Car rental in Mexico can offer you the flexibility and freedom that other forms of transport simply cannot provide

Car rental in Mexico

Driving across Mexico can be a rewarding experience as it gives you the choice and flexibility to visit remote areas which may be inaccessible using public transport and enables you to do so at your chosen pace and convenience.

A rental car can provide the freedom and flexibility that public transport cannot when you’re traveling longer distances, especially outside of Mexico City. If you want to see some of the outlying towns and villages “off the beaten track”, then taking a car is the most efficient way to accomplish this, unless you have the patience, time, and temperament to deal with local transport.

Mexico’s car rental business

Renting a car in Mexico used to be more expensive than renting in a car in the USA, but the Mexican market has become a lot more competitive in recent years, and prices have fallen, making car rental surprisingly affordable here.

As in all countries, quoted rental costs can inflate with the high cost of insurances which are added to the rental agreement.  Although some insurances are optional, it’s advisable to get sufficient coverage in place in case of accident or mishap.  See the insurance section later in this guide for full details.

This guide explains how the rental car business works in Mexico and steers you through the mechanics of successfully renting a car in Mexico and at the best price.

Requirements for car rental

Most car rental agencies in Mexico operate strict criteria for car rentals.

Minimum age of the driver

In some exceptional circumstances, and usually accompanied by a hefty deposit and hefty excess charges for damage and accidents, car rental agencies may accept drivers below the age of 25, but most require that the driver(s) of the vehicle are at least 25 years of age and some even stipulate that the person must have held a full driving license for a minimum time period, between two and five years. Ask the sales agent or check the small print on the rental agreement for details.

Credit card required

Most car rental agencies will attempt to pre-authorize an amount from your credit card before they will rent a car to you. If you don’t have a credit card then you will not be able to rent a car. You must proffer a valid credit card for this procedure as debit cards are not accepted.

Driving licenses

You will need to present a full, current, driver’s license showing the renter’s name and photograph. If your country’s driving licence does not display your photograph, another form of photo ID will also be required. Your own country’s license is accepted provided that it is printed with “Western Characters”. If you have, for example, a Chinese, Japanese, Greek or Russian document, you may be asked to produce an international driver’s licence, which you can acquire from your home country.

Acceptance of the agency’s terms

The precise terms of rental vary from agency to agency. The small print is always complex, presented in Spanish only, and absolutely in favor of the rental agency (this is true in all countries). The main things to check are your liabilities in the event of an accident or total loss of the vehicle, matters which are most often related to the insurance policy associated with the rental. Ask the rental agent for clarification if you are unsure about anything in relation to the rental agreement.

Car Rental Services

Car rental agencies in Mexico sell much more than car rental services these days. Some of the most profitable services have nothing to do with car rental and are sold (or offered) to you at the counter, not at the time you make an online booking. They include:

Insurance coverage products

All rental agencies sell a range of optional car insurance coverages, in addition to compulsory third-party insurance, to protect the driver, the passengers and the vehicle in the event of an accident. See the section about car rental insurance on this guide for more details.

Satellite GPS navigation systems

Car rental agencies now offer GPS, either built-in to the car or via a portable GPS unit in the car.  There is usually an additional fee if GPS is not already built-in to the car’s system. If you have your own satellite navigation equipment, you can purchase a Mexico atlas and take it with you for use in your rental car in Mexico.

Comfort add-ons

Child seats, roof racks, DVD players, etc., may come as standard or be charged as optional extras. Most accessories carry an additional daily charge. Check with the agency for details.

Cell phone rental

Some agencies offer local cell phone rental for an additional daily fee, which may include the cost of the calls and some mobile data.  Check with the agency and the small print for details and conditions.  See Also: Communications in Mexico

Additional drivers for your car

If you want to add additional drivers to your rental agreement, you will need to name them on the agreement and pay an additional daily fee for each additional “authorized driver” of the vehicle. If the car is involved in an accident whilst driven by someone not authorized to drive the vehicle, the insurance will usually become invalid, leaving you exposed to the repair or replacement cost of your rental vehicle AND any third party damages.

Car rental charges

Rates for car rental in Mexico

Car rental rates vary depending on the location, the date and duration of the rental and, depending on the agency, how many miles you’ll clock up. Most car rental quotes by agencies in Mexico include the legally-compulsory third party insurance cover, but double-check, otherwise your online quote will increase when you get to the counter.

Standard quotes sometimes exclude Mexico’s sales tax (IVA) – so double-check when you’re buying whether your quote is inclusive or exclusive of sales tax, because sales tax is relatively high in Mexico and thus adds a significant amount to your final expected price if it’s not included.

Many, but not all, quotes include unlimited mileage. Some offer a free allowance and then charge per mile (or per kilometer); some charge for every mile or kilometer. Mexico is a big country so if you plan to do a lot of driving, try to find a rate that is all inclusive, or take the additional costs into account within your travel budget.

The longer you rent for, the cheaper the daily rate will be. Usually step-discounts apply when you rent for more than 3, 7, 14, 21, and 30 days; but the amount depends upon the location, the time of year, and the agency—as well as local demand: if there is a festival or event happening locally on the dates you want to rent, car rental rates can escalate.

Also check to see that the insurance cover you need is included in the rental price. “Full cover” insurance fees often add up to more than the price of the car rental.

Location premiums

If you rent from an airport or a hotel, you may pay a premium in addition to the rental charges. The premium is usually itemized on your quote and bill, but not always—so check if you are unsure.

One-way car rental and drop-off charges

Note that drop-off charges apply if you do not return the car to the same agency (not just the same town or city) that you rented the car from.

The amount of the drop-off fee depends upon the agency and is most usually calculated on a cost-per-mile basis, so the further away the vehicle is from the agency that hired it, the larger the drop-off fee will become.

As rule of thumb, expect to pay around US$1 equivalent per mile; so if the agency you rent from is 200 miles away from the agency where you intend to drop-off the rental car, the drop-off fee is likely to be about US$200.

Go online for the best rates

The most expensive way to rent a car in Mexico is to show up in person at the rental counter without a reservation when you need a vehicle.

