Rental car in Cabo
 

I would like to rent a car at the cabo airport for my honeymoon, staying at the Esperanza, in September.

Does anyone have any advice on rental cars there?

Thanks.

I checked all the major car rentals- inquired as to insurance and additional costs in Mexico- We rented through Avis, a week for $216.00. I made the reservations on line- through thier web site. I emailed Avis, and asked about the insurance and what they covered. I got a reply (that I copied and brought with me) that the rental fee covered the manditory Mexican insurance. Then looked on the internet at my credit card site- and got thier information that they said that they covered- and called the company- got date, time, name of who I talked to - to further document what they covered when you used thier card. When asked if we wanted the high insurance, we said no, and when they questioned again- I pulled out the information supplied by the company- and there was no further argument. It all went off without a hitch- except they did put a $1500 hold on my credit card. Which was released when we turned the car in.

We also call our credit card companies that we are using and advise that we will be in Mexico, and place a dollar limit on how much can be charged. That way if your card number is stolen they can pick up on it quickly.

One thing to be aware of- when you get there- you have to go off airport site to get the car. You wait for thier shuttle bus to take you to the lot. There are timeshare hockers at every turn- we had agreed that we would not go this time- one got up to offering $400- US dollars- to go - And at Avis- they offered the cost of the car- or they might offer you other incentives- booze cruise, tours, etc- If you want to re-coup some costs- you can spend 1/2 day looking at a timeshare (they say 90 minutes- but figure on 1/2 day at least)- or- if you keep say no thank you- eventually they will stop asking - but there will be more folks to take thier place asking- we find a no thank you and move along they will not follow you. It is just part of the whole experience.

Have a great trip- we especially like Cabo San Jose- it is more laid back.

Ruth

and more
 

Ruth,
Excellent advice.
I tell you, I'm now tempted to just pay for the hotel's shuttle and take taxis. Dealing with all this BS in Mexico may be too much for me on my honeymoon. My wife to be is not going to be happy to have to deal with all of it.
Thanks again...really.

Even though it is a hassle,- we were glad we rented a car - especially, if you are not staying right down town. If you are right in town-and can walk to eating and shopping- you do not need one. The taxi's and airport shuttles are very expensive- I think like $60.00 one way, from airport to anywhere. And the bus system is not all that good- We stay at the Club Reginia -Westin Hotel area- it is half-way to everything. The first time we went we did not rent a car at the begining- we paid for taxi's- and rented for a day here and there- and it was so much more expensive than just renting for a week. So don't let the little hassle at the begining put you off- you can see so much more of the area- and eat at so many more "interesting" places.

Have a great trip- we enjoy the area very much.

Ruth

DO get insurance - but DO also be aware...
 

Be aware - in Mexico, the laws are based on Napoleonic code. That basically means if there is an accident, everyone is condsidered at fault until such time it gets sorted out in the courts, and you are not entitled to legal representation. The insurance company becomes the guarantor of your presence and that any moneys payable will be paid (by the company.) Without insurance, you will likely be detained until it all gets worked out - that can take a long time. No consulate can do much about that, and they generally don't much care in any case.

You will note the insurance does not pay for some of the things you take for granted in the USA - "theft" ("robos") will only pay if the entire vehicle is stolen, not if parts of it are, nor if anything within is stolen. You can not get window breakage covered - for obvious reasons. I heartily recommend you read the terms and conditions carefully - and if you don't need an automobile, use local transport. I agree an automobile gives you lots of freedom - but you get more liabilities than you may be used to.

(I was born and raised in Mexico, have driven extensively on and off-road in most Mexican states in owned and rented vehicles.)

Taxis are VERY negotiable in Cabo, we did well when we were there last week, getting rates of $5 for a van to take 6 or 7 people into San Jose, and $10 to go from our hotel to La Playita.

We also got a $20 ride to the airport. However, usually for airport transport we use www.transcabo.com

Transcabo also has some deals where you can get a private vehicle w/driver for surprisingly inexpensive prices, which might be nice for honeymooners. Take a romantic moonlit drive up the coast to Todos Santos.

The time share hawkers at the airport are a real pain in the rear, and I felt they were more rude this year than usual. One followed me all the way out the door demanding to see my transport voucher. I almost used one of my newly acquired Spanish curse words!

Transcabo's website is nice...but they charge 150 roundtrip to my hotel and back.

Isn't that kind of expensive?

Yikes! I guess we stay a little closer than where you are staying.

I'm seeing USD$72 for two people round trip airport - Esperanza. :confused:

Not what I found...it is 150 round trip. Prove me wrong please.

Rent a car. I was just there in July staying at the Hilton Los Cabos and we were very glad we rented a car. It's not a big hassle, just do what the 2nd poster said and you'll be good. You won't want to hassle with taxis and bus service on your honeymoon.

I'm renting through National car rental. Can I buy the special "mexican insurance" through the car rental agency? Will my credit card protect me?

went with....
 

Transcabo. It was perfect. Glad I used them.

thanks for the update as so few posters give feedback to questions they have ask!!!^^

In a previous post in this thread, you mentioned they were quoting $150, what did you end up paying for your transporation through Transcabo ?

bump..

another bump.

Headed to Cabo in April, any updates on rental info. Trip advisor, as usual, is all over the place and the recommendations are to rent with an individual rather than one of the known chains.

Although I don't know much about renting cars from this specific region, in general in Mexico, tourists have had good luck renting from National.

Be sure to accept all additional insurance (except for PAI if you already have medical coverage in Mexico from another policy.) Note that the insurance will probably cost more than the car rental itself, meaning that the base price you're quoted on the web will more than double once you add insurance and taxes.

Good choice! I always use National in the US and in Mexico as well. However, I would highly encourage you to get the coverage! The above posters are correct...if anything happens to the vehicle - and the roads are horrendous and it would not surprise me for a bumper to fall off since the vehicles are shall we say "well worn", I would pay the cost just to be able to hand them the keys with the car in a heap at the end of my vacation with no hassle. Luckily nothing has ever happened and the National office is staffed with very professional reps who have not tried any of the tricks some have reported on other boards.

The first year or 2 we did take the bait on the timeshare presos and if you're up for it, you'll get a champagne brunch and a tour of a property in about 2 hours, and if you negotiate well you can get up to $400 OFF the price of your rental car! Made the car almost free and we enjoy looking at properties since we may buy one day anyway.

Enjoy Cabo!