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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 numbers
- Emergencies (police, fire, ambulance, etc): 911
Travel resources
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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Timeshare scams in Mexico
7 1How 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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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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Fraudulent tour agencies in Mexico
6 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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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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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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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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Fake silver, jewelry, artefacts in Mexico
4 0How it works: Situation: as silver is mined in Mexico, it is supposedly cheaper to buy here. However, many are fake, and some even have fake licenses as authentic silver…
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Familiar face scam in Mexico
4 0How it works: A common opening by street touts and shop vendors is to identify the resort you come from by looking at your resort wristband and claiming to work…
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“Pirate” taxis in Mexico
3 0How it works: Version 1: unlicensed taxis which inflate the fare halfway through or at the end of a trip; or having a rigged meter. Version 2: very unlikely to…
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Pemex gas station scams in Mexico
3 5How 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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Vacation apartment scams in Mexico
3 2How it works: Situation: there have been reports of fraudulent rental apartment listings on rental platforms and classified ads platforms in Mexico. Red flags: cheap prices, copy-pasted description, dodgy sounding…
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Shopping scams in Mexico
3 1How it works: Product swap: changing your product to a lower quality one/counterfeit after you have paid. Overcharging: not labeling prices; using rip off exchange rates. Fakes: selling fake electronics,…
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