BajaNomad

Please suggest rip offs to look out for and how to deal with bad situations!

Benski - 8-4-2015 at 09:42 PM

I am new to this forum. I am planning my first driving trip to Cabo at the end of September. Of course I've heard the stories of situations gone bad in Baja. I would like suggestions on how to handle possibly bad situations and rip offs to watch out for. Thank you for any help...

elgatoloco - 8-4-2015 at 10:03 PM

I wouldn't call it a 'ripoff' but I had a gas station attendant whose math skills sucked when it came to making change when I used dollars. Since that one time in the early 80's I always use pesos for fuel and I always pointedly watch the meter being reset to zero before pumping and I always tip big! :saint:

YMMV

Alm - 8-4-2015 at 10:04 PM

Another book? Seems too much of this for one evening...

Ok, a proven remedy: don't go to Cabo. Stay home NOB, don't leave your house or apartment.

basautter - 8-5-2015 at 04:36 AM

Most citizens handling cash are honest, but...always pay close attention to gas attendants. They play stupid when it comes to change. Also, watch cashiers in stores. Once again, bad math and overcharging. I recommend using pesos, and carrying a calculator. Watch yourself, and have fun! :bounce:

basautter - 8-5-2015 at 04:39 AM

By the way, you can get the bank rate exchange with a small additional fee at AtMs with a debit card.

mtgoat666 - 8-5-2015 at 05:36 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Benski  
I am new to this forum. I am planning my first driving trip to Cabo at the end of September. Of course I've heard the stories of situations gone bad in Baja. I would like suggestions on how to handle possibly bad situations and rip offs to watch out for. Thank you for any help...


I suggest you stay home. Watch out!

Santiago - 8-5-2015 at 05:48 AM

Heh, we forget our first time and the asking the same questions.

OK: Have an ATM card and call your bank before leaving and tell them you will be in Mexico. Stop and get Pesos at an Bank ATM after crossing the boarder - they are everywhere. Get your maximum allowed, at least $3000 pesos, $5000 is better. When buying gas, tell the attendant you want $500 pesos worth or some other multiple of $100 - you will learn what your tank will take. No change to mess with. If they clean your windows, 10 pesos is about right, 20 is generous.
I'm not familiar with the long stretches of road without Pemexes in Sur, but for sure going south fill up in El Rosario and I'm guessing Jesus Maria. Coming north you will be a pro.

mojo_norte - 8-5-2015 at 06:07 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Benski  
Of course I've heard the stories of situations gone bad in Baja.


what kind of stories ?

woody with a view - 8-5-2015 at 06:09 AM

keep in mind that 3000 pesos is less than $200 nowadays! I'm buying pesos from my bank NOB so I have plenty of funny money in hand. save the dollars for unforeseen events or deletion of funny money stash, whichever comes first!

Time Share Sales

bajaguy - 8-5-2015 at 06:14 AM

Stay away from 'em.....even if they offer free food

DENNIS - 8-5-2015 at 06:21 AM



Take a day trip or two to TJ and Ensenada. Call it a baptism by fire.

nandopedal - 8-5-2015 at 06:37 AM

Quote: Originally posted by DENNIS  


Take a day trip or two to TJ and Ensenada. Call it a baptism by fire.


Nail it as usual Dennis, if you can survive that the rest of Baja will feel like.......well, nice Baja:spingrin:

SFandH - 8-5-2015 at 06:41 AM

Have a quick way to convert from pesos to dollars in your head that you can remember.

at 16 pesos per dollar, 100 pesos is $6.25.

So if something costs 735 pesos it's easy to figure out. :lol:

Take a pocket calculator.

Be a generous tipper, gas station attendants too. For the most part you're dealing with poor people.

As for your original question about bad situations, I've never had one, except for a transmission falling apart in the middle of nowhere.

[Edited on 8-5-2015 by SFandH]

Benski - 8-5-2015 at 06:48 AM

Thanks members for some of the replies. Hey Bajaguy, I'm in Utah and will be taking a road trip to visit Carson City in the next few weeks. I see you live there. It would be nice to meet up and talk about my trip. I don't know how to privately message someone on this forum. Keep the replies coming and thanks to those who contribute!

