If you’re hoping to get out of the city into Tulum or Cancun and will stay in the city of a few months you might want to consider the option of renting a car in Playa del Carmen. If you decide to rent a car in Playa del Carmen you will have added flexibility to move around whenever you want, without having to rely on a public transport to get around the region, which can be quite tricky for newcomers.
Having a car to get around the city can also be a huge plus if you’re carrying your laptop and important work documents around town, as you’ll avoid possible pickpockets on public transport. Best of all, with a car you’ll be able to take in some of the best sunset views as you ride along some the city’s main coastal thoroughfares at your own pace. Below, are some tips on what look out for as you consider whether or not to rent a car in Playa del Carmen.
In terms of prices, definitely consider doing an online search with a comparison site or even visiting a few sites to get an idea of what the prices might be. Of course, rates might vary depending on the car you choose and the season in which you request it, but you can expect to pay anything from 25USD per day if you rent a car in Playa del Carmen, including liability insurance. There are factors that will affect your rates, including if you wish you sign multiple drivers, cross an international border (into Belize, for example) and for any additional equipment such as a GPS or a car seat.
To make sure you’re safe and comfortable when renting a car in Playa del Carmen, there a several factors you should take into account. When your car is initially given to you, you should pay close attention to the inspection taken by the rental staff and also take pictures of any scratches or bumps you see on the vehicle. Furthermore, you’ll definitely want to check that your health and/or travel insurance covers any accidents you may suffer while operating a vehicle in Mexico. You should also check if your Credit Card company already offers Rental Car Insurance and exactly what it covers, as it probably means you do not have to buy additional liability insurance from the rental agency.
Other factors remote workers will want to take into account while renting a car in Playa del Carmen include filling up gas and parking. In Playa del Carmen during high season you should keep in mind considerable levels of congestion and difficulties in finding parking; and of course, you should make sure your apartment offers off-street parking also. In terms of gas and general maintenance, you should beware of common scams at gas stations - always keep an eye on your money, the gas meter and your gas station attendant to avoid overpaying.
Playa del Carmen is home to lots of large conglomerates and medium-sized, independent car rental agencies. Large agencies such as Budget and Hertz may offer Remote Workers some peace of mind as they will be renting from well-known names, but smaller local agencies such as Dream Cars tend to offer a more personalized level of service that comes highly recommended by expats in Playa del Carmen. At the Cancun International Airport, National and EuropCar are some of the most used agencies.
For more information about living in Playa del Carmen as a remote worker, check out our Playa del Carmen section.