Getting Around

An important note: If your travel schedule depends on a vital connection -- say, a plane trip or a ferry or bus connection -- call to find out if the connection is still available.

By Plane

Mexico has two large private national carriers: Mexicana (tel. 01-800/509-8960 toll-free in Mexico), and Aeroméxico (tel. 01-800/021-4000 toll-free in Mexico), in addition to several up-and-coming regional and low-cost carriers. Mexicana and Aeroméxico offer extensive connections to the United States as well as within Mexico.

Up-and-coming low-cost carriers include Aviacsa (www.aviacsa.com), Click Mexicana (www.click.com.mx), and Interjet (www.interjet.com.mx). Regional carriers include Aerovega (www.aerovega.com), Aero Tucán (www.aero-tucan.com), and Aeroméxico's Aerolitoral (www.aerolitoral.com.mx). The regional carriers can be expensive, but they go to difficult-to-reach places.

Because major airlines can book some regional carriers, read your ticket carefully to see if your connecting flight is on one of these smaller carriers -- they may use a different airport or a different counter.

Airport Taxes -- Mexico charges an airport tax on all departures, which is included in the price of plane tickets. Passengers leaving the country on international flights pay roughly $24 (£13) -- in dollars or the peso equivalent. Taxes on each domestic departure within Mexico are around $17 (£9.35), unless you're on a connecting flight and have already paid at the start of the flight.

Mexico also charges an $18 (£9.90) "tourism tax," the proceeds of which go into a tourism promotional fund. Your ticket price may not include it, so be sure to have enough money to pay it at the airport upon departure.

Reconfirming Flights -- Although Mexican airlines say it's not necessary to reconfirm a flight, it's still a good idea. To avoid getting bumped on popular, possibly overbooked flights, check in for an international flight at least 2 hours in advance of travel.

By Car

Most Mexican roads are not up to U.S. standards. Driving at night is dangerous -- the roads are rarely lit; trucks, carts, pedestrians, and bicycles usually have no lights; and you can hit potholes, animals, rocks, dead ends, or come upon uncrossable bridges without warning.

The spirited style of Mexican driving sometimes requires super vision and reflexes. Be prepared for new customs, as when a truck driver flips on his left turn signal when there's not a crossroad for miles. He's probably telling you the road's clear ahead for you to pass. Another custom that's very important to respect is turning left. Never turn left by stopping in the middle of a highway with your left signal on. Instead, pull onto the right shoulder, wait for traffic to clear, and then proceed across the road.

Gasoline -- There's one government-owned brand of gas and one gasoline station name throughout the country -- Pemex (Petroleras Mexicanas). There are two types of gas in Mexico: magna, 87-octane unleaded gas, and premium 93 octane. In Mexico, fuel and oil are sold by the liter, which is slightly more than a quart (40 liters equals about 11 gal.). Many franchise Pemex stations have bathroom facilities and convenience stores.

Important note: Pemex stations now accept both credit and debit cards for gas purchases -- marking an important change from prior years -- although this service is often not available at night, when most stations still accept only cash.

Toll Roads -- Mexico charges some of the highest tolls in the world for its network of new toll roads; as a result, they are rarely used. Generally speaking, though, using toll roads cuts travel time. Older toll-free roads are generally in good condition, but travel times tend to be longer.

Breakdowns -- If your car breaks down on the road, help might already be on the way. Radio-equipped green repair trucks operated by uniformed English-speaking officers patrol major highways during daylight hours. These "Green Angels" perform minor repairs and adjustments free, but you pay for parts and materials.

Your best guide to repair shops is the Yellow Pages. For repairs, look under "Automóviles y Camiones: Talleres de Reparación y Servicio"; auto-parts stores are under "Refacciones y Accesorios para Automóviles." To find a mechanic on the road, look for a sign that says TALLER MECANICO.

Places called vulcanizadora or llantera repair flat tires, and it is common to find them open 24 hours a day on the most traveled highways.