David K - 8-5-2015 at 08:00 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Benski  
Thanks members for some of the replies. Hey Bajaguy, I'm in Utah and will be taking a road trip to visit Carson City in the next few weeks. I see you live there. It would be nice to meet up and talk about my trip. I don't know how to privately message someone on this forum. Keep the replies coming and thanks to those who contribute!


See the "U2U" button with other buttons around the box of each Nomad's post you are reading. Click it. A reply or any u2u you get, will be in blue at the top right of the Nomad page, when you come back. Click on it to read.

Cliffy - 8-5-2015 at 08:30 AM

Use pesos for purchases if you can. Consider ATM fees as a cost of doing business. After that all things are easy or should be. Driving will be your biggest challenge. Slow down and enjoy the experience. Its easy to be distracted by the new sights and sounds down there.

You will find some of the nicest people in the world in your travels there.

As opposed to 40 years ago, stuff is available most everywhere. Food markets, restaurants, hotels, etc, most everything can be found in bigger cities. Read the threads on here to get filled in before you go.

Don't count on just one credit card for ATM peso supply. A card will be cancelled while you are down there EVEN IF YOU CALL AHEAD OF TIME TO LET THEM KNOW YOU ARE GOING TO MEXICO (don't ask how I know). Keep Customer Service phone numbers for each CC in your car so you can call from street pay phones to get card reactivated. It can be done.
I use a lockable gas cap even up here so no one can begin pumping unless I unlock it then I can check the meter before I unlock the cap (If you feel this is necessary).
Even if you are the slowest car on the road pay attention to speed limit signs. 25 kms is s-l-o-w.
From the border to San Quentin will be a fun challenge as far as traffic goes but slow down and enjoy it. Learn what "curva peligrosa" means and watch out for pot holes that eat trailer axles (again, don't ask me how I know).
BIG ITEM- learn early what "TOPES" are! They are in almost every city you drive through. We call them speed bumps. Some are 40 MPH ones and others are 5 MPH ones. You'll learn to look ahead as you approach each little town and be looking for them (some are not marked but the locals know where they are so when you see locals slowing down ahead of you at each little city SLOW DOWN). Just part of the experience.

Buy your Mexican car insurance before you go. I use the one here on BN. Don't be surprised at the military check points along the road. Never had a problem with them. Unless you speak fluent Spanish only use English with them. There is one long stretch of hiway after El Rosario where gas is problematic, Fill up in El Rosario period. From GN south its not a problem.

Church's book on travel down there is handy if somewhat dated. Try to find a good BAJA roadmap and not just depend on a GPS. Figure you will average 35 to 40 MPH per day of driving. You won't average 55 or so as you do here in the states.

One last BIG item- under NO circumstances take a firearm down there. Never ever never, period, end of discussion. UNDERSTAND?

Lots more to read and learn here on BN but you will enjoy the trip.

SlyOnce - 8-5-2015 at 08:47 AM

if you pay in pesos 99% of "ripoffs" will not happen

Ask prices upfront! Especially from taxis.

Use your Spanish, even if poor.

Get a native MX bilingual, college educated, novia.

motoged - 8-5-2015 at 09:17 AM

Use debit cards at ATM's instead of credit cards for cash (peso) withdrawals ....unless you like to pay the daily interest on credit card cash advances....

Eat fish and shrimp tacos as often as possible....

Make sure your camera batteries are charged....

wilderone - 8-5-2015 at 09:19 AM

Be sure you can lock up appendage cargo (stuff on roof racks, gas cans, ammo cans (with car parts!), on the tailgate, etc. I've actually seen a gas can simply lifted out of rack on the back end of a car that was stopped in the north immigration line. And don't ask anybody to "watch" stuff for you - essentially that is a message "I'm going to be gone and out of sight, so do what you will with my stuff". Keep an eye on the military when they're going through your car at inspection zones, and keep your wallet, camera, cell phone in your pocket - not laying out some place. Don't be dumb when it comes to money - count your change. A gas station attendant will take your $10 dlr bill and say "OK" - tell him you want your change.
These are exceptions to all the other encounters with Baja Californians, who, in my experience, are wonderfully helpful and kind.

