is usually a simple, hassle-free process — I think a lot of travelers really do want to rent a car, even if they don’t know it.

One of the most important things to keep in mind for a Mexico car rental is to rent with a reputable company like Discover Cars.

I also recommend their Full Coverage Policy, which I always use.

If you don’t get it, make sure you also purchase Mexican car insurance, as you’re not covered in any way through your U.S. or Canadian policy, your European or New Zealand policy, etc.

You can buy direct from the rental company, but it’s often a lot more. For the best prices, the Full Coverage Policy is the way to go.

🚙 Interested in doing a road trip in Mexico?

A Mexico road trip is one of the best ways to see the country — especially places like the Yucatan Peninsula and Baja California.

If you’re planning to do a road trip, you absolutely should rent a car in Mexico.

Also, even if you’re not doing a full road trip, the easiest way to explore Mexico’s hidden gems is by car.

For the sake of convenience, just pick your Mexico car rental up at the airport when you fly in.

Renting A Car in Mexico

While this is the company I’ve used to rent cars in Mexico, from coast to coast, I haven’t even got to the best part yet!

You can add their Full Coverage Policy for an average price of about $7-10 USD per day.

It is cheaper than any full coverage Mexican insurance I’ve ever seen through a rental company, and I always use it myself.

Oftentimes, I have found the cheapest Mexico car rental companies are America Car Rental and Mex Rent A Car — both of which you’ll find on Discover Cars.

However, remember to always check ratings before you book! You get what you pay for, so never go with a low-rated company.

Renting A Car in Mexico

As you read this article, you’ll discover why you can’t believe the first price you see quoted online, and discover all your options for Mexican car insurance, which will affect the price.

Renting A Car in Mexico

1. Valid driving license in a Roman language (English is included), or an International Driving Permit (more on that below)
2. Valid credit card or debit card (though I recommend using a credit card, as you’ll see below)
3. To be of age (25 or older for most rental cars Mexico offers)
4. Mexican insurance

Since these all warrant further discussion, there is information below that will explain everything you needs to know.

1. A Valid Driver’s License (Or IDP)

If you have a valid U.S. driver’s license, or one in a language that uses the Roman alphabet/Latin alphabet (which is this alphabet), you can rent a car in Mexico with your country’s license.

Drivers from countries like Japan and China, which use the character alphabet, will need an international driver’s license, which is officially called the International Driving Permit (IDP).

🚗💨 Need an IDP? Apply for one here.

2. A Valid Credit Card or Debit Card

When you rent a car in Mexico, they will swipe your credit or debit card to have on file in the event you damage the car.

Different companies hold a different amount of money, but it’s usually about $1,000-3,000 USD.

Keep in mind that if you opt for full coverage insurance through the car rental company directly, they may not hold as much.

Prices vary, but the rental agency usually charges about $30-40 USD per day for this level of coverage.

When you use a debit for this, the money will be removed from your account (then returned when you return the car).

However, with the credit card, your money is just on hold and you still have access to it via your credit card.

3. You must be 25 to Rent a Car in Mexico (but some places take 18-24)

As with the U.S., people ages 25 and older can rent a car in Mexico from any car company with no limitations.

Some companies also rent to drivers 21-24 years of age, though they have a $10-20 USD per day surcharge for underage drivers.

There are a very small minority of Mexico car rental locations that rent to 18- to 20-year-olds — but they are out there.

For drivers ages 18-24, you’ll need to call places directly to find a local Mexican rental company offering underage rentals.

You’ll also want to double check each company’s policy before booking, and ask them for all associated fees for underage renters.

4. Mexican Insurance is mandatory

You will need insurance to drive in Mexico.

There’s a whole section of this article that will explain everything you need to know about getting the best Mexican auto insurance, as it’s a big topic.

If you want to jump ahead, here’s the link to find out all about Mexican car insurance.

Renting A Car in Mexico

Besides those, some common companies in Mexico that aren’t common in the U.S. include Peugeot and Renault, both French companies.

