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Driving is on the right side of the road.

All Port of Puerto Vallarta Cruise Terminal rental cars are automatic transmission.

Your local drivers' licence is required.

An International Drivers' Permit (or IDP) may be required, especially if your local drivers' licence is in a language other than the local language (you may inquire when you pick up your car).

Puerto Vallarta Driving Stress Level: 6/10

Driving in Puerto Vallarta, or any Mexican city, is an adventure quite unlike driving in any developed country.

 

Following are some tips for driving in Mexico (though not all apply for just driving around town or the tourist spots):

• Basic driving etiquette is generally disregarded
• Watch out for speeders
• Make sure you have a map - if not, get one
• Some listed paved roads are not there at all (despite what the map says)
• Don't take shortcuts
• Avoid driving outside town in the evening
• Pay attention in traffic
• Drive at or below the speed limit
• Stick to the toll roads (keep your receipt)
• Watch out for potholes and generally poor road conditions
• Don't bribe the police
• If you need help, summon the "Angeles Verdes" or "Green Angels" by dialling 078
• Be ready to slow down quickly if the driver ahead turns on his hazard lights
• Mexican semi-trucks ("camiones") will take up as much of the road as they are can - let them

• Never stop for broken-down motorists: it's a trap set by bandits to rob you
• Finally, do not even consider driving without insurance

 

A longer version of these tips, with greater detail, is available in the rental car section of our Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) guide. We envourage you to read it if you plan to stay in the area before/after your cruise and may go further afield.

Car Rental Protection
Learn how to protect yourself when renting a car at Port of Puerto Vallarta Cruise Terminal.