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Travel money guide: Mexico

Pay for tacos, margaritas and more south of the border — without being crushed by fees..

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Prepaid travel card, debit card or credit card?

5 options for spending money in mexico, compare cards for international travel, where can i get money exchanged in mexico, buying mexican pesos in the us, atms in mexico, how much should i budget to travel in mexico.

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Top picks of 2021

Planning a trip south of the border? 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. A card that waives foreign transaction fees like most travel credit cards can help you save on extraneous fees. Here are all of your spending options during your travel.

Our picks for traveling to Mexico

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The local currency in Mexico is the Mexican peso and there are a few ways you spend it. A combination of a travel credit card, travel debit card and a prepaid travel card that allows you to preload the Mexican peso may be your ideal option for your next trip to Mexico. And remember to have some cash too, as it can always come in handy if want to shop at a street market or if a business doesn’t accept credit cards.

ATM’s are widely available in Mexico and are compatible with debit cards, credit cards and prepaid travel cards.

There’s no single best travel money strategy, as the right one will ultimately depend on how and where you’re traveling. If you’re going to be making a lot of cash withdrawals, consider a debit card with an ATM alliance or a prepaid card with low withdrawal fees over a credit card. A credit card will make the most sense for larger purchases and you’ll likely need one for hotels.

You’ll always need cash to make everyday purchases. Withdrawing a substantial amount of cash for when you arrive can be an ideal option to ensure a smooth transition into your destination country.

Whether you’re splurging on tacos, margaritas or are sticking strictly to business, here’s how you can pay for things in Mexico:

stack of credit cards

Using a credit card

Use your credit card almost everywhere, but they aren’t accepted for buses, most taxis, tour guides, corner stores and taquerías. To beat foreign transaction fees, use a card like the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card (Terms apply, see rates & fees ).

Travel cards also often come with a variety of travel perks and the ability to earn rewards. If you pick the right travel card for your travel needs, you can rack up some miles toward your next trip.

Note that chip cards are the standard in Mexico. You can still use a magstripe card at many locations, but you may run into merchants who will only accept chip cards. As such, you may want to upgrade your card before you travel.

  • Tip: Most major lenders can arrange emergency cash or card replacement quickly if you lose your card.
  • Protected by PIN and chip
  • Accepted worldwide
  • No currency conversion or transaction fees
  • Perks including reward points, 0% purchases and frequent flyer program
  • Emergency card replacement
  • Can charge high withdrawal and cash advance fees
  • Higher spending limit (depends on your approved credit limit)

Explore top debit cards with no foreign transaction fees and travel credit cards by using the tabs to narrow down your options. Select Compare for up to four products to see their benefits side by side.

  • Credit cards

Debit card being swiped in a POS station

Using a debit card

Consider cards that have no foreign transaction and ATM fees when looking at cards. Some debit cards, like the one offered by Betterment Checking , are designed for use overseas, so they don’t charge foreign transaction fees on purchases abroad.

  • Tip: Use your card to make a cash withdrawal from an ATM in Mexico, but be aware that you may need a card with a chip.
  • Ideal for managing your travel budget
  • Currency conversion and international ATM fees
  • No emergency cash
  • No backup cards

person at laptop with credit card and phone

Using a prepaid travel card

Travel cards are generally a good way to take your funds overseas and spend in multiple currencies. Merchants in major tourist destinations like Tijuana, Cancun and Acapulco will accept US dollar as well as pesos preload onto a card.

  • Tip: If you don’t have a card that can load pesos, you should know that travel card currency conversion fees are among the highest in the market.
  • Preload and secure your exchange rate in multiple foreign currencies
  • Emergency card replacement and backup cards
  • Local ATM fee
  • Reloading time
  • No fee if you spend in currency loaded onto the card

Pesos notes

Paying with cash in Mexico

You can use USD in Mexico, especially in the major tourist spots. Some merchants give you the option of paying in pesos or dollars and the vendor can give you an “over the counter exchange rate” between the two.

The price of the goods can be inflated by as much as 30% if you pay with US dollars in Mexico, as vendors generally use an exchange rate of 10 pesos to $1 . Use Mexican pesos to make your money go further.

  • Greater payment flexibility
  • Convenience
  • Difficult to manage expenses
  • Higher risk of theft

There are a number of places to exchange cash in Mexico, including Banco de Mexico (the national bank) and at casa de cambios (exchange bureaus). Bank during regular business hours between Monday and Friday.

Your other option is to get money changed at bureaux de change and casa de cambio outlets. These exchange offices are common and they can offer the same rate, if not better, than banks.

Refreshing in: 60s | Wed, Mar 13, 01:39PM GMT

Mexican Pesos are widely available at most currency exchange offices including Travelex and major banks. Exchanging at your bank can be a good idea to avoid extra fees and charges.

Dating back to Spanish colonization, Mexican pesos come in denominations of 10c, 20c, 50c, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, $200, $500 and $1000. $20 is the lowest value banknote. MXN is the currency code for Mexican peso and Mexico uses the dollar sign ($) as the currency symbol.

The main banks in Mexico are:

  • Citi-Banamex
  • Banco del Bajio
  • BBVA Mexico
  • HSBC Mexico
  • Santander Mexico
  • Scotiabank Mexico

You should have no problem finding an ATM for withdrawing cash in Mexico. You’ll find the lowest fees at established national banks like BBVA Bancomer and Santander. And a travel-friendly debit card from a bank like Betterment Checking can help you avoid international ATM charges.

Depending on how much you’ll be traveling around Mexico — and your appetite for expensive cuisine — you could need anywhere from $20 to $150 a day in Mexico — not including accommodations. While it tends to be cheaper than the US, you should still plan on spending about $10 for every meal (at least) and more for activities and transportation.

Here’s a cheat sheet to help while you budget your trip:

Prices are approximate and are subject to change.

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Kyle Morgan

Kyle Morgan is SEO manager at Forbes Advisor and a former editor and content strategist at Finder. He has written for the USA Today network and Relix magazine, among other publications. He holds a BA in journalism and media from Rutgers University.

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With the rate changing daily , how do I create a quick cheat sheet to use during my one week stay?

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Hi Valerie,

Thanks for your question.

I would agree that exchange rates are so volatile, making it hard to predict future changes. If you are preparing a cheat sheet or budget for your future visit to Mexico, there are various ways on how you can lock in rates so you can effectively manage your finances.

One option is by opening a prepaid travel card that allows you to load Mexican pesos before your trip. The exchange rate will be locked in at the time you load currency into your card. You may also consider exchanging your USD for Mexican pesos at most major banks and currency exchange offices prior to your travel. This way, you can pay like the locals do without worrying about fees and charges.

Our guide above also discusses other travel money options for Mexico. It would be good to review the pros and cons of each option so you’ll know which one is suitable for your situation.

I hope this helps.

Cheers, Anndy

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Mexico

Money in Mexico: Your Complete 2024 Guide by an Expat

Managing your money in Mexico is an important consideration whether you are coming here on vacation or whether you are relocating here on a more permanent basis. You need to understand the currency used in Mexico (pesos), the best way to exchange currency, and any fees your credit and debit cards charge for international transactions and withdrawals. 

You are in good hands here because I have been living in Mexico (in Merida in the Yucatan) for the past two years. Not only am I accustomed to existing in pesos, but I have also been through lots of stressful things here like opening a local bank account, and transferring hundreds of thousands of dollars to Mexico so that I could purchase property here. 

In this post, we will run through everything that you need to know about managing your money in Mexico. Then, if you have any additional questions or concerns at the end, you are more than welcome to reach out to me. 

Money in Mexico in different denominations and a cute Mexican Lele coin purse

Table of Contents

Money in Mexico 

The Mexican nuevo peso is the local currency in Mexico and it is the only official legal tender here. Pesos have been in circulation since way back in 1863 and despite technological progressions, cash is still very much king in Mexico. 

I am constantly hearing people ask whether they can use dollars, euros or other currencies in Mexico. The reality is that some tourist businesses in resort areas that are popular with Americans (like Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Cancun and Tulum) do accept dollars but people may try and trick you on the exchange rate (or simply not give you the best rate) so I would strongly advise using pesos in Mexico. 

In rural areas, many little shops and restaurants will be cash-only and sometimes it is alarming how many “serious” business transactions are conducted in cash in Mexico. (Even when I bought a house in Mexico, I paid part of the deposit and my legal fees in cash!) 

In major cities, most people have a POS (point of sale) device and accept credit/debit card payments. Machines that accept contactless payments are the norm, and a lot of modern businesses are starting to accept Apple Pay. 

Sometimes, some restaurants, hotels, etc will also accept payments by bank transfer, however, that is much easier if you have a local account. 

A pile of 100 (cien) pesos bills in Mexico

Mexico Currency 

The Mexican peso is the official currency in Mexico. It is often written as MXN or with a dollar symbol ($) as you would use for US dollars, Canadian dollars, Australian dollars, etc.

Mexican pesos come in note denominations of 1000 (circa $50), 500 (circa $25), 200 (circa $12), 100 (circa $5), 50 (circa $2.50), and 20 (circa $1). Coins also come in denominations of 20, 10, 5, 2, and 1 peso. 

Generally, when you exchange money for Mexican pesos or you use an ATM, you will not be given currency in denominations of more than 500 pesos. 1,000 peso notes are very rare and difficult to use to make smaller purchases. 

In my two years in Mexico, I have honestly never seen a $1,000 MXN peso note, even when I had to go and withdraw a whopping $110,000 MXN in cash from my bank to pay for a deposit on my house.

It is better not to carry wads of cash around with you so I would say around $4,000 to $4,500 MXN is the maximum you want to have on you at any given time and this should be plenty to last you a couple of days, even in pricier tourist areas.

Since things in Mexico typically cost a lot less than what you may be used to in the US, Canada, the UK, or elsewhere, it is important to make sure that you always have plenty of small denomination notes. Small vendors may struggle to give change for 500 peso bills. 

Try to make sure you always have plenty of coins and notes with a value of 100 pesos and below.

Money in Mexico

Currency in Mexico exchange rates 

The exchange rates for Mexican pesos vs other currencies fluctuate constantly throughout the year just like any other currency. However, a major topic of conversation in recent months has been how the Mexican peso is becoming stronger, meaning that you essentially get less bang for your buck when converting dollars into pesos.

This is thanks to various factors, including a nearshoring boom which has seen a lot of Canadian and US companies move their production and manufacturing businesses from China and the Far East to Mexico, thus investing millions of dollars into Mexico. 

A year ago, one US dollar bought you around 20.4 pesos and for a long period, the exchange rate would bounce around between 18-20 pesos per dollar.

In summer 2023, the Mexican peso reached its strongest level since 2015 , with an exchange rate of $1USD = 17MXN. BBVA, the largest Mexican bank predicted that 2023 would end with an exchange rate of around 19.5 pesos per dollar but that remains to be seen yet. 

Because of the strengthening peso, travelling in Mexico and investing in real estate here is becoming more expensive. 

To share just how much the peso has fluctuated over time, below, you will find the currency in Mexico exchange rates versus several other global currencies in January 2023 and November 2023. 

A pile of cincuenta (50) pesos bills in Mexico

January vs November 2023 currency in Mexico exchange rates

Standing in front of a church in Baca, Yucatan state

Exchanging money into Mexican pesos 

It is always handy to purchase a small number of Mexican pesos before your trip to Mexico. That way, you aren’t scrambling around trying to find an ATM as soon as you arrive. 

Consider exchanging a small number of pesos before your trip and then using an ATM to withdraw more money on arrival. Shop around as the exact exchange rate you are given can vary a lot from place to place. 

Xe.com gives you the market rate but you might not get such a competitive rate when you exchange your money. Banks tend to offer the most competitive exchange rates rather than travel agents and ATMs.

If you decide to go to a currency exchange, look for a place that does not charge a commission. Never use a currency exchange at the airport as they will not only not be competitive, they are likely to be the worst you encounter.

Rates in currency exchange centres in touristy areas (e.g. Zona Romantica in Puerto Vallarta or the hotel zone in Cancun) are a close second in terms of terrible exchange rates. It is better to exchange just a small amount of money into pesos before your trip and then use your ATM card to make a withdrawal once you arrive in Mexico.

Money in Mexico

Key tips for managing your money in Mexico 

As a tourist, some of the main things you ought to consider when it comes to managing your money in Mexico are as per the below. A lot of these things are common sense but are worth reiterating here. 

  • Open a borderless bank account to cut down on ATM and foreign conversion fees while abroad. (E.g. Charles Schwab in the US or Revolut/Wise). $2 here or $3 there might not seem much initially but small fees quickly add up
  • Use ATMs at banks or in malls rather than standalone machines as they are less likely to have been tampered with
  • Opening a Mexican bank account isn’t really necessary unless you are moving here or plan on purchasing real estate/investing in something
  • Don’t carry too much cash with you. $4,000-$4,500 MXN pesos should be the maximum you carry. Ideally separate your money out into a wallet that contains most of your money, and a little coin purse that has what you need for the day. That way, you dont flash tons of cash every time you buy something
  • Keep a spare $50 USD or so of cash and a backup debit/credit card in your suitcase or hotel safe just in case
  • Always check your surroundings when using ATMs and never make withdrawals at night or in dark, secluded places
  • Never accept the exchange rate on the screen at a Mexican ATM, it will not be competitive
  • Monitor your bank account activity while travelling and ideally, have a banking app set up on your phone so you notice right away if anything is untoward
  • Notify your bank and credit card companies before you travel so they dont note your trip to Mexico as suspicious activity and block your card.

mexico travel money

Using ATMs in Mexico

You will find plenty of ATMs scattered around Mexico. Various Mexican and international banks operate here. 

The most common bank ATMs that you are likely to see are Santander, Citi Banamex, BBVA, Banco Azteca, Banorte·, and HSBC. ATMs in malls, airports, bus stations, etc often charge ludicrously high fees. Most of the time if you have an international bank card and you try to make a withdrawal at a Mexican ATM, the machine will charge you for the transaction anyway. However, in an official bank, this is often only around 40 pesos (circa USD 2).  

Some standalone machines can charge anywhere between 100 and 180 pesos. That is between USD 5.50 and USD 9.50 and not exactly a small amount to lose! 

Then, depending on what bank card you are using, your own bank may charge you a fee for using your card internationally. Don’t assume that if you bank with a certain bank in your home country, that means that you will have favourable treatment for using the ATMs of that bank in Mexico. 

For instance, HSBC ATMs often charge some of the highest withdrawal and foreign transaction fees. Even if you have an HSBC US or UK account, you may find it better to use an alternative ATM. 

mexico travel money

Making a withdrawal at an ATM in Mexico

Virtually all ATMs in Mexico show their displays in Spanish and English. Sometimes other languages are available too. 

Remember that the rate will be displayed in pesos along with the “$” sign. So don’t panic when it looks like the machine is asking if you want to withdraw values of 3,000 or 4,000 dollars – the amount is in pesos! 

Keep in mind that any withdrawal limits that are in place on your card in your home country will apply in Mexico too. It is important to find the balance between drawing out enough cash so that you are not constantly having to go back and forth to the ATM and incur extra fees, and not drawing out too much that you feel uneasy carrying it. 

Money in Mexico

Money in Mexico FAQs

Do you have any further questions or concerns about managing or getting money in Mexico? The answers to some frequently asked questions on the topic are detailed below.

Hopefully, you will find the answers you are looking for there. If not, feel free to reach out to me.

How much is $1 USD in Mexico?

As of the 1st November 2023, $1 USD converts to 17.76 Mexican pesos. It is important to check these conversions in real time because the peso has been bouncing around a lot lately.

Historically, $1 USD was always around 20 pesos but the peso has strengthened significantly in recent years.

Is $100 a lot of money in Mexico? 

Yes. $100 USD goes a lot further in Mexico than in the United States and in other Western currencies. You could effectively live off this for several days in some parts of the country. Meals are often available for as little as $5, and budget hotels, even in popular areas like Valladolid or Izamal , can be purchased for just $30 USD a night. 

What is the best currency to use in Mexico?

Mexican pesos (MXN) are the best currency to use in Mexico. This is the national currency and official legal tender. 

Some tourist places may accept US dollars but it is better not to depend on that happening. 

Is it better to tip in pesos or dollars in Mexico?

When it comes to tipping in Mexico , it is preferable to tip in pesos. This is the local currency and it will be much easier for the person that you are tipping to use. 

If you tip in US dollars or another form of currency, they will have to exchange it to be able to use it. 

How much is $100 Mexican pesos?

As of November 1st 2023, $100 Mexican pesos works out at about $5.63 USD or £4.62. However, do keep in mind that global exchange rates are constantly fluctuating.

Is it better to have cash or a card in Mexico? 

It is better to carry a small amount of cash with you at all times in Mexico just to be safe as many small stores, street food vendors and public transport operators only accept cash. You should also make sure that you carry one or two cards. 

(It is good to take two just in case one is locked overseas or you lose it).

Should I get pesos at the airport in Mexico?

Absolutely not. Airports across the globe are renowned for providing the absolute worst exchange rates. 

Use them at your peril. (Ok that’s a bit dramatic). 

Exchanging money at an airport exchange office with an uncompetitive rate can mean that you actually lose a lot of money. The only time that you should even consider this option is if you arrive and you don’t have any cash whatsoever, and you just want to change a very small amount to get to where you are going. ($20 to $30 USD or so)

Can I pay with US dollars in Mexico?

US dollars are sometimes accepted in touristy parts of Mexico, like Cancun airport hotels , downtown Puerto Vallarta and Mahahual on the Mexican Caribbean coast . There are even some ATMs in the Riviera Maya and Puerto Vallarta that allow you to withdraw US Dollars.

However, you will usually get a better rate if you pay in pesos and since US dollars are not widely accepted everywhere you go, it is better to use the local currency if you can.

A traditional market in Muna, Yucatan

Final thoughts on managing money in Mexico

Hopefully, this article will give you some peace of mind about managing and getting money in Mexico. If this is your first time travelling to Mexico, you might also enjoy reading these Mexico travel tips .

I have been living in the Yucatan capital of Merida for over a year now. So I am well-versed in managing money in Mexico and I am here if you need to contact me with any questions

Have a wonderful trip and enjoy Mexico! Buen Viaje! Melissa xo

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Melissa Douglas

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Never Ending Footsteps

The Cost of Travel in Mexico: My 2024 Budget Breakdown

Lauren at Tulum

Ask me about my favourite country in the world and I’ll tell you about Mexico.

I’ve been fortunate to have visited over a hundred countries during my past decade of travel, but it’s Mexico that never fails to leave me swooning.

I love this country so much that I can’t recommend a visit highly enough. Not only is Mexico full of beautiful scenery, world-class beaches, and wonderful locals, but it’s relatively inexpensive, too. And the food . The tacos! Mexico is worth visiting for the food alone. And yes, I want to reassure you that it is safe to visit.

As I write this now, in January 2024, I’ve spent a whopping seven months in Mexico and I’m currently planning on returning for another three. Over that time, I spent months living in a hippie beach town on the Pacific Coast, several weeks in the central mountain ranges, and two months making my way around the Yucatan. In other words, I’ve seen a hell of a lot of this incredible country, and I’m excited to share this detailed budget breakdown with you all.

Because while I’ve been making my way across this wonderful country, I’ve also been tracking every single peso I’ve spent.

If you’re wondering how much it costs to travel in Mexico, let’s jump in.

Woman standing on grass in front of a large stone structure at Chichen Itza in Mexico.

The Cost of Accommodation in Mexico

I’ll kick things off by focusing on my backpackers and budget travellers out there. If that’s you, you’ll be glad to hear that you can get by in Mexico on very little. Note that all the prices I mention below are in US dollars unless otherwise noted.

Cheap Accommodation

As in many parts of the world, hostels are one of the best low-cost accommodation options. Mexico has hostels in most major city and towns across the country, and they’re one of the best ways of saving money while still making friends. I always recommend staying in hostels if you’re going to be travelling alone!

Hostels in Mexico are similarly priced to those in Central America, so you can get by on not very much at all. You can expect to spend around $15-25 a night for a dorm bed in a well-rated hostel, or around $60 for a private room . If you’re travelling as part of a couple, you may find you end up spending a similar amount for a private room versus just getting two beds in a dorm.

Airbnb is another option worth keeping in mind, as staying in a private room ( not renting out the entire apartment!) with a local can often work out to be more affordable than spending a night in a hostel, especially if you’re a couple. Head on over to the Airbnb website and it’s not hard to find accommodation for $30 a night . You’ll be more comfortable than you would be in a hostel, receive faster internet, and will get to hang out with the locals, which is what travel’s all about! 

Free Accommodation

If you’re on a really tight budget, there are options in Mexico that mean getting to explore the country for  free . Couchsurfing has been a budget travel staple for over a decade now, and there are  hundreds of thousands of hosts  across the country. You’ll be able to stay for free with a local and gain an insight into life in Mexico that’s tough to experience when staying with other travellers in hostels.

Housesitting  is a more upmarket option, aimed at mid-range and luxury travellers. Housesitting involves taking care of somebody’s house for free while they’re away, often (but not always) looking after their pets, too. It’s best for long-term travellers or retirees, as you can’t pick and choose dates and destinations, so you’ll need to have a lot of flexibility as to where you go and at what time of year. If you  do  have that freedom, though it’s a wonderful way to cut down your travel expenses, soak up some home comforts, and live like a local for a while.  Trusted Housesitters  is the best site for getting started with housesitting, as they have the highest number of listings.