No matter where you’re going in Mexico, for the most part, you’ll find the same makes and models you will in the United States, Canada, and your home country.

Now, if you want a stick shift for a “normal” car like a hatchback, sedan or SUV, those are often available too. However, they aren’t as common as automatics.

I have seen several places that rent stick, so make sure the actual rental vehicle is the car you want be selecting “automatic” or “manual” before you pick up your rental car.

Renting A Car in Mexico

Renting A Car in Mexico

If you prefer to use a Mexican company to support the national economy, one of the best car rental companies in Mexico is Mex Rent A Car.

Wherever you choose to rent cars in Mexico, make sure to read reviews about the company, and about that particular location because you do not want to sacrifice your overall experience for a cheap car rental.

Renting A Car in Mexico

Using a search service means you get the best deal because Discover Cars shows you every available car, and their cost.

When you search all the car rental companies at once, you know you’re getting the lowest price.

renting a car in mexico

You must have Mexican Personal Liability Insurance to legally drive in Mexico, and some car rental companies won’t let you take their cars unless you purchase it from them.

While Mexico car rental companies aren’t legally allowed to make you buy insurance from them — the most you can do is argue with them, and at worst, they just won’t let you rent the car.

This has become especially true of people who try to use U.S. credit card insurance. (More on insurance through a credit card in a minute.)

I rent cars in Mexico a few times each year, and have never had any issues using the Full Coverage Policy I have purchased through Discover Cars.

Legally, third-party insurance is completely valid.

However, that’s not to say an agent won’t try to up-sell you their company’s insurance. They will!

Some companies actually encourage employees to do so — which is why you want to read reviews before booking.

While Mexico car rental companies aren’t technically allowed to make you buy insurance from them, the most you can do is argue with them about it.

As a worst case scenario, they just won’t let you rent the car.

For the least amount of headaches on your Mexico trip, buy insurance from the company you’re renting from.

If you get full coverage, you could essentially return it in any condition, and should not have to pay them a single cent.

Renting A Car in Mexico

For full insurance, plan to pay about $30-40 USD per day.

When I’m renting a car in Mexico, I always use Discover Cars. Their full coverage policies only cost about $7-10 USD per day. ▶︎ Book now with Discover Cars.

With just Personal Liability Insurance, you’ll usually have about a $2,000+ USD deductible.

The full coverage deductible is often $0, because you’re already fully covered (though Terms and Conditions can vary by company).

🤔 What is a deductible with car insurance?

If you aren’t familiar with what a deductible is, here’s a quick explanation.

If you have a $5,000 USD deductible, and you cause $5,250 in damages to the car, you will be responsible for paying the $5,000 deductible.

The insurance will cover the remaining $250, after you cover the deductible amount.

As what you select will depend on your budget, do know that cheap Mexican car insurance is one of those “you get what you pay for” type of situations.

If you’re wondering what’s the best Mexican car insurance, that would be full coverage with no deductible.

Renting A Car in Mexico

In fact, you need to show proof of Mexican insurance to enter Mexico.

No matter the U.S.-Mexico land border crossings you use, you do need car insurance to travel to Mexico before you drive across the border.

Head here to get your FREE quote from Baja Bound, a trusted name in Mexican car insurance for Americans and Canadians.

If you try, the border agents will not let you cross any at U.S.-Mexico land borders — so it’s probably not worth risking this 👮‍♀️

It’s also pretty uncommon that any U.S. car rental companies allow these types of rentals, though a few do let customers drive a rental car to Mexico.

Of course, it never hurts to ask!

The best way to figure this out would be to call each different location you’re considering renting from, and asking about their policy.

However, I’ve heard of a loophole where you can rent on one side then walk across the land border crossing at Tijuana Airport.

Renting A Car in Mexico

This is not the equivalent of Personal Liability Insurance, which you’re required to have by law.

Now, some car companies will let you take a rental car with just CDW insurance; some won’t.

As I don’t like to take chances — this is just one more reason I always opt for Full Coverage when I rent with Discover Cars.