If you plan to rent a car in Mexico, go online and book your rate in advance. You’ll usually get a better deal, which includes a lower price and a better specification car.

Search online for Car Rental options in Mexico (Google)

If you’re already in Mexico and decide to rent a car, you may want to consider going online to make a reservation before walking into a rental or travel agency in person.

Car rental insurance

Car rental quotes in Mexico usually show relatively inexpensive rates; however the insurance cover charges can ramp up the cost significantly. The insurance costs can (and often are) more than the advertised rental charges. However, we recommend full and comprehensive insurance when you rent a car in Mexico to cover your liabilities in case of a serious accident.

Third party insurance

Third party insurance is compulsory by Mexican law when you rent a car in Mexico. This insurance covers third parties for any damages in the event of a mishap, but it does not cover the renter’s liability for the vehicle itself.  This insurance is usually included in the quote, but it might not be—double check, otherwise it will be added-on at the counter.

Additional insurance products

When you rent a car in Mexico, insurance beyond third party cover is sold as an optional extra. This is because not everybody wants or needs to purchase the additional insurance—see the next heading below, “Using Your Own Insurance,” for details.

Here is a list of the different types of optional insurance products car rental agencies tend to offer:

CDW – Collision Damage Waiver. This is a product that covers the vehicle in the event of an accident or damage, with a 10 % deductible. The 10% fee is based on the full retail value of the vehicle, as new. For example, if your rental car has a retail value of $10,000, your deductible is $1,000.

LDW – Loss Damage Waiver. This is sometimes referred to as “full cover,” as it covers the vehicle for any accident or damage, as well as theft, and with a zero deductible. However much damage is caused, or whatever the value of the vehicle, this insurance either prevents you from paying any out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a mishap or limits that liability to set amount, agreed in advance.

PAI – Personal Accident Insurance. This is an insurance product that will cover medical expenses for occupants in the vehicle in the event of an accident. If you have a travel or other medical insurance policy, you will most likely be covered already and there will be no need to purchase this.

ALI –Additional Liability Insurance. This insurance product extends the cover for damages to third parties, usually up to MX$5,000,000 Mexican pesos.

TP – Theft Protection. This insurance product protects you in the event that the vehicle is stolen; it’s automatically included with LDW (see above). Some credit card companies will also cover theft of the vehicle in the insurance policies they offer with use of the card—but check the small print.

Using your own insurance

Car rental agencies offer insurance as an optional extra because many people who rent cars could be covered by other insurance policies they have.

These can include your own car rental policy (check that it’s valid in Mexico), a travel insurance policy, a credit or debit card, a charge card (like AMEX) or some other insurance plan, for example, an insurance cover policy provided by your company.

Although you may have an insurance policy that covers car rental services, perhaps via your existing car insurance, or a credit or charge card, you should check that it is valid in Mexico.

When you rent a car without insurance coverage offered by the rental agency, you can sign the agreement to say that you are covered by a third party, but in the event of an accident or mishap, you will be held liable if it transpires that you subsequently are not covered for some reason. You will be asked to sign the agreement specifically stating that you are responsible for insuring the vehicle whilst it is in your care.

Credit and charge card insurance

Car rental cover provided by credit and charge cards can save you a considerable sum of money in optional insurance fees, so it’s worth checking with your card issuer to see if you have this coverage included. Many people who are covered by their credit card use it to save money on car rental insurance fees in Mexico.

If you are covered by other insurance products you have—e.g. travel insurance or credit card or company insurance perks, you don’t need to concern yourself with these extra insurance products.  But do check the small print in all policies to ensure that they cover rental cars in countries other than your own, and that Mexico is not on any exclusion list.

Ensure you’re insured!

Any quote you get from a car rental agency (online or in person) usually does not include “full cover” insurance. Most car rental quotes that include an insurance product in the quote, is the type that covers third party risks, i.e. covers the costs of any third party damages including other vehicles, road damage, and/or in the event that other people are hurt.

In Mexico, third party insurance cover is compulsory so if it’s not included in the quote, you will need to purchase it. See “Additional Insurance Products”, above, for details of optional coverage products.

Accident damage premiums and excess fees

The amount you pay for any damage, regardless of your insurance cover or whether or not it was your fault, varies greatly from agency to agency.

If your vehicle is damaged, lost (e.g. by engine fire) or stolen, you will need to cover the vehicle’s repair or replacement as set out in the agency’s agreement. Usually, the excess damage fee (deductible) is calculated as a percentage of the vehicle’s commercial value “as new,” and the deductible is often 10%.

For example, if the vehicle’s “as new” value is US$25,000 and your deductible is 10% of the vehicle’s value, then you will be billed US$2,500 in the event of any damage or loss of the vehicle. This fee can be waived by purchase of a top-up insurance giving the vehicle “full cover.”

If you are not absolutely sure that you are covered by a separate insurance policy you may carry (e.g. through a credit or charge card policy or by means of a company insurance policy), we recommend you ask for “full cover” insurance for the car rental when you get to the rental counter. It’s relatively expensive and will add a significant cost to your rental. The choice is a personal one and you need to weigh up the additional cost against the charge you would be billed in the event of the car becoming damaged or written-off whilst in your care.

Rental car inspections

Rental cars are inspected diligently in Mexico when you return them to the agency—so you should make a thorough inspection before you leave, especially if you have not taken out “full cover” of the vehicle through the agency’s own insurance policy.

Check your rental car before leaving the agency

Inspect your rental car very carefully before you sign the exit form at the agency. Ensure that the exit form documentation lists all existing damage, and add any other damage you see not mentioned on that piece of paper—no matter how small or ‘insignificant’ you think it may be.

Also, check underneath the car before you drive it away; this is because Mexico’s speed bumps and road surface holes can do major damage to a car’s underside and rental companies here are diligent in checking under the vehicle upon its return.

Rental car return inspections

Your car will be thoroughly inspected when you return it, and checks will also be made underneath the car to check for any damage caused by Mexico’s notorious speed bumps and road holes.

If you did not purchase the “full cover” insurance option from the agency and the inspector finds any damage, your credit card will be charged the excess (damage) amount, or a fixed damage fee, as specified on the rental agreement.