Finally, when it comes to free accommodation, you can also check out  WorldPackers (use promo code neverendingfootsteps for a $10 discount). Through the site, you’ll receive totally free accommodation (and often food) in exchange for a few hours of work each day.

Think: working in a hostel, helping with gardening, or even taking care of alpacas. You’ll likely make tons of new friends, learn a new skill, and, depending on where you end up, see a side of Mexico that few travellers get to experience. 

My Accommodation Recommendations in Mexico

mexico travel money

Tulum: Ah, Tulum. It has a reputation for being expensive, but bargains can still be had. Casa Almendro comes in at $51 a night — a steal for Tulum — and still manages to have the amenities of a luxury hotel. You’re within walking distance of the centre of Tulum, so finding a restaurant becomes a hell of a lot easier. You’ve got a kickass rooftop area with hammocks to lounge in. It’s directly opposite a market, so you can easily buy produce from there to cook, if you feel like eating in one night. And you can even rent bicycles to help you explore Tulum in more depth , something I can’t recommend doing highly enough.

Puerto Vallarta: I could say this about everywhere I’ve visited in Mexico, but I love Puerto Vallarta. It’s so much fun! With a great beach and delicious food, it combines the two best aspects of Mexican life. But where to stay? I stayed in Garlands del Rio at $88 a night , and loved its laidback vibe right on the river. There’s a lovely pool and bar area, and honestly, I wish everywhere offered me chips and salsa and a margarita on arrival like this place does! The owner seems determined to make everyone’s stay as perfect as possible, and when you do leave the hotel, restaurants, bars, and the city’s famous beach are all close by.

Mexico City: If there’s one thing you need to know about Mexico City, it’s that it’s large. And choosing a hotel — and indeed a neighbourhood — can be overwhelming. I recommend going for a place in Coyoacán, and in particular, I love what  Finca Coyoacán has to offer, at a price of $83 a night . You’ll be in the perfect place to explore the markets and restaurants of Coyoacán , and be able to retreat each nice to a safe haven with a super-comfortable bed, friendly staff, and even free fruit to snack on! There’s a reason why this is one of the best-rated properties in the entire city!

Oaxaca: When it comes to Oaxaca, I wouldn’t consider staying anywhere other than La Betulia , which comes in at $137 a night . It’s in one of my favourite areas of the city, just a few minutes away from the iconic Santa Domingo church, yet is still quiet enough for you to feel as though you’re worlds away from the city. And the breakfasts? Too good! What I love about La Betulia is that they offer up Mexican dishes for breakfast, in addition to the more Western flavours, so you’ll get to dive into the country’s cuisine and eat as the locals do. With some of the most welcoming locals in the city, beautiful rooms, and a propensity for attracting guests that fast become friends, there’s no wonder I can’t stop singing its praises!

Isla Mujeres: I stayed at the phenomenal Casa Barco Hotel while I was in Isla Mujeres; easily the best properties on the entire island! At a price of $130 a night , it’s also one of the best-value options in town (Isla Mujeres is pricey). It’s located in the north of the island, within walking distance to the one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve seen in Mexico. The staff were absolutely wonderful here and offered up some great food recommendations for our stay. And that swimming pool? So picturesque!

The Cost of Transportation in Mexico

Lauren and Dave on a scooter in Isla Mujeres

Mexico’s a big country, but fortunately, it’s home to a solid public transportation system.

The bus is one of my favourite ways to explore the country, and it’s one of the cheapest, too. If you’re going to be travelling south of Mexico City, I can’t recommend the bus company ADO enough. They run luxury buses throughout this part of the country, offering comfortable reclining seats, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. They’re seriously up-market buses and well-worth paying for. I include some of their prices at the end of this section.

For smaller distances, you’ll be able to utilise colectivos , which are minivans that fit around 12 people. Just jump on board, tell the driver where you want to go, wait for the other people to get in, and then stop when you’re at your stop. They’re very affordable. I travelled by colectivo between Playa del Carmen and Akumal (M$40/$2.50)  and it as super-efficient, easy to use, and reasonably comfortable.

Unfortunately, trains don’t really exist in Mexico, with a couple of exceptions. Something that’s been on my Mexico wishlist for a while now is the Copper Canyon Railway, which runs through Mexico’s Copper Canyon and takes around 16 hours. There’s also a train that runs between Guadalajara and Tequila, which is known as the Tequila Express. Aside from those two journeys, though, you won’t be riding the rails while you’re in Mexico.

Once you’re on the ground, taxis are prevalent and Uber is available in several major destinations, like Mexico City, Cancun, Guanajuato, Tijuana, and Puerto Vallarta. There’s also the Cabify app, which works the same way as Uber. If you take regular cabs, you can expect to pay anywhere from M$10 to M$50 per km  depending on where you are in Mexico: as with basically every country in the world, expect to have a struggle to find a taxi driver that’s using their meter!

If you’re confident about driving in another country, you could always look into renting a car to explore the country. I have several friends who have done this and were surprised by how safe it felt to do so. They had no major incidents! A week-long car hire out of Cancun costs $110 for an economy option , so the prices aren’t too bad. I use  Skyscanner to find the cheapest car rentals.

Finally, I want to talk about flying in Mexico. If the distances are large (say you want to travel from Puerto Vallarta to Cancun), it makes more sense to fly. Mexico is a vast country and overland distances can take many days. I flew from Guanajuato to Cancun to save on the journey time and it ended up costing just $74 .

Here are some typical overland transportation costs you’ll come up against while you’re travelling in Mexico:

  • Bus ride from Cancun Airport to Tulum: M$420 ($25)
  • Bus ride from Tulum to Playa del Carmen: M$120 ($7)
  • Bus ride from Playa del Carmen to Valladolid: M$250 ($15)
  • Bus ride from Mexico City to Oaxaca: M$419 ($25)
  • Bus ride from Mexico City to Puebla: M$174 ($11)
  • Bus ride from Puerto Vallarta to Sayulita: M$55 ($3.50)
  • Ferry ride from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel: M$280 ($17)

The Cost of Food in Mexico

mexico travel money

If the food doesn’t end up being the highlight of your time in Mexico, I’ll be more than shocked. After all, I’m the person who regularly plans trips to Mexico for the sole reason of eating as much food as possible.

In fact, Mexico is my number one country in the world for eating.

And most exciting of all? The local food in Mexico is so cheap! You can get by on $1-2 a meal if you’re on a tight budget, but if you’re willing to splurge, you’ll be looking at paying as much as $10 per meal . It’s all so inexpensive. And delicious! Have I mentioned that it’s delicious?

One dish that you have to try in Mexico is cochinita pibil — it’s my favourite thing to eat in the country! Cochinita pibil is pulled pork shoulder that’s been slow-roasted and braised in achiote, orange juice, and lime. Throw some pickled onions on top, and you have the most incredible dish. It’s tender, tangy, full of flavour, and you can eat it in sandwiches and tacos for a dollar or two. You’ll find it everywhere in the Yucatan.

Tacos are probably going to fuel your Mexico sightseeing activities, as they’re cheap, delicious, and easy to find. You’ll eat them in a corn tortilla rather than a flour one that’s more popular in Western countries, and there are dozens of different flavours to choose from.

One of my favourites is tacos al pastor, which features schwarma-style pork and grilled pineapple, but I also love the chorizo, carnitas (deep-fried pork), and carne asada. In case you hadn’t realised, yes, I’m a big fan of pork.

Now, tempting as it is to live on tacos the entire time you’re in Mexico (I won’t judge you if you do), there are so many other great eating options that you really do need to try.

Let’s start with breakfast. And by breakfast, I mean chilaquiles. I’m not saying this is the healthy option, but I am definitely saying it is the delicious option. I mean, how could you not love fried tortillas, chopped up and covered with salsa, crumbled cheese, beans, eggs, and whatever else takes the chef’s fancy? There are many variations around the country, and I think I’ve just about tried them all at this point! You’ll pay $6-10 depending on what’s on it and where you are.

Most of the things that go inside a tortilla can be found inside bread as well: tortas are everywhere, and just as delicious. You won’t be shocked to hear that cocinita pibil is my favourite filling here as well, but I’ve had everything from chicken, beans, and fish to, famously once, chilaquiles. Dave and I still talk about that meal to this day. Expect to pay around $3 .

Tamales are also easily available, at least in some parts of the country. Look out for vendors standing over the distinctive streaming metal containers on street corners and then run, don’t walk, to grab yourself something incredible to eat.

Made from masa (a dough made from ground corn) and filled with chicken, pork, cheese, or beans, they’re wrapped in corn husk or banana leaf, then steamed in that metal container until they’re soft and delicious. I loved them on chilly afternoons in Guanajuato, but honestly, I’d eat them no matter the weather! They’re usually $1-2 each.

The Cost of Activities in Mexico

Author standing at a viewpoint above a beach in Tulum, Mexico, with an old stone building visible on a clifftop on the other side of the beach. Blue sky and ocean behind.

The cost of your activities are going to vary based on which part of the country you’re going to be visiting. In the Yucatan, much of your pesos will be spent on ruin-hopping and jungle-trekking; on the Pacific Coast, you’ll all about whale-watching and surfing.

These are the entrance fees (2024) to many of the popular attractions across the country:

  • Entrance to Chichen Itza: M$614 ($36)
  • Entrance to Coba ruins: M$100 ($6)
  • Entrance to Tulum ruins: M$90 ($5.50) + national park fee of M$58 ($3.50) for most visitors
  • Entrance to Cenote Dos Ojos: M$350 ($21)
  • Entrance to Guanajuato’s Mummy Museum: M$97 ($6)
  • Entrance to Mexico City’s National Museum of Anthropology:  M$95 ($6)
  • Entrance to Oaxaca’s Hierve el Agua waterfalls:  M$50 ($3)
  • Entrance to Mexico City’s Frida Kahlo Museum:  M$250-270 ($15-16)
  • Entrance to a Lucha Libre wrestling match:  M$120+ ($7) depending on your seat and who is fighting

As you can see, most attractions are pretty reasonably priced.

Let’s now take a look at the typical activities you can do in Mexico, as well as their costs. Whenever I visit a country, I always make sure to check out the tours that are available on Get Your Guide . I book 99% of the tours I take through there.

Other activities include:

  • Earlier entrance to Chichen Itza : $70
  • Sightseeing and Snorkelling catamaran cruise from Cancun : $59
  • Rio Secreto underground river tour : $89
  • Luxury sailing and snorkelling tour from Cabo San Lucas : $111
  • Mexico City market and street food tour : $105
  • Jungle buggy tour from Playa del Carmen with cenote swimming : $105
  • Snorkelling tour to the famous Marietas Islands from Puerto Vallarta : $121

Overall, then, if you’re going to be travelling to Mexico on a budget, you can see that the activities are really going to be where your costs start to increase. Still, I don’t think the prices for the tours are outrageous — they’re similar to what you’d pay in the U.S. — although they may be something you’ll want to skip out on if you’re watching your money.

The Cost of Miscellaneous Items in Mexico

Lauren in Guanajuato

Travel insurance:  If you’ve read any other posts on Never Ending Footsteps, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in travelling with travel insurance. I’ve seen far too many Go Fund Me campaigns from destitute backpackers that are unexpectedly stranded in a foreign country after a scooter accident/being attacked/breaking a leg with no way of getting home or paying for their healthcare. These costs can quickly land you with a six-figure bill to pay at the end of it.

In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Travel insurance  will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by appendicitis and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died and you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use  SafetyWing  as my travel insurance provider, and recommend them for trips to Mexico. Firstly, they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. If you’re on a long-term trip, you can pay monthly instead of up-front, and can cancel at any time. Finally, they’re more affordable than the competition, and have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

With SafetyWing, you’ll pay  $1.50 a day  for travel insurance.

A dry bag: If you’re going to be hitting the beaches in Mexico or taking any boat trips, I highly recommend packing a dry bag  to take with you. A dry bag has saved me while travelling on so many occasions:

  • On a kayaking trip from Koh Yao Noi to Koh Nok, in Thailand, a freak wave splashed over me, as well as my camera and phone. Had I not had them in a dry bag, the water damage would have likely destroyed them.
  • On a ferry ride in Thailand, the boat sprung a leak and began to sink. I was able to put my laptop, camera, hard drive, passport, and money in my dry bag, seal it up, and know that they’d stay safe and dry if the worst were to happen.
  • I chartered a yacht in Greece and when mooring in tiny bays, was able to fill my dry bag with my camera, towel, and sunscreen, jump in the sea, and swim to the nearest empty beach without worrying about keeping my belongings dry.
  • I also think dry bags are fantastic for solo travellers on beach days. In French Polynesia, I filled mine with my valuables and took it for a swim with me, rather than having to leave them on my towel while hoping nobody would grab them.

I love all things Sea to Summit, and after trying several of their dry bags out, my favourite is the Ultra-Sil 8L — it’s durable, thin, lightweight, and has never let me down — I’ve been using it for over five years.

A GRAYL water purifier bottle: In countries with unsafe drinking water, I recommend picking up a  GRAYL water bottle  to save money on drinking while also helping protect the environment. This bottle comes complete with a filter that makes tap water safe to drink — you fill the bottle with water, slide the filter down to the bottom, then drink away. Doing so kills 99.9999% of all viruses, bacteria, and parasites in water and gets rid of any sediment, heavy metals, or weird flavours, making it completely safe to drink. You can drink tap water anywhere in the world with this bottle and not get sick — whether you’re in Mexico, Mozambique, or the Maldives! Trust me — I’ve used it in dozens of countries and never fallen unwell from doing so.

My Overall Travel Expenses in Mexico

Beach in Tulum

My daily expenses for a mid-range month-long trip through Mexico:

Accommodation: $62 a day Transportation: $11.80 a day Food: $13.70 a day Activities: $12.38 a day

Total: $99.88 a day

Related Articles on Mexico 🏖 28 Incredible Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico 🏝 24 Incredible Things to Do in Playa del Carmen, Mexico ☀️ Isla Mujeres: My Mexican Island Paradise 🌈 Guanajuato: The Prettiest City in Mexico 🐚 Tulum and the Best Beach Ever 🧐 A Love-Hate Relationship with Playa del Carmen 🙈 That Time I Stayed in a Hotel Without Walls 🏡 Finding An Apartment in Sayulita

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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Love this post! I’m going to be spending three months in Mexico in 2020 and this gives me a good idea of what I can expect to spend. My question for you, if you had to choose to spend three months on the west cost, east coast, or central area, which would you choose? Not that I’m necessarily going to do that, but I’m curious to get your answer. Thanks! :)

This was so helpful!! Would you mind sharing where you found such good prices for staying in Oaxaca?

Thank you! I actually just walked around town looking for any signs advertising rooms for rent. I ended up staying in a small studio apartment owned by a local woman — so not anywhere you could book online. If you want to stay long-term, it’s best to turn up and ask around to get the best deals.

thank you for the post! my partner and I are going to mexico in January for 2 months and are in a tight budget, I’d love to know where its the best place that you’d recommend for us to go or which route. Also we have a workaway account to volunteer for a bit we were thinking around 3 weeks.

Soooooo useful! I can’t wait to get to Mexico and I’m so happy to see it’s not going to be anywhere near as expensive as I was expecting. Slow travel is always the way to go!

Have an amazing time in Mexico! :-)

Thank you for the valuable info!! Looking to travel for a few months in Jan. 2021 if safe to do so. Very interested in Oaxaco area. Kind Regards

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Meet Lauren Juliff

How to Vacation in Mexico on a Budget

Mexico has a reputation for being super-cheap, but just how affordable is it these days? Is it just as expensive as the United States (US) or closer in cost to nearby Guatemala ? Let's break down how much money you can expect to spend in Mexico, and, most importantly, how to save as much money as possible while you're in the country. 

Setting a Budget

How much money you should budget for Mexico travel often depends on where you're going. A non-urban location will be cheaper for many things. For instance, locally made handicrafts will be far less expensive than in the city if you buy close to the source—which is usually rural.

Resort areas can be just as expensive as any US city, though lesser-known beach areas like Tulum are cheaper than famous spots like Acapulco.

If you're a budget traveler, you're going to be pleasantly surprised by how low your expenses are. Let's say you travel overland using public transport, stay primarily in hostels, eat Mexican street food for three meals a day, and take a tour every couple of weeks or so. In this situation, you can expect to average just $25 a day in Mexico. 

If you're more of a mid-range traveler, you'll be looking to stay in decent hotels, splurge on some nice restaurant visits, occasionally take a domestic flight, and take several guided tours. In this case, you can expect to average $70 a day in Mexico.

If you're a luxury traveler, the sky's the limit! There's no real upper limit as to what you can spend in Mexico, so you could be looking at anywhere between $100 and $500 a day while you're there. 

And if you're a digital nomad that's looking to live in Mexico for a month or more, your monthly costs will be even lower. One digital nomad lived in Sayulita for three months on just $20 a day, in Guanajuato for a month for only $25 a day, and Playa del Carmen for a month for $30 a day.

Figuring Out Mexican Money

In July 2019, $1 equals approximately 18 pesos (actual  exchange rate  can change at any time), so roughly every 20 pesos equals $1. Don't use this formula to budget—but it's an easy way to guess rough costs when you're shopping.

Eating Cheap

How to do Mexico on a cheap travel budget? Let's first look at how to buy food for less than $10 per day in Mexico.

Assume that anything you like in the US, like Coke or McDonald's, is going to cost the same in Mexico—don't count on eating and drinking the way you do in the US and saving any real money. If you eat local produce and are adventurous with street food , you can get by cheaply. Although, if you're a fan of Coke, be sure to try some while you're in Mexico—it's made with cane sugar rather than refined sugar, and it makes a huge difference to the flavor. 

Large grocery stores exist in the cities, even small cities like Zihuatanejo , and some stuff, like bread, is a whole lot less expensive than in similar US stores.

Locally grown fruit anywhere in Mexico is cheap, but often especially cheap in mercados (open-stall community markets). An avocado in the Patzcuaro outdoor market is 3 cents; at the same time in Colorado, an avocado was $1.39.

Street food is super cheap; stock your backpack with mercado-bought fruit and veggies for breakfast while having a terrific culinary adventure for main meals.

  • Fifty cents for an ear of roasted corn from a street vendor is top dollar; you can get a tamale for 35 cents.
  • You can buy a big plate of hot carbs for a buck in the mercados—you have to get off any city's beaten path, even by one block.

Use Public Transportation to Save

In-country transportation is cheap, provided you use local buses. It's just 40 cents for an Acapulco bus down the main strip (50 cents if it's air-conditioned), for instance, which makes getting around within cities exceptionally inexpensive.

"Chicken" buses, thus named because they head to and from rural locales and sometimes host an animal or two (though livestock-on-bus sightings are not as frequent as some travel guides would have you believe), are cheap and pretty safe.

Stand by the side of the road or city street, looking into traffic, and raise an arm when you see a bus approaching—it will probably pull over. You can usually get off by hailing the bus driver at any point along the bus's journey.

The buses often run on a schedule; ask a local for advice on where they're going and when. The farther away from population centers you get, the farther apart buses will be (like hours or days), so ask someone, like a bartender or shop clerk, when the buses run in the area to which you're headed.

Cab costs vary but assume about $1 per 10 miles. Negotiate the rate before you get in.

Alcohol Sticker Shock

Beer and alcohol in Mexico aren't nearly as cheap as is usually assumed—expect to spend a dollar or $1.50 for a bottle of beer in a bar. Bottles of alcohol are only about 10% less than they are in the US. Beer is perhaps two-thirds of the price in the US if bought in a grocery store.

Budget Accommodation

If you're trying to travel as cheaply as possible in Mexico, you can save money on your accommodation fairly easily. You can camp on some of the beaches for free, but you should never assume without first asking a local if it's possible. Camping on a beautiful Tulum beach with access to a bathroom is $3; a very nice hostel in Cancun with breakfast is about $15.

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A colourful street in Tepoztlan, Morelos

Money in Mexico: A traveller’s guide

Jo Williams

Jo Williams

  • Money in Mexico

Official currency: Mexican peso

Symbol: MX$

Currency code: MXN

Mexico is a cheap destination to visit in general, but tourist areas like the Yucatan and Cabo can be expensive.

Food, accommodation, and public transport options are usually very affordable, but tours and attractions in major cities can add up. Travelling to off-the-beaten-path and rural destinations in Mexico can help reduce trip costs for those on a budget

The best ways to pay in Mexico

You can pay by card in most shops and restaurants, but cash is still needed for street food and smaller businesses.

Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are the most commonly accepted bank cards in Mexico.

Some establishments will add a 5% to 7% surcharge when you pay with a credit card.

Cash and ATMs in Mexico

Mexico prints banknotes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 pesos, but the most common notes are MX$50, MX$100, and MX$200. Try to hold on to smaller notes and coins when possible as it can be hard to get change in places like markets and shops, or for taxi rides.

ATMs, or cajeras, are everywhere and they are often cheaper than exchanging money in Mexico. Many have fees of between US$2 to US$5 to withdraw cash - any more than this and you should try somewhere else.

ATMs in airports, malls and stations in particular all tend to have ridiculously high fees. BBVA Bancomer and Santander tend to have the lowest withdrawal fees.

It’s important to never accept the ATM’s exchange rate, always select “withdraw in local currency” to avoid high exchange rates. You can use a travel card, like Wise , to avoid high exchange rates from your own bank back home.

Exchanging money in Mexico

Although some tourist areas may accept US Dollars, Euros, Canadian dollars and British pounds, the rate is never going to be good and it’s best not to rely on it.

