These are the tourist scams Trzly has documented across Mexiko, grouped by destination. Each one is real, with a clear way to stay safe. Read before you land.
Wie es funktioniert: Greeters at the airport, malls or beaches offer 'free' tours, breakfasts or activity vouchers, then trap you in a long high-pressure timeshare sales presentation.
Wie man es vermeidet: Decline anyone offering free gifts, tours or upgrades in exchange for attending a 'short' presentation. Book activities through independent, reviewed operators, and do not hand over your passport or a deposit.
Wie es funktioniert: Cancun taxis do not use meters, and some drivers quote inflated fares to tourists, especially from the airport, resorts or nightclubs late at night.
Wie man es vermeidet: Agree the fare in pesos before getting in, check the posted zone-rate cards where available, and use the cheap public buses or a pre-booked transfer for the airport. Have small bills ready.
Wie es funktioniert: Card skimming on stand-alone ATMs, 'dynamic currency conversion' at a poor rate, and being shortchanged when paying in dollars are all common ways tourists lose money.
Wie man es vermeidet: Use ATMs inside banks, always choose to be charged in pesos not dollars, decline the machine's conversion offer, and count your change. Paying in pesos usually gives a better rate.
Wie es funktioniert: Street or beach sellers push cheap tours, fishing trips or snorkelling that may lack insurance, safe boats or the promised inclusions, and take deposits that vanish.
Wie man es vermeidet: Book with established, licensed operators with real reviews and a proper office or website. Confirm what is included and the safety equipment, and avoid paying large cash deposits to street sellers.
Wie es funktioniert: Some street money-changers or informal exchange points give a poor rate or short-change tourists who are not counting carefully, and a few ATMs in touristy areas charge excessive fees or dispense less than requested.
Wie man es vermeidet: Withdraw from ATMs attached to major banks inside malls or bank branches, count cash before walking away, and avoid street money-changers entirely.
Wie es funktioniert: Unregistered taxis hailed outside tourist areas have occasionally been linked to overcharging or, rarely, more serious incidents, especially late at night.
Wie man es vermeidet: Use a rideshare app or call a registered taxi through your hotel instead of flagging a car on the street, particularly after dark.
Wie es funktioniert: Individuals posing as plainclothes police or officials stop tourists, claim a fabricated violation, and demand an on-the-spot cash 'fine'.
Wie man es vermeidet: Real officers do not demand payment on the street. Ask for identification, offer to go to the nearest police station, or call your hotel or embassy rather than paying anyone directly.
Wie es funktioniert: Restaurants right on the main tourist squares sometimes present a menu without prices or add unexpected service charges once the bill arrives.
Wie man es vermeidet: Always ask to see a priced menu before ordering, and check the bill for any added charges before paying.