Should I use American money in 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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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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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.

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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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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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First, it's worth noting that at current exchange rates, your $100 will equal upwards of 2,395 pesos in Mexico. That could amount to about a week's worth of wages for a Mexican national, depending on their industry and skill level.

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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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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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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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Budget for tips and cash to reward waiters, hoteliers, bartenders and tour guides. *Our tip: Tipping in the local currency, pesos, is obviously the most convenient option for the recipient, but US dollars can also be withdrawn. If you do, be sure to use bills rather than coins as the latter are difficult to change.

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Before your trip, exchange money at your bank or credit union, which likely offers better rates and fewer and/or lower fees. See if your bank or credit union will buy back any leftover foreign currency for when you return.

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According to the Financial Times, the Mexican peso is having its strongest streak in more than five years, thanks to a variety of reasons, one of them being the surge in demand for Mexico as a travel product.

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Hotel Resort Fees Can Be Hard To Find A hidden cost that is becoming more popular in Cancun is the resort fee. Resort fees can be sneaky and often won't show up when looking at hotel pricing. It is always wise to check the fine print or contact your hotel to determine if you will be charged a resort fee.

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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.

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