Their policy means I am fully covered in Mexico for any damages to the car up to $58,500 pesos (about $3,300 USD), and I won’t pay out of pocket for that amount.

One of the last times I rented a car was in Mexico City (notoriously more expensive than most Cabo rental agencies or Cancun rental agencies), and I paid just $10 USD per day for a Discover Cars Full Coverage Policy.

🚨 Horror stories of using credit card insurance in Mexico

I have been in Mexico long enough, and heard enough horror stories, that I always tell people not to rely on credit card insurance.

If you do opt for it, you’ll want to call the credit card company and double check their policies (even the fine print), so you know you’re comfortable with it.

Also, know that if anything happens to the car, you will have to pay for 100% of the damages out of pocket when you return the car.

You’ll then file a claim with the credit card company, and hope they fully reimburse you 🤞 Spoiler: They don’t always do so.

Purchase Third Party Mexico Car insurance

You can also buy a separate Mexican auto insurance policy from a Mexican insurance company or a U.S. company that works with Mexican insurers, like Baja Bound, Allstate and Geico.

🚙💨 Driving to Mexico with your own car? Get your FREE quote on Mexican Insurance from Baja Bound so you can cross the U.S.-Mexico border without any issues or delays.

This is called Third Party Liability Insurance (sometimes called TPL insurance, or PLI insurance), it is 100% legal.

It is also enough to satisfy the Mexico Personal Liability Insurance requirement.

Depending on where you’re renting, this can be the cheapest Mexico car insurance for drivers who need extra coverage.

Purchase general Mexico travel insurance — With a car insurance add on

Another option is to purchase a travel insurance policy for Mexico, and get an upgrade to include your Mexico rental car.

For this, purchase the Explorer Plan with World Nomads, one of the best Mexican travel insurance providers and top names in travel insurance.

⚠️ Note: This is only offered on the Explorer Plan, and I’ve heard they may be phasing it out, but you can get a FREE quote and see if it’s available.

renting a car in mexico

About six months before writing this article, I booked a rental car in Miami online, and had to pay an extra $200 USD in fees, taxes and additional insurance costs when I picked up the car 🤬

If this has also happened to you, you’re already familiar with the Mexico car rental scam — which isn’t unique to Mexico.

If you’re lucky enough to have never fallen victim, the “scam” in question is that most renters don’t read the fine print (who does?!) and aren’t aware of the fees, taxes, etc., that get tacked on.

For many, the price you end up paying is often double what you saw online when you booked the car — which is why it can feel like one of the worst travel scams in Mexico.

renting a car in mexico

How to avoid this common Mexico travel scam

When renting a car in Mexico, you may see rates as low as $5-10 USD per day — and if those rental car rates seem too good to be true, they are.

This base cost doesn’t factor in a whole slew of fees, taxes and the legally-required Mexico car rental insurance, all of which you do have to pay for.

To avoid this most notorious of Mexico travel scams, double the price you see online listed as the base price for the car if you’re taking the minimum insurance.

If you’re opting for full coverage, you may even want to triple it.

This new amount is closer to what you end up paying anyway — and now you won’t feel “scammed.”

Use this formula to calculate your Mexico car rental cost

For a car listed online as $10 USD per day, assume you’ll actually pay $25-35 per day for this car with Mexico Personal Liability Insurance (minimum coverage).

Assume $35-45 per day with full Mexican insurance coverage.

Annoying? Sure is — But this is just the way car rental companies seem to work, no matter where you rent a car anywhere in the world.

Renting a Car in Mexico: A City by City Guide

Car Rental Cancun Mexico

Cancun is one of the best places in the Yucatan Peninsula, and a top Mexico travel destination — so renting a car is common for many travelers.

For a car rental, Cancun Airport Mexico (code: CUN) is your best option.

From the airport, renting a car in Cancun is easy, and you’ll find the most rental agencies there.

It is also the most convenient place, since you can go straight from your flight right to your rental car.