Alm - 8-5-2015 at 09:30 AM

For us in order to "contribute" meaningful answers, you need to "contribute" more info in your question, so that we should know what to contribute in response. Otherwise it looks... er.... strange.

1) What kind of "stories"?
2) What kind of "bad situations and ripoffs"?
3) Why, in the world, would anybody want to go to the most expensive place in Baja (and driving all the way down the peninsula, at that) when they are worried about rip-offs?

Please contribute.

mtgoat666 - 8-5-2015 at 09:45 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Benski  
I am new to this forum. I am planning my first driving trip to Cabo at the end of September. Of course I've heard the stories of situations gone bad in Baja. I would like suggestions on how to handle possibly bad situations


The sun can be very bright and cause skin damage, a potentially very bad situation. I recommend sunscreen and a broad brim hat.

Hope this info helps.

BajaUtah - 8-5-2015 at 09:52 AM

Welcome to Nomads from a fellow Utarn (not native but my wife is). The best advice I have is use Pesos and common sense. I've never been short changed fueling up using Pesos - full liters are a different story. I only fill up at stations where locals are. If the locals won't use a station it's a good sign they are less than stand up.

I won't wander around Rose Park at night and I try to use the same sense when traveling. If it feels weird avoid it. If it's dark and I don't know the area I avoid it. I like lights and people. Just a Spidey sense thing.

I do the drive from SLC to La Ribera in 3 long days. My travels down are to my house and not sight seeing along the way. I go through Las Vegas, south to Brawley and overnight and cross at Mexicali. I go down Mex5 because I just dislike the TJ/Ensenada/San Quintin(sp?) traffic although the view is beautiful. 23 miles of dirt road south of Gonzaga is an easy trade off for avoiding the west side. Overnight in Guerrero Negro and then on to La Ribera. That pace is not for everyone but it works for me for the last 4 times I've done it.

Last thing - keep an eye to the sky at the end of September - Hurricane season. We weathered Odile at the house last year and while the hurricane was in and out in a day the effects lasted weeks and months. You won't do yourself or anyone who might have to take care of you any favors by being in the way.

Oh, and screw the naysayers. Have fun wherever you end up. It's a beautiful place from tip to TJ.

SFandH - 8-5-2015 at 10:31 AM

Probably the most common problem gringos encounter is the traffic stop by the local police, legitimate or not. I carry an expired CA license with me in my wallet. The good one is stashed away. You have to look very closely to see that it's expired and I doubt a Mexican cop would notice. Even though I've never had to, if a Mexican cop asked for my license, he'd get the expired one.

If you get stopped, smile, don't argue, do as he says.

gnukid - 8-5-2015 at 11:05 AM

Use exact change when making purchases. Plan your spending carefully.

Cliffy - 8-5-2015 at 11:07 AM

Never been stopped by the PD but then again I drive s-l-o-w and make full stops at all the proper places even with the travel trailer in back.
Seems that all the Utar er. Utah folks we see here in N AZ are in a real hurry down the road. :-) Ain't like going north on 15 south of SLC where everyone is pushing 90. Just slow down and smell the roses. You'll enjoy the trip a whole lot more.
I would go through the new road south of Mexicali/San Felipe if I didn't have a trailer to avoid all the stuff on the west coast of Baja. No need to go Tecate or TJ if you don't have to from Utah.

Alm - 8-5-2015 at 11:10 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
The sun can be very bright and cause skin damage, a potentially very bad situation. I recommend sunscreen and a broad brim hat.

Hope this info helps.

This is very important, yes.
Also, driving from Utah to Cabo will cost - between the gas, hotels and food - few times the cost of plane ticket. Potentially very bad situation, I think it could qualify as a ripoff.

Lee - 8-5-2015 at 11:56 AM

Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
Probably the most common problem gringos encounter is the traffic stop by the local police, legitimate or not. I carry an expired CA license with me in my wallet. The good one is stashed away. You have to look very closely to see that it's expired and I doubt a Mexican cop would notice. Even though I've never had to, if a Mexican cop asked for my license, he'd get the expired one.

