Tourist Scams in Miami

[@TreyDaze]

As someone from South Florida, be extremely vigilant if you’re renting a car! Vehicle break ins are off the charts there. Don’t even leave an empty plastic bag in plain sight.

[@WoltersWorldEats]

Thanks for the heads up!

[@nickpvb]

I grew up in Hialeah back in the day and man oh man are you correct and nothings really changed since the 70s. If I recall correctly my brother had for stereo stolen from his car! Then he just gave up.

[@guskelly4014]

Thanks

[@7motion985]

Miami is an scam

[@chenobiy0167]

If youre flying to Fort Lauderdale, you can use the tri-rail. For less than 10 dollars. So good, so efficient, I love that piece of engineering

[@colbymaxheidke7607]

if you’re flying into fort lauderdale airport, you can always use the brightline or tri-rail service to miami for much cheaper than an uber, although i still wouldn’t suggest flying into fort lauderdale if the price difference is more than $50

[@vincentjohns7068]

Tri rail is a lot cheaper and only $3.50

[@supraman215]

I'm flying into FLL because the flight landing time was better and it was 1/4 the price of Miami.

[@javiermesa8849]

I've lived in Miami for the last 20 years and everything mentioned in this video is on point.

[@richi_envoy]

ive lived in little havana my whole life and cuban food in miami should be cheap, if its not youre probably getting ripped off lol

[@nickpvb]

Haven’t lived there since 1977…Is the paella still awesome?

[@missaamane8580]

Yep

[@davidguiney1746]

When you pay for something by credit card, you get two credit card receipts, one for the merchant and one for the customer. Make sure to take the one for the customer away with you, even if you throw it in the trash. If you leave it behind blank, then some writers will fill out the second receipt and add an extra dollar or two to your tip Honestly. By the time you check your credit card statement almost a month later, do you remember if you left $12 or 14?

[@asmar24knuts]

Or an extra $100 happened to me before luckily on my AmEx which quickly got disputed. I always take both receipts since then tho.

[@jessicaely2521]

I don't understand the fascination with South Beach and Miami Beach. Now I did grow up in South Florida. I remember South Beach before it was so popular and after the drug wars going on in Miami in the 70's early 80's. 1989 was a perfect time down there.

[@nickpvb]

Agreed, I couldn’t afford to buy anything on Lincoln Road Mall then or today

[@asmar24knuts]

When they say do you want the special...always ask "sure how much is the special" or you'll be in for a huge special surprise.

[@allansamilow728]

Eating a few blocks from the main tourist streets, for better food at better prices, is standard for every city you visit.

[@Toya_the_Explorer]

That whole city is scamming, I've been scammed by lawyers, doctor's, realtors, movers, the list goes on.. I was born and raised there, but moving out of there was the best decision in my life! I still have property down there, and family, but if not, I would rarely even go down there, it's too many other better places to go.

[@kirillkolesnikov566]

Where did you move to?

[@AstarionWifey]

@@kirillkolesnikov566probably Texas Like everybody and their mamas are coming in

[@jencrecelius3565]

I've always flown into MIA when not driving down, but definitely make use of the Tri-Rail. Boca area is usually where we stay now but it's reasonable and will get you to many towns without paying ridiculous cab fares for the whole journey from the airport.

[@shawnslattery2000]

Born and raised in Miami and now my favorite part of Miami is not going to Miami. South Beach is just a tourist trap hell.

[@jlpack62]

Explore restaurants one the west side of South Beach. They are more likely to be above board, are filled with more locals, and have less of that pressure sales vibe that you find on Ocean Drive. Consider the airport flyer bus from MIA to Miami Beach for less than $3. Learn the routes of the free Miami Beach Trolley service that get you to most places. Never rent a car to just park it through the hotel because it will cost you a fortune. I completely agree about flying into MIA vs FLL. Unless you are saving hundreds of dollars on a flight (which I doubt you are), it's just not worth it in both hassle and time.

[@biddybob]

Went to Miami Beach last Oct. and this is the right way to do it, Flyer bus was efficient and cheap, way better restaurants further west and the trolley (sometimes the Hobo Express) was effective throughout Miami Beach.

[@eclecticmusica]

Added "gratuity" isn't so much a scam as it is a necessity for servers. Most foreign countries (especially South American countries) include tip in the bill so the customer ignores our tipping policy and tips nada - and most restaurants/bars will not let the server "remind" the customer to tip. Nobody enjoys working for free.

[@markust7709]

I will not agrue or disagree with you. But I want to share my thought: Why gratuity is neccessary for services in USA? And it is not in Europe? All restaurants living off the profit made on food without any gratuity added. Tips are deeply voluntary.

