Should I bring dollars or pesos to Cancun?

Pesos, being the national currency of Mexico, will be accepted absolutely anywhere. US dollars will be accepted throughout the Cancun Hotel Zone, but the further you venture into 'real Mexico' the more problems you may find in using USD for everyday purchases.



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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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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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If you are extremely budget conscious, you might be able to get by on 2,500 to 3,000 pesos (not including lodging expenses). On the other hand, one could easily spend 15,000 or more. It depends on where you eat, what you drink and the activities you enjoy.

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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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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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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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If you pay in U.S. dollars rather than Pesos, expect the rate to be inflated, he added. If anything, Lanno said you can ask to see a rate card, which all taxis should have, but it's rumored that some of them have different cards with higher rates on them.

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It's always best to tip in cash, using Mexican pesos.

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Pesos, being the national currency of Mexico, will be accepted absolutely anywhere. US dollars will be accepted throughout the Cancun Hotel Zone, but the further you venture into 'real Mexico' the more problems you may find in using USD for everyday purchases.

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One thousand good Mexican pesos have the purchasing power of about $50 U.S.A. dollars. You might get a nice dinner for three, or a tankful of gasoline (gasoline is expensive there), or a bus ticket to a major city, or a night in a cheap hotel. That is about 50 USD.

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As $2,000 USD would become $35,000 MXN, you could afford a $9,000 MXN rent (a regular 60 sq meters apartment in a middle range area), a $800MXN a month gym (mid-top range) purchasing a $5,000 MXN a month low range new car like a Nissan Tsuru or a Hyundai H10 (36 months), plus $2,000 MXN a month of gas, insurance fees, ...

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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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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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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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In Mexico, every bellboy, chauffeur/driver, or valet parking person expects a tip of 20-50 pesos. Bartenders, waitresses/waiters, and housekeeping staff expect a tip of 15% of your bill, and housekeepers should be tipped about 50 pesos (or more) per day.

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