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Hi,
I have driven in the Yucatan many times.
Here are a few tips:
Don't drive at night - there may be livestock in the road and often if people have a breakdown, they put rocks in the road. The roads are not well lit and there often isn't a shoulder. I have driven at night during a horrendous thunderstorm when all the power was out. That was fun.
Oh, forgot to mention that some people think that driving without lights saves the battery, so they just don't bother turning their lights on.
Pay attention to turn signals. They don't always mean what you think. Sometimes if somebody puts on their left turn signal, it means that it is ok for you to pass. As far as left turns go, you often pull over into a right lane to a side road. Then you go straight across the road that you were just on instead of making a left turn.
The road from Cancun to Tulum is now a 4-lane highway and in good condition. Some of the roads in the interior aren't so great, so just take it slow.
It's usually cheaper to rent a car from the US than it is to rent one in Mexico. Manuals are cheaper and more popular.
Watch out for the topes. These are sleeping policeman, speed bumps often found in the smaller towns. They aren't always easy to see, but usually there is a topes sign alerting you.
It looks like a series of hills.
If you have a breakdown, you can wait for the Green Angels to come along. They patrol the major roads. They have white and green trucks.
When you get gas, the attendant will fill your tank. It's customary to tip him.
Stop signs often seem to be mere suggestions.
Lot of people ride bicycles, so pay attention to them.
The toll road to Chichen isn't used that much. It's relatively expensive and more interesting to take the other roads.
In cities, it might be a good idea to park in an attended lot.
I have been to the Yucatan many times and know if well. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I wish that I were going there. I love the Yucatan.
Ma Cruise
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