Cancun is a beautiful destination, but like any tourist hotspot, it has its fair share of traps that can catch you off guard if you’re unprepared.
After living and traveling in Cancun, I’ve experienced some of these scams firsthand.
From sneaky car rental schemes to overpriced souvenirs, tourists can get tricked in many ways.
But don’t worry; I’m here to share what I’ve learned and help you avoid falling for these common tourist traps.
Let’s examine the scams you need to avoid so you can enjoy your trip without surprises!
1. Airport Car Rental Scams
One of the most frustrating scams tourists face in Cancun is the airport car rental scam.
Here’s how it works: You arrive at the car rental counter, thinking your reservation is all set, only to be told that it has mysteriously “disappeared.”
They might claim there was a mix-up or that the car you booked isn’t available anymore.
Then, they offer you a different car at a much higher price.
I’ve had this happen to me before, and it’s incredibly frustrating, especially after a long flight.
They tried convincing me to pay double for a car I didn’t want!
Luckily, I had my reservation details saved and could prove that I had booked at the original price.
Personal Tip:
Always have a printed or digital copy of your reservation ready to show them.
It’s also important to stick with official rental companies and check for proper signage at the airport.
Avoid renting from unofficial stands or people offering cars outside the main car rental offices; they’re often the ones pulling these scams.
Staying organized and booking with a trusted company can save you from a huge headache.
2. Mayan Dollar Currency Scam
One of the stranger scams I’ve encountered in Cancun is the Mayan dollar currency scam.
Here’s how it goes: Some vendors will tell you that “Mayan dollars” are a local currency worth $3 U.S. dollars each.
They’ll even try to sell you items priced in this so-called currency, making it sound like a deal. The truth?
There’s no such thing as a Mayan dollar, and they’re just trying to rip you off by overcharging.
I remember when I first heard about this scam while shopping for souvenirs.
A vendor tried to convince me that using “Mayan dollars” would save me money.
Luckily, I knew to stick with pesos or U.S. dollars and double-check exchange rates before purchasing.
Personal Tip:
Always verify prices and use familiar currencies like Mexican pesos or U.S. dollars.
To avoid being overcharged, you can check the current exchange rates on your phone.
If someone offers you “Mayan dollars” as a deal, just walk away; it’s a SCAM.
3. ATM Machine Scams
Another common issue tourists face in Cancun is the ATM machine scam.
ATMs in high-tourist areas, like the Hotel Zone, can be risky.
Some machines may overcharge you with high transaction fees, or worse, they might clone your card information.
This scam can leave you with unexpected charges or, in the worst-case scenario, a drained bank account.
I learned this the hard way when I first visited Cancun. I used an ATM outside a busy tourist shop and later noticed strange charges on my card.
It wasn’t fun dealing with my bank while on vacation!
Personal Tip:
Always use ATMs inside Mexican bank branches, which are much safer. These are located in downtown Cancun and other less tourist-heavy areas.
Avoid using ATMs in tourist zones or near shops and hotels, as those are more likely to be tampered with.
Always look around before using the machine, and stay alert of your surroundings.
It’s also smart to withdraw larger amounts at once to avoid repeated transactions and fees.
4. Water Sports Rental Scams
Water sports like jet skiing or paddleboarding are super popular in Cancun but come with risks, especially rental scams.
Some vendors will rent you equipment, like jet skis, and after you return it, they’ll falsely claim you damaged it.
They might demand an outrageous fee for “repairs” or keep your deposit.
This happened to a friend who rented a jet ski on the beach.
When he returned it, the vendor pointed out a scratch and insisted he pay a huge amount to cover the “damage.”
It was a total scam!
Personal Tip:
Always inspect the equipment thoroughly before using it. To prove its condition, take photos or videos of any existing damage.
If a vendor tries to claim you caused damage, you can show them the photos.
It’s also a good idea to rent from well-known companies instead of random beachside stands.
Protect yourself by being cautious and documenting everything!
5. Shopping Scams
When shopping in Cancun, especially in tourist-heavy markets, you have to be careful of shopping scams.
