The biggest scam in Cancun and what you can do to avoid it.
You've done everything right.
You packed your bags, arrived at the airport early, made it through security, survived the flight, and finally landed in beautiful Cancun. The turquoise water, white sand beaches, and endless margaritas are calling your name.
You collect your luggage, breeze through customs, and head toward the airport exit.
And then it happens.
Suddenly, you're surrounded by people asking questions.
"Where are you staying?"
"Who is picking you up?"
"Let me help you find your transportation."
"Do you have your barcode?"
"I can help you get to the right person."
They seem friendly. Helpful. Official.
They're not.
Welcome to what many travelers affectionately call "The Shark Tank."
What Is the Shark Tank?
The Shark Tank is the area between customs and the airport exit where aggressive salespeople try to stop arriving tourists.
These individuals are not airport employees, and they aren't trying to help you find your transportation. Their goal is to get you to stop long enough to sell you something—usually timeshares, vacation clubs, excursions, transportation, or other services you didn't ask for.
The biggest mistake travelers make?
Stopping.
As soon as you stop walking, make eye contact, or answer questions, you've opened the door for a sales pitch.
My Best Advice: Keep Walking
I'm going to say this several times because it's that important:
Do not stop.
Be polite if you'd like, but keep moving.
A simple:
"No gracias."
And keep walking.
They may continue talking to you. They may insist they're trying to help. They may tell you that you need to verify your transportation or check in somewhere.
You don't!
Just keep walking.
Your goal is to get outside the terminal and find your actual transportation provider.
Before your trip, I always send transportation instructions explaining exactly what to look for.
That might include:
Read those instructions before you arrive if possible.
If you're anything like me and forget to look at them beforehand, wait until you're completely outside in the warm Cancun air before pulling out your phone and reviewing the details.
What To Do If They Follow You Outside:
Occasionally, one of the salespeople may think you look like they can convince you and they will continue talking to you as you walk out.
Don't worry.
Keep moving, smile if you want, and repeat:
"No gracias."
Most will quickly move on to find their next target.
Once outside, locate your transportation provider and start your vacation the right way.
Why I Almost Always Recommend Private Transfers
When my clients travel to Mexico, I almost always recommend private transportation.
Why?
Because after a long travel day, I want you getting to your resort as quickly as possible.
With private transfers:
You land, find your driver, and head straight to your resort.
The sooner you're checked in, the sooner you're relaxing poolside with your favorite drink.
Bonus Scam Warning: Airport Bar Prices
While we're talking about things to avoid at the Cancun airport, here's a second warning.
The airport bars outside the terminal can be shockingly expensive.
On one of my trips, I was waiting for friends to arrive and decided to grab a drink while I waited.
My vodka soda?
$45.
My friends arrived and ordered a margarita.
$38.
And no, these weren't giant souvenir-sized drinks. They were regular cocktails.
Needless to say, I only made that mistake once.
Unless you're waiting for someone, keep moving and save your money.
The Bottom Line
The biggest scam in Cancun isn't a fake taxi or a counterfeit souvenir.
It's getting trapped in the "Shark Tank".
So remember:
And once you arrive at your all-inclusive resort, enjoy all the margaritas and vodka sodas you want—without paying airport prices for them.
Happy travels!