What is better to use in Mexico cash or card?

Using your debit card in Mexico is generally safe, and carrying a debit card is safer than carrying a large amount of actual cash on you. A possible downside is when your card isn't accepted or stops working. You may find yourself in a stressful situation with no way to pay for things.



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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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Bank-card skimmers are highly prevalent, and thus cash is typically the safer option. ATMs are renowned for running out of cash (especially on Mexican payday), as well as being a hot spot for theft. So we suggest exchanging cash before you board to avoid these potential mishaps.

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Since most major tourist attractions accept both U.S. dollars and pesos, you should bring a little of both. However, don't bring too much. Even though Mexico is generally safe, carrying large wads of cash in your wallet or pockets is not a good idea.

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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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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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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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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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Advantages of using cash
If your spending discipline breaks down when you use credit cards, cash may be a better choice while you let loose on vacation. No foreign transaction fees: Many credit cards charge an extra fee of up to 3% on purchases made outside the country, although you can find cards that don't.

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It's always best to tip in cash, using Mexican pesos.

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Past travelers have spent, on average, M$477 ($28) on meals for one day and M$296 ($17) on local transportation. Also, the average hotel price in Cancun for a couple is M$3,261 ($191). So, a trip to Cancun for two people for one week costs on average M$34,563 ($2,024).

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Prices for Cancun hotels tend to be lowest from around May to June, and again from September to October. This is because the temperature, rainfall, and humidity are all peaking, and tourists are less inclined to visit.

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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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