If you get stopped, smile, don't argue, do as he says.


It's just as easy to carry a throw away license that has a valid date -- I don't assume a cop won't notice an expiration date. If the purpose of handing over a license is to let the cop think he has leverage, and he sees an expired license, that would be real leverage for the cop.

There's another theory here where some BN's make a copy of their valid license and if asked, will hand over the copy. I've read someone claim that not handing over a license, if asked, to a cop is a traffic violation. Don't know if that's true.

Obviously, both my license's have valid dates though only the current one is valid NOB.

And I doubt cops are the ''most common problem'' tourists have with cops. That's based on the seemingly large number of nomads here who have NEVER been stopped by a cop -- and don't hesitate to quote the large numbers of years they've driving SOB without so much as seeing a cop. Results vary I guess.

Here's a tip: wear a money belt, at least while traveling. Works for me.

gallesram - 8-5-2015 at 12:32 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Lee  
Quote: Originally posted by SFandH  
Probably the most common problem gringos encounter is the traffic stop by the local police, legitimate or not. I carry an expired CA license with me in my wallet. The good one is stashed away. You have to look very closely to see that it's expired and I doubt a Mexican cop would notice. Even though I've never had to, if a Mexican cop asked for my license, he'd get the expired one.

If you get stopped, smile, don't argue, do as he says.


It's just as easy to carry a throw away license that has a valid date -- I don't assume a cop won't notice an expiration date. If the purpose of handing over a license is to let the cop think he has leverage, and he sees an expired license, that would be real leverage for the cop.

There's another theory here where some BN's make a copy of their valid license and if asked, will hand over the copy. I've read someone claim that not handing over a license, if asked, to a cop is a traffic violation. Don't know if that's true.

Obviously, both my license's have valid dates though only the current one is valid NOB.

And I doubt cops are the ''most common problem'' tourists have with cops. That's based on the seemingly large number of nomads here who have NEVER been stopped by a cop -- and don't hesitate to quote the large numbers of years they've driving SOB without so much as seeing a cop. Results vary I guess.

Here's a tip: wear a money belt, at least while traveling. Works for me.


Good idea to take the expired license. If I get pulled over and don't have either the expired license or copy of my current one, I'll just simply hold the license in my hand and show it to the officer with the window rolled up pretty far (assuming you were pulled over for no reason and simply to pay a mordida; if you were pulled over because you really violated a traffic law then you should hand it over).

You're in for a really great experience; most people on this board remember their first trip to Baja and would love the chance to experience it again like that first time, so enjoy it!

Phil S - 8-5-2015 at 01:06 PM

Great ideas from most everyone. Several suggested taking the San Felipe route, & I agree. Though that last 23 miles IS very tough from the north end going south to Hwy 1. I drove VERY slow with my Toyota Sienna, and still ended up slightly bashing my engine pan. Today, I'll be driving a new GMC Yukon 4X4 & won't have to worry about that anymore. We also will be heading to Cabo through Mexicali. Cup of Tea visit. Don't get carried away with many opportunities to want to drive 90. Too many hazards for a newbie visitor. Have a fun trip, and take your time. This will be our 26th year of driving down. Stop at Loreto & wander around the plaza. Eat at Yuans Mita Restaruant. Will be excellent food, and marvelous experience. Watch out for bicyclists while driving Hwy1, plus slow Mexican drivers. And also for the FAST Mexican drivers. Plus the FAST American & Canadian drivers.

bledito - 8-5-2015 at 01:14 PM

rip offs timeshare hawkers, police demanding payoffs. cabbies overcharging. just a few.

Howard - 8-5-2015 at 01:21 PM

It has been mentioned in previous input but the #1 way to avoid any potential rip offs,, accidental or otherwise is to carry and pay with pesos. Keep them in your wallet and the majority in two other hiding places. Beside, you are in Mexico, pay in their currency.

