Excellent question! The purchasing power of 200 Mexican pesos (about $11 - $12 USD as of late 2023) varies greatly depending on where you are in Mexico and what you’re buying. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you can typically get:
Food & Drink (The Best Value)
- Street Food & Markets (The King of Value):
- 4-6 tacos al pastor (with onions, cilantro, and salsa).
- 2-3 tortas (large, hearty Mexican sandwiches).
- 2-3 full meals like a plate of enchiladas, chilaquiles, or pozole at a fonda (small family-run restaurant).
- 5-8 elotes (grilled corn on the cob) or esquites (corn in a cup).
- A large bag of fresh fruit (like mangoes, bananas, or oranges) from a local market.
- Supermarkets:
- A bag of 10-12 tortillas.
- 1 liter of milk, a loaf of bread, and a pack of ham or cheese.
- A 2-liter bottle of Coca-Cola and a large bag of chips.
- Basic ingredients for a meal (e.g., pasta, tomato sauce, onions, garlic).
Transportation
- Public Transit: A full day’s worth of rides in most cities.
- Mexico City Metro: About 10-12 rides.
- Local Buses: 5-8 rides depending on the