In practice, does one need an IDP to rent a car in Mexico?
I'm going to Cabo San Lucas soon and would like to rent a car for a few days while I'm there with my friends. I have a US driving license which is presumably accepted down there, but my friend has a German license. Is an IDP required to rent a car in Mexico if your license is not from Canada or the US?
Best Answer
The German Embassy recommends having a International Drivers Permit (IDP) for driving in Mexico.
It also warns that the Tourist Card FMM is not always stamped upon entry from the USA. But since ID's are often checked inside Mexico, to make sure that it is stamped propery before continuing on into Mexico.
Führerschein
Der Internationale Führerschein wird empfohlen und ist nur in Verbindung mit dem nationalen deutschen Führerschein gültig.driver's license
The international driver's license is recommended and is valid only in conjunction with the national German driver's license.
Touristenkarte FMM
...
Ein- und Ausreise über die USA
Bei der Einreise auf dem Landweg über die USA kann es vorkommen, dass Touristenkarten nicht abgestempelt werden. In diesem Fall muss dies, z. B. gegen Vorlage des Bustickets, beim Instituto Nacional de Migración des Grenzortes nachgeholt werden, dies ist z.B. in Tijuana auch im INM-Büro im Flughafen möglich.Tourist Card FMM
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Entry and exit via the USA
When entering the country via the US, it may happen that tourist cards are not stamped. In this case, this must, for example, on presentation of the bus ticket, be made at the Instituto Nacional de Migración the border town, this is e.g. in Tijuana also in the INM office in the airport possible.
Ausweispflicht
Bei Personenkontrollen wird nicht nur der Ausweis verlangt, sondern auch die mexikanische Aufenthaltserlaubnis (Touristenkarte FMM, bzw. Langzeitaufenthaltstitel FM 2/3). Ausländer sollten ihre mexikanische Aufenthaltserlaubnis jederzeit, zumindest als Kopie, bei sich führen (s.o.). Andernfalls besteht das Risiko, von der Einwanderungsbehörde in Gewahrsam genommen und ggf. abgeschoben zu werden.ID required
In the case of identity checks, not only the ID card is required, but also the Mexican residence permit (tourist card FMM or long-term residence permit FM 2/3). Foreigners should carry their Mexican residence permit at any time [all times], at least as a copy (see above). Otherwise, there is a risk of being detained by the Immigration Department and possibly deported.
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Do you need an IDP to rent a car in Mexico?
Driver's License in Mexico And you must carry your current overseas driver's license, IDP or translation with you all the time when driving in Mexico. Minimum age to rent a car in Mexico is 21 years (age may vary by car rental company and car category). If you're 21-25, you are likely to have to pay a young driver fee.Do Canadians need an IDP in Mexico?
Yes! As a Canadian or U.S. citizen, you can drive your Canadian or American licensed vehicle in Mexico, as long as you have a valid driver's license from your country of origin. As the driver, you should carry your identification at all times.What does a US citizen need to rent a car in Mexico?
A Valid Driver's License If you have a valid U.S. driver's license, or one in a language that uses the Roman alphabet (this one!), you can rent a car in Mexico with your country's license.Can you rent a car with a permit in Mexico?
Car Rental Age Requirements in Mexico In order to rent a car in Mexico, you must be at least 21 years old and have held your license for a minimum of two years (restrictions may vary upon the car rental category and supplier).How to RENT a car ABROAD without getting RIPPED OFF?? Insurance, Security, International Permit Etc.
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