9 Scams in Tulum to Avoid When Visiting

Tulum is one of Mexico’s most visited destinations, which unfortunately makes it a prime spot for scams targeting tourists.

With its world-famous beaches, lively nightlife, and luxury resorts, the town attracts travelers ready to spend, and Tulum isn’t cheap, which makes it even more appealing for scammers.

While most locals are warm, welcoming, and proud of their hospitality, a few bad actors take advantage of visitors who aren’t aware of common Tulum scams.

If you’re planning a trip, it’s worth knowing what to watch for. Many of these scams in Tulum are also common in nearby hotspots like Playa del Carmen and Cancun, so a little awareness goes a long way toward keeping your trip stress-free.

Taxi Overcharge Scam in Tulum

When it comes to scams in Tulum, the taxi overcharge scam easily takes the top spot. It’s the one almost every traveler encounters at least once.

Here’s how it works: you ask a driver for the price to get somewhere nearby, and they throw out a ridiculous number, often $40+ USD for a short ride.

Taxi drivers in Tulum have built quite a reputation for inflating fares, especially with tourists who don’t know the going rates.

This scam thrives because Tulum isn’t a walkable town. Attractions, hotels, and beaches are spread out, making taxis one of the main ways of getting around Tulum.

Still, the area is small enough that fares should be consistent across short distances.

How to avoid it:

• Know your prices: Most rides within town should be around $10–$15 USD (170–253 MXN), with slightly higher rates at night.

• Negotiate before you get in: Some drivers won’t budge on inflated prices — if that’s the case, simply walk away and flag down the next taxi.

• Use inDrive: This rideshare app lets you set your fare in advance and often comes out cheaper than street taxis, helping you skip the haggling altogether.

Airport Transfer Price Trick

The airport transfer scam works almost exactly like the taxi overcharge scam, only this time it starts at Cancun International Airport and targets travelers heading to Tulum.

Because it’s a two-hour drive, some drivers use that distance as an excuse to demand outrageous prices.

Cancun Airport is the main gateway for the Riviera Maya, so the moment you step outside, you’ll be met by a swarm of taxi drivers, private car operators, and minibus services.

While many are legitimate, some will push for sky-high fares. I’ve heard of travelers being quoted $200+ USD to reach Tulum, Puerto Morelos, or Playa del Carmen.

How to avoid it:

• Book ahead with a trusted company before you land.

• Use the ADO Bus — it’s cheap, comfortable, and runs regularly to Tulum.

• Consider a shared shuttle or private transfer if you want direct service without the inflated prices.

Bill Swap at Restaurants or Bars

When you’re in a new country, it takes time to get familiar with the local currency, the look, feel, and value of each bill.

In Mexico, this can be a problem because the 50 peso and 500 peso notes are surprisingly similar in size and color.

Scammers know this and sometimes use it to their advantage. One of the most common tricks in Tulum is the bill swap scam, where someone hands you a 50 peso note instead of a 500 peso note when giving change.

This can happen anywhere, in restaurants, shops, or taxis, especially if you’re distracted by your surroundings.

I’ve experienced this scam firsthand, not just in Mexico; this is also a common scam in Thailand, and it’s incredibly easy to miss until it’s too late.

How to avoid it:

• Familiarize yourself with the peso bills before you start spending.

• Count your cash twice before handing it over.

• Watch closely when the change is being given back.

Tour Scam

Running into tour scams in Tulum happens more often than you might expect, especially with the sheer number of excursions in Tulum available.

One common place this occurs is right after landing at Cancun Airport. As you exit the terminal, you may be approached with “special deals” for tours to popular sites like Chichen Itza.

These offers often sound attractive but can turn out to be overpriced, poorly organized, or missing key inclusions.

Another scam to watch out for happens at the Tulum Ruins, the town’s most visited attraction. Some vendors may claim they can sell you a cheaper ticket on the spot — skip it. Head straight to the ruins yourself and buy your ticket at the official entrance.

How to avoid it: Book tours through reputable, review-based platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide, both of which operate trusted trips in and around Tulum.

Tulum Tipping Scam

The restaurant tipping scam in Tulum happens in two main ways, and both can catch you off guard if you’re not paying close attention.

The first is when you finish a meal at a Tulum restaurant, and the waiter enters a high tip percentage for you on the card machine without asking.

If you’ve had a couple of drinks or are distracted, you might not notice that there’s no prompt for tipping before you pay.

The second version is when a restaurant or beach club automatically adds a tip to your bill, often 15% to 20%, and claims it’s a “mandatory service charge.”

While some venues are transparent about this policy, many aren’t, and it’s simply a way to squeeze more out of tourists.

Tipping in Tulum: The standard is 10% to 20%, but it should always be your choice.

I’ve personally run into this scam not just in Tulum, but also in Playa Del Carmen, Cancun, and Holbox, so it’s worth watching for anywhere in Mexico.