Airports, hotels, and travel agencies also tend to offer poor exchange rates or high commission fees. The best place to exchange money in Mexico is at a bank where you will always get the current exchange rate.

Tipping in Mexico

Leaving a tip, or propina , isn’t mandatory in Mexico but it has become a part of the culture in areas with a lot of American tourism.

A 10-15% tip is standard at sit-down restaurants, some will include it on the bill so make sure to always check. Tipping for drinks isn’t necessary. Rounding up to the nearest note for things like taxis is appreciated.

How to travel Mexico on a budget

Buses like ADO are the most affordable, efficient and widespread transport option in Mexico. It’s easy and convenient to save money by using these for getting from town to town instead of taxis or car rentals.

But Mexico is large and the bus might not always be the cheapest option. The route from Cancún to Mexico City, for example, takes 27 hours by bus (1,800 MXN) but a flight takes just 2 hours (500 MXN). It’s always best to check low-cost airlines like Volaris and VivaAerobus as they might not always appear on comparison sites.

Stray off of the package holiday route, and out of peak season, and Mexico can be a budget-friendly place to travel. Eating local street food is a great way to cut down on costs and taste many of the best flavours of Mexican cuisine.

Tacos, quesadilla, sopas, tortas, and other street foods generally cost between 15 to 45 MXN. Local markets are another great place to buy food, especially if you want to cook yourself.

Make the most of free museums in places like Mexico City . Museo Soumaya is free to enter everyday, Palacio de Bellas Artes is free on Sundays, and Museo Dolores Olmedo has free entry on Tuesdays.

Tip-based walking tours also offer a wonderful experience based on what you feel the tour is worth. Free concerts and cultural events are another great way to experience Mexico on a budget.

  • How to stay safe with money

It’s best not to carry large amounts of cash around, just withdraw enough for a couple of days.

The only exception to this is if you are visiting an island like Holbox where ATMs and digital payment methods can be unreliable - usually these remote places rely on tourism heavily and are quite safe.

ATMs can be targeted for petty theft in large cities in Mexico, so it’s best not to withdraw or carry large amounts of money. Be aware of your surroundings and use a money belt for any excess cash.

  • Typical prices

One night’s stay at a mid-range hotel (double room for two) - around 1700 MXN (USD$100)

A local meal at a Mexican restaurant serving traditional cuisine  - 150 MXN

A three-course meal for 2 at a mid-range restaurant - 600 MXN

Coffee - 50 MXN

1 litre of milk - 25 MXN

Taxi - $25 MXN per kilometre

Car hire per day - $800 - $1000 MXN

Planning a trip to Mexico? Read our travel guides

  • Introduction
  • Cash and ATMs
  • Mexico on a budget

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Jo Williams

Author - Jo Williams

Jo Williams is a freelance writer with 10 years' experience working in travel and tourism. A Brit who got fed up with the 9 to 5 corporate life, she sold everything to become a full-time wanderer.

Jo has travelled to over 70 countries and worked throughout Europe for a major tour operator. She hopes to inspire you to work less and travel more.

Last Updated 27 January 2024

View of Tulum in Mexico

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Mexico Travel Guide

Last Updated: November 10, 2023

Historic ruins near the ocean in Tulum, Mexico with lush greenery on a sunny day

While most people visit Mexico for its big tourist centers like Tulum , Cabo, Cancun , or Cozumel, there’s a lot more to the country than just its luxurious resorts.

Now, I’ll be honest: I was late to visiting Mexico.

But when I did, I fell in love with it. Mexico is an incredible destination with a rich history, amazing food, and friendly people.

It’s an awesome country to backpack around, drive through, or just vacation in. There’s a ton of stuff to do here, and the locals are some of the friendliest people on the planet.

From Mayan ruins to pristine beaches to Mexico City’s art and food and Oaxaca’s mezcal scene, Mexico has it all.

And the food? World-class. Gorge yourself on delicious tacos, tostadas, tamales, sopas, seafood, and mole (to name a few items from Mexico’s very long list of traditional dishes).

I could go on forever as to why I love this country. Whatever amount of time you’re planning to visit is not enough — you’ll always leave wanting more.

This Mexico travel guide will help you get out of the touristy towns, explore the country, and fall in love with what you discover!

Table of Contents

  • Things to See and Do
  • Typical Costs
  • Suggested Budget
  • Money-Saving Tips
  • Where to Stay
  • How to Get Around
  • How to Stay Safe
  • Best Places to Book Your Trip
  • Related Blogs on Mexico

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in mexico.

The famous ruins of Chichen Itza, the Wonder of the World, in beautiful Mexico

1. Explore Oaxaca

Located in a valley surrounded by craggy mountains in southwestern Mexico, Oaxaca and its surrounds have been inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous Zapotec and Mixtec peoples. A city of colorful buildings, scenic rooftop restaurants and bars, street art, historic Spanish colonial churches, cobblestone streets, and many parks, it’s a center for heritage tourism. It’s also one of the gastronomic hotbeds of Mexico as well as the hub of mezcal production too. With fascinating museums, bustling markets, historic buildings, delicious food and much more, there really is something for everyone in Oaxaca . I loved my time there ! You must visit!

2. Tour Mexico City

Found in the Valley of Mexico at an altitude of around 2,225 meters (7,300 feet), Mexico City is a sprawling, chaotic, messy city in the best way possible. Originally built over a lake, it has some 150 world-class museums, sprawling markets, tons of historic buildings, city squares, and more. In the historic center, you can visit the impressive main square (the only one bigger in the world is Red Square in Moscow). To the south of the city there’s a network of beautiful canals, and Teotihuacan, the City of the Gods, is just a 45-minute drive away. The city also has an incredible foodie scene and is fast becoming one of the centers of gastronomy in the world.

3. Relax on the Pacific Coast

Vacation spots like Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, and Sayulita on Mexico’s Pacific Coast offer just as many epic beaches and resort properties as the Caribbean Coast. Go to Puerto Vallarta or Los Cabos to hang out on the pristine white sandy beaches, or head to Sayulita to check out the busy surf scene. Surf and enjoy watersports, visit historical monuments, and check out all the local art by day. By night, you can indulge in sunset cocktails, enjoy fresh shrimp tacos or seafood skewers, and salsa the evening away.

4. See the Mayan Ruins

Mexico is filled with ruins. You have Chichén Itzá, which dates back to 550 CE and is one of the largest (and most popular) Mayan sites in Mexico for its enormous Kukulkan Pyramid (which is considered one of the new Wonders of the World). Other ruins worth visiting are the Tulum Archaeological Zone, the Palenque Archaeological Zone, the Calakmul ruins (which are inside the huge Calakmul Biosphere Reserve), the ruins at Ek Balam, and so many more! Admission is 571 MXN for the Wonder of the World Chichén Itzá while the rest cost anywhere from 80-500 MXN.

5. Visit a volcano

Other things to see and do in mexico, 1. wander through mexico city’s chapultepec park.

Chapultepec is one of the largest city parks in the world, spanning over 1,700 acres. It encompasses the Mexico City Zoo, La Feria amusement park, and the Museum of Anthropology, which houses a vast collection of sculptures, jewels, and artifacts from ancient Mexican civilizations. The museum costs 85 MXN, as does the Chapultepec Castillo (Castle) which houses the National History Museum. You can also rent a rowboat or paddle boat and go out on Chapultepec Lake for 60 MXN. Entry to the park itself is free.

2. Visit the markets

Just about every town in Mexico has a busy, diverse market where you can enjoy traditional food, pick up some bargain items, and purchase souvenirs. Two of the best are the Mercado Ciudadela in Mexico City (for handmade textiles and artwork), and Oaxaca’s Mercado Benito Juárez (for local foods like fresh ground coffee beans, juices, and grasshopper tacos). If you’re in Merida, check out Mercado Santa Ana for their Yucatecan cuisine, like cochito horneado , a marinated pork dish that is slow-cooked in underground pits, or head to El Mercado Lucas de Galvez for their specialty seafood cocktails (the locals swear by it to cure your hangover).

3. Explore Zócalo (Plaza de la Constitución)

Zócalo is the main plaza in the heart of Mexico City. It dates back to the Aztecs, encompassing both the Templo Mayor (an ancient Aztec temple) and the Palacio Nacional (a colonial palace with offices of Mexico’s president). Situated just off the Zócalo is La Catedral Metropolitana, a magnificent cathedral with a gold altar. It’s a perfect example of Spanish colonial architecture.

4. Go diving

The seas surrounding Mexico have some of the world’s best diving spots thanks to their diverse marine life, large coral reefs (including the second largest reef system in the world, the Great Maya Barrier Reef), and excellent visibility. The Gulf of Mexico is home to five different species of sea turtles, blue whales, lemon sharks, and dolphins, and so much more! Aside from diving, the waters are popular for snorkeling, sports fishing, waterboarding, surfing, and more or less any other watersports. A two-tank dive starts at 2,800 MXN. Some of the best places to dive in Mexico are Discovery Bay, Cenote Dos Ojos, Revillagigedo Islands, and Isla Mujeres.

5. Relax in Cancún

Depending on what you’re looking to do, Cancún can offer you a crazy-fun party in the sun or some quiet and hidden local markets and restaurants. You have spas, resorts, and picturesque beaches as well as Mayan ruins, archaeological sites, and little nearby villages. There’s a ton to see and do here if you leave the resorts!

6. Get lost in Guadalajara

Guadalajara is the second-largest city in Mexico and is known for its tequila and mariachi. It’s chock full of museums, such as Cabañas (a UNESCO building with incredible murals), MUSA (paintings & sculptures by local artists), and the Páramo Galeria (contemporary art); nightlife venues, and a labyrinth of old colonial streets. Visit the Hospicio Cabañas, a hospital built in the 19th century, and then spend some time at the Guadalajara Cathedral. The cathedral’s Gothic interior features artworks from famous Mexican artists like Murillo (a Baroque painter).

7. See Teotihuacan

The Aztec empire left an enormous mark on Mexico. Don’t miss the awe-inspiring Aztec pyramids at Teotihuacan, located 48 kilometers (30 miles) outside of Mexico City. Teotihuacan was founded as early as 400 BCE, but its biggest structures weren’t completed until around 300 BCE. Its three giant pyramids are known as the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of Moon, and the Temple of the Feathered Serpent, and they dominate the landscape. If you’re going to visit just one Aztec site, this is it. It’s unsheltered here, so bring sunscreen and a hat. Admission is 85 MXN. Full-day guided tours from Mexico City cost 880 MXN.

8. Visit the bizarre Island of Dolls

Known as “La Isla de la Muñecas” in Spanish, this is perhaps one of the creepiest tourist attractions in the world. Decades ago, a hermit named Don Julian Santana moved here, learned a girl drowned in the nearby lake, and started collecting and hanging dolls all over the island to please the drowned girl’s spirit. It’s creepy. Like beyond creepy. You’ll have to hire a boat from Xochimilco to get there but it’s worth it!

9. Honor the Day of the Dead

Yearly on November 1st and 2nd, Mexico celebrates a major festival: Día de Los Muertos. The festival is a vibrant and lively affair with celebrations for those who are gone but not forgotten, including parades and elaborate and colorful costumes. Families also commemorate their dead relatives by setting up ofrendas , or altars, with pictures of the deceased, candles, yellow marigold petals, and food. This meant to encourage the deceased to cross back over into the land of the living and join in the celebrations. Oaxaca or Mexico City are the two best places to experience this celebration.

10. Visit the UNAM Botanical Garden

If you need to escape the hustle and bustle of Mexico City for a little while, the Botanical Garden at the National Autonomous University of Mexico is the perfect place. Keeping with the Aztec traditions of having gardens for both medicinal and ornamental purposes, there is also an added focus on conservation and environmental education here. Built on top of and around lava formations from the eruption of the volcano Xitle (which happened over 2,000 years ago), visitors can explore the naturally formed grottoes, ponds, and waterfalls. This garden has the most diverse cactus collection in the world (800 different kinds!), and ponds full of koi and turtles, an orchidarium, and a medicinal garden. Admission is free.

11. Relax on Isla Holbox

Holbox is an island located off Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and is home to white sand beaches and crystalline waters. It is a relaxing, slow-paced island that’s easy to get stuck on. One day can easily turn into a week. It’s an island paradise where you can relax in a hammock on the beach, hike in the jungles, swim, dive, snorkel, and everything in between! While it used to be a hidden gem, it’s slowly becoming more and more popular (and developed). Be sure to see bioluminescent waters here. From Cancún, you can get to the ferry port at Chiquilá in around two hours by bus. The ferry takes 25 minutes and costs 220 MXN. If you just want to visit for the day, full-day tours from Cancún/Playa del Carmen cost 3,000 MXN.

12. Visit Mérida

Mérida is one of my favorite places in all of Mexico. It is a safe and wonderful city filled with history, cool mezcal bars, and some of the best food in the country. Some of my favorite places to eat and drink in town are La Chaya Maya Casona, Acervo Mezcalero, La Negrita Cantina, and Café Créme. Also, don’t miss the nearby Uxmal ruins, which are just one-hour away. There are also some cool museums here, like the Folk Art Museum of Yucatan, the Yucatan Music Museum, and the City Museum (which has all kinds of Mayan artifacts).

13. Enjoy San Cristóbal de las Casas’ architecture

San Cristóbal is a highland town known for its charming colonial architecture. There are narrow cobblestone streets, local craft markets, and the entire area is enveloped in pine forests. Don’t miss the town’s 16th-century cathedral, and if you want to get out and explore the nearby nature, take a boat tour of the Cañón de Sumidero. You’ll see tons of birds, monkeys, and crocodiles. For a view of the town and surrounding area, visit the Guadalupe Church to enjoy the view from the roof. Free Walking San Cristóbal offers daily tours if you want a guide to show you the highlights.

14. Sample the Cenotes of Yucatan

Cenotes are natural sinkholes that are full of groundwater. They were used by the Mayans as sources for freshwater, however, today they are popular swimming holes for locals and tourists alike (you can even scuba dive in some). There are tons of them all around the Yucatan Peninsula. Some are completely exposed, some are walled in by cliffs, and some are covered entirely by caves. Calavera, Cristalino, Casa Cenote, Yaxmuul, Choo-Ha, and Escondido Cenote are some of the most popular cenotes in the region. If you’d rather do a tour, you can join a cenote tour for around 1,350 MXN.

15. Visit Sayulita

Located on the Pacific coast, Sayulita is a hip beach town with a lively community of expats and surfers. The town has a laid-back vibe owing to the sizable surfing and yoga community. It’s a great place to surf and there are plenty of yoga retreats available here. You can also take a jungle trek, go zip lining, ride ATVs along the coast, and simply soak up the sun on the beach. It’s the perfect place to chill for a few days. Canopy tours start at 1,800 MXN.

16. Explore Campeche

Campeche is located just south of Merida on the Yucatan. It’s home to UNESCO World Heritage colonial architecture, including fortified walls and over 2,000 historic buildings. Visit the Museo De La Arquitectura Maya for Mayan history and antiquities, see the Mayan ruins at Edzná (which is just 45 minutes away and sees very few tourists), and wander the old city wall to take in the view.

  For information on specific cities in Mexico, check out these guides:

  • Cancún Travel Guide
  • Mexico City Travel Guide
  • Oaxaca Travel Guide

Mexico Travel Costs

The beautiful beaches and coastline of Cancun, in sunny Mexico

Accommodation – In Mexico, hostels start at 250 MXN per night for a dorm bed, but average closer to 300 MXN. Private hostel rooms cost anything from 600-1,900 MXN per night. Prices are usually a bit lower in the low-season or shoulder-season. Free Wi-Fi and free breakfast are both common, as are self-catering facilities.

For those traveling with a tent, a basic plot for two people without electricity costs around 200 MXN per night.

For budget hotels, expect to pay 700 MXN for a basic room in a two-star hotel. These two-star rooms typically include an en-suite bathroom and free Wi-Fi, but not always air conditioning.

Airbnb is also an option in Mexico, with private rooms starting around 300 MXN but averaging much more (usually between 600-1,200 MXN). Entire homes and apartments average around 1,000-1,800 MXN although you can find them for as little as 600 MXN if you book early.

Food – You’ll find a lot of rice, beans, fruits, and veggies like tomatoes, corn, avocado, and peppers in Mexican cuisine, which is a mix of Mayan, Aztec, and Spanish traditions. Typical Mexican dishes include tacos, mole (a sauce with lots of ingredients, often including chocolate), salsa, enchiladas, tamales (stuffed corn pockets), pozole (hominy stew topped with onion, avocado, and chili), and guacamole.

Street stalls and markets are the best way to go for authentic and inexpensive food. Tacos, quesadilla, sopas, tortas, and other street foods are generally 15-45 MXN. Sometimes, you’ll find tacos for as cheap as 10 MXN. In Mexico, street food is the best — and most affordable — option.

A meal at a local Mexican restaurant serving traditional cuisine costs around 150 MXN. Look for the ones filled with locals as that is generally a sign that the food is really good. Expect to pay around 300 MXN for a multi-course meal in a mid-range restaurant.

A beer is about 20 MXN in the street but double that at a restaurant, while a cocktail shouldn’t cost more than 80 MXN in most places. A combo meal at McDonald’s costs around 120 MXN and a cappuccino costs around 50 MXN.

Tap water is not safe to drink in Mexico. If you’re buying bottles of water, expect to pay 15 MXN (less if you buy in bulk but a more environmentally friendly (and cheaper) solution is to bring a portable water purifier ( LifeStraw makes a good one.

If you plan to cook your meals, expect to pay between 750 MXN per week for groceries including rice, vegetables, chicken, and beans.

Backpacking Mexico Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Mexico, expect to spend around 800 MXN per day. This budget gets you a hostel dorm, street food and self-cooked meals, public transportation, and a few attractions (such as museums and galleries) each day. If you plan on eating out more or drinking, you’ll need to add another 100 MXN per day.

On a mid-range budget of about 1,800 MXN per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eat out at restaurants serving cheap traditional cuisine for every meal, visit more attractions, enjoy a few drinks, and take the occasional taxi to get around.

On a “luxury” budget of 3,600 MXN or more per day, you can stay at a hotel, eat out for all your meals, enjoy plenty of drinks, take taxis everywhere or rent a car, and do some guided trips and tours. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in MXN.

Mexico Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Mexico is incredibly budget-friendly. Unless you’re splurging on food or resorts, it’s really easy to visit on a budget. That said, it never hurts to save more money! Here are some ways to save in Mexico:

  • Shop at the markets for food – Mexico’s markets are a great place to eat inexpensively and stock up on food for day trips. Most towns have a local market selling fresh fruits, veggies, and other goods for cheap.
  • Eat street food – Street food is the best food in the country — and the cheapest. Stick to street stalls to save money and enjoy the country’s best eats.
  • Take a free walking tour – Many cities have free walking tours that give you a solid introduction to the main sights. Both Mexico City and Oaxaca have excellent free tours — just be sure to tip your guide!
  • Travel off-season – By traveling between late April and early December, you can pick up bargain accommodation, food and travel rates as this is low season.
  • Venture inland – Mexico’s coasts are the most famous, most touristy parts of the country, but the interior has an amazing amount to offer. Prices are cheaper, and you’ll be more likely to meet some locals if you head away from the coast.
  • Stay with a local – Use Couchsurfing to stay with locals and connect with people who can share their insider tips and advice. Just make sure to send your requests early.
  • Embrace “comida corrida” – This hearty mid-day meal option is usually available between 2pm-4pm and is often quite affordable. It’s a set menu, but it’s much cheaper than most lunch or dinner options. If you plan on eating out on a budget, aim for places that offer comida corrida.
  • Drink less – Alcohol is cheap in Mexico, but it’s definitely more expensive at bars and clubs. Try to buy your alcohol from a local store instead of drinking at the bar if you’re on a budget.
  • Skip the taxis – Taxis are overpriced and not always safe. Skip them. If you do need a taxi, don’t just hail one on the street. Head into a nearby hotel/hostel and ask them to call one for you. Only get in taxis that use a meter.
  • Being a water filter – Since the tap water here isn’t safe to drink and single-use plastic is bad for the environment, bring a water bottle with a built-in filter. LifeStraw makes reusable bottles with a built-in filter so you can ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Mexico

Hostels are plentiful in most of Mexico’s cities. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Mexico:

  • Suites DF Hostel (Mexico City)
  • Mexico City Hostel (Mexico City)
  • Hostel Ka’beh Cancún (Cancún)
  • Mama’s Home (Tulum)
  • Gran Hostal (Playa del Carmen)
  • Casa Angel Youth Hostel (Oaxaca)

How to Get Around Mexico

Ancient buildings in bustling Mexico City, Mexico with a MExican flag in the foreground

Public transportation – Public buses (also known as camiones ) are the most common way to get around in cities and towns (and to nearby villages). These buses are also the cheapest, costing no more than a few pesos per journey. In some cities, smaller microbuses have replaced the older buses, but the cost is still the same.

Mexico City and Guadalajara have subway systems. One-way tickets for the subway and the bus system are around 5 MXN. In Mexico City, you’ll have to buy a rechargeable Metro Card at any of the Metro stations for 15 MXN, and you can use the card for the Metro, Metrobús, Light Rail, Ecobici, Trolleybus, RTP buses, and on Cablebús.