Alm - 8-5-2015 at 02:06 PM

"Cabbies overcharging"? How could they? I mean - how would you know, when there is no counter working.:lol:

A man is going to Cabo, of all places. Is there anything there that is not overpriced, I wonder. Worrying about "ripoffs" in this situation would be counterproductive. When rape is inevitable - relax and enjoy it. Stop worrying.

sancho - 8-5-2015 at 02:41 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Santiago  
Heh, we forget our first time and the asking the same questions.









Yes indeed, I don't believe any of us were born with several
drives the length of the Peninsula under our belts

Dash Cam

bajaguy - 8-5-2015 at 03:00 PM

Invest in a dash cam for your vehicle..........it may save you from a bunch of problems

Benski - 8-5-2015 at 03:12 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Alm  
For us in order to "contribute" meaningful answers, you need to "contribute" more info in your question, so that we should know what to contribute in response. Otherwise it looks... er.... strange.

1) What kind of "stories"?
2) What kind of "bad situations and ripoffs"?
3) Why, in the world, would anybody want to go to the most expensive place in Baja (and driving all the way down the peninsula, at that) when they are worried about rip-offs?


Please contribute.


Stories about bribes, rapes, and property being taken.
Ripoffs are being short changed or skammed.
I want to see Cabo. I may not stay there. I'm good with my money.
The others seemed to understand.

[Edited on 07-01-2015 by Benski]

[Edited on 07-01-2015 by Benski]

DENNIS - 8-5-2015 at 03:22 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  

The sun can be very bright and cause skin damage, a potentially very bad situation. I recommend sunscreen and a broad brim hat.

Hope this info helps.


:lol:lol: How about a jock strap to avoid injury while carrying all those heavy cases of beer outta the store?

Sunscreen? Jeeezo Creeesto...... Baja used to be a destination for real hombres. WTF happened to that?


[Edited on 8-6-2015 by BajaNomad]

gnukid - 8-5-2015 at 03:42 PM

Don't prepay for services ever, pay based on delivery and quality on a periodic basis.

Bajahowodd - 8-5-2015 at 04:01 PM

I've been driving to Cabo and back, and sometimes only to Guererro Negro for almost 30 years. The ONLY interaction I ever had with a cop was a traffic guy in Cabo just weeks after they changed the one way streets. Cost me ten pesos.

Do not be afraid of things that will not happen. My experience has been to drive the ridiculously low posted speed limits in many towns, but to hit up to 100 on the open, flat highway. I do.

bajabuddha - 8-5-2015 at 04:54 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Alm  
"Cabbies overcharging"? How could they? I mean - how would you know, when there is no counter working.:lol:

A man is going to Cabo, of all places. Is there anything there that is not overpriced, I wonder. Worrying about "ripoffs" in this situation would be counterproductive. When rape is inevitable - relax and enjoy it. Stop worrying.


"Rip-off by cabbie" is quite simple, I learned this lesson in 1983 visiting Mazatlán. Always ask before you get in, "Quanto questo a _________(where you're going)". It's amazing the difference of costs from A to B, and then B back to A, such as hotel/restaurant/back to hotel. If the price is higher, simply wave another cabbie, and ask again. Competition is a good thing; don't encourage rip-offs, just propogates the problem.

Alm - 8-5-2015 at 05:09 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Benski  

Stories about bribes, rapes, and property being taken.
Ripoffs are being short changed or skammed.

Bribes - possibly, with police. Not very likely.

Rapes - I don't think so.

Property being taken - could you please be more specific? Theft can happen anywhere in Baja. They are poorer than us, you'll be sticking out like a sore thumb.

Shortchanged - well, possibly, this is what you math skills are for. Know how much it costs, in pesos and USD, and try not to give $100 (no matter what currency) when it costs $10. Seems like a common sense to me. They expect you to negotiate the price, in most places. Not in the store with price tags, of course.

Quote: Originally posted by Benski  

The others seemed to understand.

Here at BN? That would've been odd :biggrin:

Lindalou - 8-5-2015 at 05:43 PM

Now that everyone has scared the b-Jesus out of you, come on over!

