What kind of money should I bring to 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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Should I exchange money before I travel to Cancun? Speaking of cash, yes, you'll want to exchange your currency for Mexican pesos before traveling to Cancun. You'll get a better rate from your local bank or credit union than you'll find at the airport once you've arrived in Mexico.

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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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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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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.

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In Mexico, every bellboy, chauffeur/driver, or valet parking person expects a tip of 20-50 pesos. Bartenders, waitresses/waiters, and housekeeping staff expect a tip of 15% of your bill, and housekeepers should be tipped about 50 pesos (or more) per day.

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Most businesses will take U.S. dollars, but it's better to convert your currency to pesos. You'll get better deals and it is the currency of Mexico. Many people get pesos from their bank at home before travel.

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A common mistake many people make while traveling is drinking unfiltered water and ending up with an upset stomach. Though the tap water in Cancun does in fact meet the standards of safety, it is always a good idea to stick with bottled water.

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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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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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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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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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In general, you'll want to plan on tipping restaurant staff, the concierge, bartenders, housekeepers, the bellman, pool staff, and shuttle drivers at all-inclusive resorts. Impeccable service can always be rewarded with higher tips, but there are some accepted standards for travelers to lean on.

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While tipping is a discretionary and optional gesture, at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and others, it is certainly encouraged.

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Dollars or pesos? In most tourist areas in Mexico, it is acceptable to tip in either pesos or dollars, though pesos are more practical for the person being tipped. If you do tip in dollars, be sure to only tip using notes and not coins as coins cannot be exchanged.

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Who should I tip and how much at an all-inclusive Mexican resort?
  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)


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It is not necessary to tip an additional amount. A minimum of $1-$2 U.S. (20-40 pesos) per round of drinks is customary, or if you're running a tab, leave 15-20% of the total as a tip. Remember, if you are receiving Happy Hour half-price, tip on the regular pricing amount.

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Tipping Taxi Drivers in Cancun You really shouldn't, the local's never do! The only exception being if the driver performs some extra task such as carrying heavy bags or making a short stop such as at an ATM or convenience store. In downtown Cancun there are accepted rates that all the locals know.

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Reserve a ride with Uber in advance in Cancun Complete your plans today by reserving a ride with Uber in Cancun. Request a ride up to 30 days in advance, at any time and on any day of the year.

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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.

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