The Truth about “Gringo Prices” in Mexico

One of the big concerns of Mexico travelers is getting "gringo priced" - getting screwed over because they're not from there.
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I've been living in Mexico for almost 6 years and in this video I'm going to give you my thoughts on gringo pricing in Mexico: When you need to watch out for it, when it's not a concern, and what you can do to protect yourself from it.
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ABOUT ME
I'm Jordan, an American living in Mexico with my Husky, Laska. In January of 2018 I left the US to start traveling Mexico. Since then, I've been making travel videos about my life in Mexico, travel tips, Las Vegas tips videos, and advice for those considering moving abroad.
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[@drewj4297]

If you are a gringo in Mexico, tourist or resident, you are seen as a cash machine by many.

[@venuswarrior8456]

Yeah, a big gimmick, not all gringos have money, thats so funny how Mexicans think that. LOL

[@venuswarrior8456]

@@MichaelBanfield-xz5sp You are very correct. I know some greedy asssss gringos.

[@russellbarnes7728]

I've been living in Mexico for three years, and am from the US. I've never been scammed, or charged "gringo prices" whether in restaurants, OR renting my home. My rent has never been increased,, in three years. I think it may be, because we don't live in any tourist area, or maybe we'rejustlucky. I've never been made to feel unwelcome, or uncomfortable, by any locals. Any tourist trap, will charge you more. Hotels next to Disneyland will charge you more too, for the convenience. I've also have had medical care, in Mexico as well. I've never even been asked about where I live, other than filling out the forms. The medical is great in Mexico. I had surgery after a stroke, and out of pocket, it was cheaper than any insurance premiums I was paying in the US!

[@DannielaGM48]

@belltowndaisythen don’t even live here in MY COUNTRY, stay in your fricking country and stop talking like this about mexicans, you f stxpid piece of shxt

[@Jeffhowardmeade]

I texted in Spanish on a Mexican mobile regarding a rental house in Tijuana. I was immediately told it was already rented. I tried again on my US phone in English and immediately got an appointment. I didn't pay the gringo price because the ONLY price was the gringo price. The landlord didn't want to rent to a Mexican.

[@cHVF]

best advice about take the bus is so right, I do that when Im out of the country. You #1 learn where you are because you took the time to study the map, #2 you avoid the high taxi fares, #3 you avoid a lot of other taxi-related scams, #4 you will spend more time around people that live there, you might even make a friend.

[@dennishassler605]

People need to negotiate a bit!!! I will say I love the prices for labor in Mexico - recently, towed my SUV down to Nogales and unloaded - drove it over and got a cylinder head job for only $9000 pesos!!! Prices were all one-forth of what you'd pay in the USA!!!! I had things replaced like ball joints and rack & pinion - got my car in pristine condition. AND they did it right in Mexico unlike the last guy that worked on it - left some bolt out due to bad threads, but in Mexico they fixed it right repairing the thread with Heli-Coil repair. People in Mexico are honest, hard working and easy to work with - in this case the mechanic had been working in the USA for 15 yrs. and we were both laughing over all the nasty tricks USA mechanics play on their customers. You are much more likely to have honest mechanics in Mexico!!! I KNOW!!!! Heck, when I see them pulling stuff, I point at it and tell them what they already know, so they definitely don't like me - I dare I expect them to be honest?

[@AnimationByDylan]

We did a family vacation to Costa and Isla Mujeres. We enjoyed it, but the prices made SoCal seem reasonable.

[@dennishassler605]

Some places there's a lot of tourists and they'll pay those prices. Walk away from the tourist area to local restaurants and stores where prices are LOCAL prices. I stay away from the tourist places and do my shopping away from the tourist frequented areas like along the beach walk (Malecon). I go back into the colonies a few blocks away from the tourists. Occasionally, I go to the top tier places, but usually the ones that are not overcharging. It is important to go to busy local places where they have good hygiene - places that turn over the food quickly so their food is fresh.

[@dennishassler605]

Some of these people are just playing their cards all wrong!!! For me, it's always better in Mexico (or Brazil, etc.). DO NOT ACCEPT paying higher prices, but educate yourself on the correct price and pay THAT and don't pay anything more. Even in the USA, if milk is $5 at one store and $2 at another - go where the price is fair.

[@misterniceguy67]

I recently wanted to go to a volcano here in Costa Rica. The entry fee for foreigners is $20 and for locals is $2. And to your point, taxis will scam you more than anyone else. I am glad UBER is here.

