In early December, I could have taken the ADO bus from Merida to PDC, but chose to rent a car due to social distancing.

Someone on TA recommended ‘Easy Way’ as the advertised rates were ‘all in’, unlike the major car rental firms. Booked the cheapest car I could and of course it was not available. But the franchise quickly responded to all of my questions, so I still rented a car, but at a 40% premium.

The agent was supposed to meet me at the airport, by the taxi stand (even my phone number and flight number was requested so that they could ensure their appearance); the agent would have an Easy Way shirt on. Of course the agent was not there.

I waited a bit and ended up calling. ‘I’ll be there in 10 minutes’. It was closer to 30 minutes. He showed up without an Easy Way shirt, but he did have identification, so that was OK. The drive to the Easy Way office was about 20 minutes (and there was no traffic).

In Mexico, I always expect upsells. But the price was as quoted, no additional costs, no major restrictions (except the car had to stay on the Yucatan Peninsula – no travel outside those 3 states). All damage was thoroughly documented. And no deposit on the credit card. The only issue that I had was ‘your card will be charged in Pesos’. Normally OK, but the exchange rate was calculated at 22 MXD/1 USD vs. current exchange rate of approximately 20 MXD. So there was actually a 10% premium over the quoted price of the car. Not horrible as everything else was so straight-forward.

All in all, it was 2 hours from the time I exited the airport to the time I left the rental car office. (Not sure if any other agency would be worse or better.)

When I dropped the car back at the office, no one was there, no one answered the numbers on the contract. Fortunately the agent had provided me his mobile # at checkout. He did answer and said he could be there in 30-40 minutes. Not a big deal as I had plenty of time, but what if I had a flight to catch?

Check-in was very easy; painless. I signed a receipt and he signed a receipt. He checked the fuel and the spare tire.

I went outside to get an Uber back to my hotel and he came out and offered me a ride for a 'small' tip. I gave him $10 USD as the hotel was 20 minutes away.

So some pluses and minuses. I didn't like the waits and I didn't like the 10% premium, but as compared to my experiences in Mexico with Hertz and Avis (where I have 'status' with both), Easy Way was great and I'd likely use Easy Way again.

Easy Way is located in Merida Centro - FYI.