16 Mexico Scams To Avoid On Your Vacation

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Although you don’t come across tourist scams in Mexico too often, there’s always a chance you can come across them, especially when visiting busy destinations like Cancun, Mexico City, or Cabo San Lucas.

Mexican people are warm and friendly and are generally welcoming toward tourists. But as in most places, you could always come across someone looking to take advantage of tourists new to the area. 

I’ve traveled to more than half of the states in Mexico, and run into very few scams. Maybe I was lucky, or it’s the fact that I speak Spanish, and know Mexico’s culture well, but I don’t have too many personal stories to share when it comes to scams. The advice in this article is based on things I heard from my friends and fellow travelers who told me about their experience in Mexico. 

1. Overpriced tours

Always check reviews before booking excursions, especially for popular activities like whale watching in Cabo or snorkeling tours in Cancun. People who sell overpriced tours usually target tourists in busy areas like waterfront areas, beaches, and restaurants. If you want to book a tour with a specific operator, always make sure that the price you are getting matches the price listed online. 

To avoid overpriced tours, book your adventure through Viator, an online platform where you can book guided adventures in many parts of Mexico and other countries. 

2. Fake tour operators 

I haven’t come across this scam, but I talked to a few travelers who said they came across shady people who appeared to pose as legitimate tour operators. In this scam, fake tour agents sign you up for a tour and take a small deposit, but when you show up, no actual tour happens.

Every time someone offers you a guided tour, the first thing you should do is look up an operator online and find their website and social media. If their pages don’t look legitimate, or you can’t find them on the Internet, ask them about it. 

A very low price should raise a flag. Con artists use different tactics to entice tourists to give them money, and an unusually cheap tour is just one of the techniques they might use. 

3. Inflated restaurant bills

Some restaurants in popular destinations might include an automatic tip to your final bill. That’s why you should always review your receipt before paying. Some restaurants and bars in Cabo San Lucas are known for slapping automatic tips to your bill, regardless of the quality of the service that you received. Check your bill, and if you notice a discrepancy, always ask your server for a correction. 

4. Skimming devices on ATM’s

In this scam, criminals place skimming devices in ATM’s to steal banking data. When you insert your credit card, a skimming device copies your data, which criminals later use to make purchases in your name without a physical credit card.

Use only ATMs affiliated with big banks like Banco Azteca, BBVA, and Santander instead of small random ATMs on the side of the buildings. Skimming devices are hard to spot, but small, random ATMs are always more risky because they are easier to target than bank ATMs with cameras and on-site staff. 

It’s best to avoid standalone, random ATMs and look for the nearest bank branch instead of testing your luck. Additionally, make sure no one is watching you when you insert your card in an ATM and try to withdraw the money. 

5. Fake taxis

While more travelers rely on Uber these days, you should always be extra careful if ride-share options are not available and you need to take a taxi cab.  As a rule, take taxis only from designated areas (la parada del taxi), to avoid unlicensed, or fake taxis. Fake taxis are one of the most common Mexico City scams, but there’s a chance you can run into them in other destinations around the country.

Fake taxis often use high-pressure tactics to make you take a ride with them, but if you want to avoid a chance of running into one, always check if ride-share options like Uber, Didi, or InDrive are available. A taxi should be your last option, but if you need to take one, only authorized taxis, and ask your driver to show his or her identification, whenever in doubt.

A fake taxi driver may claim their meter is not working properly or take longer routes to charge you more money. Whenever you take a taxi, always agree on the prices ahead of your ride, so you don’t get charged extra later. Also, clarify if your price is in Pesos or US Dollars, and pay in cash at all times. 

One of the most common scams in Cancun, a taxi scam at the airport involves taxi drivers charging travelers 2 or 3 times the price that you agreed on initially when paying with a credit card. 

6. Gas pump scam 

One of the most common scams in Mexico, a gas pump scam is more likely to occur when you spend time on the road.  Pumping your gas is not allowed in Mexico, and whenever you pull into a gas station, a gas station attendant will ask what type of gas and how much gas you want to put in your car.

After you respond to that question, pay close attention to the pump, which should be reset to zero, before your attendant begins to pump gas. Most people are distracted when they are getting gas and are not paying attention to what’s going on around them, which creates a perfect environment for scams. Once you finish, double-check the amount you were charged, and carefully count the money you are giving to the attendant if you are paying in cash. 