[@dennishassler605]

Tell them you are a local and happy to pay your $2.00

[@pinetworkminer8377]

@@dennishassler605 But would you need to be very fluent in Spanish to say that? Otherwise taxis won't believe you're a local(?)

[@dennishassler605]

@@pinetworkminer8377 - It's NOT about being a local; it's more about attitude and projecting your good character. KNOW the prices by asking around and if one taxi offers "Gringo pricing" you just find another Taxi. Ask them up front. I was in Nogales and I paid the Taxi BEFORE the trip, because I had $5 USA and no Pesos - he was happy to take the dollars and even called ahead to my mechanic let him know I was on my way. Actually, a local helped me get the taxi, so it was a "barker" with a mild manner that I always talk to when I walk across to Nogales. Once I bought him a beer nearby, because it's wise to have local contacts, so I always say hello and show respect.

[@dennishassler605]

@@pinetworkminer8377 Oh, you need to study the language and the culture - get yourself better informed. They have Consumer Laws in Mexico and Restaurants and business can be fined big time if they cheat people - just mention FCPL or PROFECO when you are discussing over charging - they will do ANYTHING to prevent a consumer complaint, because it's very, very expensive to get cited for a violation - AND it's difficult to answer the citation as well - one huge pain in the ass for anyone, so they will avoid a complaint at any cost. Once a vendor refunded my $200US as I came to the shop with twelve policemen backing me up - he refunded all my money, because his employee cheated me. The cheater likely had to leave town - everyone was looking for him.

[@sotonin]

Dunno i found taxis in costa rica pretty standard fees every time. Uber is great when you can get it but i found it unreliable in costa rica. (I did not stay in touristy places though)

[@betsygorn2495]

Awhile back I think you reviewed the Hilton in Cancun? Anyway I'm thinking about the Hilton in Tulum. Do you have any info. on the quality? I will be going during the Thanksgiving holiday. Thanks so much!

[@mattshell7753]

Thanks so much I love Mexico but doesn't seem any deal anymore. But with your videos it helps

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

Jordan, you are lucky that you have May and Mexican pals to help you out. Most travelers and tourists know of no one where they are going.

[@JM-ig4ed]

Most of his almost six years there were without May.

[@jcbulldog533]

​@@JM-ig4edThat's true,but remember he understood Spanish very well & then speaks Spanish very fluently now.. Obviously why he won't get scammed

[@tunemistress8433]

Ok yes, ask for the menu in pesos. Here's the thing, and I live in a cruise port city in Mexico, there are two reasons there are menus in English: if the majority of ships coming in are carrying passengers from the US, the restaurants that they'll visit will take US money, plus the ship passengers are told they don't need to bring pesos. AND... if those ship passengers aren't going to bring pesos, they're going to be charged extra - if the vendors can, they will. It can take an hour or more to get from the beach in Tulum to town depending on where you are and traffic. I do agree with your point on prices not being marked, but it's illegal in Mexico for prices not to be posted, and in pesos. (I do know that you know this Jordan). This might be a helpful tidbit for visitors - Anne

[@joshuabradshaw9120]

I found that in Playa Del Carmen the taxi drivers usually try to charge you an outrageous price so I mostly walked everywhere. The good thing is that I was staying in a hotel near the beach and I knew where the grocery stores were so I didn’t pay as much. Also a block away from 5th avenue the restaurant prices are more reasonable.

[@JM-ig4ed]

Love the content this and couple prior ones where you are showing random videos around Mexico while you are talking. Keep on with travel content. I know you are always interested in investing stuff - but your chanel is about traveling - keep on keeping on.

[@MuazNorAzmi]

May I know , what is the camera you use for the recording scenery?

[@MEN101]

When you call a plumber or electrician in Mexico, some will try and charge you the highest rates possible. What they would charge a Mexican would be say $400 pesos, they will charge a foreigner $1200 pesos, easy. Don’t get scammed.

[@vicmar4167]

I wonder why you haven’t left..

[@dennishassler605]

My experience has been different. They ALWAYS charge the going rate in Mexico. NEVER do business with scammers - get referrals or ask them the right questions.

[@juannapoles]

Plumbers don't charge 400 pesos

[@doingtime20]

It's true, though it's not so much because you are a foreigner, its because they assume you to be rich. How do I know? I'm mexican and they do the same thing to me, they think that because I live in a nice neighborhood I'm rich, so I must pay "the rich guy tax". It's an struggle every single time I deal with contractors.