Bus – Most of Mexico is served by buses. On longer journeys, make sure to take an express bus (called a “directo”) if you can as they are much faster and stop less. A bus from Puerto Vallarta to Guadalajara (5.5 hours) costs around 585 MXN. A bus from Cancún to Mexico City (27 hours) costs around 1,800 MXN. A bus from Puebla to Mexico City (2 hours) costs around 200 MXN.

Some of the biggest and most reliable bus companies include:

  • Primera Plus
  • Estrella de Oro
  • Omnibuses de Mexico
  • ETN (Enlaces Terrestres Nacionales)

Most cities have a central bus terminal from where all long-distance buses depart. You can show up to buy your ticket, or research routes and ticket prices via each company’s website.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Train – There are virtually no passenger train services remaining in Mexico. For long-distance travel, you’ll need to fly or take the bus.

Flying – For long journeys, consider flying. The route from Cancún to Mexico City by bus takes 27 hours and costs around 1,800 MXN but a flight starts around 470 MXN and only takes two hours. A one-way fare from Mexico City to Guadalajara is about 525 MXN. Even a four-hour flight from coast to coast from Cancún to Puerto Vallarta is just 1,200 MXN one-way.

Aeroméxico is the biggest airline in Mexico, but low-cost carriers are becoming more popular. These include:

  • VivaAerobus

Car rentals – Car rentals are surprisingly affordable in Mexico. You can find week-long rentals for around 3,000 MXN. Renters must be 21 years of age and have had their license for at least two years. Some companies require renters to be over 25 and it’s best to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP). Avoid driving at night, when crimes against drivers are more likely to occur. Also, don’t leave any valuables in your vehicle overnight as break-ins can occur.

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Mexico

Summer (June to October) is the rainy season in Mexico, but this is mostly just in the center of the country. You can expect it to rain each day heavily, but the downpour is usually short. It hardly ever rains in the northern part of the country, and humidity is thick in the south and along the coastal areas. Temperatures during this time hover somewhere between 26-32°C (79-90°F).

September to the middle of October is hurricane season and is not a good time to visit.

December to the end of April (winter) is the busiest tourist season as temperatures are hot, but the coastal areas provide plenty of relief for vacationers. This is the best time to visit if you’re looking to take advantage of Mexico’s tropical environment. It’s the dry season, so you’ll experience very little rain. You can expect big crowds as people flock to the resort areas around Cancún and Puerto Vallarta.

The average daily temperature during this time is 28°C (82°F). But if you’re in the mountains, pack lots of layers! It can get frigid, especially in the evenings.

How to Stay Safe in Mexico

The media (especially the American media) likes to paint Mexico as a dangerous place to visit but the reality is far more complex. While petty theft is very common in Mexico, most of the serious conflicts occur between the authorities and Mexican drug cartels. The people who tend to be involved in major incidents are usually doing drugs or taking part in sex tourism. Avoid those, and you’ll drastically increase your chances of staying safe.

Moreover, where you are greatly influences how safe you are. Yucatan and Oaxaca are incredibly safe states to visit while states near the US border are less so and more likely to experience violence and crime.

Officials looking for bribes are pretty common in Quintana Roo, as is drug-related violence due to tourists looking for drugs there. States near the southern border can also be sketchy and it’s wiser to keep an eye out on your stuff there though violent crime is pretty uncommon.

So don’t believe the media that “Mexico is unsafe.” Mexico is like any big country – some parts are safe, and some parts aren’t. Use some common sense when you travel: don’t flash your money, avoid wearing expensive watches or jewelry, don’t walk along drunk at night, make copies of your passport and official documents, and tell people where you are regularly.

Another important safety tip to keep in mind is about the water. While Mexico’s water purification and treatment systems have improved, it still is not safe to drink ordinary tap water when visiting. Luckily, bottled water is available everywhere. Bringing water filter like LifeStraw is advised as it has a built-in filter so your water is always clean and safe.

Keep an eye out for common scams against tourists , such as fake ATMs, taxis that don’t use a meter, and questionable tour operators.

The emergency services number in Mexico is 911. However, if that doesn’t work (since it isn’t in use in every region of Mexico), try 066.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Mexico Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

  • Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
  • Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
  • Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
  • Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
  • SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
  • LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
  • Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
  • Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Mexico Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Mexico and continue planning your trip:

The 20 Best Things to Do in Mexico City

The 20 Best Things to Do in Mexico City

The 5 Best Hotels in Oaxaca

The 5 Best Hotels in Oaxaca

Where to Stay in Oaxaca: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in Oaxaca: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

How to Spend 5 Days in Oaxaca

How to Spend 5 Days in Oaxaca

The 15 Best Things to Do in Oaxaca

The 15 Best Things to Do in Oaxaca

Is Tulum Safe?

Is Tulum Safe?

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  • Booking Resources
  • Related Blogs

Spanish and Go

All About Mexican Pesos (MXN) – Getting Used to Mexican Money

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Before you visit Mexico , it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with the currency you’re going to be using on your trip. In this article, we’re going to show you how to get and convert Mexican pesos from U.S. dollars as well as some interesting facts about the almighty peso.

What is a Peso?

The peso is a unit of currency in a number of countries and is the official currency of Mexico. A peso in terms of Mexican currency is a Mexican peso (sign: $; code: MXN) or peso méxicano in Spanish. One peso is the equivalent of one-hundred centavos (100¢ MXN).

Modern currencies that used the “peso” have a common origin in the Spanish dollar from the 15th-19th centuries. If you’ve ever wondered why pesos use the same symbol as the dollar, it’s because they share a common history .

Peso in Spanish literally means “weight,” and originally referred to the Spanish real de a ocho , or “royal eight-real coin.” In the 19th century, the Mexican peso was equal to 8 reales . The term “peso” in this context used to refer to pesos oro (gold weights / gold peso) or pesos plata (silver weights / silver peso).

The gold content of the peso has varied over time. In 1821, the peso contained 2.48 grams of gold, but by 1873 it only contained 1.92 grams of gold. The gold content of the peso increased again in 1900, when it was fixed at 2.5 grams of gold. (This was the same gold content as the earlier Spanish real de a ocho ). Since 1900, the gold content of the peso has remained fixed at 2.5 grams.

These days, pesos in circulation contain no gold or silver. Like the U.S., who stopped producing gold coins in 1933, and silver coins in 1965, Mexico stopped using precious metals in their coins shortly after in 1967.

mexico travel money

Mexican Peso Symbol and Abbreviations

One common way to distinguish whether the “$” symbol refers to dollars or pesos is with the addition of MX before the “dollar” or “$” sign. An alternative to this convention is by adding the “MN” after the the value is written, e.g. $100 MN. The MN stands for Moneda Nacional , which means “National Currency.”

If you’re searching for real estate, you may see “mdp” after the value. This refers to millions of pesos. For example, 3.2 mdp means 3.2 milliones de pesos or 3.2 million pesos.

MXN is the official ISO currency code for Mexican pesos. For comparison, the U.S. dollar’s ISO code is USD and the Canadian dollar is CAD. You can find all of the ISO currency codes here .

How to Get Mexican Pesos

There are a few different ways to get Mexican Pesos. The most common are:

  • You can exchange currency at most banks before you depart.
  • You can buy pesos from a currency exchange.
  • You can withdraw pesos from an ATM when you arrive.

When traveling to Mexico, it’s a good idea to have some pesos on hand on arrival to cover expenses like taxis, tips, and souvenirs. Here are some of the most popular ways to get pesos.

Exchange Money at the Bank

Your first option for exchanging for pesos is at certain banks. They usually have an exchange service, and you can use that prior to your trip. Most banks have pesos on hand so you can just go to the bank and get some pesos and you’ll be ready to go to Mexico. Smaller banks, however, might take time to order some in so make sure you go in advance in case your bank needs to order them for you.

All major banks offer a currency exchange service. These include:

  • Bank of America
  • Wells Fargo

Many international banks also offer this service in the U.S., such as Barclays and UBS. It’s important to research the fees associated with each bank so you can get the best rate possible when exchanging your money. You should also check the hours and locations that the bank offers its services in order to make sure they are convenient for you. Order delivery times can vary, but most major banks typically advertise a 2-7 business days.

Visit Currency Kiosks

Another way to get pesos is at the currency exchange kiosks that you can find at most airports. These can be at your departure airport or on arrival in Mexico.

You can also find them in most large cities (especially if the city is a popular tourist destination).

Just keep in mind that these kiosks usually have a fee (either an extra fee or one built into the exchange rate) so they aren’t the best option if you’re on a budget. Airport kiosks are notorious for this.

Another easy way to convert your money for pesos is at ATMs. This is our preferred way of getting pesos when we are in Mexico. We get better rates when we use the ATM instead of going to the bank or exchanging money at the kiosks.

Just avoid the ATMs at the airport whenever possible. Like the kiosks, the rates you get will be poor.

Use Wise to Convert Dollars to Pesos

Our favorite service for international money conversion is Wise . Wise is a money transfer service that allows users to send and receive money in over 40 different currencies. One of the supported currencies is Mexican Pesos (MXN).

To convert dollars to pesos using Wise, simply create a free account and enter the amount of USD you want to convert. The exchange rate will be displayed, and you can complete the transaction by entering your bank account information.

This is one of our favorite ways of converting USD to MXN because of the ability to lock in the best currency exchange rate and make online payments to locals while we’re traveling. This makes paying our local vendors for our Spanish Immersion Retreats a breeze. Wise even offers a debit card that will give you two free ATM withdrawals each month.

The Cheapest Ways to Get Pesos

If you’re from the U.S, the cheapest way to pay in Mexican pesos is to not handle them at all! Paying with a travel credit card will almost always give you the best rate with no additional fees because U.S. travel cards generally don’t charge foreign transaction fees.

Popular travel credit cards that offer no foreign exchange fees include:

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

We like the Chase Sapphire Reserve card because it is part of the Chase Ultimate Rewards platform, which is easy to use for redeeming points. Additionally, cardholders are able to take advantage of a variety of travel benefits, including a $300 annual travel credit and access to over 1,000 airport lounges.

The Platinum Credit Card American Express®

We like the American Express Platinum Card for its luxury perks. The card offers a number of travel benefits, including access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, and membership to various travel programs. Additionally, the card offers a $200 annual airline fee credit and up to $200 in annual Uber credits. Terms Apply.

Capital One Venture X

We like the Capital One Venture X card for its convenient travel perks. The card offers a $300 annual travel credit and 10,000 annual points bonus. Additionally, if you book a flight and find a cheaper one within 24 hours, they’ll refund you the difference.

Citi Premier® Card

We like the Citi Premier card for its low annual fee and generous point earning system. Cardholders can earn 3x points on travel and gas station purchases and 3x points on dining and entertainment. Additionally, the card offers an annual hotel benefit of $100 off a $500+ stay, and no foreign transaction fees.

Unfortunately, if you’re from outside the U.S., most credit card companies don’t offer a no foreign transaction fee benefit.

If you need to get your hands on actual pesos, withdrawing from an ATM using a debit card that refunds your ATM fees is your best option. Since most banks charge $3-5 USD per withdrawal, you can save a ton of money over the course of your travels by using the right debit card.

This is actually what we recommend for most countries as outlined in our Ultimate Guide to Travel Banking .

How to Send Money to Mexico

If you’re trying to send money to a friend, family, or loved one in Mexico, one of your best options is with Wise . This can even be a good option if you’re trying to send money from your U.S. bank account to an account you have in Mexico while living abroad.

Wise has the lowest fees around, whether you need to transfer $10 or $10,000 USD. Their rates are generally better than PayPal too, which is why they are our go-to option.

However, if you’re moving money to purchase real estate, keep in mind that the limit Mexican accounts can receive using this method is $1,976,693.5 MXN (roughly $94,900 USD).

How do you say ATM in Spanish?

mexico travel money

An ATM is called a cajero automatico in Spanish. Sometimes this is shortened to cajero when enough context is given to specify that you are asking about an ATM. Cajero actually means “cashier,” so when you say cajero automatico, you’re literally saying “automatic cashier.”

If you want to ask where you can find an ATM in Spanish, you can say, “ ¿Dónde está el cajero automático? ” – “Where is the ATM?”

Alternatively, you can ask “ ¿Hay un cajero automático cerca de aquí? ” – “Is there an ATM close to here?”

Need more help with directions? Learn more in our article and video about how to ask for directions in Spanish .

How to Exchange Pesos for Dollars

At the end of your visit to Mexico, you might find yourself with some spare pesos that you’d like to convert back into U.S. dollars. We’ve already shown you the cheapest way to get pesos, but how can you exchange them back for dollars? Here’s what you can do with leftover foreign currency.

The cheapest way to convert your extra pesos back into dollars is by bringing them back to the United States. As mentioned previously, banks usually have the best conversion rates, and several larger banks (such as Wells Fargo) are happy to help reconvert your money for you.

With banks, you’ll get a far better rate than anything you’ll find in Mexico in terms of exchange kiosks. The mark-up is almost always built into the conversion rate. Always beware of exchanges that claim to do it for “no fee.”

But if you don’t want to go through the extra hassle of converting your pesos, holding on to them until your next trip isn’t a bad idea either. Especially if you plan to be back in less than a year or two.

We tend to hold on to some pesos in between trips just so that we have cash as soon as we get back into Mexico. It’s nice to not have to look for an ATM right away and have enough money for a few tacos when we land.

How to Convert US Dollars (USD) and Mexican Pesos (MXN) in Your Head

Once you have your hands on some pesos it’s helpful to know how much you’ll be spending with this easy formula. Right now in 2022, one U.S. dollar equals about 20 pesos. The daily conversion may vary slightly, but 20 pesos to the dollar makes it really easy to convert.

If you’re going to buy something that’s 500 pesos, all you need to do is:

  • Move the decimal point over one digit to the left — which will leave you with 50.
  • Cut that in half. That’s how much it is going to be in U.S. dollars.

So, half of fifty is twenty-five dollars.

Technically, 500 MXN = 25.86 USD (at the time of writing), so a rough calculation of $25 is pretty accurate.

If you have 50 U.S. dollars and you want to convert that to pesos, all you need to do is move the decimal point over the other way and double it. So, 50 dollars means adding a zero at the end, giving you 500. Double that and you’re looking at about a thousand pesos.

$50 USD = 965 MXN, so, again, that’s a pretty accurate quick calculation you can do when you’re out and about.

Mexican Peso Currency Denominations

The current Mexican coins in existence are 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 pesos.

The current Mexican bills in existence are 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 pesos.

Yes, there is a 20 pesos coin and a 20 pesos bill. The bill is much more common.

The 1,000 Pesos Bill

mexico travel money

You probably won’t get to see this bill when you’re here in Mexico because it’s not very common, but it is real. However, if you happen to come into possession of one, know that most small stores will not have change for it. (As mentioned above, 1,000 MXN is roughly $50 USD).

Mexican Coin Values

We covered how to convert pesos in your head above, but if you’re still stuck, it might help you think about it in another way. In the USA, we have dollars and cents, and in Mexico, there are pesos and centavos (cents). Just as 100 cents make up a dollar in US currency, 100 cents make up one peso in Mexican currency.

To keep things simple, let’s say 20 Mexican pesos is roughly equal to one U.S. dollar. Then the Mexican coins you’ll encounter are worth:

  • 5 centavos ($0.05 MXN) = $0.002 USD
  • 10 centavos ($0.10 MXN) = $0.005 USD
  • 20 centavos ($0.20 MXN) = $0.01 USD
  • 50 centavos ($0.50 MXN) = $0.02 USD)

As mentioned in the denominations section above, Mexico also has several peso coins. Remember, each whole peso is worth 100 centavos. That means these peso coins are worth roughly the following:

  • 1 peso ($1.00 MXN) = $0.05 USD
  • 2 pesos ($2.00 MXN) = $0.10 USD
  • 5 pesos ($5.00 MXN) = $0.25 USD
  • 10 pesos ($10.00 MXN) = $0.50 USD
  • 20 pesos ($20.00 MXN) = $1.00 USD

Bear in mind, these values are using a conversation rate of $1 USD = $20 MXN to illustrate the rough value of pesos to dollars. This works well for estimating the cost of small items. However, the actual exchange rate varies daily.

mexico travel money

Where to Find the Current Exchange Rate

While the exchange rate has typically and conveniently hovered around $19-22 MXN to $1 USD over the past few years, this changes constantly. For more accurate conversation rates, use a currency converter like xe.com or Google “USD to MXN.”

You can also get the current exchange rate by asking a voice-controlled virtual assistant, such as Siri or Alexa, “What is one U.S. dollar in Mexican pesos?” Or, “How much is $500 Mexican pesos in U.S. dollars?”

CurrencyRate

Inflation in Mexico

Like the U.S., inflation in Mexico has been relatively high in recent years. Consumer prices rose by an average of 8.4% in 2022 , according to the country’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) . This was the highest inflation rate since 2008, when prices rose by 7.3%.

The main drivers of inflation in Mexico are rising food and energy prices. Food prices have been rising due to a combination of bad weather and increased demand from China. Energy prices have also been rising due to higher global oil prices.

While some of these factors are beyond the control of the Mexican government, it has taken steps to try and keep inflation under control. These include raising interest rates and increasing government spending on social programs.

So far, these measures have helped to some degree. However, if food and energy prices continue to rise, it could put upward pressure on inflation and cause it to rise again in the future.

The Mexican Peso has been a relatively stable currency compared to other Latin American countries. This is due to a number of factors, including Mexico’s strong economic ties with the United States, and the Mexican government’s commitment to maintaining a stable peso.

In recent years, the peso has been fairly stable against the U.S. Dollar, and has even appreciated somewhat. This has helped to insulate Mexico from some of the economic turmoil experienced by other Latin American countries.

The Value of Old Mexican Pesos

Before MXN, there was MXP – the original Mexican Peso. This currency ISO was phased out to make using money in Mexico more manageable. Old Mexican Pesos (MXP) are obsolete. The standard currency you see today in Mexico is what is referred to as the Nuevo Peso or “New Peso” (hence the “N” in “MXN” ). This transition from the old peso officially took place on January 1, 1993. Essentially, the new peso erased three zeros off the old peso to clean up the effect of years of inflation.

1,000 MXP is the equivalent of 1 MXN . That’s roughly $0.05 USD at current rates.

It’s not uncommon for people who have been traveling to Mexico for decades to still be in possession of some old pesos, not realizing that their value is actually much less than what it appears on the bill when factoring in the transition to the new peso.

The old peso bills and coins are no longer accepted as cash within the general population, however, they still can be cashed in for the modern value equivalent in new pesos at the Bank of Mexico .

How much are old pesos worth exactly?

While some collectors might place a higher value on rare or misprinted coins and bills, the value of most old pesos can be figured out quite easily on your own.

Simply follow these three steps to convert old Mexican pesos (MXP) to new Mexican pesos (MXN) and then into US dollars (USD).

  • Tally up the total of the bills and coins you have
  • Move the total three decimal places to the left
  • Enter the result in the MXN field here or by using the currency converter above

Alternatively, you can see the conversion for each of the old Mexican peso bills directly from the Bank of Mexico here .

Is $100 USD a lot of money in Mexico?

A popular question for people interested in visiting Mexico is how far $100 USD goes there. This is a difficult question to answer as it involves many factors such as where you plan to visit and what your standard of living is. But we’ll give you an idea of what you can expect for pricing in general in Mexico.

The overall cost of living in Mexico is roughly half that of the United States, so a quick “back of the envelope” calculation for what most things will cost there can be done by taking the price of a similar public utility or living expense in the U.S. (not including electronics) and dividing by two. Obviously, this guesstimation will be different depending on where you plan to visit. Colima, for example, is generally cheaper than Quintana Roo in the same way that Cincinnati is cheaper than New York City.

The average inexpensive meal at a restaurant in Mexico costs roughly $100 pesos (~$4.73 USD), domestic beer is around $30 pesos (~$1.42 USD), and bottled water costs $11.52 pesos (~$0.54 USD). The cost of other typical expenses in Mexico can be found and compared here .

As of Jan 1, 2023, Mexico’s minimum wage was raised to $172.87 pesos per day. That means a Mexican working minimum wage would have to work at least 12 days to make the equivalent of $100 US Dollars. So, in short, $100 USD is a fair amount of money in Mexico, generally speaking.

Getting Change in Mexico

One culture shock for many who visit Mexico for the first time is how difficult it can be to find a store or vendor who has change for larger bills. Oftentimes, 200 peso bills and larger will cause more trouble than they’re worth when purchasing cheaper items. You’ll find that ten-peso coins are often more valuable than they look as it’s much easier to get change for purchases using smaller denominations.

This does not mean that larger bills are useless. Just keep in mind that if you’re making a purchase that requires getting fifty to one hundred or more pesos back in change to try to use the smallest denominations you can to help assure that you’re able to make the transaction.

Often, if you do not have the correct change or close to it, a vendor may ask you to wait a moment while they run next door to see if a neighboring establishment can break a larger bill.

Tips for Spotting Counterfeit Mexican Banknotes

All Mexican peso banknotes by denomination

Spotting counterfeit Mexican banknotes can be tricky, but there are a few tips that can help.

First, look closely at the note and make sure all of the details are correct. Check for any discrepancies in the design, such as a missing or incorrect security feature.

Additionally, check to see if all of the colors on the note match up correctly and if there are any inconsistencies in the paper itself. Take special care when examining the serial numbers, as each genuine Mexican banknote should have its own unique number.

Another tip is to hold the note up to a light source and look for any watermark images that might be present.

Finally, observe carefully how it feels in your hand; genuine notes should feel crisp and new while counterfeits often feel slightly rough or worn. By following these simple tips you can easily recognize counterfeit Mexican banknotes.

