"ZHP Sparky, the 5th" (e30s2k)
12/09/2013 at 15:05 • Filed to: None
0
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"ZHP Sparky, the 5th" (e30s2k)
12/09/2013 at 15:05 • Filed to: None | 0
| 8 |
Hello, OPPO!
Heading to Cabo/Baja for 3 weeks with the girlfriend in just over a week - been trying to figure out renting a car for a portion of the time we're there but it seems utterly confusing/sketchy. Any advice?
- Car rentals seem super cheap on travelocity/kayak etc...but from what I've read online this doesn't include insurance, which often times multiply actual cost about 3-4x
- Visa card offers car rental insurance if you decline the rental car company's insurance, but a lot of forum folk seem to say that it's impossible to talk the rental agencies to agreeing to this, and even if they do they'd put a huge hold on your credit card to cover for potential damages
- should you get pulled over by a sketchy cop, or heaven forbid get in an accident, having to deal with credit card coverage and proving that you actually are covered might be somewhat difficult?
There seem to be a handful of less sketchy local companies in Cabo that offer "all-inclusive" rates without any hidden fees when you show up at the door, but they seem to be booked up for the most part given that it's a peak tourist season.
Any of you kind Oppo folk have experience dealing with this? All advice or tips you may have are appreciated.
CalzoneGolem
> ZHP Sparky, the 5th
12/09/2013 at 15:12 |
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Mexico? That's right next to Sweden, right?
EL_ULY
> ZHP Sparky, the 5th
12/09/2013 at 15:14 |
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any of the French stuff is ok. Cheapest is probably a Nissan Tsuru
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ZHP Sparky, the 5th
> CalzoneGolem
12/09/2013 at 15:18 |
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Think you've got it confused with Lebanon! Mexico is between Norway and Egypt, FYI.
911e46z06
> ZHP Sparky, the 5th
12/09/2013 at 20:05 |
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Cabo expert here. I never rent cars, so I can't help you there.
I would stay away from all inclusive. It kind of locks you in. There are too many awesome restaurants to just eat at the hotel every day. It's pretty cheap to eat and drink if you stay away from the touristy spots.
Don't worry about cops. They don't generally fuck with gringos. Just have some cash (about 100 bucks in Pesos should cover anything short of vehicular manslaughter) in case they do pull you over.
I would also get you some 4-wheel drive if you want some good deserted beach action. Most places will rent you a manual Wrangler. It's tough to get away from the touristy beaches. Head to the San Jose Marina and follow the signs to Zacatito. Then when you hit Buzzards (a very good restaurant), turn left and head up the dirt road to Los Barriles. All kinds of good beaches off that road, but you will need 4wd.
Best restaurant in San Lucas (possibly the world) is called Lolita's. The owner is awesome, Alfredo is his name, and he drives a mint-condition teal VW bus. Best Tacos in town are at Taco Rossy's in San Jose. Best seafood joint is called La Guera Camaron in San Lucas (go for the peel-and-eat shrimp, and it's not for the feint of heart, it's very authentic and you will be the only Americans there). Cheapest beer is at Wal-Mart (use a cooler instead of a suitcase, then remove clothes and fill with beer, this will save you hundreds of dollars). Best tequila shop is just off the Marina entrance in the big Puerto Paraiso mall (Cava de Oro Anejo is my personal choice). Best/cheapest/easiest fishing is at la Playita in the San Jose Marina (haggle em way down). Best bar is Zippers in San Jose, especially if you want to watch football. Best club is Cabo Wabo, it's expensive, but I've never seen a bad band there when they've had live music. If you want the world's best Pina Colada, head up to Todos Santos and go to the Hotel California (you know, from the song). Finally, try to avoid the corridor road (between San Lucas and San Jose) after dark. It's stupid dangerous.
Have fun man, and hit us with a recap when you get back.
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ZHP Sparky, the 5th
> 911e46z06
12/09/2013 at 20:26 |
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Thanks for the pointers! Definitely sticking away from the all-inclusive resorts....want to wander around and get a feel for the town itself. Staying at a condo in the marina in Cabo and then another in La Paz for a bit. Probably won't get to do any offroading, but all the restaurant/drink/food tips you gave will certainly come in handy. Lolita's sounds so legit, I'm starving already!
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ZHP Sparky, the 5th
> 911e46z06
12/09/2013 at 20:32 |
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ps- by "all-inclusive" in my post i was referring to rental car prices with insurance...definitely, definitely not doing all-inclusive hotels/resorts. Like you said, way too much food and local life to check out without being stuck in a resort that might as well be in Vegas.
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911e46z06
> ZHP Sparky, the 5th
12/09/2013 at 20:50 |
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Gotcha. Yeah, La Paz is a cool city too. I have a place in Cabo, so it's hard to go pay for a hotel somewhere when I can stay for free a couple hours away. I've had fun every time I've gone though.
merlyn11a
> ZHP Sparky, the 5th
12/09/2013 at 22:25 |
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Sorry but your best bet is to stick with a known brand like Hertz or whatever is good at the airport, if they sell you the specialized Mexican insurance, you might as well as buy it; if you take your own car, you will still need to buy specialized Mexico insurance. It's a requirement for USAers south of the border as US insurance is basically useless there, won't work at all for sure. AAA offers an excellent deal as they do it all the time (at least the California AAA does). Plus you can get any maps you need from them which is a good idea if your GPS / phone gets stolen.
The main reason is that US insurance doesn't work south of the border for the locals. So you need to bite the bullet for the Mexican travel insurance. It's not ridiculous and will be useful in keeping you out of jail which is a terrible fate in Mexico. Cheap insurance, when I went last early spring break in Ensenada, I think I paid something like $110 all told for basic liability. For 3 weeks, you'll pay probably $300 some bucks but it's worth it, Mexican prisons seriously suck and it's awfully easy for gringos to get into one; don't give them an excuse. Credit card insurance is often dicey; check with your card and see if they offer coverage and how much it actually covers, my guess is it won't work at all or will be too expensive.
Again, you may want to get "secondary" Mexican insurance which will become primary south of the border if/when you get into an accident and the locals laugh at your plastic. Try not to drive at night too much especially out in the country and be cool around the military checkpoints; they've got real firepower.