[@MEN101]

@@doingtime20 this. 100%. They can overcharge even wealthy Mexicans. But they constantly overcharge foreigners

[@dabeage]

"Tourist traps" are just that, (which is why they are called that.) Visit real places in Mexico and ingratiate yourself with the locals. They are very friendly and helpful.

[@russellbarnes7728]

Exactly! There's a lot more to living in Mexico, than laying on the beach...

[@alessio272]

Sometimes these places have just told me straight out that is the price I will pay. Not all places do that so just go where they don’t do that stuff.

[@redcatguy]

Will be in Queretaro in Nov. for several days with no car. Can you mention some things to see and do? Also, some good inexpensive eateries too. Many thanks for your time and response.

[@FidalgoSwing]

Once again great video, I learned a lot from your posts and others about traveling Mexico, I do have a advantage I grew up in San Diego and as a kid in the 50's 60's and 70's I spent some time in Tijuana and Baja. I wanted to soak in the true Mexico so I avoided all the truest coastal spots. My 3 month 9 city trip starting in Tijuana to Zacatecas and ending in Bernal and Queretaro City twice. All my stops were longer than a week and I stayed in Zacatecas for three weeks. I do not speak Spanish but my phone does and what I found was the nieces and most helpful people I have ever meat. I got a some Ink in Queretaro and they rolled a joint for me to smoke for the pain.When taking a cab all you have to do is ask the price and they will tell you.I do travel with a Schipperke service dog so city busses are a no go and ADO and most busses doesn't except service dog's but FYI Primera Plus and ETN busses do. I want to thank you for your videos that got me started with my travels in to Mexico. I'm off to Veracruz December 1st, this time I going to stay for my full 180 days."O" by the way guys do where shorts in every city I visited except for Lagos de Moreno.

[@Gabriel-dn4gg]

Any recommendations for dentists there? Whether in Queretaro or somewhere in Mexico you may have gotten good dental service. I need a crown redone.

[@Sam.I.am_]

We will be in Costa Maya next week on a cruise. Can you share what restaurant that was so we can avoid that place?

[@ShopMarijuana]

We laugh at each other and say .... "you just got gringoed" Kind of sh*tty but it happens a lot.

[@drewski-qu3co]

I recommend Indrive for cities like Veracruz, Veracruz where Uber is banned

[@ScenicSitesandBites]

Great tips. Thanks Jordan.

[@kellyd6619]

Thanks!

[@TangerineTravels]

Thank you, Kelly!

[@AlexMunoz-mo8uo]

It’s interesting how you mentioned the color of your skin. Many of us have suffered for the same reason in the U.S. for a lifetime. How the tables have turned. Is it discrimination? Sure! Is it wrong? Yes! But at the same time, I didn’t hear you complain about the rent price you were paying in your Queretaro home video. I have accepted the discrimination in America. Sometimes we have to accept the good with the bad.

[@vientran8109]

I just went to PDC last month, the hotel resort charged me sanity tax for 7 nights 31usd and if i pay in Peso only 217 Mex Peso, 217/31 =7 that is exchange rate at the resort what a ripped off😂😂 since exchange rate on fifth ave 16.5Peso to 1 usd

[@Galavantin]

Hey Jordan, long time watcher, first time caller. Lol Your advice is second to none. Im thinking of making my first trip to get some dental work done. Also thinking to retire there, so its a double mission. Online they call it a dental vacation/ tourism. They promote the dental clinics in all the touristy areas like play de carmen. I dont want to be near gringo tourists traps. I thought about los Algodones, but its not about just the dental work and i got plenty of time. Im a beach guy, so i was looking at Mazatlan. Your video there was great. And i see they have dental vacations there also. Like i said, Im not big on the touristy cities. My question is ..., Where's a nice small city to get Good dental work , like implants or bridgework . A city small enough yet not so small the quality or skill is compromised. Or even an inland city. I can search the beach towns later. I know you had boots on the ground in a lot of cities, so you can point me in the right direction, then I'll start my research for a dentist. Thanks, and Happy Travels.

