This is the classic scam - at all the Pemex stations; not just Tulum. Be sure your attendant knows that you know you are giving him 200 pesos - make it over-obvious. It's really sad that they continue to this...it puts a bummer on a vacation when you've been scammed.

I have driven all over Mexico for many years and have yet to have anyone at Pemex try to scam me. But I think it is because I do one fairly simple thing, I never ask for a fill up. I ask for a specific amount such as 200 pesos and hand them a 200 peso bill and drive off. The fill up leaves many scam options available.

For what it's worth..... I returned from Riviera Maya this past Monday. On the way back to the airport I stopped to fill up at Pemex just north of Playa. Got out of the car and made sure the pump was zeroed. Asked attendant to fill up. Stood right by the pump as he was filling up. Another attendant came to the front of the car and tried small talk (to distract) I kept one eye on him and one on the pump. At full, another attendant came over and showed me the total $420 pesos. At which time I pealed off 2 -$200 peso notes and one $50 and handed it to him. As soon as I did the man in the front starting kicking my left front tire and asked if needed it filled. I said no thanks and when I turned back to the third attendant he was holding 2 -$20 peso notes and one $50 and said that was only $90 pesos. I agreed that he had $90 pesos in his hand and told him I gave him $450 pesos and expect $30 pesos back. He said Si Senor and gave me $30 pesos. I drove off.

Now was he trying to scam me?, possibly. Just be very aware.

The trick is to be aware, not paranoid, and watch out. This hasn´t happened to me in 8 years of living in Mexico, but it did happen once in another country, and of course I wasn´t paying attention at the time.

Another tip I have heard, and followed, is to not let go of the bills until they agree with what you are TELLING them you are giving them. ie. "Este es dos cientos pesos" and not let go until they agree you are giving them $200 pesos. They usually laugh as they know what you are doing.

This goes right along with being alert. We also have followed the advice Robert gives above in not filling up but getting a certain amount. Since we have never received a rental car with a full tank of gas, I never see a reason to return one full ;-)

Dan

That´s a good idea.

I would say "Te estoy dando doscientos pesos"

I´m giving you $200 pesos.

$100: "Te estoy dando cien pesos."

$300: "Te estoy dando trescientos pesos."

I'll have to relate my experience also, because this scam has been posted for so long on LocoGringo as well. Thank God for these forums, as it at least makes people aware, and gives you one up on these guys.

On our last day of vacation in April 2006, we went to the same station, the Pemex on the West side of the 307, North of the Coba Paila Road. Unfortuneately, I needed 150 Pesos, and forgot how to say that. So did my wife. So I got out, made sure the pump was zeroed, and told the guy Uno-Cinco-Serro(sic), but held up my 200 peso note. So the uniformed gas jockey pumps it to close to 150, stops and disappears behind the pump. Then, a manger type in a polo shirt takes over to bring it to 150. I handed him the 200 peso note, and so quickly, he holds up a 20 peso note and says I owe him 180 pesos. This guy has a grill.....you know, silver teeth in the front of his mouth, like bling-bling.

So I start yelling at him "No, No, Dos Cientos Amigo!, we know what you are trying to do, no way." Then my wife gets out....she knows Spanish (OK, not counting numbers over 100)and she starts yelling at him in Spanish. So we are making a scene here, and the cabbies in line are starting to come around and watch. Others are blowing their horn. Then, Mr. Bling Bling starts pointing to the amount on a DIFFERENT pump,and we are yelling at this guy even more, pointing to OUR pump amount. Then he says "Oh, my mistake, lo siento, lo siento" and hands me my 20 pesos change. Growing up on the Southeast side of Chicago, I use a few choice words I learned from my Spanish speaking friends as I take my change from this clown.

So there you go, I learned something for my future visit, and hopefully he'll learn that not every big white guy is a typical gringo and an easy target!

Being made aware of the Pemex b.s. beforehand I got out of the car, stood next to the pump, showed him 200 pesos. The pesos never left my hand until I got the gas. My sidekick kept an eye on the kid cleaning windows. I never had to say a word.

I have started to scam the Pemex guys myself. Fair is fair right?

When the pump says 367 - I hand over a 20 note and a 200 note - and when attendent complains that I gave him the wrong amount - I start to complain and raise a fuss.

Attendent usually gives in - cause if the police come - who are they going to believe? The Pemex scam is so rampant - that the Police will side with the driver.

Is it fair is fair, or two wrongs don't make a right? Hope you don't run into a maniac gas attendent! I wouldn't dream of ripping anyone off.