If you used a third-party policy to protect the vehicle while it was in your care (e.g. a personal or credit card insurance policy), and there is some damage to the vehicle upon its return, you may need to pay for the damage and then get reimbursed by your insurance or credit card company afterwards. Check with your insurance provider for details about how damage payments are dealt with.

Car rental bookings

For the best deals, book online, in advance. If you show-up at the rental counter on the day you need the car without a reservation, you will not get the best deal.

Permanent residents and foreign-plated vehicles

Since 2012, holders of Permanent Residency cards cannot apply for a TIP and, legally, cannot drive a foreign-plated car to Mexico.

That law stipulates that only visitors and Temporary Residents may apply for a Temporary Import Permit (TIP)—and by extension bring a foreign-plated vehicle to Mexico. Mexican nationals with foreign-plated cars who can prove that they live abroad may also apply for a TIP.

A TIP is valid for the same time period that the visitor permit or Temporary Residency card is valid, and the car must be exported and the TIP cancelled at the end of that time period.

However, since 2012, foreign residents with permanent residency cards have been driving and keeping their foreign-plated vehicles inside a vehicle “Free Zone,” and Temporary Residents living in a Free Zone who eventually changed their status to Permanent Residency have been doing the same.

Mexico’s vehicle ‘Free Zones’

Mexico has three vehicle ‘Free Zones’ along its borders that are defined areas in which drivers of foreign-plated cars do not need to apply for a TIP; they are:

• the entire Baja California peninsula;
• a defined area in the state of Sonora; and
• the state of Quintana Roo.

These zones are quasi-autonomous, and foreigners can drive their foreign-plated vehicles freely within them, without the need to apply for Temporary Import Permit (TIP).

When drivers want to take their vehicles beyond the ~25km border buffer zone and outside of one of the defined Free Zones, they must apply for and have a valid Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for the vehicle.

Driving and keeping a foreign-plated vehicle in a Free Zone

In late 2025 some drivers used Social Media to report that officers at vehicle checkpoints near La Paz, Baja California Sur, had been giving warnings to —and in some cases seized vehicles from— people driving foreign-plated cars and who held Permanent Residency cards.

The incidents, which now appear to have been isolated to Baja California Sur (there were, and have been, no reports of any vehicle seizures in the states of Baja California, Sonora, or Quintana Roo) triggered a series of events which caused some existing permanent residents to reconsider their vehicle arrangements.

The incidents also opened debates online about the legality of keeping and driving a foreign-plated vehicle in Mexico’s Free Zones, especially along the border with the US. These debates include the notion that one’s “tax residency,” not one’s immigration status, determines whether a Permanent Resident can drive a foreign-plated car inside the Free Zones.

The SAT (Mexico’s equivalent of the US IRS, also responsible for Mexican Customs) and Banjercito have not published any official comment or official guidance about the matter to date.

In absence of official guidance, it appears that Permanent Residents are continuing to drive their foreign-plated vehicles inside one of the designated Free Zones.

Driving in Mexico’s Free Zones—and beyond

If you are intending to drive a foreign-plated vehicle to Mexico:

Within the ~25km buffer zone along the border: Regardless of whether you’re a visitor, Temporary or Permanent resident; you do not need a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) and can drive your vehicle freely back and forth.

Past the buffer zone and OUTSIDE a Free Zone: If you are a Permanent Resident, you cannot apply for a TIP and you cannot drive your vehicle past the buffer zone. Only visitors and Temporary Residents may apply for a TIP. You must have a valid TIP to take a vehicles beyond the checkpoint.

Past the buffer zone INSIDE a Free Zone: Whether you are a visitor, Temporary Resident or Permanent Resident, you do not need a TIP and Permanent Residents are still driving their vehicles in these Free Zones.

Further information

You can read more about Mexico’s vehicle ‘free zones’ and the Temporary Import Permit on our guide to importing a foreign-plated vehicle to Mexico.

See also: Rules about driving a foreign-plated vehicle in Mexico.

Can I cancel my US or Canadian auto insurance while I’m in Mexico?

Some people who drive their foreign-plated cars to Mexico and intend to stay for extended periods —or  live here for part of the year— ask us if they are able to cancel their US or Canadian insurance policy while their Mexican auto insurance policy is in force.

The answer is that you need to keep enough insurance coverage in place to maintain the vehicle’s legal registration in your home country.

For example, most US states require that you keep a policy in force that provides at least third-party liability coverage for the vehicle.  If you completely cancel your US insurance policy, most US states’ motor vehicle departments will automatically cancel the car registration, making the vehicle unregistered, and therefore illegal to drive in any country.

When you purchase Mexico auto insurance through our partner MexPro, the insurance remains valid for so long as the vehicle remains legal to drive—and this is true for other insurers, too.

Adjusting insurance coverage as you travel and back forth between Mexico, the US and Canada

Most people who intend to stay in Mexico longer term adjust their auto insurance coverage plan to maintain the minimum legal coverage requirements while the vehicle is situated in Mexico. (Precise requirements vary – check with the state your vehicle is registered with.) Then, whenever they drive back to the US or Canada, they call their agent and add the collision and comprehensive coverages back onto their home policy. So by working with your US or Canadian car insurance agent, you can reduce/increase the coverage limits as needed and end up paying less, while still maintaining insurance and keeping the vehicle registered/legal.

For full details about how to be properly covered on your next road trip in Mexico, connect to our Mexico Auto Insurance Guide, from which you can also link to live quotes and arrange your cover online through our partners, MexPro.

Learn more about driving in Mexico

Mexperience offers articles with insights to help you prepare for your road trip and drive confidently in Mexico.

• Insuring your vehicle for driving in Mexico
• Importing a foreign car or other vehicle to Mexico
• Getting a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for your vehicle
• Your Mexico road trip checklist
• Latest articles about driving in Mexico
• Guide to auto insurance in Mexico

Summary of Mexico’s vehicle import rules

Here is a summary of the current rules.  Details about these rules are described below and on our related article about import permits.

