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.
Hur det fungerar: 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.
Hur man undviker det: 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.
Hur det fungerar: Cancun taxis do not use meters, and some drivers quote inflated fares to tourists, especially from the airport, resorts or nightclubs late at night.
Hur man undviker det: 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.
Hur det fungerar: 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.
Hur man undviker det: 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.
Hur det fungerar: 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.
Hur man undviker det: 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.
Hur det fungerar: 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.
Hur man undviker det: Withdraw from ATMs attached to major banks inside malls or bank branches, count cash before walking away, and avoid street money-changers entirely.
Hur det fungerar: Unregistered taxis hailed outside tourist areas have occasionally been linked to overcharging or, rarely, more serious incidents, especially late at night.
Hur man undviker det: Use a rideshare app or call a registered taxi through your hotel instead of flagging a car on the street, particularly after dark.
Hur det fungerar: Individuals posing as plainclothes police or officials stop tourists, claim a fabricated violation, and demand an on-the-spot cash 'fine'.
Hur man undviker det: 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.
Hur det fungerar: Restaurants right on the main tourist squares sometimes present a menu without prices or add unexpected service charges once the bill arrives.
Hur man undviker det: Always ask to see a priced menu before ordering, and check the bill for any added charges before paying.