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Mexico
32 scams
Mexico is home to a great number of UNESCO World Heritage sites as well as over 60 indigenous languages that still survive today.
However, the presence of tourist targeted scams and both violent (though not targeted at tourists) and petty crime means one has to be careful here.
Note: vast majority of trips are trouble free and there is no need to be paranoid. That said, it always pays to be aware, careful, and prepared.
Emergency number
- Emergencies (police, fire, ambulance, etc): 911
Travel guide
Fraudulent tour agencies in Mexico
7 1How it works: Version 1: Fraudulent agencies which pass themselves off as being associated with established brands (e.g. Marriott, United Airlines etc). They target tourists with cold calls claiming that…
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Timeshare scams in Mexico
7 2How it works: Version 1 (scratch card/free ticket): well-dressed salespeople approach and offer you free/discounted tickets to tourist attractions, or they give you a “sure-win” scratch ticket. To redeem the…
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Floating Gardens of Xochimilco boat scam in Mexico
7 0How it works: Boat peddlers/street touts will show you an official price list quoting $1500 peso/hour. However, a fair rate is around $500 peso/hour (although the official site states it…
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Monte Alban ticket scams in Mexico
6 0How it works: Version 1: ticket seller only gives you a receipt, not the ticket. In that case, if you are “caught”, you have to buy another ticket. Version 2:…
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Ruins of Tulum scams in Mexico
5 0How it works: Scam 1: unofficial guides at booths with “information” signs at the carpark will lie about the length of queues, claim a guide is compulsory, or lie about…
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Watersports rental equipment scam in Mexico
5 0How it works: Rogue water sports operators will accuse you of damaging the equipment (e.g. minor scratches not caused by you) and then demand an inflated repair fee. Places to…
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Mayan dollar scam in Mexico
5 0How it works: This is a made up currency which vendors use to trick you. For instance, a vendor offers a gemstone or carving for $3. You pass him a…
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Park photo, video package scam in Mexico
5 0How it works: Situation: there have been some reports of this, depending on luck, you may or may not face it. Opening: at theme parks or nature parks, photos of…
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Pemex gas station scams in Mexico
4 7How it works: Version 1: pump is not zeroed, causing you to get less petrol than desired. Version 2: pumping from the other side of the pump so you cannot…
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Rental car scams in Mexico
4 3How it works: Version 1: advertising low rates then forcing you to purchase additional insurance coverage which you already have. Version 2: adding arbitrary/hidden charges have without you realizing. Version…
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