Should I pay with dollars 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.



People Also Ask

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

For most tourist that are in Mexico for a week and will be in tourist areas, you will find most places accept US Dollars. But there is the rate at what they will accept them. See our section below on this. Tip: Mexican law says that all prices must be marked in Pesos.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

100 Pesos is equivalent to about $5 to $6. This sum may not seem like a big amount, but it can buy tourists one or two meals in Mexico. In the Mayan country, the cheapest cuisine is street food. Tacos can cost as much as 20 Pesos for a basket of four or five tacos.

MORE DETAILS

Cancun Travel Tips to Save Money
When given the option, pay in pesos: When paying at restaurants or stores in Cancun, you'll likely be given the option to pay in pesos or USD (even when paying with a credit card). Always choose pesos, as you'll get a better exchange rate.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Currency in Mexico Mexico's official currency is the peso. Although the peso is the main currency, American dollars are accepted in touristy areas. Some high-traffic tourist regions might also accept Euros, Canadian dollars and British pounds. However, it's almost always more cost-efficient to pay with pesos.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS