white whale
Nomad
Posts: 157
Registered: 12-15-2015
Location: canada
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it may end up being South to North
By this time I thought I might have gone already but from the other direction. I may have opportunity to fly in early jan'18 for a week or more
to Cabo. I'd rent a car and head north to explore. Are there any quirks/scams/risks (if you have a rental) that might be unique in this area? It is
usually easy to spot a rental car apart from the sticker. Since this opportunity came up and checking to see what is new news in the region, no
surprise some extra violence but just seems be be the in-house variety.
No particular destination or activities just safe and interesting, most likely just stay within the south border.... if you had suggestions at this
time of year.
thanks
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BajaBlanca
Select Nomad
Posts: 13165
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
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don't know of any rental scams
come visit us in La Bocana for a real out of the way experience!
See Loreto - for their malecon and good restaurants
See Mulege - what an oasis, history
See Santa Rosalia for easy access to banks - good Chinese or chicken
See San Ignacio for the mission and amazing yurts and gas station
and voila! Take exit to Abreojos, have lunch at Juanitas on the malecon and then come north via Miguel Domingues street - saltflats and visit La
Bocana. Cabañas on the beach are great and our B&B is also great (have to say that) and Les makes a mean breakfast and this is the last year he
will be doing it.
If you still have time on your hands, I highly recommend heading to Bahia Asuncion after us....great town great eateries and Shari can show you
around.
A week might not be enough time - welcome to bajanomad.
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bajabuddha
Banned
Posts: 4024
Registered: 4-12-2013
Location: Baja New Mexico
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Mood: Always cranky unless medicated
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The few things I know about rental cars are: first, inspect your car carefully for dings/blems etc. before you drive off the lot and document them w/
the company so you're not charged for oopses you didn't create. 2nd, I've heard rental car license plates are distinguishable and can make you a
'mark' while on the road both by bad cops and crooks, so don't leave your stuff unattended or pilfer-able. Other than that, you should be fine. Over
the years there were many 'car campers' on our little beach at Bahia Concepcion with rental cars having a blast.
I don't have a BUCKET LIST, but I do have a F***- IT LIST a mile long!
86 - 45*
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white whale
Nomad
Posts: 157
Registered: 12-15-2015
Location: canada
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An invite and itinerary already - thanks. Any place without a wikipedia page must be hiding something. So good enough for me.
took a few minutes to travel via satellite google - wow, so no traffic lights I'm guessing. This is baja stereotype to the max.
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Beagle
Nomad
Posts: 258
Registered: 10-25-2014
Location: Outer Rim
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Whale if you rent in Cabo there are a few to look out for. Some agencies have been known to pull the usual scams on return. Its usually the larger
companies and there's nothing the State Side branches or offices can do about it.
The ones that are known to be trusted are Cactus Rental Cars (the ones we always use). BBB and Dominic Rentals. Alamo as well. The best thing is to
contact them directly through email and ask for a quote with insurance. No way around the insurance. We always use Cactus. for a compact car it's
about 270 for 10 days with the insurance (varies on time of year). We've driven as far north from Cabo to San Juanico (7-8 hours) with a rental
sticker without problems. Just don't leave anything in your backseat that looks like its worth breaking the window for like camera bags, etc… You
will have a great trip. Don't worry and have fun. Lots of other Nomads can help with other details.
[Edited on 9-29-2017 by Beagle]
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BigWooo
Senior Nomad
Posts: 579
Registered: 1-2-2007
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One thing I do when renting a car in a foreign country is to take a picture of the front, back, each side, and the spare with my phone before leaving
the lot. Make sure the car attendant is in the background of each picture.
Over the years I've had very few problems, but on a couple occasions the pictures have put an immediate end to them trying to scam me for dings.
Reason I say take a picture of the spare is that one time I had them try to charge me for the spare saying the tire was different than what they gave
me. I luckily had a picture of it. One look at my picture and that discussion was over.
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wilderone
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3778
Registered: 2-9-2004
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Yes, be sure to check that you have a good spare and jack, be cognizant of your return time so you're not charged an extra day for being 1 hr. late.
That happened to me once in Mexico - I was actually in their return lot sorting out my stuff for the flight home, but walked into the office 1/2 hr
after the turn-in time - got charged $55 for an extra day + insurance. Rental was with Hertz - I emailed a complaint in the US when I got home, and
got a refund. You do have some recourse with an international company. It's easy to shop online to get a good deal and make a reservation. I've not
experienced bait and switch at the counter - my reservation rates are honored.
You might want to cruise through Todos Santos, and visit Cabo Pulmo for snorkling. Be sure you come to a complete stop at stop signs and don't speed
going through towns (Ciudad Constitucion is known for its speed trap - nothng there anyway).
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white whale
Nomad
Posts: 157
Registered: 12-15-2015
Location: canada
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Big Wooooooooo, wouldn't have thought about that, excellent idea on snapping pics at the lot before leaving.
Wilder - Pulmo sounds and looks even better than the other direction I probably would have considered.
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rental probably through a points program, I think it is Alamo.
You can get auto toll setup and GPS option. Opinions on those?
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