[@eclecticmusica]

@@markust7709 You’ll have to ask the greedy restaurant owners.

[@chasingadeline]

That’s some really good information. I hate being scammed in tour areas. But the reality is that when you do a lot of traveling he always gets cam somehow.

[@markreynolds9135]

What tour are you talking about?

[@jonathankinnear8431]

Another thing I will mention about the hotels on Ocean Drive is that they are well over priced for what the hotels are themselves. I went just this past spring stayed at the Clevelander to party for the week with DJ Tennis. Amazing music amazing vibes but the hotel itself was a disappointment. It was tired and the same price as what I can get for a nice room at the Sheraton nearby.

[@passiveinvestor1978]

Fortunately they have a bunch of hostels in the South Beach area that are much cheaper than the hotels there.

[@jonathankinnear8431]

@@passiveinvestor1978 I'm in my 40s so I don't stay in hostels anymore but I did walk by some of them and they looked quite nice I must say. I was impressed.

[@wncjan]

My favorite place to eat in Miami is Baires Argentinian Grill in Brickell. And within walking distance from my favorite hotel.

[@JerryC25]

South beach is a toilet these days. A lot better spots in sofl to enjoy..

[@jasontodd1557]

The biggest scam is taking a taxi or a driver. Especially in the airport or going outside a club where there's a bunch of taxi driver standing around looking for a tourist to trap. They usually charge 3 or 4 times the price of an uber

[@israelchosennation7213]

That happens in Atlanta too

[@HereBeBarr]

Such a good point on the bait and switch on the drinks, LOL. Those big drinks look so good though.

[@woltersworld]

They get ya :)

[@zaferusa]

@@woltersworld i would be appreciated your reply to my comment as well

[@geograph-ology4343]

Mark, As a guy that patrolled South Beach for decades, pickpockets are a big problem especially on Ocean Drive because of tourists carrying large amounts of cash. Vehicle burglaries are big as tourists leave piles of bags in their car while they run in for a Cuban coffee "for a minute." Pretty girls should look out for free drinks brought by strangers. Basically, enjoy the vacation but exercise big city caution.

[@woltersworld]

Thank you for the heads up. Much appreciated.

[@evelyngrammar]

Yep, that gratuity already on the bill almost got me. Eyes wide open!

[@electrohousemusic166]

Thanx Wolter. Pls come north and do a video on Hollywood Beach. :) Also the Brightline train goes from Ft Lauderdale to Miami really quick

[@Datboydayung1]

As an anti-tipper added gratuity should be disclosed ahead of time but since it isn’t I’ll be asking immediately upon arrival thank you

[@lout3921]

Don't order top shelf liquor, most likely you'll get the cheap stuff. I'm from Ft Lauderdale.

[@dallasjansen2226]

I don’t know why I expect Florida in general to be on the up and up. People are people I guess. Thanks for the tips!

[@WoltersWorldEats]

You're welcome!

[@markreynolds9135]

I’ll give you more tips for the low low price of $10.

[@nickpvb]

@@markreynolds9135 LOL And act fast because were raising it to 20 in July

[@vincentjohns7068]

Just use Tri Rail if flying from Miami. You can go from Ft Lauderdale Airport to Mia Airport on the train for $3.50. Ypu can also transfer on thr train to get to downtown miami and then uber or what every from there. I did this recently(which i do often) and my trip total for 2 people was less than $30

[@GerryTheProdigy]

Thank you so much for providing these videos!

[@Fmancillaz]

I went last month and there's a few guys taking high quality pictures in the street. Don't pose because they'll charge you A LOT for the pics!

[@CN-lm9sf]

You forgot to add "Dont swipe your card at a gas station pump, go inside, miami number 1 in scams

[@nickpvb]

That’s why I only look for stations where I can tap

[@kentsilverfour]

The tip or gratuity and taxes in the check has always been challenging for me. I just wanna tip for what I think its worth but always ended up paying more.

[@brokeandbored85]

Watch out for " I will give you a dollar for a cigarette" 😂😂😂

[@edstringer7328]

Thanks for mentioning other ethic foods besides Cuban food it's a lot here besides Cuban food

[@phoenixrising55555]

Miami is so beautiful 😻 I love it there !

[@roiijamez33]

Yep got burned at Cardozo a few years ago with the giant drink!

[@vinylzappa]

I'd like to know what would happen if when getting out of a taxi that had ripped you off, if you took a photo of the licence plate. In 2013 I stayed at the Days Inn by Wyndham Miami International Airport where reception asked if I they could book me a taxi. I agrred and paid for it at the hotel. When I was dropped off I was asked to pay by taxi driver.

