Is it better to use pesos or credit card in Mexico?

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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It's recommended that you buy pesos before you land in Mexico, just in case you need the cash. According to this USA Today article, the most economical way to do this is to buy pesos from your bank in the U.S. Most banks will do this for free, especially if you're not withdrawing a significant amount of money.

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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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In Mexican cities and tourist areas, credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted. If you want to pay with American Express, you should ask first.

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?? Use Credit Cards Credit cards are widely accepted at most places of business throughout Mexico, especially in tourist areas. Besides small towns and certain food trucks or shops, you can use a credit card to pay for most things.

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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.

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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.

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They are fantastic for tacos and other fast food. With 100 Pesos, tourists can also buy ice cream, fruits, or juice from the local food markets. If they do not want to spend their money on food, they can purchase a ticket to enter Tulum ruins, Chapultepec Castle, Museo Nacional de Antropologia, etc.

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Using your debit card in Mexico is generally safe, and carrying a debit card is safer than carrying a large amount of actual cash on you. A possible downside is when your card isn't accepted or stops working.

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Restaurants. In restaurants, 15% of a check is a good rule of thumb to follow; if you're in a big group you may find that a service fee is automatically added to the check (look out for that). If you feel you have been given particularly great service, 20% will be greatly appreciated.

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Ideal places to make change Other good places to “make change” if you find yourself with a wallet full of large bills include gasoline stations, ticket kiosks at bus terminals (especially during busy weekends), and busy central markets in larger towns and cities.

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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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Pros and Cons. 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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Usually 400 pesos is a good amount of money. It all depends on the city or state in Mexico if your near the Us border your money doesn't go as far as in say the interior of México $400 pesos will buy a weeks worth of groceries, 24 street tacos , 5 to 6 pizzas, 5 good sized breakfasts or 4 movies at your local theater.

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