Destinations › Mexico › Cancún › Scams
Cancún, Mexico
10 reported scam patterns travellers run into in Cancún, what they look like, and how to sidestep them.
Unofficial airport 'transfer' desks in the arrivals hall selling rides that end at a timeshare presentation before the hotel.
Dynamic currency conversion offered at card terminals and cash machines at very poor rates, and shortchanging when paying in dollars.
Timeshare 'resale' and 'cancellation' schemes charging upfront fees to exit an existing contract, providing nothing.
Drivers quoting fares in dollars at unfavourable rates and demanding several times the peso rate, with airport transfers a particular pressure point.
Timeshare presentations sold as free tours, transfers or activity vouchers, with hours of high-pressure selling and contracts signed on the day.
Excursion and cenote-tour tickets sold by street agents for trips that are overbooked or do not run.
Counterfeit branded goods and imitation silver sold as genuine in the tourist market areas.
Theft from beach belongings and from hotel-room safes at budget properties.
Rental car operators requiring compulsory insurance at rates far above the advertised price, and charging for pre-existing damage.
Restaurants and beach clubs adding undisclosed service charges and items not ordered, with bills presented in dollars at poor rates.