[@LJ...69.]

You need to move on it’s 2024 Oh he’s Earth’s flat! KZbin Eric Dubay

[@vinylzappa]

how else we going to protect them

[@carolinamor7050]

From Ft Lauderdalr to Miami. Use tri Rail for $5 dollas. No need for taxi to get from ond airport to the othet. Plus you can get thr 150bus from Miami airport that takes you right to Miami Beach for 2.25

[@deplode.]

I did notice a very high pitch tone around 2:44 and shorly after that again. Besides that, very nice video as always Wolters.

[@tobiojo9454]

Awesome video and great tips

[@nickpvb]

Next time you’re down there you guys should take an air boat ride into the Everglades watch them wrestle an alligator visit Fairchild tropical garden and Matheson hammock. Not sure if Jocelyn would like driving to key west But it’s beautiful

[@andrealongbottom3869]

Fairchild tropical garden is gorgeous. Probably one of my favorite places to visit in Miami. The tram ride around the gardens narrated by one of the amazing volunteers is such a highlight as well as the butterfly pavilion. Wonderful cafe inside as well. And completely agree, an air boat ride in the Everglades is where I always take people when they come and visit! They love it!

[@rhondapelletier3036]

I always use a uber now taxis sometimes take you the long way..... atleast with uber you know upfront whay your paying and it differs during peak. So we sometimes leave earlier to and we get better prices.

[@chandrashekharmhaskar]

Thanks for information 👍

[@LeoFtravels]

Thanks for sharing this 🙌

[@WoltersWorldEats]

Sure thing Leo!

[@paulcunningham2859]

Good general info but very typical

[@rolandbullock6444]

Tutos and sons near ocean and 11 st is the local liquor store, they hook it up 💯

[@JetsetJose]

Great tips as always! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@Hawxxfan]

the metro from ft lauderdale airport to miami airport, while very inconsistent and intentionally inconvenient, is very cheap!!

[@iggieminana8371]

Good cuban food can also be found in Tampa! Arco Iris by the Bucs stadium is my go to!

[@autumn_b905]

Maybe you should add this comment on his Tampa video if he has one. Tampa is not near Miami

[@nickpvb]

@@autumn_b905 280 miles away you are correct

[@iggieminana8371]

@@autumn_b905 Depends how fast you drive, lol! Anyway, it's a nice cheap option like visiting Murano or Burano instead of spending the whole time in Venice.

[@autumn_b905]

@@iggieminana8371 🤣

[@DMEseter]

But they put salami on their Cuban sandwiches lol no thanks.

[@rickhiggins]

Don't forget parking down in South Beach. They advertise something like $5 ... but that's for the first 15 minutes. In much much smaller print it's a lot more per hour. It's easy to get a hundred dollar parking bill ... and they won't haggle. Nor get your car until you pay. And the best Cuban food? Our house? Lol. Seriously, it's everywhere. Even in a gas station on 107th Avenue and Quail Roost. Seriously. We use them for Thanksgiving meals. Lol.

[@victormeidan1062]

So they advertize for $5 but that's only for first 15 minutes ?? Another scam from Uncle Scam !!

[@rickhiggins]

@@victormeidan1062 Before I moved there I got bit by this scam. $85 parking ticket and my car was hostage. Lots of " Sorry Papi you have to pay". 😬 For anyone trying there is a municipal parking garage just a few blocks away at the New World Center.

[@RudolphManor]

Damn! I Love Florida But It's Too Expensive. 💯

[@nickpvb]

We’ve lived in or near Jacksonville since the 80s. Until recently was very affordable. But for the most part you’re correct even the panhandle resort communities have gone up a lot

[@RudolphManor]

@@nickpvb Right On, I Have Family Down In Florida & They Told Me About The Taxes & Real Estate Prices That Are Going Up. 💯

[@DUBSTEP_KUSH305]

I stay down the street from Washington Ave and i NEVER eat on ocean drive 😆 but we have 🇯🇲 food as well 😉

[@abnerruiz4011]

Trirail is available!

[@markust7709]

In a restaurant in Miami they applied gratuity under a title "other services" (which we noticed only later) and still asked for 20% tips, which they counted in front of us. They said "you have an accent, clearly you are not from USA. Do you know you have to tip 20% in cash?" and he counted the tips making sure it is precisely 20%. It was back in 2017.

[@hoermalzuyoutube]

Es ist ein Trugschluss das es in Amerika billig ist.Wir waren vor ein paar Wochen dort(Miami Key West Largo Naples Myers ect) Viel teurer als in Deutschland.Und hier regen sich die Leute auf wenn die Milch 10 cent teurer wird.....