• Foreign-plated vehicles can be brought to Mexico without a Temporary Import Permit (TIP), provided they remain within the ~25km (15 mile) border buffer zone and/or within one of the defined border area Free Zones.
• Foreign-plated vehicles can be driven beyond the 25km border zone and outside of the defined Free Zones by visitors and temporary residents for a defined period by using a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) that is associated with the vehicle.  The vehicle must be driven out of Mexico before this permit expires.
• Foreign-plated vehicles that stay within one of the defined ‘Free Zones’ near the northern and southern border areas do not need a TIP and can be brought to Mexico indefinitely—provided the vehicle remains legally registered in its home country.
• Permanent residents cannot apply for a TIP and thus cannot bring a foreign-plated car to Mexico although permanent residents continue to keep and drive their vehicles IF they remain inside one of the Free Zones.

Obtaining a Temporary Import Permit (TIP)

If you intend to drive your vehicle beyond the 25km border zone (checkpoints exist), or anywhere outside of a defined Free Zone (see below), you must obtain a TIP before you cross into Mexico: they are not available anywhere inside Mexico, nor at Mexico’s interior checkpoints.

The defined Free Zones are:

• the entire Baja California peninsula; and
• a defined area in the state of Sonora; and
• the state of Quintana Roo.

If you drive your vehicle outside of one of the defined Free Zones without a TIP, the vehicle is at risk of being seized and impounded.

Temporary Import Permits: Learn more about Temporary Import Permits for foreign-plated vehicles in Mexico.  They are acquired via the Banjercito website.

Visitors entering Mexico using FMM (Visitor Permit)

If you are visiting Mexico on a tourist/visitor permit, you can import your foreign-plated vehicle to Mexico using a Temporary Import Permit (TIP).

Your vehicle permit when you enter as a visitor will last for a maximum of 180 days and cannot be renewed or extended beyond this time period.

You must export the vehicle (drive it out of Mexico) before the vehicle’s temporary import permit expires. If you don’t, you’ll lose your deposit and your vehicle becomes liable to seizure and impoundment.

Entering Mexico with a Residente Temporal permit

Holders of Residente Temporal (with or without work privileges) and Residente Temporal Estudiante may import their car to Mexico using a Temporary Import Permit (TIP).

The vehicle’s permit expiry date will be aligned with your temporary residency card expiry date.  If you bring your vehicle to Mexico using a temporary residency sticker, your vehicle import permit will last for only 30 days and you’ll need to visit the local customs office when you get your residency card.  See the TIP FAQs for more details about this.

You must export the vehicle (drive it out of Mexico) before the vehicle’s temporary import permit expires. If you don’t, you’ll lose your deposit and your vehicle becomes liable to seizure and impoundment.

Learn more about routes to residency in Mexico.

Entering Mexico with a Residente Permanente permit

Foreign residents with Permanent Residency and foreign-plated cars in Mexico

Residente Permanente visa or card holders are not allowed apply for a TIP.

According to the law, foreign residents with Residente Permante status cannot apply for a TIP and keep apply for a TIP and thus cannot bring a foreign-plated car to Mexico although permanent residents continue to keep and drive their vehicles IF they remain inside one of the Free Zones.

If you:

• have a foreign-plated car in Mexico now; and
• you are living outside of one the designated Free Zones; and
• you have Residente Permanente status; or
• change your immigration status from Residente Temporal to Residente Permanente; then
• you will need to make a choice about what do to with your foreign-plated vehicle, for example:

Export your vehicle and buy a Mexican-plated car: Drive the vehicle out of Mexico, and back to its country of origin. You could sell your foreign-plated car and use the funds to purchase a car in Mexico with Mexican plates.  You can drive your Mexican-plated car to US/Canada; you simply need to buy northbound auto insurance to cover you for Third Party Liability while you’re outside Mexico. (Your Mexican insurance policy will likely cover damage and theft—check your policy for details.)

Regularize your vehicle in Mexico:  Depending on the model and age of your vehicle, you might be able to pay to “regularize” your vehicle and get Mexican plates for it using this government program. Using a Customs Broker may help to facilitate the process and help you complete all the paperwork properly.  You can buy northbound auto insurance to cover you for Third Party Liability while you’re outside Mexico. (Your Mexican insurance policy will likely cover damage and theft—check your policy for details.)

Import the vehicle using a Customs Broker: There is a process to legally import a car by paying the relevant duties and import taxes and getting Mexican plates for the vehicle.  You might need to export the vehicle and re-import it.  You’ll need a Customs Broker to guide and assist you with this process.

Defined ‘Free Zone’ rules for Sonora, the Baja California peninsula, and the state of Quintana Roo

Sonora: There is no need to apply for a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) if you plan to use your vehicle within the State of Sonora’s “Free Zone” which includes the popular cities of Agua Prieta, Bahia de Kino, Caborca, Guaymas, Hermosillo, Magdalena, Nogales, Puerto Peñasco, San Carlos, and Santa Ana (green area on map, click/tap here for full size version). If you plan to travel outside of the Free Zone and remain within the state you can get a “Sonora Only” permit.  If you intend to drive the vehicle beyond the free zone / Sonora state you will need to apply for a TIP.

Baja Peninsula: Foreign-plated vehicles driven into the states of Baja California and Baja California Sur do not require a Temporary Import Permit (TIP).  However, your US or Canadian car plates must be valid and any stickers must be kept current while the vehicle is on the Baja peninsula. If you take your car by ferry from La Paz to the Mexican mainland you will become subject to the car import rules described above.

Quintana Roo: If you’re driving from Belize into Mexico and remain within the state boundary of Quintana Roo, you do not need to obtain Temporary Import Permit (TIP). However, if you plan to drive anywhere outside of the state, it’s important to have a valid TIP to avoid problems and possible seizure of your vehicle.

Entry and exit ports

When your foreign-plated vehicle has a TIP, you don’t necessarily have to exit Mexico through the same port that you entered.  For example, you can import the car at the US border and export it through Belize, or you could enter through Nogales and exit through Laredo, etc.

