Should I bring cash or card to Cabo?

We certainly recommend bringing cash with you to Mexico because many establishments run only accept cash. However, with that said, we don't expect you to come with enough cash to purchase everything, give tips, etc. And while many businesses only accept cash, many of them also accept cards (especially in Cabo).



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While most places in Cabo will accept USD, it is almost always better to just pay with pesos. It's confusing for many first-time Mexico visitors, but every store, restaurant, or bar can set their own rate of exchange.

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Before visiting Mexico it may be a good idea to exchange currency at your local bank as they may be able to provide you with the best Mexican Peso exchange rate. When you arrive at Cabo Airport you can also exchange money at each terminal Cash Exchange facility, Cambio.

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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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The norm for waiters is 15% to 20% of the bill, depending on service (make sure a 15% service charge hasn't already been added to the bill, although this practice is more common in resorts).

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How much cash should I bring to Cabo for a week? I typically bring $1,000 to $2,000 in cash for a one-week trip. To the extent that I have leftover cash at the end of the trip (which I almost always do), I usually apply it to my outstanding bill at the resort I'm staying at.

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Mexican immigration authorities could ask you to present both your passport and entry permit if applicable at any point and may detain you while they review your immigration status if you are not carrying your passport and proof of legal status in Mexico, or if you have overstayed your authorized stay.

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Your chances of being robbed or mugged in Cabo are actually miniscule. Any violent crime that does occur is usually related to drug trafficking. Not only that, but exit surveys reveal that tourists feel safe too when visiting Cabo. We've never felt unsafe in Cabo.

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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. It should be relatively simple to get pesos in your own country before you travel.

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In general, you'll want to plan on tipping restaurant staff, the concierge, bartenders, housekeepers, the bellman, pool staff, and shuttle drivers at all-inclusive resorts. Impeccable service can always be rewarded with higher tips, but there are some accepted standards for travelers to lean on.

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While tipping is a discretionary and optional gesture, at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and others, it is certainly encouraged.

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Tipping is always optional although the people serving you will appreciate the small token of your appreciation in exchange for good service.

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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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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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In Mexico, you can live a comfortable life on $1,000 a month. The average cost of living for expats, digital nomads and retirees varies between $600 to $2,000 depending on one's lifestyle choices and their location. Baseline costs in Mexico are around $750 a month.

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How Much Do You Tip at All-Inclusive Resorts? For a one-week stay at an all-inclusive resort, a couple should budget to spend about $150 US (or the local currency equivalent) total in tips. This means that you should bring about $20 in small bills with you to spend on tips throughout the day.

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Tipping in Mexico: Taxi
Most taxi drivers in Mexico do not expect a tip. However, if your driver helps you with your luggage, it is courteous to tip around 10 pesos. This standard also goes for Airport Shuttle Operators. A 10 peso tip is typical if you are helped with your bags.

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Tip tour guides and drivers at least $3 (39 pesos) per half day or 10% of the tour fee, minimum. Gas-station attendants receive 50¢ to $1 (6 to 13 pesos), more if they check the oil, tires, etc.

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