[@neilfoster814]

GTA Vice City! 😂

[@sallyahmed6477]

Wish I knew you are in miami next time come to Espanola way I’ll invite you to my restaurant Moonlight Espanola way. I love all your videos and always follow your tips lol 😂 but not all Miami Beach are the same lol 😂

[@AngelFlores-fb4qz]

1st part is up sale and those big drinks horrible liquor no name brand. 2nd automatic tipping sucks. Do not eat at south beach. Go to Brickell or bayside. Flying into FLL ya can take the Tri Rail for like 6$ it takes about 30 minutes all the way to Miami airport or take it to a metro rail that can take you to downtown Miami which is a good place to stay.

[@greenbeauties]

I’m not renting a car in Miami so how can I go around to visit the different areas? I’m staying in Ocean drive for a week by the way. Is there a bus from there going into Miami downtown etc.?

[@supraman215]

Where can i find a list of good places slightly off Ocean Drive and in different parts of little havana that have really good food and slightly more economical?

[@mgsolf3421]

who else hates living in Miami

[@mygamingchannel8575]

Best Cuban food in Miami is in Hialeah, but stick with lil Havana.

[@stevebalestreri7427]

I live in south Florida about 5 months out year.....way way overrated and over priced, just like NYC. You can go to Italy or Spain for 10 days cheaper than going to Miami/NYC

[@theItalianshamrock]

Miami isnt worth going to. Too many problems and way too expensive. Theres other places that are just as fun (not as wild)

[@itsniquenique45]

Yall go to south beach one time and think you know the ins and outs of Miami 😏

[@abdielpalma4736]

Is Ocean Dr open again for cars?

[@maghniasabri4060]

Only south bound …..

[@Felix_Ruber]

hmmm, miami has a high population of individuals from crooked countries, who are still crooked when they come stateside? i'm shocked.

[@autumn_b905]

Everybody wants to be there though 🤷‍♂️ it's overpriced and the housing is expensive

[@icohen1627]

Next video don't of South Africa

[@athoscolon8629]

Miami tourist traps don’t spring break in Miami it’s a no-brainer Las Vegas is better. It’s only one direct flight from Lubbock Texas on Southwest Airlines to mcarren Las Vegas international airport the city of reality. With way better day club nightclub music and remember what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas Miami doesn’t have that break where rowdy Miami spring breakers party at the beach Mary Dan Gilbert wants to cancel spring break for 2024 before it happens. Please don’t party here anymore. I think I’m gonna support the Las Vegas Raiders from now on, by the way, I think that girl in Miami is really beautiful Patricia , Avila, Zuzel Cardet, and her family. We met in a bad dream and then it actually came true in Lindsay Lohan the parent trap. She’s really not a bad person.

[@PORTMIAMIMIKE]

South Beach is wayyyyyy over rated!

[@jdgoodwin3136]

Avoid Miami.

[@ARod3]

My cityyyyyy no lol

[@nordette]

Lol this kind of looks like a green screen

[@israelchosennation7213]

That's prob another scam 🤣

[@GuninWolf]

🤔

[@addiejacobs]

Great video! Can I please make a request when talking about gratuity in the US? Instead of saying 15-20% how about 18-25% due to inflation. Yes if the service was awful maybe 15%. Yes I work part time as a server and it's disappointing to see how cheap folks really are. For me 15-20% is a 10 year old rule. Just a thought.

[@tallflguy]

I still only tip 15-20%, it’s still good. 0% for bad service.

[@officialANON001]

I may not be a server but since the price of food is also going up isn’t 15-20% of that amount still higher then it was? And since inflation also hurts other folks they probably won’t want to tip more than they feel they should or have to.

[@addiejacobs]

Also you never know if they split tips and if so, how.

[@jonathankinnear8431]

Let's not forget tipping is discretionary in general. But in the US do not leave less than 15% unless the service was complete garbage. And yes on Ocean drive and I found they do this in Vegas alot. You need to make sure they don't pre add the tip.

[@addiejacobs]

@@mandygriffin5241 this I can totally agree with

[@thisistroubling]

Your editing says everything that needs to be said

[@WoltersWorldEats]

Not one of our best editing jobs. My bad

[@guillermobueno1319]

lol 🤣 none of these are scams... ask for the price, check your bill, is pricey because of the location (really.. scam? how much do you think rent is in that area?), how's picking the wrong airport a scam?... Google and read the reviews before going to a restaurant..

[@furself114]

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