Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Acapulco de Juárez, Guerrero, Mexico
1. Taxi Scam
Avoid taxis without meter or bargain before the ride. Always use licensed taxi stands.
- Unmetered Taxis: They may overcharge tourists.
- Bargain Before Ride: To ensure a fair price before your journey begins.
- Licensed Taxi Stands: Offer a safer and more reliable service.
2. Counterfeit Goods
Avoid buying souvenirs from street vendors. Purchase from authorized shops or malls.
- Street Vendors: May sell counterfeit or low-quality goods.
- Authorized Shops: Guarantee authentic souvenirs.
- Malls: Often contain reputable stores selling legitimate items.
3. Beach Club Scam
Ensure the beach club is reputable before visiting. Be cautious of excessive drink offers on the beach.
- Reputable Beach Clubs: Offer a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Excessive Drink Offers: May lead to inflated bills or other scams.
- Be Cautious on the Beach: Only accept drinks from trusted sources.
4. ATM Scam
Use ATMs located in banks or well-lit areas. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN.
- Bank ATMs: Offer increased security.
- Well-lit Areas: Reduce the chance of someone observing your PIN.
- Cover Keypad: Prevents potential thieves from recording your PIN.
5. Timeshare Scam
Avoid accepting free tours or offers for timeshares. Firmly decline high-pressure sales tactics.
- Free Tours: May lead to a high-pressure timeshare presentation.
- High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Can be aggressive and difficult to escape from.
- Decline Firmly: Politely but firmly refuse any unwanted offers.
6. Fishing Scam
Always negotiate the price for fishing trips before departure. Check equipment and boats are in good condition.
- Negotiate Price Before Departure: To ensure a fair deal.
- Check Equipment: Ensure it is in good working order and safe to use.
- Inspect Boats: Look for signs of safety and seaworthiness.
7. Motorcycle Taxi Scam
Always agree on the price before getting on a motorcycle taxi. Use official stands for safe rides.
- Agree on Price Before Ride: To avoid any surprises or overcharging.
- Official Stands: Ensure the driver is licensed and the vehicle is insured.
- Safe Ride: Avoids potential accidents or thefts.
8. Hotel Scam
Check hotel reviews online before booking. Inspect the room upon arrival for any damage.
- Online Reviews: Offer insights into the hotel's reputation and service.
- Inspect Room Upon Arrival: Ensure the room is clean and in good condition.
- Check for Damage: Look for signs of previous occupants or wear.
9. Overpriced Food and Drinks
Avoid eating at touristy areas. Look for local restaurants to get authentic and affordable meals.
- Touristy Areas: Overpriced menus to target tourists.
- Local Restaurants: Offer traditional and affordable meals.
- Authentic Meals: Provide a taste of the local cuisine.
10. Shore Excursion Scam
Book shore excursions through your cruise line or reputable tour operators. Be cautious of unsolicited offers on the dock.
- Cruise Line or Reputable Tour Operators: Offer secure and reliable excursions.
- Unsolicited Offers on the Dock: May lead to overpriced, low-quality or dangerous activities.
- Be Cautious: Only accept offers from trusted sources.
11. Charity Scam
Only donate to well-known charities or those recommended by a reputable source. Be wary of street solicitors.
- Well-Known Charities: Guarantee that your donation goes to a legitimate cause.
- Reputable Sources: Provide information about reliable charities in Acapulco de Juárez.
- Be Wary of Street Solicitors: They may not be genuine and your donation might not reach its intended recipient.
12. Senior Scam
Avoid offering assistance to elderly individuals asking for help. They may be part of a scam.
- Avoid Offering Assistance: They may ask you to withdraw money or offer a reward in exchange.
- Elderly Individuals Asking for Help: May be part of a scam to target unsuspecting tourists.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Contact local authorities if you suspect a scam is taking place.
13. Fake Police Scam
Always carry a photocopy of your passport and travel documents. Do not give original documents to anyone claiming to be police officers.
- Photocopy of Passport and Travel Documents: Provides necessary information while keeping originals safe.
- Do Not Give Original Documents: Prevent potential identity theft or extortion.
- Contact Local Consulate or Embassy: If you are approached by someone claiming to be a police officer and requesting your documents.
14. Basketball Game Scam
Avoid street basketball games offering bets or wagers. They may be rigged or part of a scam.
- Street Basketball Games: May be used to exploit unsuspecting tourists.
- Offering Bets or Wagers: Can lead to potential thefts, scams, or violence.
- Safe and Legal Gaming Options: Visit casinos or licensed gaming venues for safe and legal gambling opportunities.
15. Beach Lounger Scam
Be aware of beach loungers left on your towels or blankets. They may charge a fee for their removal.
- Unattended Beach Loungers: May belong to someone who expects payment for using them.
- Fee for Removing Beach Loungers: Can lead to unnecessary expenses or scams.
- Use Reputable Beach Clubs: Ensure the use of their beach loungers is included in your fees.