Top Tourist Scams in Mexico City (And How to Avoid Them)

Heading to Mexico City? It’s an amazing destination full of history, culture, and incredible food—but like any big city, there are tourist scams you need to watch out for. In this video, we break down the most common scams that target travelers in CDMX, so you can stay safe and enjoy your trip with confidence. From taxi overcharges and fake tour guides to credit card fraud and restaurant tricks, we cover the sneaky tactics scammers use and how you can protect yourself. These are real scams tourists face—especially in areas like the Zócalo, Centro Histórico, Coyoacán, and near major attractions like Teotihuacan. Scams we cover in this video: Rigged taxi meters and inflated fares Overpriced “artisan” souvenirs that are actually mass-produced Restaurants switching your bill or adding fake charges Pickpockets using distraction techniques Fake cops or officials asking for ID or bribes ATMs that steal card info or charge massive fees “Helpful” strangers offering bad directions or fake tours