🇲🇽 Mexico · MXN
Mexico uses the Mexican peso (MXN), and while tourist hotspots may quote prices in US dollars, you'll almost always get a better deal paying in pesos. Cash is king for street food, markets and small towns, but cards work well in cities and resort areas.
The currency is the Mexican peso (MXN), symbolized by $ and divided into 100 centavos. Banknotes come in 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 pesos, with coins for smaller values. Because the peso also uses the $ symbol, double-check whether a price is in pesos or US dollars in tourist areas.
Cards are accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, supermarkets and chain stores in cities and resorts, but cash is essential for taxis, markets, street food, small comedores and rural areas. Keep a supply of small bills and coins, since vendors often can't break large notes. A mix of card for big purchases and cash for everyday spending works best.
Local exchange houses (casas de cambio) and banks generally offer fair rates, and paying directly in pesos by card is often the cheapest option of all. Avoid changing money at hotels and in heavy tourist zones where rates are padded. If a shop offers to charge you in US dollars, decline and pay in pesos.
Airport casas de cambio are convenient but offer notably worse rates than those in town. Change only a small amount for transport on arrival, or simply use a bank ATM in the airport instead. You'll get a far better rate from city exchange houses or ATMs.
Use ATMs attached to established banks (such as those inside branches) rather than standalone machines in convenience stores or tourist strips, which charge higher fees and are more prone to tampering. Always decline dynamic currency conversion and choose to be charged in pesos. Withdraw larger amounts less often to reduce per-withdrawal fees, and use machines in well-lit, secure locations.
Tipping (propina) is an important part of the culture. Restaurants typically warrant 10-15%, and it's customary to tip baggers at supermarkets, hotel staff, tour guides and gas-station attendants who fill your tank. Tip in pesos and check whether a service charge has already been added.
Watch for prices quoted in US dollars at a poor built-in exchange rate, and always confirm and pay in pesos. Decline dynamic currency conversion at terminals and ATMs, and be alert to ATM skimming by using bank-branch machines. With taxis, use authorized airport taxis, agree a fare in advance, or use a ride-hailing app to avoid overcharging.
Carry enough pesos for a few days of street food, taxis, markets and tips, especially if you'll be in smaller towns where cards are rarely accepted. In cities and resorts you can rely more on cards and replenish cash from bank ATMs as needed. Keeping a stash of small denominations is more useful than holding large bills.
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