Some vendors may show you a high-quality item, but they swap it for a cheaper, lower-quality version after you pay.
This is especially common when buying souvenirs or tequila. Prices can also be highly inflated, with some shops charging tourists way more than locals.
I learned this lesson while shopping for tequila.
I bought what I thought was a high-end bottle, only to realize it was a much cheaper brand than they had shown me.
It was a sneaky switch after I paid!
Personal Tip:
Always inspect your purchases before you leave the shop. If you’re buying tequila or other goods, make sure the bottle or item you picked out is the one you’re given.
It’s also good to shop around first to compare prices and avoid overpriced tourist traps.
Stick to well-known markets or stores with good reviews for the most authentic and fair deals!
6. Restaurant and Bar Scams
Eating out in Cancun can be a great experience, but beware of restaurant and bar scams that target tourists.
Some places have dual menus, one with lower prices for locals and another with inflated prices for tourists.
Others may sneak in extra charges on your bill, like adding items you didn’t order or inflating the tax.
I once ate at a restaurant in the Hotel Zone. I noticed a few strange charges on my bill, and when I asked for an itemized receipt, the numbers suddenly didn’t add up.
They had tacked on extra fees that weren’t mentioned anywhere!
Personal Tip:
Always ask for an itemized receipt and double-check your bill before paying.
Look for hidden charges; if something seems off, don’t hesitate to question it.
Sticking to well-reviewed restaurants can also help avoid these sneaky tactics.
If you receive a menu in Spanish, don’t worry; use a translation app to compare prices with any English menu they might offer.
7. Night Adult Entertainment Scams
If you’re thinking about exploring the nightlife in Cancun, especially around the party zone, or if you’re tempted to let a taxi driver take you to a massage parlor or strip club, be very careful.
These places can be dangerous traps for tourists.
Here’s what usually happens: The taxi driver might offer to take you to a “special spot,” but they’re just getting a commission from the establishment.
Once inside, you could pay five times more than locals; in the worst cases, you might be robbed or scammed.
Dangerous groups control many of these places, so it’s not just about losing money; it could be a serious safety risk.
Personal Tip:
Stay away from street prostitutes and sketchy nightclubs. Stick to reputable places within the tourist zone where it’s safer to have fun.
Trust me, it’s not worth the risk, and you’ll avoid getting caught in a bad situation. Enjoy Cancun’s nightlife, but stay alert and know where you’re going.
8. Police Scams
Another unfortunate scam some tourists face in Cancun involves police officers targeting visitors with fake traffic violations.
These officers may pull you over for a supposed violation, such as speeding or running a stop sign, and then demand a bribe to avoid giving you a ticket.
It’s a stressful situation, but it’s important to stay calm.
I had a friend who was pulled over and told they were speeding when they weren’t.
The officer hinted that things could be “taken care of” if they paid a little cash on the spot.
Luckily, they refused and calmly asked to be taken to the station to resolve the issue, which made the officer back off.
Personal Tip:
If this happens to you, stay calm and polite. Don’t get aggressive or argue, but don’t agree to pay a bribe.
If they insist on giving you a ticket, politely ask to go to the police station to settle it. This will most often discourage them from pursuing the scam.
Remember that legitimate police officers won’t ask for cash on the spot.
9. Rental Property Scams
One of the most common traps for tourists in Cancun is falling for rental property scams.
Scammers will list beautiful vacation homes or condos at unbelievably low prices.
These offers seem too good to be true, and they usually are.
After booking, you might find that the property doesn’t exist, or worse, arrive to discover it’s already occupied or in terrible condition.
I’ve seen a few friends get caught in this scam. They booked a beachfront condo for a fantastic price, only to arrive and find out it didn’t exist.
It’s a heartbreaking and frustrating way to start a vacation.
Personal Tip:
Always book through trusted, well-known platforms. These sites have protections in place, and you can read verified reviews from other travelers.
Avoid wiring money directly to the property owner or using lesser-known websites without reviews.
It’s worth paying more to ensure your vacation rental is legitimate and safe.
10. Airport Shuttle Scams
Many travelers fall for the airport shuttle scam when arriving at Cancun’s airport.