In our experience, counterfeit currency in Mexico is rare. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll never come across a counterfeit bill, so you should always be cautious.

Features for the Visually Impaired

Mexican banknotes feature a number of elements to help those with impaired vision identify their bills. These features include raised numbers and letters on each bill, as well as a tactile feature in the shape of an owl’s head on the 500 peso note. The raised numbers and letters help those with impaired vision to distinguish between different denominations. The tactile feature, which is in the shape of an owl’s head, helps users to locate the denomination without needing to look at it.

Banknotes also feature larger fonts, making them easier to read for those with low vision or other disabilities. Additionally, a special ink has been used that makes it easier for people with impaired vision to recognize color differences between denominations. Also, each denomination is a different length, making telling the difference between bills much easier.

All these features make it much easier for visually impaired individuals to be independent when handling money.

Tipping with Pesos in Mexico

Ever wonder whether you should tip in pesos or dollars? While many touristy cities in Mexico often have restaurants that accept payment in U.S. dollars, it’s usually a bad idea to pay in anything other than the local currency.

This is because in Mexico, many establishments that accept dollars are adding a significant markup to the currency exchange rate – often 10% or more. By tipping in foreign currency in Mexico, you’ll pay more and pass on the burden of exchanging money to the locals.

Accepting foreign currency is generally less than ideal for the locals because most places in Mexico only accept Mexican pesos as payment. This means that whoever you’re tipping will have to spend their time finding a place to convert your tip into a local currency where they’ll likely not be getting a great conversation rate either.

Time is money, and currency conversion kiosks are usually a rip-off. In our opinion, it’s best to tip in pesos .

How much should you tip? We answer that in our ultimate guide to tipping in Mexico . But the standard for restaurants and tours is generally 10-15%.

What Colors are Mexican Peso Bills?

The Mexican Banknotes are colorful and attractive. They contain the colors green, blue, red and brown. The colors have a special meaning: green represents hope and freedom; blue represents union and justice; red represents the blood of national heroes; and brown represents the richness of Mexican soil.

The colors also represent the five regions of Mexico: Central Mexico, Baja California, Yucatán Peninsula, Gulf Coast and Pacific Coast. All of these colors come together to create a vibrant design that is both beautiful and meaningful to Mexicans.

Additionally, each note has an intricate design that illustrates some aspect of Mexican culture or history. These designs are often inspired by archeological sites, landscapes or cultural symbols such as eagles or cacti. In this way, each banknote serves as a miniature piece of art with both aesthetic value and symbolic significance.

Who’s on Mexican Peso Banknotes?

As with the U.S. dollars, Mexican banknotes portray the image of important people from the country’s history. In the case of Mexican pesos, the people on the bills are famous luminaries who lived before, during, and after the Spanish conquest.

Who’s on the 1,000 Pesos Bill?

mexico travel money

The newest version of the 1,000 pesos bill features former Mexican president Francisco I. Madero, Hermila Galindo, and Carmen Serdán. Madero was a Mexican writer, businessman, revolutionary, and statesman, who became the 37th president of Mexico in 1911. Galindo was Mexico’s first congress delegate, and Serdán was a Mexican revolutionary.

The previous version of the 1,000 pesos bill pictured Miguel Hidalgo, a Mexican national hero who was the leader of the Mexican War of Independence .

Who’s on the 500 Pesos Bill?

The newest version of the 500 pesos banknote features Benito Juárez, former Mexican president who served from 1858 until his death in 1872. He was the first Mexican president who was of indigenous origin.

The previous version of the 500 pesos bill showed Diego Rivera, a Mexican muralist, and his wife Frida Kahlo, a renowned Mexican artist.

Diego Rivera was born in one of our favorite cities in Mexico. Be sure to check out his museum, located at the house he grew up in, if you visit. Or, join us for a Spanish immersion retreat in Guanajuato to see it on a trip with us!

DIEGO RIVERA WAS BORN IN ONE OF OUR FAVORITE CITIES IN MEXICO. BE SURE TO CHECK OUT HIS MUSEUM, LOCATED AT THE HOUSE HE GREW UP IF YOU VISIT. OR, JOIN US FOR A SPANISH IMMERSION RETREAT IN GUANAJUATO TO SEE IT ON A TRIP WITH US!

Who’s on the 200 Pesos Bill?

The 200 pesos bill pictures Miguel Hidalgo and José María Morelos y Pavón, who were both leaders and revolutionaries who fought for Mexico’s independence from Spain. Miguel Hidalgo is also known as the Padre de la Patria , or “Father of Homeland.”

mexico travel money

Who’s on the 100 Pesos Bill?

The current version of the 100 pesos bill features Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, famous Mexican poet and writer.

The previous version of the 100 pesos bill shows Nezahualcóyotl, a philosopher, architect, poet, warrior, and ruler (tlatoani) of the city-state of Texcoco in pre-Columbian era Mexico.

Who’s on the 50 Pesos Bill?

The current version of the 50 pesos bill features an emblem representing the foundation of Tenochtitlan, where modern day Mexico City was founded. The depiction of an eagle perched on a cactus eating a snake can also be found prominently displayed as the emblem at the center of the Mexican flag. 🇲🇽

The previous version of the 50 pesos bill featured José María Morelos, Mexican Roman Catholic priest and revolutionary in Mexico’s War of Independence movement.

Who’s on the 20 Pesos Bill?

The current version of the 20 pesos bill features la entrada del Ejército Trigarante a la Ciudad de México (the entrance of the Tigarante Military into Mexico City) which consummated Mexico’s Independence. The battalion leader at that time was Agustín de Iturbide, who is depicted prominently in front of the crowd on this bill.

The previous 20 pesos bill showcases former Mexican president Benito Juárez. He is currently featured on the new 500 pesos bill as well.

mexico travel money

How Can You Easily Tell Pesos Apart?

All denominations of Mexican currency vary in color, texture, and size, in an effort to deter counterfeiting and to assist the blind. The four largest bills are not only the longest but are also made out of a different material than the 50- and 20-peso bills. The larger bills are made from paper while the 100, 50, and 20 are plastic.

Historic Facts About Pesos

The Mexican peso is the eighth most traded currency in the world, the third most traded currency all over America (after the U.S. and the Canadian dollar), and the most traded in Latin America. It was the first in the world to use the dollar sign — even before the U.S. dollar.

You can learn more about the history of the peso in our article Three Interesting Facts About Mexico You Probably Didn’t Know .

Final Thoughts

Learning about the money you’re using when you’re visiting a new country is a great way to gain insight into the history and culture of the place. We hope this article helped you get acquainted with Mexican pesos.

For more information on traveling to Mexico, check out these posts:

You might also be interested in:

  • What to Wear in Mexico
  • Why Are Sugar Skulls Used for Day of the Dead?

7 Best Tips for Renting a Car Abroad (Budget Travel in Mexico and Beyond)

  • Is Mexico Safe? [The Best Tips for Staying Safe in Mexico]

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KAY TOURS MEXICO

  • Nov 6, 2022

What Currency is used in Mexico? Should you bring cash or cards?

Updated: Jan 5, 2023

If you are a first time visitor to Playa del Carmen you are probably wondering what currency is used in Mexico. You may also be wondering if it is better bringing cash or cards. Well, in this weeks post we are going to talk about money!

a collection of Mexican pesos

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We are going to answer the following questions you may have:

What currency is used in mexico.

What currency is the best to bring to Mexico?

Where can I exchange currency in Playa del Carmen?

Are the atms in playa del carmen safe to use, do the restaurants in playa del carmen accept debit or credit cards.

The national currency in Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN). However the US Dollar is widely accepted across Mexico especially in the more touristic places like Playa del Carmen. In fact most tour companies, restaurants, and even some shops will have their prices in both pesos and dollars.

You do need to be careful of the exchange rate though if you are paying in dollars it should be somewhere between 17-20 pesos to the dollar (January 2019). There will almost always be a sign somewhere telling you this. If the rate is 16 or below it is better to pay in pesos.

What currency should you bring to Mexico?

The best currency to bring to Mexico is a mix of pesos and US dollars. Use the dollars to pay for tours , entrance fees, accommodation, and travel.

For everything else use pesos.

It should be relatively simple to get pesos in your own country before you travel. Although if you are going to want a large amount then you may need to order them, which normally takes 1-3 days. So be sure to give yourself enough time before your vacation.

We recommend bringing at least a couple of hundred dollars worth of Mexican pesos with

you so you can get a good exchange rate and

it is also helpful to have some currency to pay for

your taxi from the airport and for any tips. Read here: “ How to get from Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen ”

mexico travel money

If you find yourself in need of exchanging currency then there are plenty of places in Playa del Carmen where you can do this. You can exchange money in one of the banks, or at a money exchange shop. The rates will vary, as will the commission so do take your time to shop around a little for this.

As with many things in Playa del Carmen you often won’t get the best rate on 5th Avenue. Just by walking a few blocks up to 30th Avenue close to CTM you will find much better rates.

Many people ask is the ATMs in Playa del Carmen are safe to use, and the answer is yes, and no!

There have been many problems with the stand alone ATMs on the 5th Avenue.

Our recommendation is to avoid using these ATMs at all cost. You will not get a good rate, card cloning is common, and the charges are high for using them. Plus they are very open so it is easy for people to see you withdrawing your cash.

If you want to use an ATM then stick to using a ATM attached to a bank. For the lowest fee we recommend Santander who will charge you just over $40 pesos. They will also tell you the exchange rate so you know exactly what you are getting. Quite often this exchange rate is better than what you would get exchanging cash. Another reliable bank to use is HSBC, although they recently doubled their ATM fee on some of their cash machines to around $80 pesos.

TAKE A LOOK AT OUR PRIVATE TOURS

mexico travel money

This is another yes and no answer! If you are eating in a restaurant that caters for tourists then yes. However if you are in a more local place then probably not.

You can normally tell if you are in a restaurant that caters for tourists as the waiter will speak in English to you and you will be offered a menu in English. Almost all of the restaurants around the 5th Avenue will accept cards. If you are in a place with plastic chairs and tables, where the menu is in Spanish and the server doesn't speak English they probably aren’t going to accept cards.

If you aren’t sure just ask before you order.

Spanish lesson:
Tarjeta - is the Spanish word for card.
Efectivo - is the Spanish word for cash.
If you want to ask if they accept card you can simply say: “Aceptan tarjeta?” or “Aceptan tarjeta o solo efectivo?”
Or if all else fails just show them your credit card, I’m sure they will understand!

We really hope this helps to answer all of your Mexican currency questions! If we have missed anything, or you still have questions, leave us a comment below and we will get an answer back to you soon.

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2023 Guide: Should You Exchange Money Before Traveling to Mexico?

  • July 31, 2023

II. Benefits of Exchanging Money Before Traveling to Mexico

When planning a trip to Mexico, one important aspect to consider is currency exchange. While some travelers may prefer to rely on credit cards or withdraw local currency from ATMs upon arrival, there are several benefits to exchanging money before traveling to Mexico.

One of the main advantages of obtaining Mexican pesos in advance is convenience. By exchanging money before your trip, you can arrive in Mexico prepared with the local currency in hand. This means that you won’t have to worry about finding a currency exchange booth upon arrival or searching for an ATM that accepts international cards. Instead, you can start your trip smoothly, with cash readily available for transportation, meals, and other expenses.

Exchanging money before traveling to Mexico also offers peace of mind. By locking in an exchange rate before your departure, you can avoid potential fluctuations in currency value. This can be particularly beneficial if you are traveling for an extended period or if the currency of your home country is known for its volatility. Knowing exactly how much you have in Mexican pesos allows for better budgeting and planning during your trip.

Moreover, exchanging money in your home country typically enables you to comparison shop and find the best exchange rates available. Banks and currency exchange services often offer competitive rates for foreign currency, and by doing some research and planning ahead, you can secure a favorable exchange rate. This can result in significant savings, especially if you plan to exchange a large amount of money.

III. Pros and Cons of Exchanging Money Upon Arrival in Mexico

While exchanging money before traveling to Mexico has its benefits, some travelers may prefer to wait and exchange currency upon arrival. Here, we explore the pros and cons of this approach.

One advantage of exchanging money upon arrival is that it allows for flexibility. If you’re unsure about how much money you’ll need or if you’re planning to use your credit card for most of your expenses, exchanging money in Mexico gives you the option to adjust your currency exchange based on your spending patterns. It also allows you to exchange smaller amounts initially and then exchange more as needed, which can be useful if you’re concerned about carrying a large sum of cash.

Another benefit of exchanging money upon arrival is the potential to find better rates. While researching exchange rates in your home country is a good starting point, rates can also vary within Mexico. By comparing rates at different currency exchange booths or banks upon arrival, you may come across a better deal than what was available before your trip. However, it’s important to note that this approach might require more time and effort, as you’ll need to locate reputable exchange services and assess their rates and fees.

Despite these advantages, there are some potential downsides to exchanging money upon arrival. One common concern is the lack of familiarity with the local currency. If you’re not familiar with Mexican banknotes, you may find it difficult to verify the authenticity of the bills you receive. This increases the risk of receiving counterfeit money, which can be problematic if you discover this later in your trip. It’s important to exercise caution, carefully inspect bills, and familiarize yourself with the security features of Mexican pesos.

Another drawback of exchanging money upon arrival is the potential for unfavorable exchange rates or high fees. Currency exchange booths located in airports or popular tourist areas often charge higher fees or offer less favorable rates due to their convenient locations. This can result in a less advantageous exchange compared to what you might have obtained in your home country. To mitigate this risk, it’s advisable to research reputable currency exchange services in Mexico, opt for banks if possible, and inquire about their rates and fees in advance.

IV. Best Places, Rates, and Methods for Currency Exchange in Mexico

When it comes to exchanging money in Mexico, it’s essential to choose reliable and reputable establishments that offer competitive rates. Here are some recommended places, rates, and methods for currency exchange in Mexico:

1. Banks: Banks are one of the most reliable options for currency exchange in Mexico. Major banks such as Banamex, BBVA Bancomer, and Santander have branches throughout the country. They typically offer fair exchange rates and have professional tellers who can assist you. While waiting times at banks can sometimes be longer than at exchange booths, the security and peace of mind provided by banks make them a preferred option for many travelers.

2. Currency Exchange Booths: Currency exchange booths can be found in airports, hotels, and popular tourist areas in Mexico. They offer convenience and are easily accessible. However, it’s important to be cautious when using these services, as rates and fees can vary significantly. To ensure a fair exchange, compare rates and fees at different booths before making a decision.

3. ATMs: Many travelers choose to withdraw Mexican pesos from ATMs using their debit or credit cards. This can be a convenient option, especially if you prefer not to carry large amounts of cash. However, keep in mind that some ATMs may charge additional fees for international card transactions, and the exchange rate offered by the ATM may not always be favorable. Before using an ATM, check with your bank to understand any associated fees and inquire about any partnering banks in Mexico that may offer lower fees for withdrawals.

Additionally, consider these tips to get the best rates and methods for currency exchange in Mexico:

– Avoid exchanging currency at hotels or tourist areas, as their rates are typically less competitive. – Familiarize yourself with the current exchange rate to ensure you’re getting a fair deal. – Take note of any applicable fees or commissions charged by currency exchange services. – Consider exchanging larger amounts of money to minimize fees, but be mindful of your security and carry only what you need for immediate expenses. – Keep small bills and coins on hand for smaller transactions, as vendors and taxis may not always have sufficient change.

V. Potential Risks and Concerns Associated with Currency Exchange in Mexico

While currency exchange in Mexico is generally a straightforward process, it’s essential to be aware of potential risks and concerns. By taking precautions, you can ensure a secure and hassle-free exchange.

One primary risk is the possibility of receiving counterfeit money. To minimize this risk, familiarize yourself with the security features of Mexican banknotes. Look for elements such as the watermark, embedded security thread, and raised print, and compare them to genuine bills. If you suspect that you’ve received counterfeit money, report it to the authorities immediately.

Another concern is the potential for scams or dishonest practices at some currency exchange booths. To mitigate this risk, opt for reputable institutions such as banks or currency exchange services with a trustworthy reputation. Research exchange rates and fees beforehand to ensure you’re getting a fair deal, and be cautious of any service that offers rates significantly higher or lower than the prevailing market rate.

It’s also important to keep an eye on your belongings during the currency exchange process. When exchanging money at a bank or currency exchange booth, be mindful of pickpockets, and keep your cash secured in a money belt or hidden pouch. Avoid displaying large sums of money in public and exercise caution when handling cash in crowded areas.

Finally, always notify your bank before traveling to Mexico to ensure that your debit or credit card transactions are not flagged as suspicious. Banks may have security measures in place that could block international transactions if they are not aware of your travel plans.

VI. Conclusion

In conclusion, exchanging money before traveling to Mexico offers several benefits, including convenience, peace of mind, and the ability to secure competitive exchange rates. However, some travelers may prefer to exchange currency upon arrival for the sake of flexibility or the potential to find better rates. Regardless of the chosen approach, it’s crucial to research reputable currency exchange services, compare rates and fees, and be vigilant to mitigate potential risks. By making an informed decision and exercising caution, travelers can ensure a smooth and secure currency exchange experience during their trip to Mexico.

Remember, if you want to take your Mexico travel experience to new heights, consider a helicopter tour to enjoy breathtaking views of Mexico’s must-see destinations from above. Whether it’s the ancient ruins of Chichen Itza or the stunning beaches of Cancun, a helicopter tour adds a touch of luxury and excitement to your journey.

Q: Should I exchange money before traveling to Mexico? A: Exchanging money before traveling to Mexico offers convenience and peace of mind. It allows you to arrive in Mexico with the local currency in hand and helps you avoid any potential fluctuations in exchange rates. It also enables you to comparison shop and secure competitive exchange rates in your home country.

Q: Is it better to exchange money in Mexico? A: While some travelers prefer to exchange money upon arrival in Mexico for flexibility or potentially better rates, it’s important to research reliable currency exchange services. Banks are typically a safe and trustworthy option, offering fair exchange rates. Currency exchange booths and ATMs can also be used, but it’s important to compare rates and fees to ensure a fair deal.

Q: How can I avoid receiving counterfeit money when exchanging currency in Mexico? A: To minimize the risk of receiving counterfeit money, familiarize yourself with the security features of Mexican banknotes. Take note of elements such as the watermark, embedded security thread, and raised print, and compare them to genuine bills. If you suspect counterfeit money, report it to the authorities immediately.

Q: What are the potential risks associated with exchanging money in Mexico? A: Some potential risks associated with exchanging money in Mexico include receiving counterfeit money, falling prey to scams or dishonest practices at certain currency exchange booths, and the possibility of pickpocketing. By choosing reputable institutions, being cautious of unrealistic exchange rates, and taking precautions to secure your cash, you can mitigate these risks.

Q: Can I use my debit or credit card in Mexico? A: Debit and credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments in Mexico, especially in popular tourist areas. However, it’s important to notify your bank before traveling to Mexico to ensure that your transactions are not flagged as suspicious. Additionally, be aware that some establishments may only accept cash, so it’s advisable to carry both cash and cards for convenience.

At Mexico Travel Concierge, we strive to make your travel experience to Mexico seamless and unforgettable. From finding the best flights and accommodations to organizing tours and activities, our concierge services cater to all your travel needs. Visit our website to explore our range of services and plan an exceptional trip to Mexico.

Help Me Concierge

Tincho

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Travel Advisory August 22, 2023

See state summaries.

Reissued after periodic review with general security updates, and the removal of obsolete COVID-19 page links.

Country Summary: Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.

U.S. citizens are advised to adhere to restrictions on U.S. government employee travel. State-specific restrictions are included in the individual state advisories below. U.S. government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands. U.S. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. U.S. government employees may not drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior parts of Mexico, except daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, and between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Mexico.

Do Not Travel To:

  • Colima state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Guerrero state  due to  crime .
  • Michoacan state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Sinaloa state due to  crime  and  kidnapping
  • Tamaulipas state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping.
  • Zacatecas  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Reconsider Travel To:

  • Baja California  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Chihuahua state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Durango state  due to  crime .
  • Guanajuato state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
  • Jalisco state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Morelos state  due to  crime .
  • Sonora state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:

  • Aguascalientes  state due to  crime .
  • Baja California Sur state  due to  crime .
  • Chiapas state  due to  crime .
  • Coahuila state  due to  crime .
  • Hidalgo state  due to  crime .
  • Mexico City  due to  crime .
  • Mexico State  due to  crime .
  • Nayarit state  due to  crime.
  • Nuevo Leon  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Oaxaca state  due to  crime .
  • Puebla state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Queretaro state  due to  crime .
  • Quintana Roo state  due to  crime .
  • San Luis Potosi state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
  • Tabasco state  due to  crime .
  • Tlaxcala state due to  crime .
  • Veracruz state  due to  crime .

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:

  • Campeche state
  • Yucatan state

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

If you decide to travel to Mexico:

  • Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend.
  • Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
  • Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
  • Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
  • Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
  • Follow the U.S. Embassy on Facebook and Twitter .
  • Review the  Country Security Report  for Mexico.
  • Mariners planning travel to Mexico should check for U.S. maritime  advisories  and  alerts , which include instructions on reporting suspicious activities and attacks to Mexican naval authorities.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to your travel. 

Aguascalientes state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Aguascalientes state.

