Are there tolls on Mexican highways, and how do I pay them?

Post ByAdequate Travel

Summary
Driving in Mexico is an exciting experience – but you may have heard of having to pay tolls on some of the Mexican highways. In this blog, we will explore the tolls that can be encountered on the highways of Mexico and how to pay them when driving through the country.

Yes, there are tolls on Mexican highways, and they are called "casetas de peaje" in Spanish. Toll fees are charged to maintain and improve the road infrastructure in the country. Here is a detailed explanation on how to pay tolls in Mexico:
1. Recognizing Toll Booths:
- Toll booths are easily recognizable as they are usually located at regular intervals along the highways.
- Toll roads are typically marked with signs mentioning "Cuota" or "Casetas de peaje," indicating that it is a toll road.
2. Approaching the Toll Booth:
- As you approach the toll booth, you will see different lanes clearly marked with signs for various payment methods.
- Look for signs indicating "Efectivo" (Cash), "Tarjeta" (Credit/Debit Card), or "TAG" (electronic toll payment system).
3. Paying with Cash:
- If you choose to pay with cash, find a lane marked "Efectivo."
- As you enter the lane, slow down and hand over the cash to the toll booth operator.
- The amount of the toll fee will depend on the distance traveled on the toll road, which can vary.
- The operator will provide you with a receipt or ticket as proof of payment. It's advisable to keep this for your records.
4. Paying with Credit/Debit Card:
- If you prefer to use a credit/debit card, look for a lane marked "Tarjeta."
- Approach the toll booth and hand over your card to the operator.
- The operator will swipe or insert your card into a payment terminal to process the transaction.
- Once the payment is approved, the operator will return the card along with a receipt.
5. Paying with TAG (Electronic Toll Payment System):
- Some toll booths offer an electronic toll payment system called TAG.
- TAG is a device installed on your vehicle's windshield that allows for automatic toll payment without stopping at the booth.
- When approaching a lane marked "TAG," your vehicle will be detected by sensors, and the toll fee will be automatically deducted from your TAG account.
- To obtain a TAG, you need to register with the toll road operator, provide necessary documents and pay an initial deposit.
It's important to note that toll fees can vary depending on the toll road and distance traveled. Payment methods may also vary, so it's advisable to carry cash and cards for flexibility. Additionally, in some cases, toll fees are only charged in one direction, while the opposite direction may be toll-free.Before embarking on your journey to mexico, make sure to check the latest travel guidelines and entry requirements to ensure a smooth trip

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