Expired Temporary Import Permits

If you have a TIP and overstay beyond its expiry date, you can apply for a “Retorno Seguro” (Safe Return) program that enables vehicle owners to drive a foreign-plated vehicle with an expired TIP out of Mexico within five days of the permit being issued without the vehicle being seized if it’s stopped by police or at a checkpoint.

Information about the Retorno Seguro program can be found here:
http://m.sat.gob.mx/aduanas/vehiculos/internacion_temporal/Paginas/retorno_seguro.aspx

Lost, stolen, or abandoned foreign-plated vehicles

If you abandon your foreign-plated car in Mexico, you’ll have to pay Aduana (Mexican Customs) 40% tax on the car’s value. This rule was brought-in some while ago to discourage foreigners from abandoning or selling their foreign-plated cars and telling Mexican Customs they were lost or stolen.

There is an established process in place that prevents someone who has legitimately had their vehicle stolen (or suffered total loss of the vehicle in an accident) from having to pay the fee. Proper documentation will be required to get the TIP cancelled, so a police report has to be filed, plus special forms have to be filed with the Mexican Customs office, and the hired services of a Mexican Notary Public will be needed to formalize all the paperwork to cancel the TIP of a stolen car.  While the authorities cannot prevent you from leaving if you don’t pay the tax, failure to do so will forfeit your rights to import any other foreign-plated vehicle to Mexico in future.

Donating your vehicle to Mexican Customs

If you want to dispose of your car, there is a procedure whereby you can “donate” it to Mexican Customs; you can find more information about that here on the Mexican SAT web site.

Learn more about driving in Mexico

Mexperience offers articles with insights to help you prepare for your road trip and drive confidently in Mexico.

• Getting a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for your vehicle
• Permanent residents and foreign-plated vehicles in Mexico
• Insuring your vehicle for driving in Mexico
• Your Mexico road trip checklist
• Dealing with minor and major road accidents
• Latest articles about driving in Mexico
• Guide to auto insurance in Mexico

Who is allowed to drive a foreign-plated vehicle in Mexico?

All drivers must have a current driving license* and must have permission from the owner to drive the vehicle if it does not belong to them.

The rules for driving a foreign-plated vehicle in Mexico are based on:

• whether you are a visitor to Mexico, a temporary or permanent resident in Mexico, or a Mexican national; and/or
• whether you are the owner, or closely related to the owner, of the vehicle you intend to drive; and/or
• whether you are driving the vehicle inside a defined Free Zone or outside a Free Zone.

* If your driving license is from abroad and is not issued in English, we recommend you bring an International Driving License (IDL) to accompany it.  Some people with driving licenses issued in English also bring an IDL.  If you reside in Mexico long-term you may opt to apply for a Mexican driving license.

Summary of the rules

Other than a restriction on foreign permanent residents driving vehicles outside of a Free Zone, foreign residents are allowed drive foreign-plated vehicles in Mexico.  The table below summarizes the rules.

Mexican nationals driving foreign-plated cars in Mexico

Special rules apply for Mexican nationals driving foreign-plated vehicles in Mexico and these special rules apply even inside the Free Zones.

If the Mexican national is not the owner of the foreign-plated vehicle, the vehicle’s owner must be aboard the vehicle the Mexican national is driving, whether the vehicle is inside or outside of a Free Zone.

Keep this rule in mind if you are a visitor, temporary or permanent resident with a foreign-plated vehicle in Mexico.

Mexican nationals who want to temporarily import (TIP) their foreign-plated cars to Mexico can find details about how to do that on this site.

Learn more about driving in Mexico

Mexperience offers articles with insights to help you prepare for your road trip and drive confidently in Mexico.

• Importing a foreign car or other vehicle to Mexico
• Getting a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for your vehicle
• Insuring your vehicle for driving in Mexico
• Your Mexico road trip checklist
• Latest articles about driving in Mexico
• Guide to auto insurance in Mexico

Out of the blue, signs will point you in the direction of Mexico City’s main wholesale market – the Central de Abastos – or tell you you’re headed towards the airport. True enough, but you could be 20 or more kilometers, and several turns, away from reaching your destination—and there will be no follow-up signs to help you after that.

In the capital, it’s easy enough to find signs telling you you’re going the right way to get to Xochimilco, but suddenly you are left to figure out for yourself that the signs pointing to Embarcaderos are what you now need to follow to reach the place where you can rent one of the flower-arched canal boats called trajineras.

With such a disarray of road signs, another option is to stop and ask for directions. This carries its own set of complications. First you need to find people who “look like they might know.” This subjective decision, often devoid of any real intuition, needs to be accompanied by the possibility of pulling over without prompting a barrage of abuse from the horns of cars behind you that will be kept waiting while you listen to the explanation.

Then there is the risk that your navigator of choice doesn’t really know, but would rather tell you “todo derecho” – keep going straight – than admit that they’re not quite sure, or appear to be unhelpful.  You may get an inkling of this when someone points to a fork in the road ahead and announces “todo derecho.” If you’re the insistent sort, you might ask if they can be a little more specific, to which “derechito” might be the response. Here the diminutive doesn’t mean any less straight ahead, but stresses the simplicity of the original instruction.

Obviously not all requests for directions are frustrated in this way, and the best people to ask, in the absence of technology, are probably taxi drivers.

Of course, modern technology has transformed the ‘direction-asking-and-finding’ experience. A few years ago, you might have had the foresight to look up your destination on Google Maps, print out both a distant shot and a close up for when you get near to your destination, and navigate to your intended place of arrival that way.

Today, modern smartphones have GPS and cellphone-tower triangulation built-in: the new person to ask is the Google Map App who, through means of your phone’s wizardry, will tell you where you are: type-in (or tell it) where you want to go from here and it will point the way, or moreover speak directions to you in real-time if you want it to.

Other helpful articles

For additional insights about driving in Mexico, connect to these additional articles and resources here in Mexperience

• Guide to Mexican Street Speak
• Military checkpoints in Mexico
• Dealing with car accidents in Mexico
• Toll road or freeway?

As you make plans for your road trip in Mexico, this article provides you with a checklist of insights, local knowledge and practical tips to help you properly plan and enjoy your journey across Mexico.