Alm - 8-5-2015 at 06:03 PM

I don't think he/she was scared. Didn't sound like that.
What was it - beyond me. Rather generic list of "scenarios" in the last post. Like "being scammed", among other things. Can anybody explain me what they are talking about, unless they intended to buy a property or timeshare (and then why not asking this explicitly). Nobody is going to put a water in your gas tank or sell you a bottle of vinegar with Tequila label - not on a purpose, anyway.

alacran - 8-5-2015 at 06:32 PM

Most people that think of the peso as "funny money" will get screwed the most.

freediverbrian - 8-5-2015 at 07:03 PM

Learn to use the cervesa depositos of your choice, if you like your beer out of long neck bottles , no cans for me . buy one case of deposit bottles and reuse and reuse cheap way to buy beer .

mtgoat666 - 8-5-2015 at 10:55 PM

Mexico is full of thieves, cut throats, grifters, con men (and women), pick pockets, ner do wells, jay walkers and worst of all, accordian music! For christ's sake, do not come to Mexico!

Benski - 8-6-2015 at 05:23 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Mexico is full of thieves, cut throats, grifters, con men (and women), pick pockets, ner do wells, jay walkers and worst of all, accordian music! For christ's sake, do not come to Mexico!


Oh really. So why do you go down there, and why are you on this site? I'll see you there!

woody with a view - 8-6-2015 at 05:26 AM

Goat's just peeed he lives on a hill. he's alright tho, he calls it a mountain!

BajaBlanca - 8-6-2015 at 06:59 AM

The way to know that a gas station is shorting people on gas? It will have no or maybe one car. Be sure to go to the station that has a line!

Please always keep an eye on your belongings while going thru the various military inspections. Take wallet and docs with you as you step out of the vehicle.


It is a scary experience to be stopped by a cop for "not stopping at the stop sign" "not turning on a turn signal" or something equally random and false,

If you are brave, call the bluff and tell them you will follow them to the police station (the proper procedure if you are in the wrong). If you are not so inclined, have 100 pesos to give them, somewhere accessible.

Watch out for thieves reaching in the vehicle -my mom had her purse stolen right out of her lap!

I sure hope your trip has NOTHING bad happen but I think it is prudent to ask the questions before you head down.

Bon voyage.


shari - 8-6-2015 at 07:00 AM

dont drive at night...use pesos for everything and make sure you ask FIRST what the price is for a service...any service and if it is too much...say so and walk away.

As far as getting short changed, I am just as often over changed...like many said...bad math. Do NOT expect to get a great exchange rate..it is different at every place.

Be mindful of things and people around you...remember to expect the unexpected especially driving...drive way slower than you think you should as you never know what's up ahead.

Be respectful to all!!! stop and smell the cactus

I look forward to a trip report from you.

SFandH - 8-6-2015 at 07:29 AM

This may or may not classify as a ripoff. You'll be approached by people with their hand out, many of them quite pitiful. Carry some 5 and 10 peso coins and be generous. It's a small thing that can mean a lot. Good karma.

Let the Pemex folks wash the windows and give them 10 pesos. One told me they work for a dollar per hour. Restaurant waiters too. Many service workers depend upon tips. Be a big tipper.

shari - 8-6-2015 at 07:41 AM

because there is no social safety net...people who have severe illnesses sometimes ask for help for an operation, or wheelchair etc...they usually have a can or a letter from a doctor and a can to put coins in...

also there are often people at stop signs with cans that can be for a variety of community programs like a church seminar, surf team trying to raise money, money for queens of festivals, police xmas parties, school trips etc...throw em a few pesos and smile!