Baja California state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Transnational criminal organizations compete in the border area to establish narco-trafficking and human smuggling routes. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Travelers should remain on main highways and avoid remote locations. Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. Most homicides appeared to be targeted; however, criminal organization assassinations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employees must adhere to the noted restrictions:

  • Mexicali Valley:  U.S. government employees should avoid the Mexicali Valley due to the heightened possibility of violence between rival cartel factions.  The boundaries of the restricted area are: to the east, the Baja California/Arizona and Baja California/Sonora borders; to the south, from La Ventana (on Highway 5) due east to the Colorado River; to the west, Highway 5; and to the north, Boulevard Lazaro Cardenas/Highway 92/Highway 1 to Carretera Aeropuerto, from the intersection of Highway 1 and Carretera Aeropuerto due north to the Baja California/California border, and from that point eastward along the Baja California/California border.
  • Travelers may use Highways 2 and 2D to transit between Mexicali, Los Algodones, and San Luis Rio Colorado during daylight hours. Travelers may also use Highways 1 and 8 to transit to and from the Mexicali Airport during daylight hours.  Travel on Highway 5 is permissible during daylight hours.

There are no other travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Baja California state. These include high-traffic tourism areas of border and coastal communities, such as  Tijuana ,  Ensenada , and  Rosarito .

Baja California Sur state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Baja California Sur state.

Campeche state – Exercise Normal Precautions

Exercise normal precautions.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Campeche state.

Chiapas state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Chiapas state.

Chihuahua state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Battles for territory between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens and U.S. government employees, including restaurants and malls during daylight hours. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shooting incidents. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employee travel is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

  • Ciudad Juarez:  U.S. government employees may travel to the area of Ciudad Juarez bounded to the east by Bulevar Independencia; to the south by De los Montes Urales/Avenida Manuel J Clouthier/Carretera de Juárez; to the west by Via Juan Gabriel/Avenida de los Insurgentes/Calle Miguel Ahumada/Francisco Javier Mina/Melchor Ocampo; and to the north by the U.S.-Mexico border.  Direct travel to the Ciudad Juarez airport (officially called the Abraham González International Airport) and the factories located along Bulevar Independencia and Las Torres is permitted.  Travel to San Jerónimo is permitted only through the United States via the Santa Teresa U.S. Port of Entry; travel via Anapra is prohibited.

U.S. government employees may only travel from Ciudad Juarez to the city of Chihuahua during daylight hours via Federal Highway 45, with stops permitted only at the Guardia Nacional División Caminos station, the Umbral del Milenio overlook area, the border inspection station at KM 35, and the shops and restaurants on Federal Highway 45 in the city of Ahumada.

  • U.S. government employees may travel between Ciudad Juarez and Ascension via Highway 2.
  • Nuevo Casas Grandes Area (including Nuevo Casas Grandes, Casas Grandes, Mata Ortiz, Colonia Juárez, Colonia LeBaron, Paquimé and San Buenaventura):  U.S. government employees may travel to the Nuevo Casas Grandes area during daylight hours via Mexico Federal Highway 2, and subsequently Federal Highway 10, to Nuevo Casas Grandes.  Employees are permitted to stay overnight in the cities of Nuevo Casas Grandes and Casas Grandes only.
  • City of Chihuahua:  U.S. government employees may travel at any time to the area of the city of Chihuahua bounded to the north by Avenida Transformación; to the east by Avenida Tecnológico/Manuel Gómez Morín/Highway 16/Blvd.José Fuentes Mares; to the west by the city boundary; and to the south by Periférico Francisco R. Almada.
  • U.S. government employees may travel on Highways 45, 16, and 45D through the city of Chihuahua and to the Chihuahua airport (officially called the General Roberto Fierro Villalobos International Airport). 
  • U.S. government employees may travel to Santa Eulalia to the east of the city of Chihuahua, as well as to Juan Aldama via Highway 16 to the northeast.
  • U.S. government employees may travel south of the city of Chihuahua on Highway 45 to the southern boundary of Parral, including each town directly connected to Highway 45, including Lázaro Cárdenas, Pedro Meoqui, Santa Cruz de Rosales, Delicias, Camargo, Ciudad Jiménez, and Parral itself.
  • U.S. government employees may only travel on official business from the city of Chihuahua on Highway 16 to Ciudad Cuauhtémoc bounded by Highway 21 to the north and east, Highway 5 to the west, and Bulevar Jorge Castillo Cabrera to the south. 
  • Ojinaga:  U.S. government employees must travel to Ojinaga via U.S. Highway 67 and enter through the U.S. Port of Entry in Presidio, Texas.
  • Palomas:  U.S. government employees may travel to Palomas via U.S. highways through the U.S. Port of Entry in Columbus, New Mexico, or via Highway 2 in Mexico.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Chihuahua, including  Copper Canyon .

Coahuila state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur in parts of Coahuila state. 

U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

  • Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, and Hidalgo municipalities : U.S. government employees may not travel to these municipalities.
  • Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña:  U.S. government employees must travel directly from the United States and observe a curfew from midnight to 6:00 a.m. in both cities.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Coahuila state.

Colima state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.  

Violent crime and gang activity are widespread. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.  

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with noted restrictions: 

  • Manzanillo:   U.S. government employee travel is limited to the tourist and port areas of Manzanillo.  
  • Employees traveling to Manzanillo from Guadalajara must use Federal Toll Road 54D during daylight hours.  

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Colima state. 

Durango state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime.

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Durango state.

  • West and south of Federal Highway 45:  U.S. government employees may not travel to this region of Durango state.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Durango state.

Guanajuato state – Reconsider Travel

Gang violence, often associated with the theft of petroleum and natural gas from the state oil company and other suppliers, occurs in Guanajuato, primarily in the south and central areas of the state.  Of particular concern is the high number of murders in the southern region of the state associated with cartel-related violence. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

  • Areas south of Federal Highway 45D:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area south of and including Federal Highway 45D, Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Guanajuato state, which includes tourist areas in:  San Miguel de Allende ,  Guanajuato City , and  surrounding areas.

Guerrero state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime.

Crime and violence are widespread. Armed groups operate independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero. Members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travelers. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping in previous years.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following area with the noted restrictions:

  • Taxco:  U.S. government employees must use Federal Highway 95D, which passes through Cuernavaca, Morelos, and stay within downtown tourist areas of Taxco. Employees may visit Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park during the day with a licensed tour operator.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Guerrero, including to tourist areas in  Acapulco ,  Zihuatanejo , and  Ixtapa .

Hidalgo state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Hidalgo state.

Jalisco state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Jalisco state. In Guadalajara, territorial battles between criminal groups take place in tourist areas. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed innocent bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

  • Jalisco-Michoacan border and Federal Highway 110:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area between Federal Highway 110 and the Jalisco-Michoacan border, nor travel on Federal Highway 110 between Tuxpan, Jalisco, and the Michoacan border.
  • Federal Highway 80:  U.S. government employees may not travel on Federal Highway 80 south of Cocula.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Jalisco state which includes tourist areas in:  Guadalajara Metropolitan Area ,  Puerto Vallarta (including neighboring Riviera Nayarit) ,  Chapala , and  Ajijic .

Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico City. Use additional caution, particularly at night, outside of the frequented tourist areas where police and security patrol more routinely. Petty crime occurs frequently in both tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico City.

Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico State. Use additional caution in areas outside of the frequented tourist areas, although petty crime occurs frequently in tourist areas as well.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico State.

Michoacan state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Crime and violence are widespread in Michoacan state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

  • Federal Highway 15D:   U.S. government employees may travel on Federal Highway 15D to transit the state between Mexico City and Guadalajara.
  • Morelia:  U.S. government employees may travel by air and by land using Federal Highways 43 or 48D from Federal Highway 15D.
  • Lazaro Cardenas:  U.S. government employees must travel by air only and limit activities to the city center or port areas.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Michoacan, including the portions of the  Monarch Butterfly Reserve  located in Michoacan.

Morelos state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Morelos state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Morelos state.

Nayarit state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout Nayarit state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Nayarit state.

Nuevo Leon state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Nuevo Leon state.

Oaxaca state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state.

U.S. travelers are reminded that U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

  • Isthmus region:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area of Oaxaca bounded by Federal Highway 185D to the west, Federal Highway 190 to the north, and the Oaxaca-Chiapas border to the east.  This includes the cities of Juchitan de Zaragoza, Salina Cruz, and San Blas Atempa.  
  • Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa:  U.S. government employees may not use Federal Highway 200 between Pinotepa and the Oaxaca-Guerrero border.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees to other parts of Oaxaca state, which include tourist areas in:  Oaxaca City ,  Monte Alban ,  Puerto Escondido,  and  Huatulco .

Puebla state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Puebla state.

Queretaro state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Queretaro state.

Quintana Roo state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur in any location, at any time, including in popular tourist destinations.  Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations. 

While not directed at tourists, shootings between rival gangs have injured innocent bystanders.  Additionally, U.S. citizens have been the victims of both non-violent and violent crimes in tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo state. However, personnel are advised to exercise increased situational awareness after dark in downtown areas of Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, and to remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones.

San Luis Potosi state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.  U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in San Luis Potosi state.

Sinaloa state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime is widespread. Criminal organizations are based in and operating in Sinaloa. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

  • Mazatlan:  U.S. government employees may travel to Mazatlan by air or sea only, are limited to the Zona Dorada and historic town center, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport and sea terminal.
  • Los Mochis and Topolobampo:  U.S. government employees may travel to Los Mochis and Topolobampo by air or sea only, are restricted to the city and the port, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Sinaloa state.

Sonora state – Reconsider Travel

Sonora is a key location used by the international drug trade and human trafficking networks. Violent crime is widespread. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. Travelers should maintain a heightened level of awareness of their surroundings in all their travels in Sonora.  Security incidents may occur in any area of Sonora.

  • Travel between Hermosillo and Nogales:  U.S. government employees may travel between the U.S. Ports of Entry in Nogales and Hermosillo during daylight hours via Federal Highway 15 only. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures. Travelers should exercise caution and avoid unnecessary stops as security incidents, including sporadic, armed carjackings, and shootings have been reported along this highway during daylight hours. Travelers should have a full tank of gas and inform friends or family members of their planned travel.
  • Nogales:  U.S. government employees may not travel in the triangular area north of Avenida Tecnologico, west of Bulevar Luis Donaldo Colosio (Periferico), nor east of Federal Highway 15D (Corredor Fiscal). U.S. government employees also may not travel in the residential and business areas to east of the railroad tracks along Plutarco Elias Calle (HWY 15) and Calle Ruiz Cortino, including the business area around the Morley pedestrian gate port-of-entry. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Nogales due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.  
  • Puerto Peñasco:  U.S. government employees may travel between Puerto Peñasco and the Lukeville-Sonoyta U.S. Port of Entry during daylight hours via Federal Highway 8 only. They may not travel on any other route to Puerto Peñasco. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Puerto Peñasco. due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
  • Triangular region near Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry:  U.S. government employees may not travel into or through the triangular region west of the Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry, east of Sonoyta, and north of Altar municipality.
  • San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea, and Agua Prieta : U.S. government employees may travel directly from the nearest U.S. Port of Entry to San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea (via Douglas Port of Entry), and Agua Prieta, but may not go beyond the city limits. Travel is limited to daylight hours only. Travel between Nogales and Cananea via Imuris is not permitted. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these cities due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
  • Eastern and southern Sonora (including San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos):  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora east of Federal Highway 17, the road between Moctezuma and Sahuaripa, and State Highway 20 between Sahuaripa and the intersection with Federal Highway 16. U.S. government employees may travel to San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos; travel to Alamos is only permitted by air and within city limits.  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora south of Federal Highway 16 and east of Federal Highway 15 (south of Hermosillo), as well as all points south of Guaymas, including Empalme, Guaymas, Obregon, and Navojoa.  U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these areas due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.

U.S. government employees may travel to other parts of Sonora state in compliance with the above restrictions, including tourist areas in: Hermosillo , Bahia de Kino , and Puerto Penasco .

Tabasco state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tabasco state.

Tamaulipas state – Do Not Travel

Organized crime activity – including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault – is common along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups target public and private passenger buses, as well as private automobiles traveling through Tamaulipas, often taking passengers and demanding ransom payments.

Heavily armed members of criminal groups often patrol areas of the state and operate with impunity particularly along the border region from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo.  In these areas, local law enforcement has limited capacity to respond to incidents of crime. Law enforcement capacity is greater in the tri-city area of Tampico, Ciudad Madero, and Altamira, which has a lower rate of violent criminal activity compared to the rest of the state.

U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

  • Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo:  U.S. government employees may only travel within a limited radius around and between the U.S. Consulates in Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros, their homes, the respective U.S. Ports of Entry, and limited downtown sites, subject to an overnight curfew.
  • Overland travel in Tamaulipas:  U.S. government employees may not travel between cities in Tamaulipas using interior Mexican highways. Travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey is limited to Federal Highway 85D during daylight hours with prior authorization.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other parts of Tamaulipas state.

Tlaxcala state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tlaxcala state.

Veracruz state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur with increasing frequency in Veracruz, particularly in the center and south near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. While most gang-related violence is targeted, violence perpetrated by criminal organizations can affect bystanders. Impromptu roadblocks requiring payment to pass are common.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Veracruz state.

Yucatan state – Exercise Normal Precautions

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Yucatan state, which include tourist areas in:  Chichen Itza ,  Merida ,  Uxmal , and  Valladolid .

Zacatecas state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread in Zacatecas state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

  • Zacatecas City : U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper, and employees may not travel overland to Zacatecas City.
  • U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Zacatecas state.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Passport must be valid at time of entry

One page per stamp

Yes, if visiting for more than 180 days

See Travelers’ Health section

Embassies and Consulates

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FOR U.S. CITIZENS IN MEXICO From Mexico: 800-681-9374 or 55-8526-2561 From the United States: 1-844-528-6611

U.S. Citizen Services Inquiries: Contact Form

U.S. Embassy Mexico City

Paseo de la Reforma 305 Colonia Cuauhtémoc 06500 Ciudad de México

U.S. Consulate General Ciudad Juarez

Paseo de la Victoria #3650 Fracc. Partido Senecú 32543 Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua

U.S. Consulate General Guadalajara

Progreso 175 Colonia Americana 44160 Guadalajara, Jalisco

U.S. Consulate General Hermosillo

Monterey, Esqueda 141 El Centenario 83260 Hermosillo, Sonora

U.S. Consulate General Matamoros

Constitución No. 1 Colonia Jardín 87330 Matamoros, Tamaulipas

U.S. Consulate General Merida

Calle 60 No. 338-K x 29 y 31 Colonia Alcalá Martin 97050 Mérida, Yucatán

U.S. Consulate General Monterrey

Avenida Alfonso Reyes 150 Colonia Valle del Poniente 66196 Santa Catarina, Nuevo León

U.S. Consulate General Nogales

Calle San José s/n Fracc. Los Álamos 84065 Nogales, Sonora

U.S. Consulate General Nuevo Laredo

Paseo Colon 1901 Colonia Madero 88260 Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas

U.S. Consulate General Tijuana

Paseo de las Culturas s/n Mesa de Otay Delegación Centenario 22425 Tijuana, Baja California

Consular Agencies

Acapulco Hotel Continental Emporio Costera M. Alemán 121 – Office 14 39670 Acapulco, Guerrero Cancun

Blvd. Kukulcan Km 13 ZH Torre La Europea, Despacho 301 77500 Cancún, Quintana Roo

Los Cabos Las Tiendas de Palmilla L-B221, Km. 27.5 Carretera Transpeninsular 23406 San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur

Playa Gaviotas 202, Local 10 Zona Dorada 82110 Mazatlán, Sinaloa

Oaxaca Macedonio Alcalá 407, Office 20 68000 Oaxaca, Oaxaca

Piedras Negras Abasolo 211, Local 3, Centro 26000 Piedras Negras, Coahuila

Playa del Carmen Plaza Progreso, Local 33 Carretera Federal Puerto Juarez-Chetumal, Mz. 293 Lt. 1. 77710 Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo

Puerto Vallarta

Paradise Plaza, Paseo de los Cocoteros 85 Sur, Local L-7 63732 Nuevo Nayarit, Nayarit

San Miguel de Allende Plaza La Luciérnaga, Libramiento Jose Manuel Zavala 165, Locales 4 y 5 Colonia La Luciérnaga 37745 San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

Destination Description

See the  State Department’s Fact Sheet on Mexico  for more information on U.S.-Mexico relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

A valid passport book is required to enter Mexico by air, and those attempting to enter at an airport with a U.S. passport card only may be denied admission.

Review the Mexican government’s most current  entry, exit, and visa requirements  ( Spanish only ) or visit the  Embassy of Mexico  in Washington, D.C., for more information.

For travelers entering Mexico by air only, Mexican immigration authorities implemented a process to replace the previous paper Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM with a Forma Migratoria Multiple Digital or FMMD.  The FMMD process is in place at all 66 international airports in Mexico.  Upon arrival at an airport, Mexican immigration authorities will determine a traveler’s authorized length of stay and either place a date stamp in the traveler’s passport or direct the traveler through a self-service electronic gate (E-Gate) that will generate a printed receipt with QR code. Air travelers who wish to download a record of their FMMD or find more information on the FMMD process may visit the National Migration Institute’s (INM) website .

Travelers entering Mexico by land should have a valid passport book or card.  If you enter Mexico by land and plan to travel beyond the immediate border area (approximately 12 miles or 20 kilometers into Mexico), you must stop at an INM office to obtain an entry permit (Forma Migratoria Multiple or FMM), even if not explicitly directed to do so by Mexican officials.  INM may opt to allow tourists entry of up to 180 days without a visa or may limit authorized stays to shorter periods at their discretion; visitors should confirm the specific length of authorized stay written on the entry permit (FMM) or by the stamp in their passport. Mexican immigration authorities could ask you to present both your passport and entry permit if applicable at any point and may detain you while they review your immigration status if you are not carrying your passport and proof of legal status in Mexico, or if you have overstayed your authorized stay. Immigration check points are common in the interior of Mexico, including in popular tourist areas far from the border.  

You will also need a temporary vehicle import permit to bring a U.S.-registered vehicle beyond the border zone. These permits are processed through Banjercito and require a deposit that will be refunded once the vehicle leaves Mexico.  For more information, visit the  Banjercito  website ( Spanish only ).

Baja California, Baja California Sur, and Sonora have a “hassle-free” zone that allows cars traveling without an entry permit or car registration within the zone. 

Mexican authorities can impound a vehicle that enters the country without a valid U.S. registration, a vehicle driven by a Mexican national who is not resident in the United States, or a vehicle found beyond the border zone without the temporary import permit.

Mexican law permits Mexican immigration authorities to deny foreigners entry into Mexico if they have been charged with or convicted of a serious crime in Mexico or elsewhere.

Travelers bringing in goods beyond their personal effects worth $300.00 or more must declare those goods with Mexican customs (SAT) Mexican customs  ( Spanish only ) or risk having them confiscated. This also applies to used goods or clothing, including items for donation. U.S. citizens driving such items into Mexico without declaring them or without sufficient funds to pay duty fees are subject to having their vehicle seized by Mexican customs authorities. For further information about customs regulations, please read our  customs information page .

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents in Mexico.

A parent or legal guardian departing Mexico with minor children should carry a notarized consent letter from the other parent if traveling separately. INM requires at least one parent to complete a  SAM  ( Formato de Salida de Menores, Spanish only ) for all Mexican or foreign minors with Temporary Resident, Temporary Student Resident, or Permanent Resident status departing Mexico alone or with a third party.  Further information about the  prevention of international parental child abduction  is available on our website.

Find information on dual nationality , and customs regulations on our websites. Both Mexico and the United States allow dual nationality.

Safety and Security

Travelers are urged to review the  Mexico Travel Advisory  for information about safety and security concerns affecting the country on a state-by-state basis.

U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Mexico should not expect public health and safety standards like those in the United States. Even where such standards exist, enforcement varies by location. Travelers should mitigate the risk of illness or injury by taking standard health and safety precautions.

The phone number to report emergencies in Mexico is “911.”  Although there may be English-speaking operators available, it is best to seek the assistance of a Spanish speaker to place the call.

Crime:  Crime in Mexico occurs at a high rate and can be violent, from random street crime to cartel-related attacks. Over the past year, Mission Mexico has assisted U.S. citizens who were victims of armed robbery, carjacking, extortion, homicide, kidnapping, pick-pocketing, and sexual assault. Increased levels of cartel-related violence have resulted in territorial disputes and targeted killings, injuring or killing innocent bystanders. Travelers who find themselves in an active shooter scenario should flee in the opposite direction, if possible, or drop to the ground, preferably behind a hard barrier.

Drivers on roads and highways may encounter government checkpoints, which often include National Guard or military personnel. State and local police also set up checkpoints in and around cities and along the highways to deter criminal activity and enforce traffic laws. In some parts of Mexico, criminal organizations and other non-governmental actors have been known to erect unauthorized checkpoints and have abducted or threatened violence against those who fail to stop and/or pay a “toll.” When approaching a checkpoint, regardless of whether it is official, cooperate and avoid any actions that may appear suspicious or aggressive.

While Mexican authorities endeavor to safeguard the country’s major resort areas and tourist destinations, those areas have not been immune to the types of violence and crime experienced elsewhere in Mexico. In some areas of Mexico, response time of local police is often slow. In addition, filing police reports can be time consuming. See our  Mexico Travel Advisory  for more information.

