Should I exchange money before traveling to Mexico?

It can be nice to have a some pesos when you first land, but ATMs are common and usually offer much better exchange rates than your bank. Avoid walk-up currency exchanges at all costs! It's a lot easier to pay for stuff in pesos rather than dollars, which are usually accepted at 10% below market rate.



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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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While still at home, you can exchange currency at your local bank. Experts suggest only changing enough to cover travel and transportation costs until you are settled at your destination, as the costs of exchanging money at home can be prohibitive.

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The best way to get pesos in Mexico for your trip is to use your debit card at an ATM. We recommend exchanging enough pesos from your home country before your trip to make it through your first day. Afterward, simply get cash from a local ATM to get the best exchange rate possible.

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A credit card will make the most sense for larger purchases and you'll likely need one for hotels. You'll always need cash to make everyday purchases.

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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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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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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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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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The best way to spend in Mexico is a combination of both cash and your debit card. Larger businesses and those in major cities are likely to accept debit cards, but not all will. Some smaller stores and businesses may only accept cash. For example, market stalls, street food stands and taxis.

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Although there will be some bacteria in the water from the tap it is fine to brush your teeth with, even if you are at a place where you can't drink the tap water.

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Transportation: 1,000 pesos can cover your transportation costs for several days, including bus fares, subway tickets, or taxi rides, depending on your location and how frequently you travel. Accommodation: You can find budget accommodations in many parts of Mexico, especially in smaller towns or less touristy areas.

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In Mexico, a good rule of thumb for tips is to leave 10-15% of the bill. 50 pesos would be a standard tip for a bill that was around 500 pesos. For example, if you go out for dinner and get drinks, you should expect to spend around 400 MXN. That would mean your tip would be between 40-60 MXN.

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