Car Rental Tulum: From Unfairness to Something Remarkable
When we first arrived in Tulum, we lived about 20 minutes outside the city with no reliable transportation. It quickly became clear: we needed a car not just for convenience, but to function.
So, like most travelers, we turned to a Car Rental Tulum option but what we thought would bring freedom became a series of unbelievable headaches.
Our Worst Car Rental Experience
One of the worst experiences was when we parked legally on a public street right near, but not inside, a paid parking lot.
At the time, it was absolutely allowed to park there. But apparently, the owners of the parking lot didn’t like that we weren’t using their space.
Out of pure jealousy or spite, they removed our license plates while we were away. Yes they physically took the plates off our rented car.
We were stunned. Even more frustrating was that we knew who had done it, but couldn’t prove it.
We called the police, and even they admitted that this kind of thing happened often. But without evidence, they couldn’t do anything.
Realizing the Car Rental Tulum Problem Was Bigger Than Us
The worst part wasn’t just the act itself it was how the rental company treated us after. They charged us outrageous fees for “legal assistance,” blamed us entirely, and withheld a huge amount from our deposit. We didn’t know any better at the time.
Today, with more experience in this industry, we understand that the penalty for a missing plate is much simpler and far less expensive.
But they took advantage of our inexperience and charged us hundreds and hundreds of dollars for something that should have been a routine issue.
This was our first big wakeup call. And unfortunately, it wouldn’t be the last. We began to realize this wasn’t just a onetime issue many Car Rental Tulum companies in the area operated with the same abusive behavior.
Holding large deposits, charging hidden fees, blocking huge amounts on credit cards, and inventing reasons to never return it. We were watching a scam in action, and we were the target.
That experience pushed us to move into Tulum’s center.
We simply couldn’t risk another disaster like that while living outside of town. What started as a need for transportation quickly became a need for independence and the beginning of our mission to do things differently.
A New Chapter From Disaster to Opportunity
On another attempt, we tried a different rental agency. Friendly service, fair price. But when we went to pick up the car… it simply didn’t exist. No warning. No solution. All our plans went down the drain. We realized this wasn’t an exception it was almost the norm in Tulum without local connections.
We started renting our personal vehicle to friends. But the turning point came when we created our first digital flyer and posted it in a local Facebook group. Our first customer was a photographer who needed a car for a few days. She didn’t know us, but the communication was easy, honest, and direct. Since then, every time she comes back to Tulum, she reaches out to us. That planted the first real seed of
trust.
The First Spark of Trust
Not long after, another client rented the car for 15 days straight. I felt a bit strange. Happy, but also nervous about being without the car for so long. It was like handing over a piece of our daily life to a stranger. But everything went well. And more: I realized I needed a second car. More people were reaching out. We had something special in our hands.
A Name That Carries Our Legacy
DasSatil is more than a name it’s a symbol of where we come from. Das is a Portuguese word, It represents unity, origin, and belonging a name that carries their spirit, strength, and identity. Satil is our family’s last name. Together, they form a name that honors our roots and embraces what we’re building.
The idea has always been to make this name a shared legacy a symbol each woman in our family could carry into her own dream. Today, it’s our Car Rental Tulum company. In Brazil, it’s also a clothing brand. And tomorrow, maybe a modeling agency. It’s a living network of bold, entrepreneurial women building businesses with authenticity, empathy, and courage a name designed to evolve across generations.
Preparing a Car with Care Is an Act of Love
We don’t just hand over a car. We hand over a piece of our responsibility, our standard of care, and our trust.
Every time we prepare a car for delivery, we follow a ritual. First, we check the fuel level. We make sure the car has a full tank it simplifies the return process and avoids confusion.
Then comes full cleaning. In the beginning, I personally washed each car. It became a therapeutic moment for me. I’d play music, watch neighbors walking their dogs, feel the cold water from the hose, and think, “I’m building something with my own hands.”
We always add a soft scent, vacuum thoroughly, and clean the windows inside and out. We also check the tire pressure, windshield fluid, and overall maintenance. Small gestures but they make all the difference.
Support Where the Customer Is
All our communication is through WhatsApp direct, fast, and human. And yes, it’s me, Renata, who replies.