Though there’s Uber in Cancun, you can also get around with taxis and Cancun public transportation.

A tourist-friendly place, Cancun actually has a pretty great bus system for in-town use, which goes to the airport and the beaches.

⚠️ Note: This info also works for traveling to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Cabo, Maztlan, etc. As the best resort towns in Mexico, they operate about the same.

Renting a car in Mexico Cancun specifically will give you a chance to venture to off the beaten path sites in Mexico to explore all the surrounding areas, like Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins, Valladolid, Izamal, Lake Bacalar.

⚠️ Note: For a deeper dive into the topic of Cancun safety, check out Is Cancun Safe to Travel to Right Now?

renting a car in mexico

Car Rental Tulum Mexico

Located about 1.5 hours south of Cancun, you’ll be in Tulum, Mexico.

For those wanting to get from Cancun to Tulum in the most comfortable way, consider a Cancun rental car. ⚠️ Note: There’s no Uber in Tulum.

As Cancun is a much bigger city than Tulum, it’s easier to get the car in Cancun vs renting a car in Tulum.

For a deeper dive into this topic, check out Cancun to Tulum: The 6 Best Transportation Options.

There are a few Tulum car rental companies in Tulum Town (AKA Downtown Tulum), all located on the road that goes from downtown to Tulum Beach.

Though it’s one of the most popular destinations in Mexico, Tulum is a small town. In the entire town, there’s only about 10 rental centers, so make sure to reserve your car in advance.

🤔 Wondering where to stay in Tulum? You have plenty of options for Tulum accommodations — all-inclusive resorts, budget-friendly hotels, Tulum Airbnbs, Tulum glamping, and Tulum beach house rentals.

renting a car in mexico

Car Rental Playa del Carmen Mexico

Right in between Cancun and Tulum, there’s the beach town of Playa del Carmen.

Much like with Tulum, it’s easier to just rent the car at Cancun Airport and drive to Playa del Carmen.

There are several car rental agencies in Playa, but for a Yucatan car rental, Cancun is always the best option. ⚠️ Note: There’s no Uber in Playa del Carmen.

renting a car in mexico

Car Rental Merida Mexico

Renting a car in Merida, like most cities in Mexico, is easiest at the airport.

Merida International Airport (code: MID) is where you’ll find the most options, as there are very few car rental agencies outside of the airport at all.

⚠️ Note: I lived in Merida for years, and have a lot of Merida car rental experience.

However, with so many great Merida day trips, a rental car will come in handy. Within 1-2 hours of the city, you can drive to all these places.

• About 10 great Merida beaches, including Puerto Progreso and El Cuyo
• The Merida cenotes, including the famous Houman Cenotes
• Chichen Itza and other Mayan Ruins like Uxmal and Ek’Balam
• The pueblos magicos (magic towns like Valladolid and Izamal)
• The pink lakes of Las Coloradas near Rio Lagartos

renting a car in mexico

Car Rental Mexico City

For rental cars in Mexico City, the Mexico City International Airport (code: MEX) is your best option.

This is the most convenient place to get your rental since you’re likely flying there anyway.

Renting a car in Mexico City Airport is easy, as there are quite a few agencies on-site. From there, you can drive yourself to your Airbnb or hotel.

Unless you’re planning for a few Mexico City day trips, renting a car in Mexico City might not be worthwhile.

There are Ubers, taxis, the metro, buses and the EcoBici bike program, so you have plenty of other options to get around Mexico City.

💁‍♀️ My opinion? I’ve lived in Mexico City since 2018 (on and off), and honestly, I don’t suggest driving there. I have done it myself, but it’s not one of the most enjoyable things to do in Mexico City.

renting a car in mexico

Car Rental Cabo San Lucas Mexico

Much like other cities in Mexico, renting a car in Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo is easiest from Los Cabos International Airport (code: SJD).

The airport is located in the city of San Jose del Cabo, about a 45-minute drive from Cabo San Lucas.

In fact, with your Mexican rental car, you can easily spend some time in both cities.

