Rental car question from the ferry pier

[DandyDon]

Arriving Cancun airport at 3:15pm, you are rather optimistic in hoping to be on the island at 6:30pm. IF you clear I&C fast, take a taxi rather than bus, and get to PDC by 5pm, there might be a 5pm ferry - but you'd still be challenged to catch it. On rare occasion, they have been known to leave late - but generally the go on the hour. At least one of them should run every hour thru the 8pm departure tho, so if you make a 6pm ferry - you could be there before 7pm. If any step is late tho, later...

Looking at Isis prices there flat rates are $35 a day from Avis I can use my credit card for the insurance to cover the car and add $12 a day for the enhanced liability. .

If you use your credit card free collision insurance, then happen to have a claim - you may be forced to pay the damages yourself, then file for refunds later. Know any lawyers on Coz...?

 

[Mike]

I must have missed the part about needing to stop at Mega, but I'm guessing taxis will stop at Mega on the way to the condo also, or even pick you up at the condo and take you to the Mega and back again.

 

[mjatkins]

there might be a 5pm ferry - but you'd still be challenged to catch it. On rare occasion, they have been known to leave late - but generally the go on the hour. At least one of them should run every hour thru the 8pm departure

There are ferries leaving Playa at 5, 6, 7, 8, and the last one is at 10. In my experience, they are doing a much better job lately of leaving on time, so a late departure is unlikely. I agree with the majority, that most of the car rental places would most likely have someone meet you at the ferry when you arrive, regardless of the time.

 

[Blastman4444]

It's probably going to be about 7pm I figure before I can get over there I guess Ill take a taxi over to avis that is open I hope they will be there.

If you use your credit card free collision insurance, then happen to have a claim - you may be forced to pay the damages yourself, then file for refunds later. Know any lawyers on Coz...?

I'm not concerned with using my Amex card rental insurance to cover the rental car.

 

[ggunn]

I must have missed the part about needing to stop at Mega, but I'm guessing taxis will stop at Mega on the way to the condo also, or even pick you up at the condo and take you to the Mega and back again.

Exactly. My sister and bro-in-law are among those who walk to the street from the airport to catch a cab, and they always arrive at the hotel with a couple of cases of beer.

 

[mstevens]

I'm not concerned with using my Amex card rental insurance to cover the rental car.

I am.

Mexico is VERY different from the US or Europe when it comes to insurance issues. I am vastly more comfortable dealing with someone I know (Margarita) with local connections and who includes maximal insurance when I rent. I've been an AmEx cardholder since for over 30 years and have always had good service, but this is not an area in which I would have the slightest confidence in them.

 

[stevep4444]

I am.

Mexico is VERY different from the US or Europe when it comes to insurance issues. I am vastly more comfortable dealing with someone I know (Margarita) with local connections and who includes maximal insurance when I rent. I've been an AmEx cardholder since for over 30 years and have always had good service, but this is not an area in which I would have the slightest confidence in them.

Kell490,
This is very good advice. Please do some research on rental car insurance in Mexico before relying AmEx exclusively for your protection.
Also, you will enjoy Residencias Reef. Great place to stay!

Enjoy your trip.

 

[Christi]

It's probably going to be about 7pm I figure before I can get over there I guess Ill take a taxi over to avis that is open I hope they will be there.


I'm not concerned with using my Amex card rental insurance to cover the rental car.

I will tritto what the above two posters have said. It doesn't matter WHAT insurance you have on your MC/VISA/AMEX etc here. This is NOT the United States and you need to understand LOCAL policies and procedures. They are not obligated to accept your foreign insurance and they WON'T. You will be responsible for any and all damages (which will most likely be inflated if not dealing with a local insurance agent) before you are allowed to leave the country - and good luck getting reimbursed and filing a claim once you get back home.

In the very unfortunate even that you are in an accident, your fault or not - unless you have the LOCAL insurance you can find yourself wasting ALOT of time and money. In the worst case that someone is injured in the accident and you have not taken out the local insurance (FULL COVERAGE) - you can find yourself in jail until the injured party and/or their representative decide how much they are willing to accept to let you out! Flashing around your AMEX will make that price go up exponentially and won't win you any points! I have lived here for 12 years - I cannot emphasize enough how important having LOCAl insurance is worth.

That is one of the MANY reasons I always recommend ISIS. Full insurance is included, no horsing around or nickel and diming you. And if there are any problems., Margarita or one of her staff members will be there on your side to help you through! She has jeeps, VW bugs and nicer 4 door sedans for $45/day insurance INCLUDED!

Please don't try to "beat the system" - you will not win if you are in an accident without local insurance!

Have fun and stay safe!

As far as making the 5:00pm ferry - It's totally possible! If not, there is a 6:00pm ferry so you'll still be here by 7:00 and if you have reservations and make arrangements, any rental agency will make sure you can get a late pick-up - especially Margarita!

 

[Ron Lee]

Catching the 500 PM ferry is unlikely unless you get through the arrival wickets fast and have a fast transport to PDC. The ADO bus leaves at 330 PM that would allow you to make the 500 PM ferry.

Taxis are reportedly expensive out of the airport. A private service is an option.

Planning on the 600 PM ferry is more reasonable in my opinion.

 

[ggunn]

My advice is this: Don't bust your hump trying to stick to a timetable. Get on Island Time as quickly as you can.

Get through Cancun Customs and Immigration when you can (there's no rushing that process) and grab a cab, van, or bus to Playa. Get there when you get there, and catch the next ferry. If you barely miss one, relax, have a beer, look at the water, think about how great it is to be on vacation in Paradise, and catch the next one. When you get to Cozumel, if it's too late to reasonably expect the rental car place to be open, cab it to your hotel and deal with the rent car the next day. If you need to make a stop and shop on the way, do so; the cab will wait.