Adventures with BlaBlaCar: Your Ridesharing App in Mexico

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By
Wesley
November 29, 2023
5 min read

Ridesharing with BlaBlaCar in Mexico

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you need to travel somewhere but don't have access to a car? Maybe you're traveling on a budget and can't afford expensive taxi rides or rental cars, or maybe you just want to reduce your carbon footprint by sharing a ride with others. 

Ridesharing not only reduces the cost of travel, but it also helps to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. Plus, it can be a great way to meet new people and make connections.

One popular ridesharing platform in Mexico you may not have heard of is BlaBlaCar. If you haven't heard of it before, don't worry - we'll give you an introduction.

The Benefits of Ridesharing

Ridesharing has been gaining popularity over the past few years for several reasons. I think we’re all pretty familiar with Uber and Lyft in the states or Didi and Grab in Southeast Asia.

Firstly, it's more cost-effective than traditional transportation options like taxis or rental cars.

 Additionally, ridesharing helps to reduce traffic congestion on roads and highways by reducing the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road.

This means less time spent stuck in traffic and more time enjoying your destination. 

Ridesharing is good for the environment because it helps to reduce air pollution by decreasing carbon emissions from vehicles.

A Popular Ridesharing App in Mexico

BlaBlaCar is one of the most popular ridesharing platforms in Mexico - not only because it offers affordable travel options but also because of its user-friendly interface that connects drivers with passengers heading in their direction. 

With over 40 million members worldwide, BlaBlaCar is the go-to choice for many travelers looking to save money and make new connections on their journey and makes for a great alternative to bus rides.

In the next section, we'll take a closer look at how BlaBlaCar works and some safety measures that are in place for all users.

Find your next adventure in Mexico - explore our guide for insider tips and recommendations!

Looking for other options to get around Mexico? We have a couple of guides to help you understand other options of travelling, like bus lines and taxis in Mexico.

How BlaBlaCar Works

From Blablacar website

Book in App or Online

BlaBlaCar is an online platform that connects drivers and passengers who are traveling in the same direction. Drivers create a profile on the platform and list details about their upcoming trips, including departure location, destination, date, and time.

Passengers search for available rides on using filters such as departure city, destination city, date of travel, and number of seats needed. Once you find a suitable ride, you can book a seat by paying through the platform.

Safety Measures and Insurance Coverage

In order to ensure the safety of its users, BlaBlaCar takes several measures. For example, all drivers must submit their license number to be verified by BlaBlaCar before they can offer rides on the platform.

Additionally, all users are required to provide government-issued identification in order to become members. The platform also offers insurance coverage for all passengers during their trip with a BlaBlaCar driver.

This coverage includes medical expenses up to $9,000 USD per person in case of an accident on the road. 

Overall, BlaBlaCar provides a safe and reliable option for travelers looking for affordable transportation solutions in Mexico. We used it on our trip to Atlocumulco and it was generally a good experience. 

Advantages of Using BlaBlaCar in Mexico

Affordable and Flexible Transportation

One of the biggest advantages of using BlaBlaCar in Mexico is that it provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional transportation options. Instead of paying for an expensive taxi or renting a car, you can share the cost of gas and tolls with other passengers, which can significantly reduce your travel expenses. 

In addition to being affordable, BlaBlaCar also offers flexibility in scheduling and route options.

You can easily find rides that fit your preferences for departure times and locations, making it easier to plan your trip around your schedule. 

Plus, since drivers often offer multiple pick-up and drop-off points along their route, you can choose the most convenient option for you.

A Chance to Connect with Others

Another benefit of using BlaBlaCar is the opportunity to meet new people and make connections. Whether you're traveling alone or with friends, sharing a ride with others allows you to interact with locals who may have valuable insights about the area. You might even make new friends or discover new travel destinations based on recommendations from your co-passengers.

Blablacar makes booking affordable, flexible, and allows you to connect with others – making it a great option for any traveler looking for an authentic local experience.

👉 Pro tip: You will want to ask about tolls. If the driver is planning on taking the toll road or not. If they are going around, your trip could take much much longer than anticipated. Our trip turned from 4 hours to 7, because the driver didn’t take the toll road.

Tips for Using BlaBlaCar in Mexico

Suggestions for finding reliable drivers and passengers

Finding a reliable driver or passenger is one of the most important things when it comes to ridesharing. The easiest way to ensure that you find a trustworthy partner is by checking their profile on BlaBlaCar.

Look at their ratings and reviews, as well as their profile picture, which can give you an idea of who they are. You can also contact them before the ride to ask any questions or clarify details about the trip.

Advice on how to communicate effectively with your ride partner

Communication is key when it comes to ridesharing. Make sure you communicate with your ride partner before the trip to discuss details such as pick-up location, route, and any stops along the way. 

If there are any changes in plans or unexpected events during the trip, make sure you communicate them clearly with your driver. 

Overall, using BlaBlaCar in Mexico can be an easy and convenient way to travel while also meeting new people. 

Challenges with Ridesharing in Mexico

Cultural Differences

Ridesharing with BlaBlaCar in Mexico can be a unique experience due to cultural differences that may impact the ride. 

Mexicans are known for their warm and friendly nature, and they often engage in conversations with strangers on buses or other forms of public transportation. However, their driving habits are a bit of the opposite. You will want to be prepared for that.

Potential Language Barriers

Language barriers can be a challenge when using BlaBlaCar in Mexico. While many Mexicans do speak some English (especially those living in tourist hotspots), others may not feel confident enough to carry on a conversation in another language.

It's always helpful to ask your driver or passengers ahead of time if they speak English fluently - this can help set expectations and avoid any confusion during the ride. 

Alternatively, you could brush up on your Spanish language skills before your trip; even learning a few key phrases can go a long way towards making the experience more enjoyable.

Overall, while there may be some challenges associated with ridesharing through BlaBlaCar in Mexico, these are easily outweighed by the benefits of cost savings and convenience. 

By being mindful of cultural differences and potential language barriers, you can ensure that your ride goes as smoothly as possible while also enjoying the opportunity to meet new people and explore this beautiful country!

Conclusion

BlaBlaCar is a fantastic ridesharing platform that offers numerous advantages for traveling in Mexico. It provides a cost-effective and flexible alternative to traditional transportation options, with the added opportunity to make new friends and connections. With its user-friendly interface and safety measures, it's easy to find reliable drivers and passengers for both short and long distances.

With thousands of users across the country, you'll never have trouble finding a ride that matches your needs and preferences. So if you are looking to backpack or travel on a tight budget across Mexico then you should definitely check out what BlaBlaCar has to offer.

Sources:

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Written by:

Wesley
I consider myself a world-travelling nomad and a foodie at heart. Born in Germany and raised in East Tennessee, my passion for exploration has taken me all over the planet - exploring unfamiliar lands and cultures is what truly inspires my soul!
Sidra
I live outside of Doha and consider myself an inside expert on all things Qatar. I love exploring all the country has to offer and look forward to giving you valuable insights of where I call home!
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