Demonstrations  occur frequently.  They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.  Protesters in Mexico may block traffic on roads, including major thoroughfares, or take control of toll booths on highways.  Travelers who encounter protesters who demand unofficial tolls are generally allowed to pass upon payment.  U.S. citizens should avoid participating in demonstrations or other activities that might be deemed political by authorities, as Mexican law prohibits political activities by foreign citizens and such actions may result in detention or deportation.

  • Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.  
  • Past demonstrations have turned violent.
  • Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.  

International Financial Scams:  See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information.  

Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Mexico. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Scammers almost always pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help. Common scams include:   

  • Romance/Online dating 
  • Money transfers 
  • Lucrative sales 
  • Grandparent/Relative targeting 
  • Free Trip/Luggage 
  • Inheritance notices 
  • Bank overpayments 

Mexico’s consumer protection agency,  PROFECO  (Procuraduría Federal del Consumidor, Spanish only), can sometimes  provide assistance  (Spanish only) to victims of such scams. In addition, there have been allegations of banking fraud perpetrated by private bankers against U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens who believe they have been victims of fraud can file a police report  file a complaint  (Spanish only) with the Mexican banking regulatory agency, CONDUSEF  (Comision Nacional para la Proteccion y Defensa de los Usuarios de Servicios Financieros, Spanish only), or consult with an attorney.

Victims of Crime:  U.S. victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy or nearest Consulate for assistance.  Report emergencies to the local police at 911, report crimes already committed to the Ministerio Publico, and contact the Embassy or Consulate at +52-55-85262561.  Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

U.S. citizen victims of crime should contact the local authorities to file a Mexican police report before departing Mexico. In most instances, victims of crime will file reports with the Ministerio Publico (equivalent to the office of public prosecutor or district attorney in the United States) and not with police first responders. U.S. citizens should also inform the  U.S. Embassy or nearest consulat e . 

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .    We can:

  • help you find appropriate medical care,
  • assist you in reporting a crime to the police,
  • contact relatives or friends with your written consent,
  • provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion, 
  • provide a list of local attorneys,
  • provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States ,
  • provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution,
  • help you find accommodation and arrange flights home,
  • replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the  U.S. Embassy or nearest consulate  for assistance.

Kidnapping:  Mexico experiences very high rates of kidnapping.  If you believe you or your U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) relative has been kidnapped, please contact the U.S. Embassy or nearest consulate immediately.

Robbery:  Mexico experiences robberies, typically in cities, in which abductors force victims to use their debit or credit card to withdraw money from ATMs in exchange for their release. Perpetrators commonly work in cooperation with, or pose as, taxi drivers. To minimize the risk of such robberies:

  • Only use a reputable taxi company or a trusted ride-sharing app.
  • Book taxis through your hotel or an authorized taxi stand.

Extortion:  Extortion schemes are common in Mexico.  In a typical scheme known as a virtual kidnapping, criminals convince family members that a relative has been abducted, when, in fact, the person is safe but unreachable.  The purported abductors will often use threats to persuade victims to isolate themselves, making communication with family members less likely.  Unable to reach their loved ones, family members often consent to paying the “ransom” demand.  Criminals use various means to gather information about potential victims, including monitoring social media sites, eavesdropping on conversations, or using information taken from a stolen cell phone.  Some of these extortions have been conducted from Mexican prisons.  You can reduce the risk of falling victim to this type of extortion through the following:

  • Do not discuss travel plans, your room number, or any other personal information within earshot of strangers.
  • Do not divulge personal business details to strangers in person or over the phone, especially when using hotel phones.
  • If you are threatened on the phone, hang up immediately.

Sexual Assault:  Rape and sexual assault are serious problems in some resort areas. Many of these incidents occur at night or during the early morning hours, in hotel rooms, on hotel grounds, or on deserted beaches. In some cases, assailants drug the drinks of victims before assaulting them. Pay attention to your surroundings and to who might have handled your drink.

Credit/Debit Card “Skimming:”  There have been instances of fraudulent charges or withdrawals from accounts due to “skimmed” cards. If you choose to use credit or debit cards, you should regularly check your account to ensure there are no unauthorized transactions. Travelers should limit the amount of cash they carry in public, exercise caution when withdrawing cash from ATMs, and avoid ATMs located in isolated or unlit areas.

Alcohol:  If you choose to drink alcohol, it is important to do so in moderation and to stop and seek medical attention if you begin to feel ill. There have been reports of individuals falling ill or blacking out after consuming unregulated alcohol. The Mexican Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risk,  COFEPRIS  ( Comision Federal para la Proteccion contra Riesgos Sanitarios, Spanish only ), is responsible for inspecting hotels, restaurants, and other establishments for health violations, including reports of unregulated alcohol. Please email COFEPRIS at  [email protected]  for more information or if you wish to file a report. You can file a report online (Spanish only) via the COFEPRIS website, by calling the COFEPRIS call center at 800 033 50 50 (from Mexico) or +52 (55) 5080-5425 (from the United States), or by scheduling an appointment  (Spanish only)  to visit a COFEPRIS office.

There have also been instances of criminals drugging drinks to rob or sexually assault victims. Additionally, if you feel you have been the victim of unregulated alcohol or another serious health violation, you should notify the U.S. Embassy or nearest consulate . You may also contact the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries).

Drug Smuggling:  Mexican criminal organizations are engaged in a violent struggle to control trafficking routes. Criminal organizations smuggling drugs into the United States have targeted unsuspecting individuals who regularly cross the border. Frequent border crossers are advised to vary their routes and travel times and to closely monitor their vehicles to avoid being targeted.

Tourism:  In major cities and resort areas, the tourism industry is generally well-regulated.  Best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced.  Hazardous areas and activities are identified with appropriate signage, and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities.  In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country.  Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and/or provide life-saving assistance.  In smaller towns and areas less commonly frequented by foreign tourists, the tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur.  Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field.  In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in or near major cities.  First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities to provide urgent medical treatment.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Since 2016, Mexico has opened seven multilingual Centers for the Care and Protection of Tourists (CAPTA) and Tourist Assistance Centers (CATTAC) in Los Cabos, La Paz, Acapulco, Playa del Carmen, Mazatlan, Ciudad Madero, and Queretaro. These offices have proven helpful assisting U.S. citizen visitors in resolving disputes with merchants and government entities, filing criminal reports, securing needed services, and locating special needs accommodations. 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or nearest consulate immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

The Mexican government is required by international law to contact the U.S. Embassy or consulate promptly when a U.S. citizen is arrested if the arrestee so requests.  This requirement does not apply to dual nationals.  

Firearms and Other Weapons:  Weapons laws in Mexico vary by state, but it is generally illegal for travelers to carry weapons of any kind including firearms, knives, daggers, brass knuckles, as well as ammunition (even used shells). Illegal firearms trafficking from the United States to Mexico is a major concern, and the Department of State warns all U.S. citizens against taking any firearm or ammunition into Mexico. If you are caught entering Mexico with any type of weapon, including firearms or ammunitions, you likely will face severe penalties, including prison time. U.S.-issued permits allowing an individual to carry weapons are not valid in Mexico.  Visit the Department’s  Traveling Abroad with Firearms webpage .

Vessels entering Mexican waters with firearms or ammunition on board must have a permit previously issued by a Mexican embassy or consulate.

Drugs:  Drug possession and use, including medical marijuana, is illegal in Mexico and may result in a lengthy jail sentence or fines.  

Electronic Cigarettes (Vaping Devices):  It is illegal for travelers to bring electronic cigarettes (vaping devices) and all vaping solutions to Mexico. Customs will confiscate vaping devices and solutions and travelers could be fined or arrested. Avoid delays and possible sanctions by not taking these items to Mexico. 

Real Estate and Time Shares:  U.S. citizens should exercise caution when considering time-share investments or purchasing real estate and be aware of the aggressive tactics used by some sales representatives. Before initiating a real estate purchase or time-share investment, U.S. citizens should consult with a Mexican attorney to learn about important regulations and laws that govern real estate property.

Mountain Climbing and Hiking:  The Mexican government has declared the area around the Popocatepetl and the Colima volcanoes off limits. In remote rural areas, there can be limited cell phone coverage and internet connectivity, and it may be difficult for rescue teams and local authorities to reach climbers and hikers in distress.

Potential for Natural Disasters:  Mexico is in an active earthquake zone. Tsunamis may occur following significant earthquakes. Please visit our  disaster and crisis preparedness  webpage for more information. For additional information concerning disasters, see:

  • U.S. Embassy Mexico City website
  • Civil Protection  ( Proteccion Civil, Spanish only ) provides information from the Mexican Government about natural disaster preparedness
  • U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)  provides general information about natural disaster preparedness
  • U.S. Geological Survey  provides updates on recent seismic and volcanic activity

Storm Season:  Tropical storms in the Gulf of Mexico or along the Caribbean and Pacific Coast between May and November can produce heavy winds and rain. Please visit our disaster and crisis preparedness  webpage for more information.

Spring Break:  Millions of U.S. citizens visit Mexican beach resorts each year, especially during “ spring break ” season. The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18. See the “Alcohol” section above to learn more about the risks associated with drinking, as well as reports of illnesses associated with the possible consumption of unregulated alcohol.

Resort Areas and Water Activities:  Beaches in Mexico may be dangerous due to strong currents, rip tides, and rogue waves. Warning notices and flags on beaches should be taken seriously. Not all hazardous beaches are clearly marked. If black or red warning flags are up, do not enter the water. Strong currents can lead to dangerous conditions for even the most experienced swimmers. U.S. citizens simply walking along the shore or wading have been swept out to sea by rogue waves, and some citizens have drowned or disappeared at Mexican beaches. Avoid the consumption of alcohol while engaging in water activities and do not swim alone. 

Boats used for excursions may not be covered by accident insurance and sometimes lack adequate life jackets, radios, and tools to make repairs.  Participation in adventure sports may not be covered by accident insurance and safety protections and regulations for these activities may differ from U.S. standards.  Visit  our website  and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about adventure travel.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods:  Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also be subject to fines or forced to relinquish the goods if you bring them back to the United States. See the  U.S. Department of Justice website  for more information.

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

  • Faith-Based Travel Information
  • International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
  • Human Rights Report  – see country reports
  • Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
  • Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or on the organization of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Intersex (LGBTQI+) events in Mexico. However, due to sporadic reports of violence targeting LGBTQI+ individuals, U.S. citizens should exercise discretion in identifying themselves publicly as LGBTQI+. See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and Section 6 of the  Department of State’s Human Rights Report for Mexico  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:   Mexican law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States.  The most common types of accessibility may include accessible facilities, information, and communication/access to services/ease of movement or access.  Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure in more rural and remote parts of the country, and more common in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure in major cities.  U.S. citizens with disabilities should consult individual hotels and service providers in advance of travel to ensure they are accessible.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  There were several reports of sexual assault or domestic violence involving U.S. citizen women over the past year. See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Excellent health facilities are available in Mexico City and other major cities. Ambulance services are widely available, but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi to a health provider. Mexican facilities often require payment “up front” before providing medical care, and most hospitals in Mexico do not accept U.S. health insurance. A list of doctors and hospitals is available on the U.S. Embassy or consulate website.

U.S. citizens have lodged complaints against some private hospitals in Cancun, the Riviera Maya, and Los Cabos to include exorbitant prices and inflexible collection measures.  Travelers should obtain complete information on billing, pricing, and proposed medical procedures before agreeing to any medical care in these locations.  Be aware that some resorts have exclusive agreements with medical providers and ambulance services, which may limit your choices in seeking emergency medical attention.  Some hospitals in tourist centers utilize sliding scales, deciding on rates for services based on negotiation and on the patient’s perceived ability to pay.  In some instances, providers have been known to determine the limits of a patient’s credit card or insurance, quickly reach that amount in services rendered, and subsequently discharge the patient or transfer them to a public hospital.

Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  website for information on Medical Tourism.

For emergency services in Mexico, dial  911 .  Although there may be English-speaking operators available, it is best to seek the assistance of a Spanish speaker to place the call.

Ambulance services are: 

  • widely available in major cities but training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards,
  • not present in many remote and rural areas of the country,   
  • not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.  
  • Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.  

We do not pay medical bills:  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas.  Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.  

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See  our webpage  for more information on insurance coverage overseas. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas. 

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation as well.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  Check the Mexican government’s Drug Schedule to ensure the medication is legal in Mexico. 

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information :

  • World Health Organization
  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC)

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals .  We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery: 

  • U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died during or after having cosmetic or other elective surgery.   
  • Medical tourism is a rapidly growing industry. People seeking health care overseas should understand that medical systems operate differently from those in the United States and are not subject to the same rules and regulations.  Anyone interested in traveling for medical purposes should consult with their local physician before traveling and visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information on Medical Tourism.  
  • We strongly recommend supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.  
  • Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Mexico.  Several foreigners have successfully enlisted the support of  PROFECO  (Spanish only) in order to resolve disputes over medical services.
  • Although Mexico has many elective/cosmetic surgery facilities that are on par with those found in the United States, the quality of care varies widely.  If you plan to undergo surgery in Mexico, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available and professionals are accredited and qualified.  

Pharmaceuticals

  • Exercise caution when purchasing medication overseas.  Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little controls.  Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients.  Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.  
  • The Drug Enforcement Agency reports counterfeit prescription pills are sold by criminals on both sides of the border. These pills are sometimes represented as OxyContin, Percocet, Xanax, and others, and may contain deadly doses of fentanyl. Counterfeit pills are readily advertised on social media and can be purchased at small, non-chain pharmacies in Mexico along the border and in tourist areas.  U.S. citizens have become seriously ill or died in Mexico after using synthetic drugs or adulterated prescription pills.
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States.  Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States.  Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States.  Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.   
  • Visit the  Mexican Health Department  website (Spanish only) or contact the  Embassy of Mexico  in Washington, D.C., for more information about obtaining a permit to import medicine into Mexico.
  • For a list of controlled substances in Mexico, visit the  COFEPRIS  website (Spanish only) and the  Mexican Drug Schedule  (Spanish only). U.S. citizens should carry a copy of their prescription or doctor’s letter, but it is still possible that they may be subject to arrest for arriving in Mexico with substances on these lists. Note that a medicine considered “over the counter” in some U.S. states may be a controlled substance in Mexico. For example, pseudoephedrine, the active ingredient in Sudafed, is considered a controlled substance in Mexico. For more information, contact the  Embassy of Mexico  in Washington, D.C.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy  

  • If you are considering traveling to Mexico to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please see our ART and Surrogacy Abroad page . 
  • Surrogacy is legal for foreigners in most of Mexico, in some states surrogacy is either not legal or is not governed by regulation. 
  • If you decide to pursue parenthood in Mexico via assisted reproductive technology (ART) with a gestational mother, be prepared for long and unexpected delays in documenting your child’s citizenship. 
  • Make sure you understand Mexican law, which can vary from state to state and is ambiguous in its treatment of non-Mexican or same-sex intending parents. Mexican courts, for example, may fail to enforce surrogacy agreements between non-Mexican or same-sex intending parents and gestational mothers.
  • Gestational mothers are normally treated as the child’s legal parent with full parental rights in most states. The gestational mother’s name is typically listed on the Mexican state-issued birth certificate.  In Mexico City, the intended parents may be listed on the Mexican birth certificate if they can demonstrate a valid surrogacy agreement was in place regarding the child’s birth.
  • Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk criminal prosecution.  Mexican authorities have made arrests stemming from surrogacy cases.

Carbon Monoxide

  • Many hotels and other lodgings are not equipped with carbon monoxide detectors, even if they contain sources of this potentially lethal gas. U.S. citizens have died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning throughout Mexico. If your lodging is not equipped with a carbon monoxide detector, consider traveling with a portable one.

Water Quality: 

  • In many areas in Mexico, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks might be made using tap water.

Altitude: 

  • Many cities in Mexico, such as Mexico City, are at high altitude, which can lead to altitude illness. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about  Travel to High Altitudes .

Adventure Travel

  • Participation in adventure sports and activities may not be covered by accident insurance and safety protections and regulations for these activities may differ from U.S. standards.  Visit  our website  and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website  for more information about adventure travel.

General Health

The following diseases are prevalent:

  • Typhoid Fever
  • Travelers’ Diarrhea
  • Chikungunya
  • Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
  • Parasitic Infections
  • Chronic Respiratory Disease
  • Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Mexico.   

Air Quality

  • Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in Mexico. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary.

For further health information, go to:

  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

  Private Residential Treatment Facilities: 

  • These facilities provide care to U.S. citizens throughout Mexico and include child behavior modification facilities, rehabilitation facilities, and assisted living centers. 
  • There is a wide range in standards for education, safety, health, sanitation, immigration, and residency.  Staff licensing may not be strictly enforced or meet the standards of similar facilities in the United States.  
  • The State Department has received reports of abuse, negligence, or mismanagement at some of these facilities. U.S. citizens should exercise due diligence and do extensive research before selecting a residential treatment facility.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of U.S. citizen deaths in Mexico. If you have an emergency while driving, dial “911.” If you are driving on a toll highway (“ cuota ”) or any other major highway, you may contact the Green Angels ( Spanish only ), a fleet of trucks with bilingual crews, by dialing 078 from any phone in Mexico.  Generally, individuals involved in an accident who do not require immediate medical care should contact their insurance providers, who may come to the site to provide an immediate assessment.

Avoid driving on Mexican highways at night. Travel with a charged and functional cell phone capable of making calls in Mexico. Travelers should exercise caution at all times and should use toll (“ cuota ”) roads rather than the less secure free (“ libre ”) roads whenever possible. Do not hitchhike or accept rides from or offer rides to strangers anywhere in Mexico. Travelers encountering police or security checkpoints should comply with instructions.

Road conditions and maintenance across Mexico vary with many road surfaces needing repair. Travel in rural areas poses additional risks to include spotty cell phone coverage and delays in receiving roadside or medical assistance.

Vehicular traffic in Mexico City is subject to restriction Monday through Saturday, according to the license plate number, in order to reduce air pollution. For additional information, refer to the  Hoy No Circula website  ( Spanish only ) maintained by the Mexico City government. See our  Road Safety Page  for more information.  Also, visit  Mexico’s national tourist office website , MexOnline, and Mexico’s customs website  Importacion Temporal de Vehiculos  ( Spanish only ) for more information regarding travel and transportation.

Traffic Laws:   U.S. driver’s licenses are valid in Mexico. Mexican law requires that only owners drive their vehicles or that the owner be inside the vehicle. Failing to abide by this law may lead to impoundment and a fine equal to the value of the vehicle.

Mexican citizens who are not also U.S. citizens or LPRs may not operate U.S.-registered vehicles in Mexico. Mexican insurance is required for all vehicles, including rental vehicles. Drivers involved in accidents, even minor incidents, may be subject to arrest if they are found to be driving without proper insurance, regardless of whether they were at fault. Driving under the influence of alcohol, using a mobile device while driving, and driving through a yellow light are all illegal in Mexico.

If you drive your vehicle into Mexico beyond the immediate border area (approximately 12 miles into Mexico), you must apply for a temporary vehicle import permit with Mexican customs, Banjercito , or at some Mexican consulates in the United States. The permit requires the presentation of a valid passport and a monetary deposit that will be returned to you upon leaving Mexico before the expiration of the permit. Failing to apply for a temporary vehicle import permit may lead to impoundment and a fine equal to the value of the vehicle. 

Vehicles crossing into Mexico must have a valid license plate and registration sticker. Mexican authorities will often refuse to admit vehicles with temporary or paper license plates. Vehicles with expired registration or unauthorized plates will likely be confiscated and the operator could be charged with a fine equal to the value of the vehicle.

The Mission Mexico Vehicle Recovery Unit  assists with the return of stolen U.S. vehicles recovered by Mexican authorities.

If you have an emergency while driving, dial “911.” If you are driving on a toll highway (“cuota”) or any other major highway, you may contact the Green Angels (Spanish only), a fleet of trucks with bilingual crews, by dialing 078 from any phone in Mexico.  Generally, individuals involved in an accident who do not require immediate medical care should contact their insurance providers, who may come to the site to provide an immediate assessment.

Public Transportation/Taxis:  Security on public buses varies throughout the country but is considered a relatively safe transportation option in Mexico City and other major tourist centers. Passengers should protect their personal possessions at all times as theft is common. Intercity bus travel should be conducted during daylight hours in preferably first-class buses using toll roads.

Robberies and assaults on passengers in taxis not affiliated with a taxi stand (known as “libre” taxis) are common. Avoid taking any taxi not summoned by telephone or contacted in advance, including “libre” taxis. When in need of a taxi, telephone a radio taxi or “sitio” (regulated taxi stand) and ask the dispatcher for the driver’s name and the taxi’s license plate number. Application-based car services such as Uber and Cabify are available in many Mexican cities, and generally offer another safe alternative to taxis. Official complaints against Uber and other drivers do occur, however, and past disputes between these services and local taxi unions have occasionally turned violent, resulting in injuries to U.S. citizens in some instances.

See our Road Safety page for more information. 

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Mexico’s Civil Aviation Authority as not being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Mexico’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to Mexico should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts .  Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

If you enter by sea, review the Mexican boating permit requirements  prior to travel or contact the  Embassy of Mexico  in Washington, D.C., for more information.

Maritime Safety Oversight:  The Mexican maritime industry, including charter fishing and recreational vessels, is subject solely to Mexican safety regulations.  Travelers should be aware that Mexican equipment and vessels may not meet U.S. safety standards or be covered by any accident insurance.

