3 Common Scams in Playa del Carmen and how to avoid them

That’s why, after some chatting and mezcal, I decided to write this guide:

If you’re an expat or digital nomad considering moving to Playa del Carmen, it’s important to be aware of common scams to avoid. As a local living here in PDC, I’ve heard many stories from expats who have fallen victim to scams, and I want to share my experiences to help you avoid these pitfalls.

Whether it’s overpriced taxi rides, fake rental listings, or confusion around tipping customs, here are three common scams in Playa del Carmen and what you can do to stay safe.

1. Taxi Drivers and Their High Rates in Playa del Carmen

One of the most common issues that expats in Playa del Carmen face is dealing with taxi drivers. Unlike other cities, ridesharing apps like Uber are NOT available here due to local taxi unions, which have monopolized the market.

When I first arrived in Quintana Roo, I flew from Querétaro to Cancun and asked for a taxi at the airport. To my surprise, they wanted to charge me $100 USD—yes, they wanted to charge me in dollars! That’s equivalent to $2,000 MXN. To put this into perspective, Querétaro is 1,118 miles from Cancun, and the Cancun airport is only 57 miles from Playa del Carmen. These rates are outrageous.

And if you agree to pay with a card, they’ll want to add a 4% surcharge on top. (Eye on this no one can ask you to pay their tax rate)

So, be careful! There are better options when moving from the airport to Playa del Carmen. You can always take the ADO bus which leaves every 30 minutes and you can pay your ticket at the stand of the airport or in the app. I recommend you skip the line. 

Another great option, and my personal favorite, is sharing a taxi. When you exit the airport doors, a bunch of people will start yelling at you—some trying to sell you something or offering you a cab. The first time I came, I didn’t trust these guys, but after traveling a lot, I realized this is the best way to travel. They only charge you $200 MXN, the same as ADO, but you’ll arrive faster and can decide where to be dropped off (between the Federal Highway and the ADO terminal).

These methods apply from the Airport to Playa or from PDC to Airport.

How to avoid this:

• A better option is to take the ADO bus, which is a more affordable and comfortable way to travel from the airport. The cost is only around $200 MXN, a fraction of what a taxi will charge.

• If you prefer a faster option, you can share a taxi with others. Shared taxis outside the airport charge about $200 MXN, just like the ADO bus, but they’ll get you to your destination faster.

Also, consider downloading Taritaxipasajeros from your app store, a local app that helps you to get a taxi and have an estimate of how much this is going to cost you, although the user interface isn’t the best.

2. Rental Scams in Playa del Carmen

Finding a place to live in Playa del Carmen can be tricky not just for expats, it can be hard for locals, especially when it comes to rental scams. Many people start their search on Facebook Marketplace or groups, which can be a good resource, but it’s also where scammers target unsuspecting expats.

It’s common to see listings for beautiful, centrally located apartments with prices that seem too good to be true. If you see a rental listed for less than $6,000 MXN, it’s likely a scam. The idea is to create urgency and make you feel like you need to secure the property quickly before someone else does.

Some examples:

Let's face it, a place like this, with light and water services included, at Centro, for $3000 is pure fake. Don't waste your time waiting that maybe this is an opportunity because i'm sorry to tell you that is not.

How to avoid this:

• If the landlord can’t show you the property for some reason, always ask for proof of ownership, like a utility bill with the property address.

• Avoid rushing into any rental agreements. Take your time to verify the listing and make sure everything checks out before making a payment.

Some trusted Facebook groups for finding rentals are:

Rentas Playa del Carmen, casas, departamentos, estudios y cuartos

 RENTAS PLAYA DEL CARMEN ✔️

* Still can be scams so be aware of this and take your precautions.

3. Tipping Culture in Playa del Carmen: What Expats Should Know

Tipping in Playa del Carmen is another topic that often confuses expats and digital nomads. While tipping is NOT mandatory in Mexico, it’s highly expected, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Playa del Carmen.

In some places, you may even get a bad look if you only tip 10%, as the expectation here is closer to 15%. In my opinion, tipping culture here can be a bit excessive, but it’s important to remember that many workers rely heavily on tips as a major part of their income.

What expats should know about tipping:

• Tipping is not required by law, but it’s appreciated and often expected. For good service, 10-15% is standard, and in some cases, even more is appreciated.

• Be cautious about places that ask for tips even when you’re ordering food to-go or other minor services.

Also here you have some nice options to go for a coffee:

Logia Cafe

Choux choux café

Conclusion: Stay Informed and Make the Most of Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is an amazing place to live, full of beautiful scenery, a welcoming community, and plenty of opportunities for expats and digital nomads. However, it’s important to stay informed and take precautions to avoid common scams. Whether it’s overpaying for a taxi or falling for a rental scam, knowledge is your best defense.

Always remember to ask questions, do your research, and trust your instincts. Playa del Carmen has so much to offer, and with a bit of caution, you can enjoy everything this wonderful city has to offer without any unwanted surprises.