Truth About “Tourist Inflation”

When residents from other parts of Mexico talk to me about how expensive Zihuatanejo is, I pay attention. My “seat mate” on my flight from DF was from Mexico City. She talked to me about the beauties of Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido, Chiapas, and other places in Mexico.

She was coming to Zihuatanejo for a few days with friends. She likes Zihuatanejo but she said there are many other beautiful places in Mexico that are less expensive.

I remember talking with a local about the restaurant inflation related to tourism. They said that prices might be M$50. But tourists come and pay M$50, then leave another 20-25%. So the restaurant increases the price by 15-20%. Tourists pay the higher price and still leave another 20-25%… you know where this goes.

Similarly, we see here about people tipping taxi drivers for just doing their jobs. Is it any surprise that taxistas start charging more, even if it is in excess of the official rates?

I’m glad I am comfortable eating at the fondas in the mercado municipal where locals eat.