Car Rental in Cozumel
We recommend renting a car in Cozumel. Especially if you want to explore the island, discover its
secluded beautiful breathtaking beaches, and have the freedom to do whatever, whenever.
Here are some tips to help you get the best deal and avoid some gotchas. You will not find any of this information anywhere else so read entire section carefully and print this
section to take with you.
Renting a vehicle on the island is a bit different than in the US or Europe. For one thing, you're are in no way guaranteed a spiffy under-one-year-old vehicle with that new car smell.
We suggest you book ahead of time on the internet. No credit card is required for reserving the car, so your card cannot be charged if you don't show up. Print out your reservation form and take it with you to
guarantee the price you were offered on-line or chances are you will be in line for a bait and switch game.
Arriving at the Cozumel International Airport The first question is; Which car rental company actually have a desk at the Cozumel International
Airport?
The answer is there are Five (5): Avis and Hertz have offices inside the airport building, Thrifty, Dollar, and Executive are outside the airport building and require a 2 minute
walk with your luggage to their offices. The walk is worth the difference in price. $12-25/day for a mid size car. We recommend Thrifty.
Jeeps do not have air, and cost 2 to 3 times an air conditioned midsize car. Book with two rental companies on-line, and
when you get there see for yourself which has the better car and the best deal. Ask them to show you the car before signing any papers.
(No one requires a credit card to book, and your card can't and will not be charged if you don't show up). Thrifty, Dollar are in the same office, so don't bother booking with both. Thrifty is less expensive. We found
that memberships with Avis and others do not really get you a much better deal.
Other rental companies may advertise desks at the airport, but will require taking a shuttle (which you have to pay for) to their offices downtown. Too much hassle especially when it
comes to returning the car. It will end up costing you more. Arriving in Cancun via the Ferry at the Dock - Executive (ACE), Thrifty, Avis, Dollar, Budget, and Alamo
have offices one to two blocks from the ferry Dock. You'll have to take your luggage a couple of blocks, for a $3 tip you can have one of the luggage carriers guide you to the car rental agencies.
More Driving Tips on the left Turning left - Some times a left turn signal from the car in frot o you can mean some one is turning left, but it can also mean that they are signaling to you to let you know
that it is safe to pass them on the left side. This has caused accidents in the past so just be cautious. Beware when turning left from the highway! It is absolutely critical to look BEHIND you to make sure
there is no traffic. Most Mexicans, when making a left turn from the highway where a dedicated lane is NOT provided pull off the road to the right, they put the left blinker or emergency flashers on and wait for all
traffic to clear in both directions before making the left turn. Americans normally put their left turn signal on and wait for oncoming traffic to clear and then turn left. Just be aware, and don't be surprised if
you hear tire squeals behind you, or when in Rome you may do like the Romans do. Passing - When traveling on the highway be alert and vigilant for aggressive drivers.
Drivers in the on-coming lane may choose to pass and cross the centerline of the highway at unexpected times. Be ready to move right. Watch for vehicles driving or stopped on the road shoulder. Let tailgaters pass.
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