[@meandyouagainstthealgorith5787]

If you had gone to southeast Asia you would find that bule prices are much higher than prices for the locals. The locals are waiting in a long line and paying only a few cents for admission to a park. Bules get immediate admission for just a few dollars. It all seems fair in a weird way. Gringo prices seem unfair because the local prices are somewhat similar to gringo prices. Gringos are not told they are being charged more because they are a gringo. Most importantly, there is no apparent special treatment for being a gringo and paying more.

[@staceynicolesmith]

We just got scammed big time. At the hospital of all places. CostaMed In Playa del Carmen. We r residents here, but they certainly didn’t charge us residents pricing as they said they would, and they wouldn’t let us leave without paying a highly inflated bill of $38,000 pesos. It should’ve been about $5000 pesos. I had a similar procedure there last year for under $3000 pesos and we were quoted $3000. We r of the opinion that the price was based on what we looked like we could pay.

[@Betty-my3tw]

Did you ever file a complaint? I think PROFECO is whom you're supposed to report shady business deals to when it comes to being scammed by local businesses.

[@staceynicolesmith]

@@Betty-my3tw it literally just happened but we will be. Yes :) thank u 👍👍

[@user-jq9nr3qo6o]

​@@staceynicolesmithStace, I'm sure you'll do nothing but whine about it

[@lgnrome]

Where is Laska ? Has she been replaced?

[@joenroute9646]

Not about your skin ,but about your accent .

[@55CINCO55]

Definitely not about skin color, Mexican Americans also get the same treatment.

[@tunemistress8433]

I live in Mexico and the majority of Mexican people know I'm English speaking before I open my mouth

[@danielibarra5050]

Anytime you pay in dollars, you will get charged gringo prices. Also, everything, outside of restaurants, is negotiable. In Puerto Penasco, even the traffic tickets are negotiable.

[@sotonin]

Correct. this goes for every single country in the world. Pay in local currency or you will get ripped off. Maybe not by a lot, but it's not going to be the same as USD

[@user-jq9nr3qo6o]

​@@sotoninin most normal countries you must pay in local currency

[@sadie9527]

Please! If you need to pay someone part of a deposit back make it happen

[@Canuck1000]

Not about Mexico, but I traveled to Burkina Faso in Western Africa a while back for work. In many places, they had a price (unwritten rule) for the local people, one for citizens of other West African countries and one for foreigners (i.e., white). In truth, even for me, the price was still extremely cheap. My per diem covered more than was needed to eat and buy stuff.

[@TangerineTravels]

I'm curious about what brought you there? Do you work for a Canadian mining company with operations over there?

[@Canuck1000]

@@TangerineTravels I led a large traffic safety (engineering) study about 23 years ago. It was a fantastic experience. My local staff was very nice and helpful.

[@danielboone4796]

I've paid gringo prices on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. They did not know I spoke Spanish. I told them I would not be back!

[@cimesq]

I cannot find you on FB? Are you still there?

[@ssjrose9641]

Lol "gringos" don't want to ride on the colectivo/combi 😂😂😂😂 that's why they get ripped off.

[@tunemistress8433]

I ride combis and city buses ALL the time where I live in Mexico. $7.5 in town and $23 to go to the big city on the bigger air conditioned bus 45 minutes down the highway.

[@zebo9483]

I avoid Cabo and Cancun because of that

[@zinknot]

Having a Mexican with you usually works.

[@soullight2932]

Whos is they maybe should clarify more

[@SuiGenerisAbbie]

Gringo-pricing is discrimination, flat out. No one wants to hear or read that, but the truth can hurt sometimes.

[@55CINCO55]

Meh, it's adjusting for the difference in currency... you're already getting a massive discount by earning in dollars or euros.

[@TangerineTravels]

@@55CINCO55 1 peso = 74 Korean Won. When a Mexican travels to South Korea should they be charged more because their currency is worth more?

[@55CINCO55]

@@TangerineTravels I don't necessarily think it should be enforced legally, but I'd understand why they would want to do that, yes.

[@JohnSmith-ok6gb]

​@55CINCO55 you obviously have a very limited understanding on the topic.

[@55CINCO55]

@@JohnSmith-ok6gb Ok... you're not really informing me...

[@lgnrome]

Anyone want to guess who I am? Omg your comment really touched my heart so I make you a song: I don't give a damn about your fricken opinion thank you . Have a nice day.

