Street Scams in Utila

Main Street Bracelet and Souvenir Tie-On

Vendors on Utila's Main Street approach tourists walking between the dive schools and the dock area, offer to show a bracelet or craft item, and then tie it onto the wrist or place it in the hand before quoting a price. Once the item is on, the vendor demands payment, often in US dollars at inflated rates. Refusal is met with loud protests designed to embarrass the tourist in front of other passersby. The tactic is most active in the evenings when visitors are heading to the waterfront bars.