Is it better to go to Mexico with pesos or dollars?

The best currency to bring to Mexico is a mix of pesos and US dollars. Use the dollars to pay for tours, entrance fees, accommodation, and travel. For everything else use pesos. It should be relatively simple to get pesos in your own country before you travel.



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The best currency to take to Mexico is the local currency, the Mexican peso. US dollars are also highly exchangeable at local banks and currency exchange offices. However, instead of converting physical banknotes, the cheapest way to pay in Mexico is to use a multi-currency travel debit card like Revolut or Wise.

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The best currency to take to Cancun is Mexican pesos (MXN) as this is the official currency of the country and will save you money when paying for purchases. However, U.S. dollars are also widely accepted, so it's possible to use dollars when traveling in Cancun.

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Follow the 25% rule regardless of how many days you will be in Mexico. For example, if your total budget for a seven-day vacation is 1500 USD, you should bring a total of 375 USD or 7,000 MXN. This totals about 50 USD in cash per day.

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About $10-15 per day. Bring pesos (the local currency) and a lot of $1 bills. If you are planning an activity, like sailing, bring 20% of that activity fee for a tip.

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It's up to you how much you tip, but the recommended amount in Mexico is between 10% – 20% (15% is a good standard in tourist areas) of the bill or ticket price.

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Bringing a small amount of cash in the local currency with you is always a good idea. This could help in any unforeseen emergencies where you may not be able to use your credit or debit card. Oppositely, carrying around too much cash can be inconvenient and dangerous.

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Preparing your travel money options beforehand is the key to a stress-free vacation. Credit cards, debit cards, prepaid travel cards and cash are all accepted in Mexico. Outside of a few purchases like transportation fare or local shops, a credit card will be your best bet for everyday purchases.

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For traveling (even on a backpacker budget) it is perhaps better to consider what 500 pesos (or $25 will buy). That is enough to rent a car for a way (minus non-specified expenses). It is also enough for dormitory accommodation in some of the cheapest hostels in Mexico City for two nights (around $8 per night).

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Before your trip, exchange money at your bank or credit union, which likely offers better rates and fewer and/or lower fees. See if your bank or credit union will buy back any leftover foreign currency for when you return.

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Dollars or pesos? In most tourist areas in Mexico, it is acceptable to tip in either pesos or dollars, though pesos are more practical for the person being tipped. If you do tip in dollars, be sure to only tip using notes and not coins as coins cannot be exchanged.

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For hotel and waiting staff: one US dollar (equivalent in Mexican pesos) per bag for porters; a 10% tip of the bill (or what the bill would likely have been if the plan was a-la-carte instead of all inclusive) left on the table after each meal or round of drinks at the bar; and a tip for the chamber maids (see above) ...

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It is not necessary to tip an additional amount. A minimum of $1-$2 U.S. (20-40 pesos) per round of drinks is customary, or if you're running a tab, leave 15-20% of the total as a tip. Remember, if you are receiving Happy Hour half-price, tip on the regular pricing amount.

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Restaurants: For good service, a 10% tip is standard. For really good service, anything between 15% and 20% is acceptable. Street food: Again, tipping is not required or expected, but it is appreciated (saying “keep the change” is sufficient). Taxis: If the driver helps with bags, 10–20 pesos is a good tip.

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