Insights about driving in Mexico

Our guides to Driving in Mexico and Auto Insurance for your journeys provide you with a raft of local knowledge and tips to help you get acquainted with the driving scene here including driving techniques, toll roads, breakdowns, military checkpoints, as well as dealing with accidents and insurance claims.

Bringing your car to Mexico

You need to organize some paperwork when you plan to drive your US or Canadian-plated car to Mexico:

• How to bring a foreign-plated car to Mexico
• Acquiring a Temporary Import Permit for your foreign-plated car

Auto insurance for your road trip in Mexico

Your US or Canadian auto insurance policy won’t cover you for third party liability in Mexico.  You need to purchase a special policy to ensure your journey is properly covered and that you, your car and belongings are protected in case of an accident or other mishap:

• Learn about auto insurance for road trips across Mexico
• Get an online quote for Mexico auto insurance with MexPro

Helpful articles

For additional insights about driving in Mexico, connect to these additional articles and resources here in Mexperience

• Guide to Mexican Street Speak
• Military checkpoints in Mexico
• Dealing with car accidents in Mexico
• Toll road or freeway?

However, even the best maintained vehicles can experience sudden failure when you’re on the road in Mexico and you’ll need to deal with the situation, whether you’re in the middle of a town or city or on a (remote) highway.  This article shares some practical tips and advice for dealing with vehicle breakdowns.

‘Angeles Verdes’ (Green Angels) on Mexico’s highways

On Mexico’s interstate highways, Angeles Verdes (Green Angels) patrol the roads, looking for broken down vehicles, and helping with minor repairs and, surprisingly frequently, selling fuel.

• They ride green-and-white colored trucks (thus the name); sometimes it’s a tow truck, and will provide free help, although they will charge for fuel if you need it, as well as any car parts.
• They’ll arrange to tow you to the nearest town if the situation calls for that. It’s appropriate to tip the mechanic(s).
• Angeles Verdes can help with immediate repairs and fuel, but their service does not substitute the coverages offered by an insurance based roadside assistance plan—that, in addition to mechanical support can also include rental car provision while your vehicle is being repaired, and repatriation in the event your vehicle becomes undriveable.

Dealing with roadside breakdowns

Dealing with a vehicle breakdown in Mexico will depend on where you are and what cover you have in place to help you.

• There is no better coverage in a breakdown situation than to have a team of mechanics and recovery vehicles prepared to come to your aid when your vehicle fails in Mexico.
• We recommend that when you purchase auto insurance you choose a policy that includes breakdown coverage and roadside assistance. This is especially helpful if you are on a remote highway and/or it’s nighttime..
• If you are in a large town or city when your vehicle fails, someone may come to your aid to help you move the vehicle to the edge of the road while you wait for breakdown assistance to arrive.
• If your vehicle is rented and the rental agreement includes breakdown coverage, call the rental car agency and ask them to mobilize their breakdown service.
• If you are on a major highway, especially toll-roads, a patrolling vehicle from the Angeles Verdes might find you and help you (see note above).
• If you have roadside breakdown coverage as part of your auto insurance coverage, you can instead contact the insurance helpline and have assistance sent to directly your broken down vehicle.
• Note that cell phone coverage can be scarce on remote roads across Mexico. Tolled highways have wired phones posted every few miles. If you are on a non-tolled highway, and there is no cell phone coverage, you may need to walk to find a cellphone signal or walk back to the nearest town or village to summon help.

Roadside breakdown and medical coverages

Good insurance brokers offer a comprehensive range of additional support services, which are sometimes part of the offer and sometimes sold separately. The two most important ones are:

Breakdown coverage

If your car breaks down while you’re driving in Mexico, roadside recovery will provide you with the essential support you need to get your car repaired and mitigate risks of becoming stranded.

Roadside assistance may include things like delivery of emergency fuel, towing services, dealing with flat or damaged tires, locksmith support, jumpstart assistance, and provision of lodging and a rental car while you wait for your vehicle to be repaired, and repatriation to your home country in the event of a write-off.

Medical assistance

a policy that provides medical coverage will provide round-the-clock medical assistance on your road trips, including in the event of a serious accident, land and air medical evacuation and coverages to support you and your travel companions, for example with accommodations and transport while you convalesce.

Arrange breakdown coverage

Mexperience’s auto insurance associate offers a comprehensive range of additional services that provide peace of mind when you’re taking a road trip in Mexico, including roadside breakdown and travel assistance, and medical coverages that can include medical evacuation.

Learn more about driving in Mexico

Mexperience offers articles with insights to help you prepare for your road trip and drive confidently in Mexico.

• Insuring your vehicle for driving in Mexico
• Importing a foreign car or other vehicle to Mexico
• Getting a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for your vehicle
• Your Mexico road trip checklist
• Latest articles about driving in Mexico
• Guide to auto insurance in Mexico

Tolerance of one’s fellow commuter tends to be inversely proportionate to the number of people aboard the train, and the pushing and shoving in packed carriages around rush-hour can sour the mood of the most ardent philanthropist.

Types of traveler on Mexico City’s metro trains

For those who do or plan to travel on the capital’s Metro — which is still often the fastest, cheapest, and easiest way to get from one end of the the city to the other —  here are some brief descriptions of the more obvious types of traveler you may encounter.

The Window Slammer

This passenger storms on to the nearly empty train on cold mornings and walks briskly through the carriage slamming the windows shut, then sits down assertively and proceeds to sniffle, discouraging his fellows from invading this space.

The Door Blocker

Stands by the doors for the whole duration of the journey, and is testy about other people pushing-by to get on or off. A door blocker will board a crowded train just as the buzzer is sounding, and stop right by the entrance, causing those behind to have to push to get on, or miss the train. Door blockers usually wear a bulging backpack.

The Seat Reliever

This (usually female) passenger uses a sort of moral blackmail to show the comfortably seated that they probably shouldn’t be. She will stand right in front of the seated person (usually male), and inadvertently press a bag into his knees. One way out of this for those who embarrass easily is to pretend you were getting off, and vacate the spot.

