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Should I pay in usd or pesos in Mexico?

If you are using cash, always pay in pesos. If you pay in USD, restaurants and shops will take advantage of the exchange rate and it would be 10–30% more expensive for you. If you are using credit or debit, the difference could be less than a 5%, depends on your bank.



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The best currency to take to Mexico is the local currency, the Mexican peso. US dollars are also highly exchangeable at local banks and currency exchange offices. However, instead of converting physical banknotes, the cheapest way to pay in Mexico is to use a multi-currency travel debit card like Revolut or Wise.

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The best currency to take to Cancun is Mexican pesos (MXN) as this is the official currency of the country and will save you money when paying for purchases. However, U.S. dollars are also widely accepted, so it's possible to use dollars when traveling in Cancun.

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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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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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Pros and Cons. Bringing a small amount of cash in the local currency with you is always a good idea. This could help in any unforeseen emergencies where you may not be able to use your credit or debit card. Oppositely, carrying around too much cash can be inconvenient and dangerous.

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About $10-15 per day. Bring pesos (the local currency) and a lot of $1 bills. If you are planning an activity, like sailing, bring 20% of that activity fee for a tip.

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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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Is $500 dollars enough for Mexico? The good news is, in certain parts of Mexico it's still possible to live and travel on just $500 a month! It's even possible to live in Mexico comfortably on $500 per month, as long as you plan your trip correctly.

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Some, but definitely not all. Big touristy attractions and popular hotels will accept cards, but it's a good idea to carry cash. If you're looking to eat Mexican City street food, you'll want to have cash. Similarly, a lot of non-touristy activities in Mexico City will require cash.

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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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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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For hotel and waiting staff: one US dollar (equivalent in Mexican pesos) per bag for porters; a 10% tip of the bill (or what the bill would likely have been if the plan was a-la-carte instead of all inclusive) left on the table after each meal or round of drinks at the bar; and a tip for the chamber maids (see above) ...

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You can also leave dollars or pesos cash instead of adding it to your credit card. Suggested Tip: 150-170 peso bill= $2-3 or 30 pesos. 400 peso bill= $3-4 or 60-80 pesos.

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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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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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