Travel Smart in Mexico: A Guide to Avoiding Tourist Scams

Moises Guardado
Sep 19, 2025
2 min read

When we travel, the last thing we want is to worry about bad experiences. Unfortunately, in any tourist destination there can be people offering services without proper regulation, which can sometimes end in disappointment. To help you prevent this, here are some practical tips to make sure you book safely and enjoy your vacation in Mexico to the fullest.

1. Verify who is behind the service

Before booking a tour, accommodation, or any activity, it’s essential to know who is providing the service. In Mexico, there are official tools that allow you to check this:

National Tourism Registry (RNT): All service providers (guides, hotels, agencies, restaurants, etc.) must be registered. You can consult the database through the Mexican Ministry of Tourism.
Official Tourist Guides Catalog (SECTUR): Here you can verify if your guide is officially certified by the Ministry of Tourism. You only need their name or license number 👉 Check here.

This not only ensures you are hiring a professional but also gives you the backing of the Ministry of Tourism in case of any inconvenience.

Certificate issued by the Federal Ministry of Tourism

2. Check their online presence

Nowadays, an online presence says a lot about any company or service provider. Warning signs include:

A profile that only exists on one social media platform.
A recently created account.
No consistent content or real interactions.

On the other hand, a consolidated company usually has multiple platforms, consistent posting, and a visible track record.

3. Use secure payment methods

While many providers accept direct transfers, it’s best to use secure platforms such as PayPal. Even with the small fee, they offer extra protection: if the service is not delivered, you can file a claim.

4. Read reviews and past traveler experiences

Spending just a few minutes reading reviews on Google, Facebook, Airbnb, or TripAdvisor can save you a lot of trouble. Reviews not only reveal the quality of the service but also show whether the company has had issues with other travelers in the past.

5. What if something goes wrong?

If an issue arises despite your precautions, there are official institutions in Mexico that can help:

Ministry of Tourism (SECTUR): If the provider is listed in their catalogs, you can file a report.
PROFECO: This is the Federal Consumer Protection Office, which helps mediate and resolve consumer disputes. You can file a complaint in person or use their digital system Concilianet.

Having the provider’s details will be key for any process.

Travel with confidence

Planning carefully and hiring regulated services is the best way to ensure unforgettable vacations. At the end of the day, what travelers seek is to relax and enjoy, knowing they are in the hands of professionals.

In destinations like Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas, there are certified guides and companies dedicated to sharing the region’s culture, history, and nature through authentic and safe experiences.