The Worrier

Keeps asking people between him or her and the door if they’re getting off at the next stop. ¿Va a bajar? The question implies, “and if not, could you move aside so that I may?” This would be fine if the train wasn’t still waiting at the previous station.

The Loud Talker

Thinks everyone is interested in hearing about his or her weekend, or day at the office, or heated exchange with a teacher, usually accompanied by a friend or co-worker who limit their responses to the occasional, “ah-ha,” or nod of agreement. A lot of “and so I said,” and “and so he said.”

The Earphone Hummer

Mumbles along to music being played loud enough through an earphone to be audible, but not discernible, to others nearby, often accompanying this with foot tapping, body swaying, and the occasional outburst of “yeah baby!” or “all right!”, oblivious to eyes being rolled in the immediate vicinity.

The Traveling Texter

Gets on everybody’s nerves, using both hands to type away furiously with two thumbs instead of holding on, often leans on the poles taking up the space of two (or at least one and a half) people, and pays no attention to others who need to push past to get off.

Virtual tour of a ride on the metro

These and other videos on YouTube illustrate visually typical rides on Mexico City’s metro.

Permanent and temporary checkpoints

The checkpoints are either permanent or of the type which are set-up on the fly and may appear on any highway at any time of day or night.

Some checkpoints stop every vehicle for inspection, although most create a bottle-neck to slow down the traffic enabling the officers at the checkpoint to selectively signal certain vehicles to pull-over and stop at an inspection area situated at the side of the road. Private vehicles, public buses, taxis, as well as commercial trucks and vehicles may be stopped and searched at these checkpoints.

Getting stopped at checkpoints

If you’re riding on a public intercity bus, a military officer may signal the bus driver to pull-over and have search dogs check the baggage holds; officers might also board the bus to undertake further searches.

There is no need to feel alarmed if your vehicle, or a bus you are traveling on, are selected for a revision and signaled to pulled-over.

If you are traveling in a private vehicle, the officer in charge will politely ask to look at the contents of your car’s trunk, and they might also ask you to step out of the vehicle while they check the contents inside.  At some checkpoints, mirrors are used to inspect underneath the vehicle, and search dogs may be present to sniff for the presence of drugs and other illicit items.  To expedite the process in the shortest time, simply be courteous and comply with the lead-officer’s requests.

Purpose of military checkpoints

The checkpoints are installed to monitor and prevent the illegal movement of goods on Mexico’s roads.  In addition to checking for illicit narcotics, officers are inspecting vehicles for the unauthorized transportation of products such as precious woods (e.g. mahogany) as the trading of these is licensed in Mexico; illegal firearms; ancient artifacts that might have been stolen from archaeology sites; and ensuring that large commercial trucks have their paperwork in order when they are transporting restricted or licensed goods.

In the unlikely event that the lead officer decides to detain you or your vehicle, you should ask why they are doing so and, if you are a foreign national, you should request access to your country’s consulate to inform them of your detention.

Most inspections are completed within a few short minutes and you should soon be on your way.  Unless heavy traffic has caused a backlog of slow-moving cars on the approach to the checkpoint, the event is unlikely to make any material difference to your journey’s itinerary.

For complete guides to getting around in Mexico, connect to our Travel Essentials : Transport in Mexico section here on Mexperience.

A safe and enjoyable road trip across Mexico, whether you come for leisure, for work, or to travel from and to your home here, requires some forethought, planning, and preparation.

Enjoy Mexico by road

The experience of driving in Mexico is captivating and rewarding. Driving your own vehicle across Mexico’s extensive and well-developed road network provides an ideal way for you to explore these diverse lands and become acquainted with the local topography, the regions, the culture, and the local people in ways that no other means of transport can match.

Mexperience articles are packed with local knowledge and advice that helps you prepare for your road trips and connects you to additional knowledge and helpful assistance services on Mexperience.

Prepare for your road trip in Mexico

Mexperience offers detailed guides for anyone who intends to drive in Mexico, whether you bring your foreign-plated car on a road trip, rent a car locally, or live here and own a car, for example:

• when you’re bringing your foreign-plated car to Mexico, whether it’s for regular short trips across the border, for longer road trips, to live here part time, or full time;
• when you plan to drive extensively in Mexico, whether you’re coming for an extended road trip or you plan to live in Mexico and drive regularly here;
• for trip planning and safety, this guide offers practical advice and local knowledge for anyone who is driving in Mexico, whether you have a foreign-plated car, a Mexican-plated car, or if you plan to rent a car in Mexico;
• to learn about dealing with breakdowns, accidents, and insurance claims, this guide offers comprehensive advice and guidance in case your vehicle breaks down, you’re involved in an accident, and arranging adequate insurance coverages for your vehicle and trip.

Comprehensive knowledge for drivers in Mexico

Mexperience offers a series of articles to help you plan and prepare for your road trip, drive confidently and safely with peace of mind when you’re on the road in Mexico:

Bringing a foreign-plated car to Mexico

Learn about what you need to know about bringing your US- or Canadian-plated car across the border into Mexico.

Mexico’s toll road network

To cut down journey times and make your road trip smoother and safer, we recommend you take the toll roads where these are available.  Learn about how Mexico’s extensive network of toll roads can be accessed.

Practical and safety tips for driving in Mexico

An entire section about about practical matters of driving in Mexico with insightful tips and guidance to stay safe and mitigate risks.

Vehicle security

A chapter with practical tips and advice for keeping your vehicle safe and secure while driving in Mexico.

Dealing with breakdowns

Vehicle breakdowns can happen at anytime.  This section of the guide shares practical advice and insights about dealing with mechanical breakdowns when you’re in Mexico, and how to access assistance when you need it.

Dealing with accidents

Accidents, whether minor or serious, can be a cause of hassle and stress and if not properly mitigated, can create significant hardship for you.  Find out what the procedures are if you become involved in a minor or major accident in Mexico.

Vehicle insurance

Being properly insured with a policy that covers third party liability, roadside assistance and medical coverages helps you to drive with peace of mind across Mexico. Learn how auto insurance works in Mexico and how to get adequate insurance, breakdown, and medical coverages when you’re driving in Mexico.

