What is the best money in Cancun?

There are two accepted currencies in Cancun, US Dollars and Mexican Pesos. If you have to choose one my advice is to choose Pesos. However, there are some situations where US Dollars work better for you.



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The answer is, it depends. Some places may accept US dollars, and some others may not. That is why exchanging money in Cancun is the safest bet. This vital step makes your entire trip hassle-free and gives you access to hotels, transportation, food, and other miscellaneous expenses without any obstructions.

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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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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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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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Much like in the U.S., in Mexico, it is customary to tip service workers in restaurants, hotels, and Ubers. The standard tip is 10% of the bill, but you can give more or less depending on the quality of service. Tipping is not required, but it is appreciated.

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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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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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For a mid-range dinner at a nice restaurant, you can expect to pay around $30-$50 USD per person. For a high-end dinner experience, you may pay upwards of $100 USD per person. If you're on a budget, you can find cheaper options such as street food or fast food for around $10-$15 USD per person.

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All-inclusive in Cancun is on a whole other level than most places, particularly regarding amenities. It is not uncommon to see gourmet restaurants, top-shelf liquor, a daily restocked mini fridge, and even 24-hour room service with an all-inclusive stay at a Cancun resort, so you definitely get what you pay for.

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All-inclusive resort tipping etiquette
  1. Bartender: 20 pesos or $1 every 1-2 drink orders, especially if you order complicated cocktails.
  2. Cart drivers: $1 per trip.
  3. Servers: $5-10 every couple of meals for good service or if your waiter went above & beyond (we usually tipped at dinner)
  4. Shuttle driver to/from airport.


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Cancun is exponentially cheaper than Hawaii, so your money goes way further when visiting Cancun. Not only are hotel prices better and flights to and from very affordable, but everything else you can do on holiday is much less expensive.

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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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I agree with $1,500-$2,000 with the activities you are planning. I usually bring the equivalent of $500 USD converted to pesos, along with another $1,000 in cash. If you estimate $100 per person per excursion (some will cost more, some will cost less), plus extra for tips and souvenirs, you should be good.

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