Should I bring cash to Mexico or use ATM?

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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The best way to bring money to Mexico is through travel cards. You can get these cards through Wise or Mastercard and spend money in multiple currencies. Many also waive foreign transaction fees.

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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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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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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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Bank-card skimmers are highly prevalent, and thus cash is typically the safer option. ATMs are renowned for running out of cash (especially on Mexican payday), as well as being a hot spot for theft. So we suggest exchanging cash before you board to avoid these potential mishaps.

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Much like in the U.S., in Mexico, it is customary to tip service workers in restaurants, hotels, and Ubers. The standard tip is 10% of the bill, but you can give more or less depending on the quality of service. Tipping is not required, but it is appreciated.

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European travelers should always have some cash on hand; getting it from an ATM abroad is usually the easiest, most advantageous way. If you need cash from an ATM, it's usually better to use a debit card, because credit cards often charge a high interest rate for a cash advance.

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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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While some merchants in Mexico may accept US Dollars, it is not widely accepted and you may receive a poor exchange rate. It's recommended to use Mexican Pesos when in Mexico.

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For those travellers who don't like to travel with large amounts of cash on their trip, ATMs are a convenient way to obtain local currency at a reasonable exchange rate. Please note that when using that service, transactions may be subject to a fee.

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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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