Well, I'll be renting a car, I want to go everywhere, using a taxi would be astronomical.
1) Parking downtown, where can you park for free? How much is to park on a paid-parking lot?
- It seems like police remove license plates from improperly parked cars...
2) Any rules of the road different from US? What to watch-out for?
- Looks like scooters and taxis are troublesome.
- Downtown streets are one way, must be careful, must mind stop signs.
- Must wear seatbelt.
Anything else?
The left turn signal. Multiple meanings depending on the situation. First, if it is an American driving, they may mean they are turning left. Second, if it is a local driver, it may mean it is safe to pass. If you see someone on the right shoulder with a left turn signal on, they may be entering traffic again or they could be turning left.
Topes, these are Mexican speed bumps. They can be either above the road grade or sunk below the road grade. In either case, they need to be respected. Personally, I would come almost to a full stop and "crawl" over them. Topes are designed to greatly reduce traffic speed and they are very effective. Either you "crawl" over them or call a tow truck.
Making a left turn, the local rule is that you pull over to the RIGHT shoulder, turn your signal on and wait for traffic to clear in both directions. edit: Disregard if there is a designated left turn lane
Rocks lined up across the road. The local equivalent of both safety flares/triangles or traffic cones. Generally they mean there is a hazard or restriction ahead. Of course, the hazard/restriction may have been long removed and someone just forgot/didn't bother to remove the rocks.
If you can, rent a car that looks "local". I like the Nissan Tsuru. Tons of them are used as taxis and nothing screams tourist like a Jeep.
Also, be sure to check with your hotel about parking. A lot of hotels have little to no onsite parking.
Finally, I totally agree with getting the Coz map from
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