As this is a major Mexico resort town, you will only want a Cabo car rental if you’re doing a few day trips.

There are a lot of things to do in Cabo itself, so you might not need a rental car.

renting a car in mexico

Car Rental La Paz Mexico

La Paz is an up and coming Baja California destination.

It is a bit more rustic than Cabo San Lucas, so won’t have the same tourism infrastructure as the big destinations like Mexico City.

While La Paz is a beach town itself, the most beautiful beaches in La Paz — Playa Balandra, Playa Tecolote and El Coromuel — are about 45 minutes from the main area of town.

For this reason, a rental car in La Paz, Mexico comes in handy.

As with renting a car in Baja from any city, you’ll want to pick it up from the airport. In La Paz, you have La Paz International Airport (code: LAP).

7 Tips for Renting a Car in Mexico

1. Rent with a reputable company like Discover Cars, the company I recommend and have used myself about 10 times.

2. If you need a car seat or car seats, select that option on the rental website. They usually cost about $10-20 USD per day, depending on the company.

3. Take photos and video of all scratches, dings and dents to the car’s exterior. You’ll want to do the same for the car’s interior, noting stains, rips in the fabric, etc. 

4. Repeat the same process as above when you drop the car off.

5. Have all your emails accessible with any rental agreement booking information. If you want, you can print them out, though it’s not necessary.

6. Most companies won’t let you take the car if you don’t have Mexico rental car insurance, so be prepared with a backup plan when you book your rental car.

7. The Mexico driving age is 18. However, though the driving age in Mexico is 18, most companies won’t rent to drivers under 25.

10 Mexico Driving Tips

1. It’s illegal to use your cell phone while driving in Mexico

It is both unsafe to use your phone while driving, and also illegal in Mexico. Mexico Fun Fact: It’s also illegal to shave or put on make-up while driving.

In fact, having your phone in your hand is a ticketable offense, so don’t even hold your phone while driving.

⚠️ Note: When packing for Mexico, don’t forget to bring this hands-free phone holder for the rental car.

renting a car in mexico

2. Avoid driving at night in Mexico

When you live in Mexico long enough, you start to realize many people simply avoid driving at night, if they can.

I encourage the same for when you visit Mexico.

However, if you do drive at night, stick to only main roads and paid highways, called cuota roads. (💸 Note: Make sure you have cash/pesos to pay the tolls).

These cuota roads tend to be more secure, well-maintained, have better road conditions, and have better lighting for driving in Mexico at night.

renting a car in mexico

3. Beware of topes (Speed bumps)

Mexican roads are notorious for their abundant amount of topes (speed bumps).

While some roads have yellow road signs alerting you to the topes, keep your eyes on the road at all times, because some topes don’t have a sign.

renting a car in mexico

4. Download an offline map for driving in Mexico

Your cell signal will go in and out as you travel through rural areas of Mexico, so you’ll want to download an offline map from Google Maps or Maps.Me.

📲 Note: A Mexico SIM Card also comes in handy for a better signal.

While you’re at it, don’t forget to download some podcasts and songs.

renting a car in mexico

5. Mexico speed limit signs are in kilometers per hour

Mexico street signs are in kilometers per hour, not miles per hour. For those who are curious, 1 mile is 1.6 kilometers.

Rather than doing conversion math while driving, just make sure the speed limit sign number on the road matches your car’s speedometer number.

As you might imagine, the street signs and highway signs in Mexico are also in Spanish. Here are a few you’ll want to know:

• 🛑 Alto: Stop
• 🔁 Retorno: Turn-around, which is where you make legal U-turns
• ➡️ Entrada: Entrance
• ⬅️ Salida: Exit
• 🚧 Restringido: Restricted area
• 🚫 Prohibido: Entry prohibited

renting a car in mexico

6. Always use the cuota roads (Toll roads in Mexico)

In Mexico, there are libre, or free roads, and cuota, or paid toll roads.

For longer drives, and when traveling between cities, always opt for paid roads.

