One of the Most Common Scams in Cancun Restaurants And What to Do if it Happens to You
A frequent scam that is happening more and more frequently in some of the Cancun restaurants is to hide service fees, (tips) in the bill or put pressure on the customer about leaving a tip.
I have lived in Cancun since 2010 and unfortunately, I have been the victim of this kind of practice in one of the high-end Restaurants of the hotel zone. At the time I was really annoyed but I didn’t really take action.
Now that I see it happening more often, I realize that it was my duty to complain and report it to the authorities and I have decided to write this post to create awareness and ensure you won’t fall victim to such scam.
So let’s get to it-
Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of those links, I may earn a commission at zero cost for you. You can read my disclaimer policy and privacy policy.
Tipping is not mandatory in Mexico
The first thing to clarify is that tipping in Mexico is not Mandatory and Cancun restaurants are no exceptions.
According to the Federal Consumer Attorney’s Office:
“This (Tipping) is a voluntary gratuity and cannot be included in a bill without the consumer’s consent.”
Lawyer from Mexico
One of the highlights of a vacation in Cancun is its exceptional culinary scene. The city offers an eclectic selection of fantastic eateries, serving both authentic Mexican dishes and international cuisine of all sorts.
However, there has been concern regarding a particular issue: some restaurants have been found to add tips to bills without customer consent.
Experts from local restaurant associations in Cancun and the surrounding regions have clarified that tipping is not mandatory in Cancun.
Although tipping is a common practice in countries like the United States, in Cancun, it is entirely optional. Customers are encouraged to tip based on their satisfaction with the service and food quality.
Unfortunately, it’s a common practice to add a 15 to 20% of the bill disguised as “service charge”, “service fees”, “service tax” which would basically be the tip. In some cases, the waiter explicitly ask you for the tip.
In my case, a 20% tip was “suggested” in the bill and since I paid cash, when the waiter returned the change, the tip was also deducted, without my explicit consent. Needless to say, I was furious and I asked him to bring me back the full change and I would have decided what to leave as a tip.
The waiter was visibly offended and scornfully brought me back the full change. I don’t remember whether I eventually left the tip, or not, but I do remember I felt disturbed and manipulated.
What to do to prevent getting scammed or what to do if it happens to you
1. First of all, when dining out in Cancun’s restaurants, always review your bill closely before paying.
Some establishments might apply service charges that are not mandatory or inflate the prices of dishes once you’re seated.
2. Ask for a menu and check the prices
To avoid these issues, it’s a good idea to ask for the menu with prices before you order and be cautious of waitstaff who seem overly insistent on certain dishes or additions, such as side dishes or premium drinks, that can drive up your tab. Double-check the bill before paying.
3. Don’t let an insisting waiter get in your head
Some waiters explicitly ask for a tip, or they just want to remind you. I find it rude and unnecessary, and they usually cause the opposite reaction. Don’t let it get in your head. Remember, while tipping is customary and appreciated for good service, whether you tip or not and the amount you choose to leave should reflect your experience and be at your discretion.
4. You decide how much you tip (if you want to)
It’s typical to tip between 10% to 15% based on the level of service received. Sometimes I tipped 10% other times I didn’t tip at all, if I was not happy with the service. Other times I tipped 20% because I felt they deserved it.
Also, sometimes, if the waiter’s service was exceptional I left a good tip even if I wasn’t happy with the food, just because it wasn’t the waiter’s fault.
5. If you see an overcharge added to your bill as a tip in the form of a service charge, service fee, or anything similar, you can report it.
I would recommend confronting the restaurant manager first and letting them know that adding the tip to the bill is not a legal practice, if they insist on the payment and don’t remove it I would recommend you pay and then you can proceed with a report.
It’s a bit time-consuming and stressful but well worth it.
In Mexico there is an association where consumers can report similar cases, it’s the PROFECO. The website is in Spanish but if you can find some help in translating and filling out the form you can report the issue.
Another way to report it is of course, through social media which is probably the quickest way to find justice nowadays.
Most Common Scam in Cancun’s Restaurants: Final Thoughts
I am hoping that this article on one of the most common scams in Cancun, didn’t discourage you from exploring the spectacular culinary scene in Cancun. Like anywhere else in the world, unpleasant situations happen but in general you will have a great eating experience in the Cancun restaurants. Check out my post on the top ones and enjoy the delicious food. Just remember to be careful when you get the bill. 🙂
Before you go…
Also, read more safety tips in Cancun!