Learn more about driving and road trips in Mexico

Mexperience offers local knowledge, tips, and guidance for driving and road trips in Mexico

• How to bring a foreign-plated car to Mexico
• FAQs: Temporary Import Permits for taking vehicles to Mexico
• Road trip checklist for your journey in Mexico
• Latest articles about driving in Mexico
• Get a quote online for Mexico auto insurance

Buying gasoline in Mexico

Until 2017, the Mexican government used to set a ‘maximum price’ for the cost of gasoline and diesel in Mexico.  In towns and cities along the border with the USA, prices were set to price levels across the US border for local commercial reasons.  A staggered price deregulation program started in 2015/16 which transformed Mexico’s gasoline price regime from a government-cap to a market-price system.

Before the changes took place, all gasoline in Mexico was sold exclusively by Mexico’s state-run PEMEX stations.  Today, a wide range of gasoline station ‘brands’ operate in the market and each one sets their own prices for gasoline and diesel.  Costco in Mexico also offers gasoline at selected locations.  Locals tend to keep an eye on the price boards in their town or city and might fill up if a station they spot a discounted rate.

When you’re on a road trip, your choices will be more limited and, like everywhere else, fuel sold at service stations situated on open highways tends to be more expensive than fuel sold in towns and cities where there is an abundance of service stations competing for your trade.

Current gasoline prices in Mexico

This government-run service monitors the price of gasoline nation-wide and offers updated pricing information for consumers: https://www.gob.mx/cre

Choose ‘Precios y tarifas actualizadas: Hidrocarbonos” from the main page.

Gasoline service stations in Mexico

All service stations in Mexico are “Full service.” An attendant will flag you to the pumping bay and pump the gasoline into your vehicle.

Here are some tips for using service stations in Mexico:

• Check that the counter on the pump is set to zero before the attendant begins to dispense the fuel. Most gas station attendants make a point about showing you that the meter is reset to zero before filling.
• Ask the attendant to fill the tank, (lleno -“YAY-noh”), or to a specified monetary amount, e.g., “Doscientos pesos.”
• Additionally, if you ask, the attendant will provide additional services and consumable products, if you need them, for example: clean the windshield, check/fill your oil, check and if needed replace your windshield wiper blades, fill your vehicle with water or coolant, check your tire pressure, and any other minor job that may need doing that won’t take more than a few minutes at most. Ask about the price of any consumables they offer before you agree to take them.
• The attendant or someone else may come along and clean your windshield for you. It’s optional to pay a tip, but you may consider giving them ~10 pesos in return for their efforts if you allow them to clean your car’s windshield.

Tipping gas station attendants

Attendants at gasoline stations should be tipped, commensurate with the amount of work they do for you. 3-5% of the cost of your fuel (as well as any parts, oil, or additives) is normal, 5-10% of same for additional services like having checked the oil, replaced windshield wipers, etc.

Service station convenience stores

Most roadside service stations in Mexico have a convenient store operating alongside the fuel pumps forecourt.  These stores are similar to Mexico’s local tienditas—and many are the same national chain brands that operate in local neighborhoods.

They stock a range of convenience foods, hot and cold snacks, coffee and other beverages, plus a limited range of over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and personal hygiene products. You can also top-up your Mexican cell phone here. If you need  to use a restroom, you’ll find one either inside the store, or adjacent to it.

Security tip: We recommend you don’t leave your vehicle unattended when you park to patronize the store or to use the restrooms, especially on highway service stations.  If you’re traveling in a party, ensure one person always remains with the vehicle.  If you’re traveling solo and have to leave the vehicle unattended, take everything of value out of the car with you (cash, bank cards, passport, phone/laptop etc.) and return to the vehicle as soon as possible.

Paying for vehicle fuel

Gasoline stations in Mexico accept payment in cash and by payment cards—see ‘card safety’ below. (Costco gasoline stations do not accept cash payments and you must use a card to pay.) It’s also wise to make sure you carry some cash with you on long road trips in case the (remote) station you stop to refuel at doesn’t accept cards or (more likely) their card payment system is not working when you visit.

Payment card safety at gasoline stations

Gasoline stations are one of the most usual places where ‘card skimmers’ operate: unscrupulous people who secretly copy (skim) your card’s details and then sell them to criminal organizations. We therefore have two recommendations when you use plastic to pay for your gasoline in Mexico:

Use a credit card instead of a debit card. It’s much harder to get your money back from a debit card if the account is compromised by a skimmer; and

Never let the card leave your sight.  The attendant ought to bring a portable card payment machine to you where you’ll either sign the piece of paper it dispenses or enter your card’s payment PIN on the number pad in lieu of your hand-written signature.  The attendant will usually ask you to insert the card into the payment machine; don’t get distracted and don’t let the attendant walk away with the card.

Be mindful of how the card is handled. ‘Skimming’ devices often rest hidden below or alongside genuine payment terminals. Ideally, your card should use ‘chip and pin’ technology that doesn’t require a ‘swipe.’  If you have one of these ‘chip and pin’ cards, your card should not be ‘swiped’—if it is swiped, it might be getting skimmed.

Card freezing. Some card apps enable you to ‘freeze’ the card and ‘unfreeze’ it when you want to purchase something, by using the app on your smartphone.  If your card/app offers this feature, you may want to use one credit card for all your card payment purchases on the road trip and keep it ‘frozen’ until you want to use it each time.  This will prevent others from making charges to the card if they do ‘skim’ or ‘clone’ it while you are traveling on the road.

Check your account as you travel. Most people have online banking these days with apps that enable them to get current details of all transactions on a card, as they happen.  When you’re on a road trip in Mexico, check your card(s) account(s) regularly and if you see any charges that you don’t recognize, contact your bank, or credit card company, at once.

Learn more about driving in Mexico

Mexperience offers articles with insights to help you prepare for your road trip and drive confidently in Mexico.

• Insuring your vehicle for driving in Mexico
• Importing a foreign car or other vehicle to Mexico
• Getting a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for your vehicle
• Your Mexico road trip checklist
• Latest articles about driving in Mexico
• Guide to auto insurance in Mexico