First, it's worth noting that at current exchange rates, your $100 will equal upwards of 2,395 pesos in Mexico. That could amount to about a week's worth of wages for a Mexican national, depending on their industry and skill level.
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That's why, unless you are from the US and don't want to use Pesos due to unfamiliarity, I would always recommend that you use Pesos.
Cash is a necessity in Cancun, given that many restaurants and gift shops don't accept credit cards. Like many other airports around the world, the Cancun airport is jam-packed with money exchange kiosks looking to convert your money into Mexican pesos.
So, how much spending money should I bring to Mexico? On a mid-range budget, you should expect to spend $110 USD ($2200 MXN) per person daily. This accounts for 3 meals a day, transportation fare, and one activity per day(tours, attractions,etc.). Add $10 USD ($200 MXN) if planning to drink alcohol.
I agree with $1,500-$2,000 with the activities you are planning. I usually bring the equivalent of $500 USD converted to pesos, along with another $1,000 in cash. If you estimate $100 per person per excursion (some will cost more, some will cost less), plus extra for tips and souvenirs, you should be good.
With $100 in Mexico, you can buy premium seats to see the popular sport of Lucha Libre and have a perfect view of the action. Your $100 can also get you two tickets to the underwater museum in Cancun, where you can see sculptures and marine life.
Is It Safe to Carry Cash in Mexico? While it's generally safe, carrying only the amount you need and keeping it secure is advisable. Consider using credit/debit cards, traveler's checks, or secure banking services to minimize the risk of loss or theft.
Budget-Friendly Travel PlanningYou should plan to spend around M$2,180 ($128) per day on your vacation in Mexico, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, M$504 ($30) on meals for one day and M$345 ($20) on local transportation.
While tipping may not be required at some all-inclusive resorts, many guests prefer to do so. In the event that you would like to tip staff during your all-inclusive vacation, it is important to find out in advance whether staff would even be allowed to accept those tips.
TOUR AND ACTIVITY GUIDESIf you're on a tour with a lot of people (20-100 people), each person should leave a tip of at least $5 U.S. (90 pesos). If you're on a tour with very few people (e.g., four people in your family), the group should leave a tip that is equivalent to 15-20% of the cost of the tour.
For a mid-range dinner at a nice restaurant, you can expect to pay around $30-$50 USD per person. For a high-end dinner experience, you may pay upwards of $100 USD per person. If you're on a budget, you can find cheaper options such as street food or fast food for around $10-$15 USD per person.