Yes, they cost money — but they are much better maintained and generally considered safer for locals and visitors.

💰 Note: When driving in Mexico, don’t forget to have cash for the tolls. They only accept Mexican pesos, not U.S. dollars or foreign currency.

renting a car in mexico

7. Mexico gas stations are not self-serve

At Mexican gas stations, you don’t pump your own gas. When you stop for gas, an attendant will pump it for you and take your payment.

While these people do work for the gas station, they make a very small salary and live off tips. Plus, they’re actually providing you with a service.

When they finish pumping your gas, it’s customary to tip them at least $10-20 pesos (about $0.50-1 USD) if they just fill your gas tank.

If you request or they offer other services, like cleaning the windshield, checking the oil and fluids, and filling the tires with air, it’s a good idea to tip about $50 pesos ($3 USD) or more at any gas stations in Mexico you visit.

renting a car in mexico

8. Window cleaners may approach you at stop lights

When you’re at a stop light in Mexico, you may be approached by someone wanting to clean your car windshield.

If you want them to, there’s no set amount to pay, but $5-10 pesos (about $0.25-0.50 USD) is a standard amount — and well worth it for a clean windshield.

If you don’t want them to, just wave “no” to them and they won’t clean your windshield (also called a windscreen).

renting a car in mexico

9. Mexico traffic lights have an extra step

In Mexico, stop lights go from green to yellow, to flashing yellow for a few seconds, to finally, a red light.

Some lights go from green to flashing green for a few seconds, to yellow, to finally, a red light — but either way, expect an extra step.

🚦 Note: You are still legally supposed to stop at the yellow light, just like in the U.S. and other countries.

renting a car in mexico

10. The rumors are true about Mexico cops taking bribes

If the cops pull you over — and they usually only will if you give them a reason to — they may expect a cash “payment” in exchange for not ticketing you.

The best ways to insure this doesn’t happen to you is to: 1) not speed, 2) not be on your phone, and 3) not break any other Mexico driving laws.

Now, I’m not in any way defending this practice, and what I am about to say might be controversial for some.

However, the easiest way to make this problem go away is by paying them 🤷‍♀️

The worst thing you can do is argue because they can take you to jail — and is that where you want to spend your Mexico vacation?

👮 Article 152 & Tarjeton Turistico

About 10 years ago, the Mexican government implemented Article 152, though efforts fell flat.

The Tarjetón Turístico tourist card was intended to end police bribes on tourists, so it’s sad the program failed.

In the event you come across any info online about Mexico Article 152, the program is no longer operational.

My Final Thoughts on Renting a Car in Mexico

If you’ve been looking for info on renting a car in Mexico, you may have encountered conflicting information.

There are official rules for how to rent a car in Mexico, and there’s how things play out in the real world at the actual rental places.

As I’ve rented cars in seven cities in Mexico, I hope this article was able to demystify everything for you — and that you now feel comfortable with the entire Mexico car rental process.

In case you missed any key points, you can use these links to navigate back:

• Info about renting a car in Mexico with Discover Cars.
• 10 Useful Mexico Driving Tips so you’re confident while driving a rental car in Mexico.
• Info about Mexican car insurance, which you must legally have to drive in Mexico.
• Common Mexico car rental scams, so that you don’t fall victim to any hidden fees and added costs.
• 7 things to know before renting a car in Mexico.

Ready to get your rental car in Mexico?

I recommend renting a car with Discover Cars — the company I have used many times.

It is also the one I always encourage others to do as well because they offer an easy way to rent a car, and have the best rates.

Looking to rent a car in other parts of Mexico?

Renting a car in Mexico is a great way to see a lot of places in a short amount of time.

Often it’s the only way to visit the best off the beaten path hidden gems, far away from the tourists.

Check out the Mexico car rental blogs linked below to understand the process at car rental agencies throughout the country, so you avoid getting scammed when renting a car in Mexico.

From the best place to rent a car in Mexico City, to the best place to rent a car in Cancun, and the best place to rent a car in Los Cabos, check out the guides below.