⚠️Scam Alerts

Friendly people in matching shirts ('free breakfast,' 'free tour,' 'where are you from?') will rope you into a 90-minute hard-sell. Just say 'no, gracias' and keep walking. Don't engage.

Bright blue Euronet ATMs (everywhere on 5th Ave) charge huge fees + rig the exchange rate via 'Dynamic Currency Conversion.' ALWAYS choose 'Without Conversion / Continue without conversion.' Better: use BBVA or Santander inside a bank branch.

PDC taxis don't use meters — fares are by zone. Always agree on the price BEFORE getting in. Check our Taxi Fare card. If they refuse, find another taxi.

If 'police' demand a cash fine on the spot, ask politely for the official ticket and offer to pay at the station. Real cops will let you. Never hand over your passport — show a photocopy. Note the badge number.

The 'tasting' ends with high-pressure sales of overpriced bottles ($80+ for $15 mezcal). Polite 'no' and exit. Buy mezcal at a Chedraui or La Europea instead.

Check 500 & 200 peso notes — they should feel plasticky (polymer) with a clear window. If a bill feels papery or the colors are off, refuse it.

Random men outside cenotes/ruins offering 'half-price tickets' or 'private guides' — usually scammers. Buy at the official entrance only.

'.925 sterling silver' from a beach blanket is almost always alpaca/nickel. If you want real silver, shop at a registered store (look for the .925 hallmark and a receipt).

Avoid 'Free_WiFi' networks. Use the café's actual posted SSID, and never check banking on public Wi-Fi without a VPN.

Wiggle the card slot before inserting; cover the keypad. Use ATMs INSIDE a bank branch during business hours. Check our ATM Safety page.

Some 5th Ave restaurants add 'propina/servicio' (10–15%) to the bill, then leave the tip line blank hoping you'll add more. Look for it before tipping again.

Pay with 500 MXN, vendor briefly swaps it for a 50 and claims you underpaid. Count out loud and hand bills one at a time.