How to avoid it: Ask the manager (not the waiter) about their tipping policy before ordering. When paying by card, ensure the tip prompt appears on the machine, and continually review your bill carefully before finalizing payment.

Corrupt Police Stops & Bribe Requests in Tulum

Police bribery is one of the more unsettling scams in Tulum, often targeting intoxicated tourists or those walking alone on dark streets at night.

In most cases, corrupt officers aren’t looking to arrest you; they’re trying to intimidate you into handing over cash on the spot.

I’ve personally experienced this with friends while walking outside Tulum Town at night. We were stopped, questioned, and pressured to pay, but because we stayed calm, had nothing illegal on us, and refused to hand over money, they eventually let us go.

The reality is they don’t want to take you to the station, that would require actual evidence, proof of their claims, and paperwork. This is simply a shakedown for quick cash. The best defense is to remain polite, keep your cool, and avoid being overly intoxicated in public.

ATM & Currency Exchange Scams

Please be careful when you withdraw money from ATMs in Mexico. Sometimes, you’ll come across fake ATMs on the streets or in seemingly convenient spots.

These are set up to swallow your card or use a skimming device to steal your card details.

Losing access to your account while traveling can quickly ruin your trip, and in some cases, scammers will make multiple fraudulent transactions before you even notice.

You don’t want to be left with no card and unexpected charges to deal with from abroad. By the way, travel tip: never travel with only one card, I always carry at least three, just in case!

How To Avoid: Use ATMs only at official banks in Mexico, preferably during daylight hours, and always cover the keypad when entering your PIN.

Tulum Timeshare Scam

The timeshare scam in Tulum isn’t as common as in some other tourist spots, but it still pops up occasionally, especially when you’re leaving Cancun Airport on your way to Tulum.

Either at the airport or along Tulum’s main Centro Street, you might be approached by timeshare agents, often friendly, approachable women striking up casual conversation.

After some small talk, they’ll pitch an “amazing investment opportunity”, but to hear the details, you need to attend a sales presentation.

Timeshares are rarely worth the hype and have been one of the most persistent tourist scams worldwide for decades. Save your time for enjoying Tulum instead.

How to Avoid: Politely decline and keep moving. A simple, firm “no gracias” repeated as you walk away works best.

Beach Vendor Overcharging Scam

Tulum’s beaches are lined with vendors selling everything from jewelry and sarongs to fresh coconuts and snacks.

While many are honest, some take advantage of tourists who don’t know the going rates, quoting prices several times higher than usual.

This scam is widespread if you’re lounging at a popular beach club or a busy public beach, where vendors assume you’re on vacation with cash to spend.

Overpaying for a drink or trinket might not seem like much at first, but it can add up quickly. And why do it when you know not to!

How to Avoid: Before buying, politely ask for the price and compare it with other vendors nearby. Have small bills ready so you can pay the exact amount without relying on change. If the price feels way too high, smile, decline, and move on; there’s always another vendor around the corner.

Why Tulum Has Become a Scam Hotspot

Tulum’s transformation from a laid-back beach escape to one of Mexico’s most famous luxury destinations has brought in more than just boutique hotels and stylish beach clubs, it has also drawn opportunists who see an easy opportunity to profit from the tourist boom.

Locals are well aware that money flows through Tulum. Beyond the rising real estate prices and the constant stream of foreigners strolling through town, it’s no secret that Tulum is one of the hottest party destinations in the winter months.

As I mentioned in my Tulum nightlife guide, January and February are arguably the best times to visit Tulum if you’re chasing parties, and during those months, it can feel like one of the top nightlife spots in the world.

While most locals are warm, welcoming, and eager to share their culture, there are unfortunately some who see this seasonal influx of wealth as an opportunity to take advantage of visitors.

The combination of short-stay vacationers, digital nomads with disposable income, and a bustling party scene creates the perfect environment for scams ranging from inflated taxi fares to pushy tour operators.

Whether you’re here for the beaches, the food, or the nightlife, a bit of street smarts goes a long way toward making sure you only spend money where you genuinely want to.

Tulum Scams – Final Thoughts

The fact of the matter is that scams in Tulum are common. Unfortunately, Tulum scams aren’t talked about enough, partly because the town is seen as a trendy bohemian party hotspot filled with luxury hotels and upscale beach clubs.

With Tulum’s rapid growth over the past decade and its ever-changing scene, scammers see a clear opportunity to target tourists.

Not everyone who visits is wealthy, but many travelers here do spend freely, and those looking to take advantage are well aware of that fact.

Tulum is still an incredible destination, with stunning beaches and a lively atmosphere, especially during the best time to visit Tulum when the weather, events, and nightlife are at their peak.

Don’t let the presence of scams stop you from coming; stay alert, know what to watch for, and enjoy everything this beautiful beach town has to offer.