What scams and hassle patterns should Mexico travellers actually watch for?
The main hassle is usually practical rather than cinematic: taxis, inflated bills, card issues, pushy tourist-zone offers, police interactions and decisions made when tired. The fix is boring preparation, not fear.
Answer
Mexico does not need to be approached like a trap, but it does reward travellers who reduce easy mistakes. Keep small cash, check bills before paying, use reputable transport, know your route before accepting help, and be cautious with strangers who turn convenience into pressure. Tourist zones can be polished and still irritating. Local markets can be busy without being dangerous. The real skill is telling hassle from risk and not escalating either. Check current advice for the region, then travel with simple safeguards that make you a less convenient target.
Recheck before you go
Conditions can change. Check current official advice before you travel.