If a customer has a question, an emergency, or wants to know where to eat or what to visit, I’m just a message away. I’ve helped make dinner reservations, given directions to secret beaches, explained how to handle local police stops, or avoid gas station tricks.
None of this is part of a “premium package.” It’s part of who we are.
The Right Car Rental for Every Type of Trip
We don’t have a huge fleet. But we have the right one.
Budgetfriendly trips: Dodge and Mirage models are perfect for young travelers and couples light, economical, and agile.
Big families (5–7 people): DFSK 600 and Xpander offer comfort, space, and safety.
Couples and small groups: MG ZS is a favorite. A modern SUV, perfect for exploring cenotes and beaches.
Versatile models: Kia K3, Nissan Versa, and MG 5 are reliable, comfortable, and suited for any type of travel.
Top 3 Mistakes Tourists Make When Renting a Car in Tulum
Trusting false online prices. Big rental companies advertise low rates but hide huge fees for insurance, extra drivers, mileage, and deposits. Cheap often turns into expensive.
Not documenting the car’s condition. Always take pictures and a video of the car when you pick it up. This protects you from being charged for damages you didn’t cause.
Not arranging airport delivery. Getting your car right when you land is way more convenient. It saves time, money, and stress.
Driving in Tulum Local Tips You Won’t Find Online
Yellow curb lines? No parking allowed. Only white lines are safe.
Downtown parking is free. But in the beach zone, it’s often paid (around 200 pesos per day). Always ask the restaurant or beach club.
Watch out for speed bumps. Many are unmarked and low. Always slow down, even if the street looks empty.
Police stops are common for tourists. Don’t panic. Call us we’ll help.
Memories That Stay With Us
We’ve had many memorable moments and a few that completely surprised us in the best way.
Once, during one of Tulum’s famous festival seasons, we ended up becoming friends with some of our clients. We bumped into each other at the beach, danced together at the same event, and shared meals later on all starting from a simple car rental in Tulum.
There was also a group of older gentlemen, in their late 60s and 70s, who vacationed together and brought such good energy that taking them to the airport felt more like saying goodbye to family.
Some clients have taken things even further they’ve asked us to deliver cars outside of Tulum, in places like Mérida, Bacalar, and even Chiquilá. They didn’t want to rent from anyone else. That type of loyalty humbles us every time.
And yes there have been wild “adventure rescues” too. One time, a customer returned the car while it was still running and only after he was on his way to the airport to catch his flight back to the U.S. did we realize the key was still with him. Luckily, we caught it just in time. He handed the key to a trusted bus driver heading toward Tulum Centro, who delivered it back to us safely. Uff that was a close one.
And let’s not forget my birthday I told a few customers (as a light joke), “If you need anything, I’ll be here but I hope you won’t, because it’s my birthday!” The next morning, their tire went flat. And guess who showed up to help? Yup. Me, birthday and all. We laughed a lot. It was chaotic, but kind of perfect.
What Would My Younger Self Say
If I could talk to my younger self, she probably wouldn’t be surprised because deep down, I’ve always loved cars. I’ve always been curious about engines, fascinated by the freedom they represent. But still, I never imagined I’d be running a car rental business in a tropical town like Tulum.
The truth? This journey challenges me in new ways all the time. Like… finding a trustworthy mechanic in a city where the roads constantly break your suspension. That’s real. But even those breakdowns have taught me so much about resilience, problemsolving, and responsibility.
When They Come Back
When a client messages us after months or even years saying, “I’m back in Tulum, can I rent again?” it’s always a surprise. But honestly? It’s one of the best surprises we could ask for.
We’ve had people return after 2–3 years, choosing our Car Rental Tulum service again, even with all the new options around. That trust means everything. And the best part is the feedback when someone finishes their trip and says, “You made my stay easier.” We don’t just feel proud, we feel deeply motivated to keep getting better.
What Makes DasSatil Different From Other Tulum Car Rentals
DasSatil was born from a problem but it grew through passion, purpose, and a lot of love.
Our goal isn’t to own 100 cars. It’s to ensure that every person who rents with us leaves Tulum with good memories. That they feel respected, cared for, and guided.
If you want to explore Tulum with confidence and peace of mind…
Welcome to our family. Book Now!!