Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Cancún, Mexico
1. Taxi Scams
Avoid unofficial taxis at the airport. Stick to pre-paid taxis or authorized taxi stands.
- Pre-Paid Taxis: Official taxis from airport with fixed rates.
- Authorized Taxi Stands: Regulated and safe taxi stands in Cancún.
- Unofficial Taxis: Unregulated taxis that can overcharge or take longer routes.
2. Time-Share Scams
Be wary of time-share presentations offering free meals and gifts. Decline politely and move on.
- Free Meals and Gifts: A common lure to get you into a time-share presentation.
- Pressure Tactics: High-pressure sales tactics used during presentations.
- Legal Contracts: Long and complex contracts that can be difficult to cancel.
3. Counterfeit Goods
Be cautious when buying souvenirs from street vendors. Opt for licensed stores for genuine items.
- Street Vendors: Vendors selling goods on the street or in unlicensed shops.
- Licensed Stores: Authorized retailers that sell genuine souvenirs.
- Counterfeit Items: Fake or low-quality goods sold by unscrupulous vendors.
4. Beach Scams
Avoid vendors offering services on the beach. Only use official hotel or resort services.
- Official Hotel Services: Hotel and resort services for sunbeds, umbrellas, and food.
- Beach Vendors: Vendors offering services on the beach that may not be legitimate.
- Overpriced Services: Services offered by vendors may be overpriced or of poor quality.
5. ATM Scams
Use ATMs inside banks or well-lit, busy areas. Never enter your PIN if the machine looks tampered with.
- Inside Banks: ATMs located inside banks are generally safer.
- Well-lit, busy areas: ATMs in well-lit, busy areas are less likely to be tampered with.
- Tampered ATMs: ATMs that appear to have been tampered with can compromise your security.
6. Overpriced Food and Drinks
Avoid eating and drinking in touristy areas. Explore local eateries for authentic food at reasonable prices.
- Touristy Areas: Areas popular with tourists often have higher prices.
- Local Eateries: Family-run restaurants and food stalls for authentic local cuisine.
- Overpriced Items: Items priced higher in touristy areas compared to local eateries.
7. Fake Police Officers
Remain cautious when approached by individuals claiming to be police officers. Ask for proper ID and contact your hotel or consulate if unsure.
- Proper ID: Police officers should always carry identification.
- Contact Hotel or Consulate: If unsure, contact your hotel or consulate for confirmation.
- Fake Officers: Individuals posing as police officers to scam tourists.
8. Fishing Scams
Be wary of fishermen offering to sell fish caught fresh. Check the quality and price before purchasing.
- Check Quality: Inspect the fish for signs of poor quality or contamination.
- Check Price: Compare prices with local markets to ensure fair pricing.
- Unlicensed Fishermen: Fishermen without a license may use illegal or unsafe methods.
9. Overbooked Hotels
Book your accommodation in advance to avoid potential scams. Check reviews and ratings before booking.
- Advance Booking: Booking accommodation ahead of time reduces the risk of scams.
- Reviews and Ratings: Check reviews and ratings to ensure a reputable establishment.
- Overbooked Hotels: Hotels that are overbooked may direct you to substandard alternatives.
10. Cancún Nightlife Scams
Stick to reputable bars and clubs. Be cautious when using ATMs or exchanging money in nightlife areas.
- Reputable Bars and Clubs: Establishments with good reviews, security, and fair pricing.
- ATMs and Money Exchange: Be wary of ATMs or money exchange services in nightlife areas.
- Unreputable Establishments: Bars, clubs, or other establishments that may engage in scams.
11. Car Rental Scams
Rent from reputable companies. Inspect the vehicle thoroughly before driving away.
- Reputable Companies: Companies with good reviews, fair pricing, and transparent policies.
- Inspect Vehicle: Thoroughly inspect the vehicle for damage before driving away.
- Unreputable Companies: Companies that may charge hidden fees, provide damaged vehicles, or engage in other scams.
12. Bogus Guides and Tours
Book tours through reputable companies. Check reviews and ask for recommendations from locals or hotel staff.
- Reputable Companies: Companies with good reviews, fair pricing, and transparent policies.
- Check Reviews: Read reviews to ensure a positive experience and avoid scams.
- Ask for Recommendations: Seek recommendations from locals or hotel staff for reliable tour operators.
13. Dive Shop Scams
Book diving through reputable companies. Check certifications and safety equipment before diving.
- Reputable Companies: Companies with good reviews, fair pricing, and transparent policies.
- Check Certifications: Ensure the dive shop is certified and follows safety protocols.
- Safety Equipment: Inspect safety equipment before diving to ensure it's in good condition.
14. Ferry Scams
Use official ferries with fixed prices. Avoid unmarked or privately-owned ferries.
- Official Ferry Stations: Stick to official ferry stations for safety and fair pricing.
- Unmarked or Private Ferries: Avoid unmarked or privately-owned ferries that may overcharge or be unsafe.
- Fixed Prices: Official ferries operate with fixed prices to avoid scams.
15. Street Performers and Pet Scams
Appreciate street performances but don't offer money unless you want to. Be cautious if someone offers a pet for sale.
- Appreciation Without Money: Show appreciation without offering money to avoid misunderstandings.
- Offering Pets for Sale: Be cautious when approached about buying a pet, as it may be stolen or in poor condition.
- Supporting Local Artists: Support local artists by tipping for quality performances.