[@tottymama959]

Why not change your name ? You guys don't travel

[@IvanRiveraStagea]

Many landlords price differently for foreigners not because of skin color but because they are far more likely to stay for a shorter period of time. Locals typically rent for many years before moving, while foreigners may not even stay for a year. That will leave the property vacant once more and it will incur the landlord additional costs to tidy up and sign up a new renter.

[@dant6067]

I went to a restaurant in Puerto Peñasco a couple months ago and the menu was in dollars, not pesos. The price for my item was $17 but he said the total was $19 because of tax. As far as I know, tax is supposed to be included in the price on the menu in Mexico. So I think I got charged a Gringo Tax. But I was planning on giving him an even $20 so the joke was on him since the Gringo Tax came out of his tip.

[@user-jq9nr3qo6o]

The joke was on you chuckles for eating at a restaurant with a USD menu. 🤡

[@lifeexplorer775]

Why do you live in Mexico while you can live in USA? I can't understand reasons 😅

[@dennishassler605]

ONLY if you are a legal USA Citizens - on the USA side, they'll screw over good people, but the illegals can pour in just by taking the foot paths. Part of the reasons USA people prefer Mexico is because they like the freedom in Mexico and the honest people - it's like going back in time to a better place in time.

[@joenroute9646]

Because Mexico is worthy too

[@JohnSmith-ok6gb]

Because if you play your cards right you can play your dollars here far longer here in Mexico.

[@lifeexplorer775]

@@JohnSmith-ok6gb fair enough. But to be honest I'd perefer to live in a trailer in USA neither in a big house in Mexico

[@JohnSmith-ok6gb]

@@lifeexplorer775 if I may ask why??

[@fredmunguia7451]

Might want to mention to your subscribers, that under no circumstances give your credit or debit card to anyone, because they will get scammed in Cancun. If anyone offers you anything for free, for example breakfast or taxi to and from your hotel, you will be scammed, nobody in Cancun, gives you anything for free. If anybody asks you once or twice if you have a credit card debit card, say no, because you will be scammed. A word to the wise. Don’t invest or buy into anything beach clubs etc…without having a trusted well known attorney representing your interests, or you will be scammed in Cancun.

[@sotonin]

This entire video can be boiled down to common sense. If you are in a touristy place you are paying too much. Period. Avoid those cities and stay in smaller more rural places.

[@psrosemary]

It's about nationality, not skin color, Jordon.

[@TangerineTravels]

That wasn’t my opinion but it’s how a lot of white people feel when they visit. If you keep watching I say that I think it’s more so about if they think you have money. They try to scam my Mexican friends who visit Cancun. They try to scam Mexican Americans. They do it to black, white, brown or whatever skin color. If they think you have money, many will try it, regardless of your skin color, nationality, or even language in many cases.

[@vicmar4167]

Do you actually pay income tax in mexico? Enjoying the infrastructure for free and still bargaining your tacos?

[@stevenclyde5400]

We pay more in taxes than you ever will because we consume more, silly. There’s a 16% general sales tax here! To prove the point: What is your yearly income tax bill? I bet it’s somewhere in the range of 5000-7000 pesos per year. Now let’s compare that to the taxes we pay just on consumption goods.

[@drewj4297]

16% sales tax plus toll fees on the Highway

[@joenroute9646]

NOPE ! it is how it works when you travel abroad . Lol

[@JohnSmith-ok6gb]

NOPE!!! And I roll my AMG GLE or my 911 Porsche as my daily...jelly yet bud?

[@chrisp3922]

Foreigners pay at minimum 16% on every peso spent, however it is usually closer to 30% due to high duties on goods in Mexico. The government specifically set up the tax system this way due to the large number of people who work under the table. So no, foreigners do not avoid taxes. In addition, the entire train Maya was paid for completely by the tax charged ok foreigners entering Mexico. The bottom line is foreigners pay far more than their fare share of taxes.

[@lifeexplorer775]

Is it hard to move to the USA by jumping over the US-Mexico border?

[@pinkworld9384]

WE DIDN'T CROSS THE BORDER THE BORDER CROSSED US!

[@lifeexplorer775]

@@pinkworld9384 it is fair for old generation Mexicans. They are in US now, I am talking about modern border

[@JohnSmith-ok6gb]

@pinkworld9384 o stop it with your silly self given privileges, princess.

[@JohnSmith-ok6gb]

@pinkworld9384 your response just proved my statement

[@lifeexplorer775]

@@JohnSmith-ok6gb that Mexicans should be grateful for freedom that they gained just because they gave up