This scam usually involves taxi drivers or unofficial shuttles that charge you an outrageous fee, sometimes as high as $40, for a short trip between terminals or nearby hotels.
Most tourists don’t realize that a free shuttle service runs every 20 minutes between terminals.
I remember the first time I almost fell for this. A taxi driver offered me a ride to the next terminal, claiming it was a 10-minute drive, but his quoted price was insane!
Luckily, I asked around and found out about the free shuttle just in time.
Personal Tip:
Don’t be in a rush; use the free airport shuttle service.
It’s reliable, runs every 20 minutes, and can save you from spending unnecessary money.
If you need a taxi, use an official taxi stand or pre-book your ride through a trusted service to avoid getting overcharged.
Insights Based on Numbers
A few numbers always stand out in Cancun tourist scams. They could be exaggerated currency rates or inflated taxi fees.
Here’s a breakdown of some common scams based on specific amounts:
$150 Reimbursement Scam
Some scammers falsely promise that if you take an expensive taxi ride to a hotel, you’ll be reimbursed up to $150 for the fare.
The catch? The reimbursement never happens, and you’re left paying an outrageously high fee for a ride that should’ve been much cheaper.
Always double-check with your hotel before agreeing to any taxi rides that promise reimbursement.
3 Mayan Dollars
As strange as it sounds, some vendors claim that Mayan dollars (which don’t even exist) are worth 3 U.S. dollars each.
This is a classic scam in which they try to overcharge tourists by inflating the value of these so-called “Mayan dollars.”
Stick to pesos or U.S. dollars, and always confirm exchange rates before paying.
$40 Taxi Ride
Another common scam is paying $40 for a taxi ride between airport terminals, which should only take a few minutes and is free with the airport shuttle.
Taxi drivers sometimes target tourists unfamiliar with the airport layout, offering overpriced rides. To avoid this unnecessary expense, always use the free shuttle between terminals.
How to Stay Safe and Avoid Cancun Tourist Scams
Staying safe and avoiding scams in Cancun is all about knowing common tricks and preparing yourself in advance.
After living here for a while, I’ve learned a few key things that can help you avoid falling into these tourist traps.
1. Do Your Research
Before you go anywhere, take a few minutes to research the common scams. Knowing what to look out for can save you a lot of frustration. Read reviews about restaurants, tours, or transportation companies, and stick to well-known, trusted names.
2. Always Have Proof
Always have copies of your reservations and receipts, whether it’s your car rental reservation, restaurant bill, or hotel booking. Having proof can help avoid unexpected “disappearing” bookings or extra charges.
3. Stick to Official Services
Use official taxis, car rentals, and shuttle services. Avoid booking from random individuals offering services on the street. Official services are usually more trustworthy and have protocols to protect you.
4. Pay in Pesos When Possible
Whenever possible, pay in Mexican pesos rather than foreign currency. This way, you avoid confusing exchange rates and potential scams involving fake currencies like the “Mayan dollar.”
5. Trust Your Instincts
Trust your instincts if something feels off, whether it’s a too-good-to-be-true deal or someone pressuring you to make a quick decision. It’s always okay to walk away and think it over.
6. Use ATMs Inside Banks
To avoid ATM scams, only use machines located inside banks. Avoid those in tourist zones or near busy streets, as they’ll likely be tampered with.
7. Be Cautious with Offers
Double-check the details if you’re offered a special deal, tour, or transportation that seems unusually cheap. Scams often involve promising huge savings or perks that sound too good to be true.
Stay Safe and Enjoy Your Cancun Adventure
While Cancun is a beautiful place with exciting experiences, it’s important to be aware of the common tourist scams that could spoil your trip.
Being prepared is the key to avoiding traps, from airport car rental scams to overpriced taxis and fake Mayan dollars.
Having your reservations handy, sticking with trusted companies, and paying attention to red flags will help you stay safe.
Always trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Take your time, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to walk away if a deal sounds too good to be true.
For more in-depth insights and examples of these scams, check out my video, where I share even more tips and personal experiences.
The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to enjoy Cancun without any unpleasant surprises.
Safe travels!
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