Lee - 8-6-2015 at 09:40 AM

I'm more focused at checkpoints now because I had a knife stolen by the military at the checkpoint N. of GN couple years ago. My fault for tempting these guys and I'll take responsibility for my possessions in the future. Anything of value now packed away deep, keep personal stuff in a pack and on me when I exit, nothing to rummage through in the glove box or center console (I bag everything and these areas are empty). Once left my pack in my car at a checkpoint going N. just before Tecate. A kid (military) pulled out a military scarf I had -- his friend asked me how much -- I gave it to him. I don't forget my pack now. And there's no reason to trust these guys or tempt them. Bad apples in every bunch.

pelone - 8-6-2015 at 10:15 AM

When driving South into Rosalia, be cautious when using the gas station on the right just past the ferry landing. A unique scam is run where, as you stand looking at the pump, a young man will approach you from the side handing you a laminated page asking you to consider helping them with their rehab by contributing to them. As you are distracted and looking away from the pump, the attendant signals a cohort inside the office who then triggers the pump with to add on a higher total. I stopped to top off a tank---should have come out to 5 dollars worth but the meter read the equivalent of 30. Do not look away from the pump!!!

Bajahowodd - 8-6-2015 at 04:55 PM

I'm thinking that Benski is a tourist. So many tips offered may be correct overall, but I've always had the philosophy that when one is on vacation, one should expect to pay money. Some pesos, some dollars and credit cards depending upon the venue.

As for panhandlers, I live about 3 miles from Disneyland in Orange County. I get hit up by panhandlers about twice a week. Probably more so than ever in Mexico.

CortezBlue - 8-7-2015 at 07:35 AM

sometimes you jusr have to laugh, for example

While driving in the Yucatan, we were leaving the pyramids and heading to Cancun. Stopped to get gas and the old man wgo was pumping gas looked like the old man in Close Encounters in the Sonora desert who's eyes were messed up. He pumped the gas; held his hand out, and asked for $160 pesos. I had a $200 and a $500 peso bill. I place the $200 peso bill into his open hand. As I placed the bill his cataract damaged eyes looked back towards the gas pump and mumbled in spanish, "Sr., $160 pesos!"

I looked at his hand and the $200 peso bill was now a $20 peso bill.

I had to laugh as I put put the $500 peso bill into his waiting palm, but, not before asking for the $20 peso bill first!

I got into the car and told my wife I had just met the Mexican David Copperfield!;)

elgatoloco - 8-7-2015 at 06:14 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bajahowodd  
I'm thinking that Benski is a tourist. So many tips offered may be correct overall, but I've always had the philosophy that when one is on vacation, one should expect to pay money. Some pesos, some dollars and credit cards depending upon the venue.

As for panhandlers, I live about 3 miles from Disneyland in Orange County. I get hit up by panhandlers about twice a week. Probably more so than ever in Mexico.


Twice a week? You must not get out much. :biggrin:

SlyOnce - 8-11-2015 at 11:42 AM

In the US there are panhandlers on every busy corner

In MX there are entertainers, people selling services, and people selling things.

Sometimes I give 5 pesos to a really good juggler. For example juggling 5 burning sticks while riding a unicycle. Or to the pretty morena wearing a tee shirt saying "yo (heart) Gueros" and selling bottles of water.

rts551 - 8-11-2015 at 06:15 PM

Worst rip-off? The one you do not see coming. Or stupid advice from gringos that get you into trouble later. Evaluate advice with common sense.

greta-inbaja - 8-12-2015 at 09:50 AM

The scam CortezBlue stated. We run across the money switch every so often. WHen you go to pay for the gas, you might give a 200 p note which mysteriously changes to a 20 or a 500 to a 50. Just just keep track of what you pay with or as for a given amount. As "500 P " magna. The last time this happened, my overtired partner gave the extra money, then realized his mistake, told the attendant "give me my gosh darnn money back" the guy smiled and did just that. Sometimes the gas transaction will start with one attendant then switch to another. Maybe only one guy that was comfortable with the ripoff. I have to say.... they are good. This seems to be a pretty common scam around La Paz and San Jose., its been going on for yrs.

OH... also wear your seatbelt. We have been pulled over for no seatbelt 2x. Both times threatened with a ticket. Both times ended up with just a warning. Both times we were wearing a seatbelt. Honestly, we have run across very few issues driving down. We have been assisted by the federaly when in need, Had many pleasant conversations. People are friendly. Have fun, its a very enjoyable trip if you take your time and enjoy the experience. Flat our beautiful drive in the fall if it has been wet and the desert is green and in bloom. As everyone says.. dont drive at night.