From my trip notes on January 23 '05, driving my SVT Cobra through Mexico. This exact scenario probably would not happen to a motorcyclist, but the fact that there are some crims pumping gas should keep you alert:

Pemex gas station rip-offs are pretty rare nowadays, but they can still happen. At the station on Rt 180 just north of Poza Rica, I pulled in and asked the attendant to fill it up with premium ($2.50 gallon for 93 octane). After he started pumping, I got back into the car to do some paperwork. A few seconds later the attendant called out to me. I looked up and saw 100 pesos on the meter ($9 at 11.15 pesos per dollar) and he asked me if that was all that I wanted. I told him no, fill it up. Then instead of continuing to pump, he reset the pump to zero and then filled the tank. I paid him the 100 pesos plus the final reading. Since I calculate and record my gas mileage for every tank (even doing the liters to gallons conversion), when I did the calculations I knew I had been ripped off and the car could not have taken the 59 liters I was charged for.

I confronted the attendant with my calculations and after some protesting on his part, I was surprised when a fellow attendant handed me 50 pesos, basically an admission that I was scammed. I probably still got ripped for a couple of bucks, since I'm not sure how much if any of the initial 100 pesos of gas made it into my tank.

We also got ripped off at at least one Pemex station, but by the simple epedient of mis-calibrated pumps. We are always careful to check the pumps are zeroed before delivery, but at one garage the meter showed 500 litres delivered. Our tanks hold 450, and I reckon we had 20-50 litres remaining. So we were overcharged by around 15% - probably just one pump is reserved for chosen victims...

We asked to see the calibration certificte, but of course the boss wasn't there etc. etc. Maybe the attendants don't even know it's happening (but it would be risky to charge regular customers a consistent 15% extra).

We sent an email to Pemex head office, but no reply.

Regards,

Michael

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Michael & Sandy
http://www.expeditionoverland.com

Michael, what kind of motorcycle has a 450 litre tank and what kind of range do you get ¿¿¿¿¿!!

[This message has been edited by goggstrotters (edited 15 March 2005).]

The trick is easy, here is how it works:
The guy starts pouring gas and then stops at 1.00 pesos.
He then calls you and you take a fast peek at the numbers in the meter while he says "ok buddy I did 100 pesos, anything else"
Your mind starts thinking about "I did not ask just for 100!, put some more" so the Rat cleans the dial fast and restarts the pouring til he gives what you want.
Sometimes if you asked for 200 pesos, they put 50 pesos, then erase then put 1.00 (and then call your attention) so you already have 51 pesos of fuel in your tank, then he will put extra (and actually) another 100 pesos to a total of 151 pesos.
The Rat took 49 pesos from your wallet!

The rule is: NEVER ever move your eyes from the dial while is running! There will be times when somebody will come to try to distract you by selling or asking something weird, do not move your eyes from the pump dial!

Some one did it to me once in Mexico City, but the next time I made a big argument.
They know that they will be in trouble, so when someone gets mad and yells like crazy they get afraid and hand you back your money (or maybe a part of it).

Sorry that I have to say this warning of my own country but it could happen to any of you. But you must know that with the newest digital pumps of the bigger towns that is much more difficult since the cents are clearly marked.

Take care
MoroCycler




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Life is the process of making known the unknown. MOROcycler

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THE Motorcycle JOURNEY is making known the unknown.
http://www.morocycler.smugmug.com

It's a special tank made by Tardis PLC. Outside, it's only 100x100x100mm, but using their patented technology, it holds 450 litres. I'm their local agent, so if you want one, send me the cash!

(It's a big Land Rover, and its range is around 3000km. But I like the first story more).

Back on topic, I agree that the most important thing is to keep a careful eye on what the pump attendant does. However, do a sense-check on the amont delivered - does it correspond with what you would expect?

On a few occasions I have been dubious, but in the Pememx case I cited above, it was absolutely certain that the meter was over-reading. I guess I should have pushed them to fill a known 5- or 10-litre container to prove the matter, but I wasn't really thinking that rationally at the time.

Rgds,

Michael...
www.expeditionoverland.com

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Michael & Sandy
http://www.expeditionoverland.com

Bienvenidos a Mexico!!!! Unfortunately there exists an entire culture of corruption and sneaky theivery down here... everyone from the Pemex gas dude to just about every government official. It's amazing!

Anyhow be aware of another very common Pemex scam on foreigners: if you pay with 500 peso bill, a lot these guys will do a sneaky move with their hand and pull out a 50 peso bill (they are roughly the same color), and then look at you like "where's the rest of the money you dumb gringo?" So most people, trying to be somewhat sensitive in a foreign culture, will scratch their head in wonder but ultimately give the gas pumper the benefit of the doubt, and accept the possibility that they did indeed only hand over a 50 peso note! This is common... and each time the gringo gets bilked for 450 pesos!!!

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Steven
2001 KLR650
Cozumel, Mexico

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Steven
www.twowheeledtraveller.com
Americas, '05-'06
RTW, poco a poco

On the way to Creel last year, I gave the gas attendent pesos and he gave me the incorrect change. There was little argument and little doubt he was trying to take advantage of me. It happens...just be careful!

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Gerry
PHX AZ USA

As has been said, rip offs occur anywhere but a little tip for reducing the chances. In Mexico they have both a twenty and a ten peso coin which to the traveller look quite similar and on several occasions in the past I have had shop assistants and the like try to give me change for a ten when I had given them a twenty. The way around this is after asking how much? state the size of the coin or bill that you are presenting in payment, simple but effective. Ride safe, Mike.

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Mike
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Mike is riding the twisty road in the sky