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C
HAPTER
8
Getting Around Mazatlán
Mazatlán is a big city, but getting around is easier than in most large metro-
politan cities throughout the world. First, I'll tell you what I would not do in
Mazatlán. I would not rent a car. (With apologies to car rental agencies). "Why
not?" you're thinking. Because there are so many better ways to get around
Mazatlán, and you do not have to learn the Mexican traffic laws. But if you
insist, here is a listing of car rental agencies in the city, and all are located on
Camarón Sábalo:
AGA Tel.--914-4405
Avis Tel.--914-0040
Budget Tel.--913-2000
Hertz Tel.--1 (800) 6954-3030
National Tel.--913-6000
Price Tel.--986-6616
My basic belief is the same whether I am in Seattle, San Francisco, or
Mazatlán. If I am in a hurry, I take a taxi, and if I'm not, I take a bus.
Busses
My choice in travel throughout Mazatlán, unless I am in a hurry, is the bus.
The price is right--about $.40 U.S. on the older busses and $.75 U.S. on the
newer, air-conditioned busses called Sábalo Centro and Sábalo Coco. Don't be
surprised if the driver asks for a few centavos more depending on the distance
you are traveling.
Try to have as close to the exact change as possible--and certainly don't try
to change a $100-peso note on the bus. Remember, the driver is trying to jock-
ey a huge vehicle through traffic while trying to make change. The driver gets
to keep 20% of the fares with the union receiving the other 80%. When you
pay the fare, the driver will give you a small piece of paper. Keep that in your
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