Should I bring cash to Mexico on vacation?

A good rule to follow is to bring 25% of your total budget in cash. If you happen to run out, use your debit card or prepaid travel card at a verified national bank ATM to get the best exchange rate.



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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.

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Our recommendation, take with you between $1000-$1500 in cash which will serve you during the trip and will allow you a smooth process without having to get involved with conversions and withdrawals from the card. Once you've landed in Mexico, go to one of the nearest money changers' stands and make the conversion.

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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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We would always suggest tipping a minimum of 10% at restaurants in Mexico. Check the bill and see if a service charge for gratuity was included.

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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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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.

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Use your best judgment when deciding how much cash to bring with you to Mexico. A good rule to follow is to bring 25% of your total budget in cash. If you happen to run out, use your debit card or prepaid travel card at a verified national bank ATM to get the best exchange rate.

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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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Items Not Allowed in Mexico:
  • Guns or ammunition. ...
  • Pepper spray.
  • Lethal knives and machetes (anything over 8” is not allowed)
  • Live predator fish.
  • Totoaba fish (fresh or frozen)
  • Turtle eggs.
  • Poppy seeds or flour of poppy seeds.
  • Marijuana, medicinal marijuana, marijuana products, marijuana seeds or spores, or marijuana extracts.


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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 $1500USD, you should bring a total of $375USD or $7,000 MXN. This totals about $50USD in cash per 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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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.

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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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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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