Tips for avoiding gas station pumps in Mexico:

• Avoid gas stations where tourists go – That’s where scams are more likely to happen. If a gas station has many local drivers and taxi cabs, it’s usually a good sign.
• Decline extra services when you don’t need them – Oftentimes, gas station attendants will start washing your windows without asking or asking to check your fluids or tire pressure. It’s a good way for them to earn legitimate tips, since they work in the heat all day and make only a minimum wage. You can always decline politely if you don’t need it. 
• Tell your gas pump attendant how many liters you need – Mexico uses liters, not gallons, and one good way to avoid getting scammed at the pump is to say how many liters of gasoline you need before they begin pumping it. 
• Never pay before your gas is pumped – You only pay after they put gas in your car. 

7. Car rental scams 

The best way to avoid dealing with taxis and ride shares is to rent your own car. When you have a vehicle, you can plan your trip however you like without relying on other modes of transportation.

However, you should always be cautious when renting a car in Mexico, because there are some companies that can charge you hidden fees, or try to charge you money for the existing damages when you return the car. 

Always book a car rental with a reputable company, and carefully read online reviews. DiscoverCars is my preferred platform for booking car rentals in Mexico, which allows you to look for cars based on your preferences. They also have reviews from previous customers, and a sizable inventory with hundreds of vehicles per location, depending on the destination. 

Regardless of where you book your car, you should always read your car rental agreement, carefully before signing it. Go over all fees and charges to understand what you pay for and take photos and videos of the car before you drive off, to document any existing damages.

Another thing to know about renting a car in Mexico is that you are required to have car insurance. However, the only minimum required by law is liability, so don’t let anybody push you into buying additional insurance when you don’t have to. 

8. Timeshare scam 

Timeshare is one of the oldest and most well-known scams in Mexico, especially in popular coastal areas like Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, where con artists approach people at airports with offers of a quick time-share presentation. The timeshare scam in Mexico targets predominantly Canadian and American tourists, who have more disposable income. 

People engaged in time-share scams often approach their victims with promises of gifts, tours, and other “perks” as a reward for watching a quick timeshare presentation. While this offer sounds like a great deal that requires little commitment, don’t ever agree to that, because you will likely lose at least a couple of hours of your time and potentially even some money. 

People who approach you with the timeshare presentation could ask you to sign a contract or other papers before the presentation. You should never agree to attend any presentations, let alone sign any papers given to you by someone you don’t know. 

9. Shortchanging

A shortchanging scam can happen from taxi cabs, and gas stations to local markets. In this scam, vendors may “accidentally” give you incorrect change when you pay in cash. As a rule of thumb, always count your change twice before walking away. While you are more likely to get shortchanged in a small local store, you should always be vigilant, no matter when you buy things. 

Some businesses in popular destinations like Tulum, Cabo San Lucas, and Cancun accept US dollars, but you should always try to pay in Mexican Pesos because when you pay in local currency you are less likely to be scammed out of money since there’s no exchange rate involved. 

10. Counterfeit tequila

If you visit a popular beach area and want to bring some authentic Mexican tequila back home, buy it only from reputable stores and distilleries. Some shops sell fake or low-quality tequila in fancy bottles at premium prices, because most tourists can’t tell the difference between high and low-quality tequila and will buy it regardless.

Tequila scams are more common in Puerto Vallarta and other popular parts of the state of Jalisco, the birthplace of the famous drink. You can come across this scam in other destinations because this drink is sold in many parts of Mexico. 

 If you are in doubt, check their reviews online, and ask a store employee about where tequila comes from and what it was made. 

11. Fake police 

Fake police is one of the scariest scams in Mexico because it involves scammers impersonating police officers. I’ve never come across this scam, but read several stories online about fake cops who targeted locals and tourists. 

Fake police officers may demand your documents or tell you to pay a fine because you violated a law, and could be scared. Although this sounds frightening, never give in, especially if someone tells you to pay money when you didn’t break any laws. Ask a police officer to show their identification and ask if you could go to the nearest police station to resolve the issue. A real police offer will not object to these questions. 

12. Fake parking lot attendants 

When you arrive at a popular destination by car and park your car, you could be approached by someone who says they are an employee and asks you for a payment.

This scam happened to me once in Baja California, when I parked a car at a popular beach and wanted to take a quick hike to a popular overlook. The person who approached me said I had to pay 30 Pesos for parking when the beach was free for everyone. Whenever in doubt, always ask for their ID, or ask if you could speak with their supervisor. 

13. Pickpocketing 

Pickpocketing is a common scam in busy areas targeting both tourists and locals. Pickpockets usually look for victims in crowded areas like bus stations, markets, and tourist attractions. Whenever you walk into a busy area, always keep a close eye on your bag or backpack and pay close attention to people walking next to you. 

