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Cancun is a tourist destination, so there are both touristy and non-touristy things to do and to spend your vacation budget on.
Some of these things are better off avoided, and there are six tourist traps specifically that tourists should avoid in Cancun right now.
Not only could avoiding them possibly save you money, but allow for a better experience on your Cancun vacation too.
Taking A Taxi Instead of Booking Transportation In Advance
While many visitors arrive at Cancun Airport and hop in a taxi to get to their hotel property, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best way.
Taxi drivers in Cancun are known for overcharging, and agreeing to a price and then changing it upon arrival at the passenger’s destination.
Booking private or shared transportation in advance is a much better option because you know what you’re paying, and your driver will be there waiting for you when you step out of the airport doors.
@3days3noches Act like a normal regular civilian when landing at the Cancun Airport??? Never!!! Always arrange airport transportation before arriving to the Cancun airport! Taxi drivers will hike the price up if you wait until you arrive! All of our Cancun airport transportation recommendations can be found in our profile!! Nacho is the best!! #cancunairporttransportation #cancunairporttips #cancunmexico2023 #traveltips2023 #3days3noches ♬ original sound – Winter Vanity
Shopping For Souvenirs At The Airport
If you’ll be shopping for souvenirs during your trip, it’s best to avoid getting caught up in the tourist trap of buying them at the airport.
The street vendors and shopkeepers have much better variety in both souvenir-type items as well as authentic Mexican goods like textiles and jewelry.
You’ll also pay considerably less for souvenirs by buying from local vendors as opposed to the airport shops.
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@samsmomforever Skulls, Sweets and Salsa Cancun International Airport #tiktok #gift #souvenirs #shopping #mexico ♬ original sound – samsmomforever
Skipping Authentic Mexican Food For Touristy Restaurants
A huge mistake many travelers make is skipping out on trying some authentic Mexican food and opting for touristy restaurants.
While places like Senor Frogs and Hard Rock Cafe might be fun and certainly worth adding to your to-do list along with other restaurants, these places can be visited in various cities throughout the U.S.
Unfortunately, there are very few places back home to get real, authentic Mexican food.
So, if you have to choose between a touristy spot and an authentic Mexican restaurant, don’t make the mistake of missing out on the opportunity for an authentic experience when you’re in Cancun.
@travelista_singlemom This is how they serve your Mexican drink at this restaurant in Cancun hotel zone. 🇲🇽🍹🥰
♬ Fiesta Mexicana – Musica Mexicana
Buying Something Before Shopping Around
Being the tourist destination that it is, you’ll find a lot of different souvenir and handicraft sellers throughout the city.
And the prices that each sells their items for can vary considerably, so if you see something you want, you might want to shop around for it before making a purchase.
There’s a good chance you’ll find it cheaper down the road, especially if you find a shop or seller a little off the beaten path.
Buying From Street Vendors Selling Tour Tickets
Buying your tickets from street vendors in Cancun can be both expensive and a little sketchy.
In fact, purchasing overpriced tickets is one of the most common scams tourists face.
Buying either directly from the tour company or from a trusted online source like Viator is a much better option because you’ll likely pay less, and you’ll know your tickets are legitimate.
Exchanging Currency At The Airport
While you can use cards to pay for many things in Cancun, you are inevitably going to want to keep some pesos in your wallet too.
Smaller shops might not take cards, and sometimes you can get a better deal by paying in local currency.
But you should avoid exchanging money at the airport because the rates will undoubtedly be higher, so instead, you might want to wait until you can stop at a bank in town.
Avoiding Tourists Traps = A Better Cancun Experience
While everyone likes to do a few touristy things when visiting a place for the first time, tourist traps can ruin an experience.
Avoiding these will result in a better Cancun vacation.
And you’ll be rewarded with a more authentic experience that you’ll always remember.
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