Should I exchange money before going to Cancun?

MONEY EXCHANGE The short answer is ABSOLUTELY YES, you need Mexican Pesos. You will need pesos for tips, souvenirs shopping, transportation like taxi/buses, tours, bar/restaurants, etc.



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Therefore, you do not necessarily need to exchange money before traveling to Mexico if you plan on using your card for most transactions. Just make sure that your credit card waives international card transaction fees, otherwise, those fees will add on very quickly.

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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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Buy currency before you travel. Doing so gives you time to shop around for the best rate. Plus, when you arrive, you won't have to immediately find a bank or currency exchange. Do some research ahead of time to see if US dollars are widely accepted at places you plan to go to.

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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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9 travel tips for your next trip to Cancun
  • Pre-book your airport transfer. ...
  • Make full use of Cancun's public buses. ...
  • Choose the right hotel for your budget. ...
  • Don't spend all your time on the beach. ...
  • Sign up for tours to nearby destinations. ...
  • Eat and shop in Downtown Cancun. ...
  • Take it easy on your first day.


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The general consensus is that you should have $50 to $100 in cash per day for each traveler.

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Credit cards are gold around these parts but it's still a good idea to bring cash along when you travel, even on an all-inclusive vacation. While you won't be paying for meals or drinks, it's a good idea to make friends with your bartender at the beginning of the trip by leaving a tip up front.

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To show your appreciation for the meal, tip your server around 15%. Raise that up to 20% if you were wowed. Note that some establishments automatically charge a service fee, so keep an eye out so that you don't tip twice. Bartenders should get 20 pesos (US$1) per drink or 10–15% of the total bill.

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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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A comfortable daily allowance in Mexico is 70-150 USD per person. This will allow you to do a few more luxurious tours, eat at nicer restaurants, or stay at a mid-range hotel. For cash, bring 25-35 USD for each day of your vacation.

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“In general, people should budget around $1,000 for a long road trip,” said Kyle Kroeger, the founder and CEO of the travel website ViaTravelers. “This will ensure that you have enough money to cover all your expenses and have some leftover in the budget for souvenirs.”

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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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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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It's best to order pesos via your local U.S. bank before arriving in Mexico to avoid inflated fees. If this isn't an option, you can go into a reputable bank or credit union nearby. If you must use an ATM for cash, this is typically safe too, but remember to convert your currency to pesos for the best deal.

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