It’s a sour end to an otherwise perfect day in paradise. You’ve just had a fantastic dinner, the ocean breeze is warm, and the mood is perfect. Then the bill arrives, and it’s way higher than expected. You get that sneaky suspicion you’ve been taken for a ride.
Unfortunately, this scenario is becoming more common. Across online travel communities like Reddit and Tripadvisor, there’s a rising tide of chatter from visitors to the Riviera Maya warning of specific “dinner scams.” These tactics are designed to squeeze extra money out of unsuspecting tourists, and they are especially widespread in the busiest areas, from Cancun’s Hotel Zone to Playa del Carmen’s bustling 5th Avenue. Here’s what travelers are reporting and how you can protect your wallet.
The Forced Tip Scam
By far the most common complaint is the automatic “service charge.” Restaurants will add tips of 15%, 20%, or even 25% directly to the bill without asking. What makes this a scam is that it’s against the law in Mexico. According to Mexico’s consumer protection agency (PROFECO), tips, or propina, are strictly voluntary. A restaurant cannot force you to pay one.
“The waiter brought the credit card machine over and the total was suddenly 20% higher,” a user posted on a Cancun Reddit forum. “He just said ‘service included’ and rushed me through it. I didn’t realize until I checked my statement later.” This is a classic move. They rely on the vacation mindset, where travelers are relaxed and less likely to scrutinize the bill.
The Currency Exchange Rate Trick
This scam is more subtle but can be just as costly. When it’s time to pay with a credit card, the waiter will politely ask if you’d like to pay in U.S. dollars or Mexican pesos. It sounds like a helpful service, but it’s a trap. If you choose to pay in your home currency, the restaurant uses a system called Dynamic Currency Conversion. This lets them set their own exchange rate, and it’s always much worse than the rate your bank would give you.
“PSA for anyone visiting the area,” warned a recent visitor on Tripadvisor. “Always, ALWAYS choose to pay in pesos on your credit card. They asked if I wanted to pay in dollars, and it cost me an extra $26 on our dinner. It’s a total rip-off.”
Padding The Bill
This is an old-school trick that seems to be making a comeback. It’s simple: the restaurant adds items to your bill that you never ordered. It could be drinks, an extra appetizer you thought was complimentary, or a more expensive brand of tequila than the one you asked for. This happens most often with larger groups when the bill is long and confusing.
“We were having a great time, but when the bill came, there were two extra cocktails and an appetizer listed that we never got,” a traveler wrote in a Tripadvisor review of a restaurant on 5th Avenue. “When we questioned it, the waiter just shrugged and said it was a mistake, but it felt intentional.”
How to Protect Yourself
Don’t let the fear of these scams ruin your dining experiences. Being a smart and prepared traveler is your best defense.
- Read the Bill line by line. In Spanish, it’s “la cuenta, por favor,” will get you the bill. Take a moment to read every line.
- Look for “propina” or “servicio on the bill. If you see a service charge added, you can politely ask them to remove it. A simple, “Could you remove the service charge, please? I prefer to leave a cash tip,” usually works.
*Remember, tipping 10-20% is a highly recommended part of the service culture in Mexico and a vital way to show appreciation.
- Always Pay in Pesos. When using a credit card, tell the server, “I’ll pay in pesos, please.” Then double-check the currency symbol (MXN) on the card machine before you approve the transaction.
- Don’t Be Rushed. Scammers thrive on creating a sense of urgency. Take your time. It’s your money, and you have the right to see exactly what you’re paying for.
- Check Reviews. Before sitting down, do a quick search for the restaurant on Google Maps or Tripadvisor and read the most recent reviews. Travelers are quick to report bad experiences and can save you a major headache.
Helping you travel smarter and safer is why The Cancun Sun is here; stay tuned for more updates to make your vacation unforgettable in a good way! Happy travels!
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Andres
Tuesday 10th of June 2025
In Colombia this is specifically outrageous, quite normal in Cartagena, my two cents are always ask for the price up front, they say things like is a gift, don't worry, it's cheap, don't fall for it, always ask up front!