I recommend getting an anti-theft bag, which would detract someone who might try to open it, as it has several layers of protection. In addition, avoid carrying large sums of money. Bring a few credit cards and some Pesos, but leave most of your valuables in a safe in your hotel room. 

If you are visiting Mexico City, avoid the metro (subway) during the rush hour, around 4-6 p.m., when many people commute home from work. Metro stations can get extremely crowded during these hours, making it easy for someone to pull your phone or wallet out of your bag. 

14. Currency exchange scam 

If you need to exchange US dollars or any other currency for Mexican Pesos, avoid currency exchange at airports, cruise ports, and popular landmarks.

While currency exchange at airports already involves a less-than-favorable exchange rate, they often add extra fees, so you lose money. Similar to timeshares, it’s one of the most common airport scams in Mexico.

I always recommend bringing at least some Mexican Pesos with you or going to an ATM first. If you need to exchange money on the spot, always look for a reputable currency exchange office, and check online reviews, if possible. Check the official exchange rate and count how much money you are supposed to get, before giving your cash for an exchange. 

15. Fake souvenir scam 

Visit a major tourist destination in Mexico, and you will find lines of street vendors trying to sell you everything from souvenirs to clothing, textiles, and home goods. While most of these vendors are hard-working people who try to make a living, some try to sell fake trinkets disguised as ancient relics or ancient artifacts. 

While a small vendor might have an official license and a legitimate business, the chance is they are offering you a cheap knock-off trying to make a quick buck. The probability of a small street vendor selling you an authentic ancient artifact is zero.

It could be easy to fall for this scam because Mexico has such a rich history and there are many artifacts and even pyramids that are being discovered to this day. However, don’t let anyone fool you when they say that they can sell you a piece of history for $10, $15, or even $30. 

16. Fake tickets  

When you walk near a popular attraction or point of entry to a bus station, ferry terminal, or event, you sometimes could be approached by people who try to sell you tickets so you can avoid standing in line or get straight to your hotel.

While it could be tempting, avoid buying tickets from anybody who approaches you, because there’s a high chance that these tickets could be highly overpriced or fake. 

Buy tickets only from legitimate websites or authorized ticket offices. Stay away from anybody who approaches you with a ticket sale offer. 

How to avoid tourist scams in Mexico?

To avoid tourist scams in Mexico, always check the price before paying for goods and services, count your change carefully, and be wary of anybody trying to use pressure tactics to make you buy something. Always request credentials when someone claims to be an official or demands you pay a fine in cash. 

Here are a few tips on how to avoid scams in Mexico: 

1. Stay away from anybody who approaches you at the airport

There’s no reason for someone to approach you at the airport, and most people who do that probably try to make quick cash off tourists who just arrived and don’t know any better. 

2. Research how much things should cost

Whenever you want to buy something on the spot do a quick check on how much something should cost. Whether it’s a guided tour, an authentic handmade souvenir, or a bottle of tequila, do a quick Google search to find out how much it should cost.

3. Never give in to high-pressure tactics

Whenever someone tells you that you can’t buy a service or product anywhere else, it’s usually a sign they are trying to scam you. Taxi drivers in Cancun often use high-pressure tactics when they approach you at the airport or other busy spots telling you that there’s no public transportation available, and a taxi is the only option.

One time when I was taking a local van from Isla Mujeres cruise port to the airport, a taxi driver approached me and said it was illegal. I knew it was a lie, so I just brushed him off. 

4. Always count your change carefully

To avoid shortchanging, always count your change carefully and make sure you know how much something costs before you pay for it. 

5. Pay in Mexican Pesos

It’s easier and safer to use cash when paying for things in Mexico. First, not every business in Mexico accepts credit cards. Second, paying in local currency is better than paying in US dollars as you are less likely to pay tourist prices. 

6. Read reviews

When you want to visit a restaurant or popular attraction, read online reviews to see what other travelers have to say about it. Doing your research is a good way to avoid scams and be more prepared ahead of your visit.

7. Don’t flash your cash

Avoid dressing in expensive clothing and jewelry, which often attracts pickpockets and scammers who see you as a walking dollar sign. Instead, put on regular, plain clothing that doesn’t suggest you have big money.

8. Buy tickets only from authorized sellers

Whether it’s transportation or event tickets, always buy them from authorized sellers and avoid people who approach you, because they are likely just trying to sell you an overpriced or counterfeit ticket.

9. Always carry Mexican Pesos

Always have some Pesos with you when arriving in Mexico. This way, you don’t have to scramble at the airport, or pay with a credit when you just arrive, and get better deals than paying with US dollars.

10. If something seems too good to be true it probably is

Whenever someone approaches you with an incredible deal, there’s a high chance it’s a scam. Always trust your gut.