Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Tuxtla, Chiapas, Mexico

1. Taxi Scams

Unscrupulous taxi drivers may overcharge or take longer routes. Avoid by using registered taxis from stands or airport.

Registration Number: Always check the registration number of the taxi and compare it with the one displayed on the door.
Prepaid Taxis: Use prepaid taxis from airport or stands to avoid overcharging.
Avoid Night Travel: Travel during daytime for better visibility and safety.

Unlicensed guides may offer services at low prices. Use only licensed guides from official tourist information centers.

Official Licenses: Always ask for an official guide's license and check it for authenticity.
Book in Advance: Book tours through reputable travel agencies or online to ensure a licensed guide.
Check Reviews: Read reviews of guides and tour companies before booking.

Souvenir shops may sell fake or low-quality goods. Buy from reputable stores in downtown Tuxtla.

Price Check: Compare prices of similar items at multiple shops.
Warranty or Guarantee: Look for a warranty or guarantee on the item before purchasing.
Check Quality: Examine the quality of the goods carefully before buying.

Some money exchangers may give you less than promised. Use reputable exchange offices or banks.

Licensed Offices: Check if the exchange office is licensed and registered.
Exchange Rates: Compare exchange rates at multiple offices before exchanging money.
Avoid Exchanges on Street: Do not exchange money on the street to avoid scams.

Hotels or hostels may overcharge for rooms. Book in advance through reputable websites or travel agencies.

Check Reviews: Read reviews of accommodations before booking.
Compare Prices: Compare prices at multiple accommodations before making a reservation.
Book in Advance: Book your accommodation well in advance to get the best deals.

Some individuals posing as police officers may demand bribes. Stay calm and ask for identification.

Check Uniforms: Police officers in Tuxtla will have official uniforms and identification cards.
Go to Police Station: If you are unsure, go to the nearest police station for help.
Never Pay on Spot: Do not pay any bribes or fines on the spot. Always ask for a receipt.

Locals who seem friendly may offer help and then demand money. Be cautious and independent.

Trust Your Instincts: If something feels wrong, trust your instincts and avoid the situation.
Stay Alert: Stay alert in crowded areas where pickpocketing is common.
Learn Basic Phrases: Learning basic phrases in Spanish can help you communicate and avoid misunderstandings.

Some ATMs may be tampered with to steal your card information. Use ATMs in banks or well-lit areas.

Check ATM for Tampering: Inspect the ATM for any unusual attachments before using it.
Use Bank ATMs: Use ATMs that are part of a bank to reduce risk.
Limit Transactions: Limit your transactions and withdraw larger amounts less frequently.

Restaurants may inflate bills or serve lower-quality food. Choose popular, reputable restaurants.

Check Menu Prices: Compare prices on the menu with other restaurants.
Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals or hotel staff for restaurant recommendations.
Check Food Quality: Examine the food quality before eating to ensure it meets your expectations.

Tour operators may overcharge or not deliver as promised. Book with reputable companies.

Check Reviews: Read reviews of tour operators before booking.
Compare Prices: Compare prices for similar tours with multiple operators.
Check Inclusions and Exclusions: Carefully review what is included in the tour price to avoid hidden costs.

Car rental companies may charge extra fees or damage cars. Use well-known international rental companies.

Check Contract Terms: Thoroughly review the contract terms before signing.
Inspect Car Before Renting: Inspect the car for any damage before renting and document it.
Return Car on Time: Return the rental car on time to avoid additional charges.

Some street performers may demand more money than promised. Watch the performance and then tip generously.

Watch Performance First: Watch the performance before deciding to tip.
Avoid Distractions: Be aware of distractions around you while watching performances.
Tip Fairly: If the performance was good, tip fairly. If not, do not feel obligated to pay more than what you believe is appropriate.

Internet cafes may charge excessive rates. Use hotels or coffee shops with free Wi-Fi.

Check Prices Before Using: Ask for the price before using an internet cafe.
Use Hotels or Coffee Shops: Use hotels or coffee shops with free Wi-Fi when available.
Limit Time Spent: Limit the time spent on internet cafes to reduce costs.

Some money transfer services may charge high fees or require personal information. Use reputable international services.

Check Fees Before Transferring: Compare fees for different money transfer services.
Secure Transfers: Make sure the service uses secure methods to protect your personal information.
Use Reputable Companies: Choose well-known and reputable international money transfer services.

Some bus drivers may overcharge or take longer routes. Use registered buses from official stops.

Check Fare Before Boarding: Ask for the fare before boarding the bus.
Use Registered Buses: Only use registered buses from official stops.
Stay Alert: Stay alert during your journey and watch for any unusual activities.