Watch the Pemex guys in Mexico!

[2foilheads]

As most people probably know, be CERTAIN to watch the Pemex attendants when getting fuel in Mexico. We've heard plenty of stories about how they try to put fuel in vehicles when the meter is not at 'zeros', but being on a bike, that's not really an issue.
What is an issue though is giving them a note, and then they exchange the note for a smaller one. They tried it twice. Once I gave the guy a 200 peso note and when I turned around to zip my tank bag back on, he was holding a 20. The last time, I gave the dude a 500 hundred note and looked down for literally a split second. He was putting a 50 in my face as if I'd given him the wrong note. Neither time did they get away with it, but the second time the guy almost did.
It is worth noting however that we have rode nearly the entire length of Mexico, visiting many Pemex stations.
Other than that, Mexico is great!

[crashmaster]

Yeah, always watch the hands, and that goes for the money changers in Central America as well. Some of those guys are very good with slight of hand shenanigans.

[Sjoerd Bakker]

There will always be somebody still trying to scam the tourist I guess , and as you say you traveled far in Mexico and only had this happen twice.
Most of the Pemex stations are quite good at pointing out to the driver that the pump is starting off with zeros so make it your business to read those pumps before they start up. And then when paying rea d the amount and dont divert your attention during the transaction.Make it a habit to mention the value of the bill you are proferring in Mexico and Central America- even in the USA this is advisable- and wait for any change before doing anything.
If you know how empty your tank is and there is no need to top it up to the brim just round off the amount you buy to a nice even figure that will fit, say 200 peso or whatever and hand over exact payment . Get a feel for at what stage on the fuel gauge this amount fits and then top up regularly
Since adopting this strategy years ago I have never been ripped off and actually find that Pemex is one of the easiest places to break large bills like 500 peso. I just ask for 200 in gas, give the quinientos pesos note and quickly get the change peeled off their big wad, no hassel. Rare is the Pemex pump where you will hear the otherwise common lament "no tengo cambio ,senor"

[MAXVERT]

Always be sure the gas pump attendant reset the pump to 0$ before
filling your tank.
This is a very common occurrence, where they start the pump quickly
with it showing the total from the previous sale.

With money changers, don't be lazy and let them show you the rate
and total on their calculators, do your own math.

Max

[brclarke]

One item I've found useful while travelling overseas is a small cheap pocket calculator. It's great when you're talking prices in a store or whatever and are usure of your pronunciation of numbers: just punch the number into a calculator and show it to the merchant.

[MikeMike]

Wait until you find out how they are shorting you on the quantity of fuel they are selling you. Many Pemex locations have the chips changed in the pump computer control and screw you consistently. Very few times do they actually get caught. When they do they are closed for a long time as a penalty or they are only allowed to dispense with one or two pumps.
I've never had a worker try to screw me with the switch the bill trick in the close to two decades I have been living and riding here. Always keep $100 peso notes and $50 peso notes, count it out to them and then give them a few pesos for a tip, they earn next to nothing and survive on tips.

[dstehouwer]

we have just finished a 6300km trip through Mexico with two bikes (lots of fuel ....) without any problems.

I always fill up my bike myself, check whether it is on zero.
Then try to pay with Creditcard, and if it doesn't work we pay cash.
The advantage maybe is that we are together, and are both there when we give the notes!

[charapashanperu]

I have lived in CA and SA for over 30 years as a gringo, so I have developed some tricks. Most importantly, be at ease and speak the language. Then they will rarely try to trick you.

When paying for gas with a large bill, or especially when exchanging $$, show the bill(s) that you have, then ask for the change or the exchange, but continue to hold your $$ in your hand until you have the change or the exchange, have counted it and are satisfied, then hand over the big bill.

On exchanging $$, I often show the $$, then put it back in my pocket, wait for the exchange, count it, put it in my other pocket, then get the $$ back out, hand it to the man/woman/child, and wait for their nod of approval before walking away. If you always hold all the cards, you cannot be cheated!

Cheers, Toby

[MIAMI]

great advice, will certainly use it this fall in south america...thanks

[WilderRider]

Thanks for sharing.

[Two Moto Kiwis]

Originally Posted by charapashanperu

I have lived in CA and SA for over 30 years as a gringo, so I have developed some tricks. Most importantly, be at ease and speak the language. Then they will rarely try to trick you.

When paying for gas with a large bill, or especially when exchanging $$, show the bill(s) that you have, then ask for the change or the exchange, but continue to hold your $$ in your hand until you have the change or the exchange, have counted it and are satisfied, then hand over the big bill.

On exchanging $$, I often show the $$, then put it back in my pocket, wait for the exchange, count it, put it in my other pocket, then get the $$ back out, hand it to the man/woman/child, and wait for their nod of approval before walking away. If you always hold all the cards, you cannot be cheated!

Cheers, Toby

Great advice thanks Toby

Always nice not to have to learn the hard way if you don't have too.

[Ize]

Nice, will keep that in mind. Especially with the big bills.

[charapashanperu]

Little things that can change your whole experience.