Updated November 2026 · By Terry Barkhuizen, NOM-08 certified tour guide (credential N012608).
Part of our Riviera Maya safety guide.
Most scams in the Riviera Maya are not dangerous – they’re designed to separate visitors from their money or their holiday time. Once you know the patterns, they’re easy to avoid. Here are the ones visitors fall for most often, with how to sidestep each.
1. The airport “shark tank”
Between customs and the exit doors at Cancun airport, friendly staff at desks offer transport, tours and “information”. Many are selling timeshare presentations, and transfers booked there can be overpriced.
Avoid it: walk straight outside to the ADO booth or your pre-booked driver. See our Cancun airport guide.
2. Fake tourist-tax websites
Visitax is a real Quintana Roo fee for foreign visitors, but copycat websites charge large “processing fees”.
Avoid it: pay only on the official portal. See our Visitax guide.
3. Taxi overcharging
Most taxis on the coast aren’t metered, and quoted prices for visitors can be several times the normal fare.
Avoid it: agree the price before getting in, ask your hotel for typical fares, use ADO buses or colectivos for longer trips, and see taxis and ride-hailing for where apps work (see Getting Around).
4. Fuel-station tricks
Pumps not zeroed, notes switched (“you gave me 50, not 500”), or the wrong amount charged.
Avoid it: get out of the car, watch the pump reset to zero, say your note’s value aloud as you hand it over, and count your change. More in renting a car.
5. Rental-car surprises
Very cheap online prices that triple at the counter once mandatory liability insurance is added, or claims of pre-existing damage when you return.
Avoid it: get an all-in quote including third-party liability, and photograph the car before you leave.
6. ATM and card fraud
Skimmers on stand-alone ATMs, and “dynamic currency conversion” that charges you in your home currency at a poor rate.
Avoid it: use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres, cover the keypad, and always choose to be charged in pesos. See money, ATMs and payments.
7. Street ticket sellers and “free” tours
Discounted ferry tickets, cheap tours or “free” breakfasts that require attending a sales presentation.
Avoid it: buy ferry tickets at the official booths (see the Cozumel ferry guide) and tours from established operators.
8. Inflated bills
Beach clubs with surprise minimum spends, unlisted “service” charges, or prices quoted in dollars at poor rates.
Avoid it: ask about minimum spend and service charges first, check the bill, and pay in pesos.
9. Unofficial wildlife and photo sellers
People offering photos with wild animals, or unlicensed “swim with turtles” tours.
Avoid it: skip animal photo props and book only authorised operators. See Wildlife & Nature.
If you’ve been scammed
- Stay calm and avoid confrontation.
- Contact your card provider immediately for card fraud.
- For consumer complaints, Mexico’s consumer protection agency (PROFECO) handles disputes with businesses.
- For crimes, call 911, or 078 for tourist assistance.