Beware These Dinner Scams in Cancún and Playa del Carmen

Cancún, Mexico — A perfect day in paradise can end on a sour note. After enjoying a fantastic dinner with warm ocean breezes and an idyllic mood, the bill arrives—and it’s far higher than expected. That sneaking suspicion of being taken for a ride is becoming increasingly common.

Online travel communities such as Reddit and TripAdvisor are reporting a surge in warnings from visitors to Riviera Maya about specific "dinner scams." These tactics are designed to squeeze extra money from unsuspecting tourists and are especially prevalent in high-traffic areas, from Cancún’s Hotel Zone to Playa del Carmen’s bustling 5th Avenue. Here’s what travelers are reporting and how to protect your wallet.

The Forced Tip Scam

The most common complaint involves automatic "service charges." Restaurants add tips of 15%, 20%, or even 25% directly to the bill without asking. What makes this a scam is that it’s illegal in Mexico. According to Mexico’s Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco), tips are strictly voluntary—restaurants cannot force customers to pay them.

"The waiter brought the credit card machine, and the total was suddenly 20% higher," posted a user on a Cancún 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, relying on the vacation mindset where travelers are relaxed and less likely to scrutinize the bill.

The Currency Exchange Trick

This scam is subtler but 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, allowing them to set their own exchange rate—which is always far worse than what your bank would offer.

"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 scam."

Padding the Bill

This is an old-school trick that appears to be making a comeback. The restaurant adds items to your bill that you never ordered—extra drinks, an appetizer you thought was complimentary, or a more expensive brand of tequila than what you requested. 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 we never got," wrote a traveler in a TripAdvisor review of a restaurant on 5th Avenue. "When we questioned it, the waiter shrugged and said it was a mistake, but it felt intentional."

How to Protect Yourself

Don’t let 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, ask for "La cuenta, por favor." Take a moment to review each item.
• Look for "Propina" or "Servicio" on the bill. If you see an added service charge, politely request its removal. A simple, "Could you remove the service charge, please? I prefer to leave a cash tip," usually works.
• Remember, tipping 10-20% is a recommended part of Mexico’s service culture 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 approving the transaction.
• Don’t be rushed. Scammers thrive on creating 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 of the restaurant on Google Maps or TripAdvisor and read recent reviews. Travelers are quick to report bad experiences, which can save you a major headache.

Helping you travel smarter and safer is why we’re here—stay tuned for more updates to keep your vacation unforgettable in the best way. Happy travels!