Minor Accidents -- When possible, many Mexicans drive away from minor accidents, or try to make an immediate settlement, to avoid involving the police. If the police arrive while the involved persons are still at the scene, everyone may be locked in jail until blame is assessed. In any case, you have to settle up immediately, which may take days. Foreigners who don't speak fluent Spanish are at a distinct disadvantage when trying to explain their version of the event. Three steps may help the foreigner who doesn't wish to do as the Mexicans do: If you were in your own car, notify your Mexican insurance company, whose job it is to intervene on your behalf. If you were in a rental car, notify the rental company immediately and ask how to contact the nearest adjuster. (You did buy insurance with the rental, right?) Finally, if all else fails, ask for the nearest Green Angel, who may be able to explain to officials that you are covered by insurance.

Car Rentals -- You'll get the best price if you reserve a car at least a week in advance in the United States. U.S. car-rental firms include Advantage (tel. 800/777-5500 in the U.S. and Canada; www.arac.com), Avis (tel. 800/331-1212 in the U.S., 800/TRY-AVIS in Canada; www.avis.com), Budget (tel. 800/527-0700 in the U.S. and Canada; www.budget.com), Hertz (tel. 800/654-3131 in the U.S. and Canada; www.hertz.com), National (tel. 800/CAR-RENT in the U.S. and Canada; www.nationalcar.com), and Thrifty (tel. 800/847-4389 in the U.S. and Canada; www.thrifty.com), which often offers discounts for rentals in Mexico. For European travelers, Kemwel Holiday Auto (tel. 800/678-0678; www.kemwel.com) and Auto Europe (tel. 800/223-5555; www.autoeurope.com) can arrange Mexican rentals, sometimes through other agencies. These and some local firms have offices in Mexico City and most other large Mexican cities. You'll find rental desks at airports, all major hotels, and many travel agencies.

Cars are easy to rent if you are age 25 or older and have a major credit card, valid driver's license, and passport with you. Without a credit card, you must leave a cash deposit, usually a big one. One-way rentals are usually simple to arrange but more costly.

Car-rental costs are high in Mexico because cars are more expensive. The condition of rental cars has improved greatly over the years, and clean new cars are the norm. You will pay the least for a manual car without air-conditioning. Prices may be considerably higher if you rent around a major holiday. Also double-check charges for insurance -- some companies will increase the insurance rate after several days. Always ask for detailed information about all charges you will be responsible for.

Car-rental companies usually write credit card charges in U.S. dollars.

Deductibles -- Be careful -- these vary greatly; some are as high as $2,500 (£1,375), which comes out of your pocket immediately in case of damage.

Insurance -- Insurance is offered in two parts: Collision and damage insurance covers your car and others if the accident is your fault, and personal accident insurance covers you and anyone in your car. Read the fine print on the back of your rental agreement and note that insurance may be invalid if you have an accident while driving on an unpaved road.

Damage -- Always inspect your car carefully and note every damaged or missing item, no matter how minute, on your rental agreement, or you may be charged.

By Taxi

Taxis are the preferred way to get around almost all of Mexico's resort areas, and around Mexico City. Fares for short trips within towns are generally preset by zone, and are quite reasonable compared with U.S. rates. For longer trips or excursions to nearby cities, taxis can generally be hired for around $10 to $15 (£5.50-£8.25) per hour, or for a negotiated daily rate. A negotiated one-way price is usually much less than the cost of a rental car for a day, and a taxi travels much faster than a bus. For anyone who is uncomfortable driving in Mexico, this is a convenient, comfortable alternative. A bonus is that you have a Spanish-speaking person with you in case you run into trouble. Many taxi drivers speak at least some English. Your hotel can assist you with the arrangements.

By Bus

Except for the Baja peninsula, where bus service is not well developed, Mexican buses run frequently, are readily accessible, and can get you almost anywhere you want to go. They're often the only way to get from large cities to other nearby cities and small villages. Don't hesitate to ask questions if you're confused about anything, but note that little English is spoken in bus stations.

Dozens of Mexican companies operate large, air-conditioned, Greyhound-type buses between most cities. Classes are second (segunda), first (primera), and deluxe (ejecutiva), which goes by a variety of names. Deluxe buses often have fewer seats than regular buses, show video movies, are air-conditioned, and make few stops. Many run express from point to point. They are well worth the few dollars more. In rural areas, buses are often of the school-bus variety, with lots of local color.

Whenever possible, it's best to buy your reserved-seat ticket, often using a computerized system, a day in advance on long-distance routes and especially before holidays.