Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Ixtapaluca, México, Mexico

All Topics about Ixtapaluca All Cities in Mexico

1. Sim Card Scam at Tianguis

Unscrupulous vendors may sell faulty or overpriced SIM cards. Avoid this by purchasing from authorized dealers.

Authorized Dealer: Look for Telekom Mexico outlets to buy your SIM card
Price Check: Ask for a price comparison if you're unsure about the price
Avoid Street Vendors: Do not buy from street vendors to avoid the risk of getting scammed

Inexpensive souvenirs from street vendors may be fake. Support local artisans by buying their authentic products.

Local Artisan Markets: Visit the Mercado Artesanal de Ixtapaluca for genuine, handmade goods
Certified Quality: Look for certifications such as 'Arte Popular de México' to ensure authenticity
Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals or your hotel staff for trusted vendors to buy from

Taxis may overcharge tourists. Use pre-paid taxi booths or ride-hailing apps for fair prices.

Pre-Paid Taxi Booths: Use the prepaid taxis located at the airport, bus station, and major tourist attractions
Ride-Hailing Apps: Download apps like Uber or Cabify to ensure fair pricing and safer rides
Negotiate Fares: Always negotiate the fare before getting into a taxi to avoid unexpected charges

Unlicensed guides may offer their services. Always ask for an official guide ID.

Official Guide ID: Ask to see the guide's official ID, issued by INAH (Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia)
Book Guided Tours: Book guided tours from authorized travel agencies or your hotel
Research beforehand: Do some research on the archaeological site and common scams before you go

Restaurants near tourist spots may charge tourists more. Try local eateries or street food instead.

Local Eateries: Find small, family-owned restaurants in residential areas for authentic and affordable meals
Street Food Stalls: Enjoy delicious and affordable street food at the local markets or food carts
Avoid Touristy Areas: Avoid dining in restaurants located near tourist spots to avoid overpriced meals

Criminals install fake ATMs to steal bank information. Use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls.

Bank ATMs: Use ATMs located inside banks, shopping centers, or well-lit areas
Cover the Keypad: Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN to protect yourself from shoulder surfers
Check for Tampering: Look for signs of tampering or malfunction on the ATM before using it

Some scammers may try to involve you in drug-related situations. Avoid any encounters with strangers offering drugs.

Avoid Suspicious Areas: Stay away from areas known for drug activity, such as certain nightclubs or bars
Don't Accept Offers: Politely decline any offers of drugs and walk away immediately
Travel in Groups: Always travel with a group or stick to well-lit, populated areas at night

Dishonest money exchangers may provide less than the agreed amount. Use reputable exchanges and compare rates.

Reputable Exchange Offices: Look for licensed exchange offices with good reviews
Compare Rates: Compare rates at several exchanges before making a transaction
Secure Transactions: Make sure the exchange office has security cameras and offers secure transactions

Unlicensed tour buses may offer cheap rides but take a longer route or drop you off at shops for commission. Use only registered tour companies.

Registered Tour Companies: Book tours with registered and reputable companies, like Ixtapaluca Tours or Mexico City Tourism
Check Bus Licenses: Always check the bus for a license plate, which should have 'Turismo' written on it
Avoid Cheap Deals: Be wary of tour buses that offer incredibly cheap deals as they may be scams

Some bars may serve fake or low-quality tequila. Choose reputable establishments and ask for the bottle.

Reputable Bars: Visit popular, well-reviewed bars known for their selection of tequilas
Ask for the Bottle: Ask the bartender to see the bottle before pouring your drink
Know Your Tequila: Research the different types of tequila and learn to spot counterfeits

Hotels near tourist spots may charge more. Research accommodation options before arriving.

Online Reviews: Use online reviews to find affordable and comfortable accommodations
Book in Advance: Book your accommodation well in advance to get the best deals
Avoid Touristy Areas: Look for accommodations in residential areas or quieter neighborhoods

Public Wi-Fi hotspots may be used for data theft. Use a VPN or mobile hotspot when connecting to public Wi-Fi.

VPN Connection: Use a VPN service to secure your connection and protect your data
Mobile Hotspot: Set up a mobile hotspot on your phone or portable device for safe internet access
Avoid Sensitive Transactions: Do not conduct sensitive transactions, like online banking or shopping, over public Wi-Fi

Some individuals may ask for donations for the church, even if it's closed. Only give to authorized collectors or charities.

Authorized Collectors: Look for collectors wearing a badge or uniform from the church
Give to Charities: If you want to donate, give to reputable charities instead of individuals
Check Church Hours: Make sure the church is open before trying to donate or take photos

Inexpensive handicrafts from street vendors may be fake. Buy only from authorized shops in the market.

Authorized Shops: Look for official shops inside Mercado de la Merced
Certified Quality: Look for certifications such as 'Arte Popular de México' to ensure authenticity
Ask for Recommendations: Ask locals or your hotel staff for trusted vendors to buy from

Cheap clothing at fashion outlets may be counterfeit. Buy from reputable brands or authorized retailers.

Reputable Brands: Look for well-known, international brands with reputations for quality
Authorized Retailers: Buy from authorized retailers or outlets with a proven track record
Check Quality: Inspect the clothing for signs of poor quality or inconsistencies, such as misspellings on labels