For additional travel information

  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
  • See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
  • Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
  • See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Mexico . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Riviera Maya Currency Guide for Travel in 2024

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Planning a trip to Mexico and wondering what the Riviera Maya currency is and the best ways to pay for things during your vacation? You’ve come to the right guide!

As a travel blogger that lives in Playa del Carmen , I’m here to help you understand the basics of money management in Riviera Maya so that you can have a stress-free and enjoyable vacation.

In this Riviera Maya currency guide , I’ll explain the official currency used in Riviera Maya, whether or not you need to bring pesos with you, and provide some tips on using ATMs and managing money while traveling.

So if you’re wondering if you need dollars or pesos in Riviera Maya and exactly how much money to bring along, I’ve got you covered in this comprehensive currency guide!

Ready to learn how to safely and securely manage your money in Riviera Maya? Let’s get started!

Planning a trip to Mexico? Use my favorite travel resources!

🏨 Hotels: Expedia or Booking.com ✈️ Flights: Skyscanner 🚗 Rental Cars: Discover Cars 🤿 Tours & Activities: Viator 🚨 Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance Master

What Currency is Used in Riviera Maya Mexico?

The official currency used in Riviera Maya (and all of Mexico) is the Mexican Peso (MXN). However, you’ll find that US dollars are widely accepted, particularly in tourist areas.

You may even find that some restaurants and shops will display prices in both pesos and US dollars and accept payments with either currency.

What is the Best Currency to Take to Riviera Maya?

The best currency to take to Riviera Maya is the Mexican Peso (MXN), as it’s the official currency of the country.

While US dollars are widely accepted in Riviera Maya, you’ll often get better exchange rates and prices when paying with pesos.

A pile of Mexican peso bills and coins, the best currency for Riviera Maya

Does Riviera Maya Accept US Dollars?

Yes, US dollars are widely accepted in Riviera Maya at restaurants, beach clubs, hotels, and grocery stores. You can even pay for taxis with USD.

Riviera Maya thrives on tourism, so they’ve become used to dealing with American tourists and thus the US dollar is accepted pretty much everywhere.

This makes paying in US dollars very easy but keep in mind that each restaurant, hotel, or establishment will have their own set exchange rate, which may be worse than the official exchange rate.

So if you really want to save money on your purchases, it’s best to pay in pesos.

Additionally, when paying in United States dollars, you’ll typically receive your change in pesos, which can get confusing if you’re not familiar with using the currency.

Is it Better to Pay in Dollars or Pesos in Riviera Maya?

US dollars are accepted pretty much everywhere in Riviera Maya so it’s possible to get by without needing to exchange any money.

However, since the official currency in Riviera Maya is the Mexican peso (MXN), you’ll typically save money if you pay in pesos.

Basically, if you’re not worried about losing a few dollars here and there on the exchange rate, it’s possible to just use US dollars for your entire trip.

But if you want to get the best value for money, it’s best to pay in Mexican pesos.

And while credit cards are accepted in many places, you’ll still need cash to pay for taxis, tips, souvenir shopping, and smaller purchases.

A pile of US Dollars and Mexican peso coins and bills

Are Credit Cards Accepted in Riviera Maya?

Yes, credit cards are widely accepted in Riviera Maya and you can use them in most restaurants, large retail stores, hotels, and beach clubs.

Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards, and American Express and Discover are less commonly accepted.

You’ll just want to make sure to use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. I personally use the Chase Sapphire Preferred card which has tons of great travel perks.

I would also recommend using a credit card instead of a debit card when possible, as there are typically less fees and the protection benefits are much better.

And even though credit cards are accepted in many places, it’s still a good idea to have some cash on hand to pay for transportation, tips, and smaller purchases. For example, some smaller restaurants and taco joints in Playa del Carmen will be cash only.

It’s also important to know that taxis in Riviera Maya do not accept credit cards so you’ll need to carry enough cash if you’re planning on taking taxis.

A Playa del Carmen Taxi driving down the street in Playa del Carmen Mexico

Should You Get Pesos Before Going to Riviera Maya?

If you want to be really prepared, I would recommend getting some pesos before going to Riviera Maya so you won’t have to worry about getting them once you arrive.

The easiest way to do this is to order Mexican pesos from your bank ahead of time and it typically takes around 1-3 days for delivery.

If you don’t want to do that or don’t have enough time to do so, you can always withdraw pesos from an ATM once you arrive in Mexico or change dollars to pesos at a currency exchange counter.

Just be sure to check with your bank ahead of time to see if they have any fees for international ATM withdrawals.

What Will You Need Cash for in Riviera Maya?

While credit cards are widely accepted in Riviera Maya, you’ll still need to have some cash on hand if you’re planning to leave the resort, explore the nearby towns, or do some Riviera Maya excursions .

Here are some examples of things you will need cash for in Riviera Maya:

  • Tips for hotel staff at all-inclusive resorts
  • Tips for your Cancun airport transportation driver
  • Tips for tour guides
  • Souvenir shopping at local shops
  • Local taco joints or mom-and-pop type restaurants
  • Street food and street vendors
  • Entrance fees for Riviera Maya cenotes
  • Entrance fees for archeological sites (like the Tulum Ruins or Chichen Itza )

Me jumping in front of the main pyramid at Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins

How Many Pesos Should You Bring to Riviera Maya?

Here is a general guideline to give you a rough idea of how much cash to bring to Riviera Maya:

  • Below Average Spending: $20 USD (~$340 pesos) per day
  • Average Spending: $40 USD (~$680 pesos) per day
  • Above Average Spending: $60+ USD (~$1020 pesos) per day

Note these guidelines are based on how much cash to bring to Riviera Maya Mexico for the tips and extras outlined above, assuming you’re using your credit cards for most of your purchases.

Additionally, these amounts are based on a single traveler or a single party that’s traveling together.

If you plan to pay with cash in Mexico exclusively, then you’ll want to bring more money than the amounts above.

📱 You can also play around with my Mexico cash calculator ! This is a handy tool to give you an estimate of how much cash you’ll need during your trip depending on the length of your stay, number of people, and spending habits.

How to Get Pesos for Riviera Maya

Here are a few options for getting pesos for your trip to Riviera Maya Mexico:

Order pesos from your bank ahead of time

If you’re someone that likes to plan ahead and have everything ready to go before your trip, then I would recommend ordering pesos from your bank before you leave for Mexico.

While this option takes a bit more time and advance planning, it’s cheaper than exchanging currency at a counter in Mexico once you arrive.

Plus, you won’t have to deal with finding an ATM or currency counter once you get there, which can add stress to your trip.

Most large banks have the option to order foreign currency online or through a mobile app but it typically takes 1-3 business days for delivery.

A screenshot of Bank of America website to order foreign currency

Withdraw pesos from an ATM in Mexico

If you don’t want to order pesos ahead of time, the quickest and easiest way to get pesos in Mexico is to simply withdraw cash from an ATM once you arrive.

You can find ATM machines in most major tourist spots, hotels, and grocery stores, or even at the Cancun Airport once you land.

While your bank might charge a fee for withdrawing money from foreign ATMs, it will typically be cheaper compared to a commission-based money exchange counter.

An HSBC ATM machine at Cancun Airport in Mexico

Exchange dollars for pesos at a currency exchange counter

The final option for getting pesos is to exchange US dollars for pesos at the Cancun Airport or at a foreign currency exchange counter.

While this is a bit more convenient, I wouldn’t recommend it because it’s typically the most expensive option.

You’ll have access to cash right away but currency exchange counters in Mexico typically have some of the highest conversion rates–and they can be a little sketchy looking.

If you really do need to use a currency exchange counter, be sure to check the current exchange rate carefully before deciding whether or not this is the best option for you.

The CiBanco Currency Exchange Counter at Cancun International Airport and people walking by

Using ATMs in Riviera Maya

Here are some tips for withdrawing money from ATMs in Riviera Maya:

Best ATMs in Riviera Maya

When using ATMs in Riviera Maya, it is important to only use an official bank ATM and avoid using any random or unidentified ATM found on the street.

You might find nameless ATMs in the main tourist areas (like when shopping on 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen ) but these are more likely to have card skimmers and hackers that could potentially drain your bank account.

For optimal security, it is best to use official bank ATMs located directly at a local bank or at places such as grocery stores or shopping centers.

If you are staying at one of the larger resorts in Riviera Maya , they will likely have an ATM in the hotel lobby and they are typically pretty safe to use.

And if you go to Playa del Carmen , Cancun , Tulum , or Puerto Morelos , you can find bank ATMs not far from the tourist areas or at larger grocery stores like Chedraui, Walmart , or Mega.

These are the major banks and ATM locations in Riviera Maya that you’ll want to look out for:

  • BBVA Bancomer
  • Scotiabank (partnered with Bank of America)

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Bank Partnerships

Before your trip to Mexico, it’s a good idea to check with your bank to see if they have any partnerships with Mexican banks.

Several large banks, including Bank of America, have established partnerships with foreign banks around the world.

If your bank does have a partnership with a Mexican bank, you will likely be able to withdraw money without a usage fee.

However, there is typically still an international withdrawal fee that is a small percentage of the total withdrawal amount.

For example, Bank of America has a partnership with Scotiabank in Mexico. This means you can withdraw money from a Scotiabank ATM in Mexico and avoid a $5 USD international ATM usage fee.

However, you will still be charged 3% of the converted US dollar amount that you are withdrawing.

A woman withdrawing money from an ATM in Mexico

Riviera Maya ATM Fees

When withdrawing money from ATMs in Riviera Maya, you will likely be charged a usage fee and/or an international transaction fee that will be a small percentage of the total amount you take out.

Let’s say you are a Bank of America customer and you were to withdraw $2,000 pesos in local currency from a Scotiabank ATM in Mexico.

Here’s an example of the cost breakdown:

  • Usage Fee : $5 USD (waived) = $0 USD
  • Currency Conversion: $2000 MXN at BOA Conversion Rate (.0548) = $109.60 USD
  • International Transaction Fee: $110.60 x 3% = $3.28 USD
  • Total Amount for this Withdrawal : $112.88 USD

If you weren’t to use a Scotiabank ATM, then you would be charged the $5 usage fee in addition. This can add up depending on how many times you visit the ATM!

Riviera Maya ATM Conversion Rates

If there’s one thing to remember about using ATMs in Riviera Maya (and anywhere in Mexico), it’s to always decline the conversion rate offered by the ATM.

When withdrawing money from an ATM, you’ll be prompted to accept or decline the conversion rate offered by that particular ATM– always hit DECLINE!

ATMs always offer terrible exchange rates, which are much higher than what you would get from your bank.

By hitting decline, your financial institution will automatically charge you with the standard conversion rate, which is typically a much better deal.

An ATM screen in Mexico showing the currency conversion with the decline button highlighted

Using Mexican Currency

Here are some helpful things to know about using the official currency in Mexico:

Mexican Peso Bills

Here’s a rough USD conversion for the Mexican peso denominations to give you an idea of the value of money:

  • $10 peso coin = ~$.50 USD
  • $50 peso bill = ~$2.50 USD
  • $100 peso bill = ~$5 USD
  • $200 peso bill = ~$10 USD
  • $500 peso bill = ~$25 USD
  • $1000 peso bill =~$50 USD

A pile of Mexican Peso Bills

Easy Pesos to USD Currency Conversion Trick

If you’re not familiar with paying in Mexican pesos, it can be confusing to figure out exactly how much you’re spending.

However, there is a simple trick to convert pesos to American dollars easily in your head – just take off a zero and divide the price of the item by 2!

For example, if something is $500 pesos, you would take off a zero ($50) and divide the amount by 2 to get to a value of around $25 USD.

Of course, this is not an exact value (especially recently with the peso gaining value) but will give you a rough estimate of how much an item costs.

Alternatively, you can pull out the calculator on your phone or use a currency converter app to get the exact value.

💵 Easy MXN-USD Currency Conversion Trick: Take off a zero and divide by 2!

Riviera Maya Money Tips

Follow these Riviera Maya travel tips to save money when it comes to Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen money management:

  • Consider your options when choosing between pesos or USD: When paying at restaurants or retail stores in Riviera Maya, you’ll likely be given the option to pay in pesos or USD (even when paying with a credit card). If you really want to save money, do a quick currency conversion on your phone to see which is the better deal. It used to always be a better deal to pay in pesos but with current exchange rates, it may be cheaper to pay in USD.
  • Decline the currency conversion rate at the ATM: When withdrawing cash from an ATM, you’ll be asked if you want to accept the ATM’s currency conversion rate. Always decline this option and instead you’ll be charged at the best exchange rate from your bank.
  • Use a credit card instead of a debit card: If you’re going to be paying with a card, it’s best to use a credit card instead of your debit card. Many travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred card have no foreign transaction fees so you’ll save money on costly currency exchange fees on your debit card. Plus, credit cards typically have better protections in case of fraud or theft.
  • Check with your bank to see if they have any partnerships with banks in Mexico: If your bank has a partnership with a Mexican bank, you can likely avoid added ATM fees when using your debit card to withdraw money in Mexico.
  • Only use official bank ATMs: Avoid using random or nameless ATMs, as these are often less secure and can be setup with card skimmers. Withdrawing money from official bank ATMs at banks, grocery stores, or shopping centers is a safer option. Some of the most popular local banks in Riviera Maya are Scotiabank, HSBC, CiBanco, Santander, and BBVA.
  • Don’t carry large amounts of cash: It’s best to only carry the amount of cash that you need for your daily expenses in case of theft. Flaunting large amounts of cash is a safety risk in Riviera Maya and can make you a target for theft or getting ripped off. It’s also a good idea to keep a backup credit or debit card (and some cash) in the hotel safe in case anything happens to your primary card.
  • Don’t forget to bring cash for tips: If you’re planning to do any of the fun activities in Riviera Maya like Riviera Maya zipline tours , snorkeling tours , or ATV adventures , be sure to bring cash to tip the tour guides. It’s customary to tip around 10-15% of the total tour price.

A pile of blue $500 Mexican peso bills

Riviera Maya Currency: FAQs

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about money and currency in Riviera Maya Mexico:

Yes, tipping is expected at all inclusive resorts in Playa del Carmen , Cancun, and Riviera Maya although it’s not required. You can give tips to the waiters, bartenders, and housekeeping staff as a sign of appreciation for their service.

It’s customary to tip around 10-15% of the total tour price. However, if the tour guide did a particularly good job, you can give them more.

No, it is not customary to tip taxi drivers in Riviera Maya so you can feel comfortable just paying the exact price of the fare.

Yes, you can use a debit card in Riviera Maya, however I would recommend using a credit card if possible. Most travel credit cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred have no foreign transaction fees and offer greater protection in case of fraud or theft.

No, Uber in Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya is currently not available or safe to use. While legislation was passed allowing Uber to operate in the state of Quintana Roo, opposition from local taxi drivers has still made it unsafe to try and use Uber in the region. So if you’re planning on taking taxis in Riviera Maya, you’ll need to make sure you have enough cash on hand as credit cards are not accepted.

Conclusion: Riviera Maya Currency Guide

So should you use pesos or dollars when visiting Riviera Maya Mexico? I hope this Riviera Maya Mexico currency guide has helped you to decide which type of currency to bring to Mexico!

The official currency of Riviera Maya is the Mexican peso so you’ll typically save money if you pay in pesos. But US dollars are widely accepted so it’s possible to get by with just using dollars if you need to.

It’s also a good idea to have some cash on hand for taxis, tipping, and smaller purchases.

Just be sure to follow the Riviera Maya money tips listed above to save money when exchanging currency and paying for things in Riviera Maya.

Now that you know how to handle currency when you travel to Riviera Maya, you can enjoy your trip without worrying about money!

  • How Much Cash Should You Bring to Mexico? Calculate Now!
  • Is Riviera Maya Safe?
  • Where to Stay in Riviera Maya
  • Best Things to Do in Riviera Maya

🇲🇽 Traveling to Mexico soon?

These are the Mexico travel resources I use and recommend:

🏨 Hotels : I always find the best deals for Mexico hotels and resorts on Expedia or Booking.com . If you prefer a vacation rental, check VRBO as they are often cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!

✈️ Flights : I recommend using Skyscanner for the best Mexico flight deals. Be sure to sign up for their price alerts for your preferred travel dates.

🚗 Rental Cars : I recommend using Discover Cars because you can compare multiple car rental companies and see detailed ratings for overall value, ease of pick-up, efficiency of agents, car condition, and overall time spent.

🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation : I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation for the quickest and most hassle-free option!

🤿 Tours & Activities: I always use Viator or GetYourGuide for booking tours and activities in Mexico. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, plus they have excellent customer service if you were to have any issues.

🚨 Travel Insurance: After my Dad broke his hand in a taxi accident in Playa del Carmen, I always recommend buying travel insurance before your trip for added peace of mind! I recommend Travel Insurance Master for short trips or Safety Wing for digital nomads.

☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen : Don’t forget to add biodegradable sunscreen to your Mexico packing list ! Regular sunscreen is prohibited when swimming in the ocean and cenotes in Mexico, so you’ll need to pack some biodegradable sunscreen for sun protection. I recommend Sun Bum Sunscreen , which is reef-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free.

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Allison Sicking is the founder of Viva La Travelista. After moving to Playa del Carmen, Mexico in 2018, she created her travel blog to empower others to travel safely and confidently in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries. Using her Spanish language skills and expertise in Mexico travel, she is passionate about teaching others to travel Mexico like a local.

Mexico Travel Buddy

What Currency Does Puerto Vallarta Use? (Local Money Guide)

alex gomez mexico travel buddy

About the author

Alex Gomez, the founder of Mexico Travel Buddy, combines his firsthand, on-the-ground experiences in Mexico with a personal connection to the country, fostered through his Mexican wife and numerous explorations. More info

If you’re planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta you’re going to need to know what currency to use. Otherwise, you risk not being able to spend your money or spending more than you should. 

mexico travel money

Having traveled to Vallarta several times has helped me learn exactly what currency Puerto Vallarta uses and how to use it wisely. That’s why I want to share my best money practices with you.

What Currency Does Puerto Vallarta Use?

The different values of Mexican pesos.

Puerto Vallarta primarily uses the Mexican peso (MXN) as its currency of choice. US dollars (USD) are also accepted by many local businesses, but you’ll get more for your money if you use pesos. Making purchases with pesos is the best way to maximize your money’s worth in Vallarta.

The Canadian dollar is also widely accepted in the Vallarta area, however, to get the best bang for your buck, you’ll want to use Mexico’s native currency.

Is it Better to Use Pesos or Dollars in Vallarta?

It’s best to use pesos in Puerto Vallarta. Though US dollars are accepted at most places, pesos will make your money go further. Plus, you don’t have to do conversions in your head every time you buy something. But, US dollars are good if you want to leave a tip.

mexico travel money

If you’re wondering how pesos make your money go further, I’ll explain. There are a couple of things to consider that make using pesos the better option.

Exchange rate

If you exchange your dollars for pesos when the conversion rate is high, you’ll get more for your money. For example, if 1 dollar equals 22 pesos, that’s a high exchange rate. Hence, your dollar is worth more.

But if the exchange rate drops (it often does) to 18 pesos, your dollar is instantly worth less. So, by exchanging pesos (especially when the exchange rate is high) you are mitigating the risk of your dollar being worth less.

That said, it can go both ways.

If you exchange money when the rate is lower, but then it increases after, you missed out on an opportunity to stretch your dollar further.

The point is that one peso is always worth one peso, whereas the value of the dollar fluctuates up and down nonstop .

Average peso value of a 5-year period.

Looking at a 5-year chart, you can see that the average low is 18 MXN per 1 USD, while the average high is 21 MXN per 1 USD. Hence, you could be getting an extra 3 pesos for every dollar you exchange if you do it when the rate is high.

One thing you might notice is that not everyone will offer you the same exchange rate. Even the exchanges themselves have different rates.

In general, exchanges near the most touristy areas will have the worst rate, and exchanges deeper into the city or further up north will have the best rates.

Exchanges might not be the only place where you get pesos for your dollars. Although nearly every restaurant, street vendor, and the market accepts dollars, they’re not going to give you dollars back if you need change.

No way! They’re going to give you pesos. And they’re going to do so at whatever exchange rate they want.

It really depends on the situation and where you’re at. You might find that someone is willing to give you cash back at a fair rate or even comparable to the exchanges. But, you could run into someone who gives you less, hoping you don’t notice.

That’s why having pesos on hand is always the better option. That way when someone tells you the price is 200 MXN (let’s say that’s equal to $10) you can give the exact amount, versus handing them a $20 bill only to receive $8 back.

Two dollars might not seem like much, but when it happens multiple times it starts to add up.

Should I Get Pesos Before Going to Puerto Vallarta?

You don’t need to show up in Puerto Vallarta with pesos in hand. Once you arrive, there are plenty of exchange houses where you can get pesos. That said, it’s still wise to bring some cash with you for convenience. Many places accept credit and debit cards too, so it’s worth carrying.

If you’re still worried about showing up in Vallarta without pesos, stop worrying. It’s really not necessary. If you’re staying at a hotel, it’ll more than likely have an ATM you can use to withdraw pesos using your bank card.

However, it’s possible that you won’t be able to exchange your cash for pesos until you visit an exchange or bank. For the record, I prefer using an exchange over the bank.

The banks are generally pretty busy whereas at the exchange you can walk right in and get your money.

Of course, this depends on whether it’s the low or high season, in addition to which exchange you use. But, whenever I go, I’ve never had to wait more than a few minutes before I was assisted.

Do I Need to Bring Cash?

It’s recommended to bring cash to Puerto Vallarta. You’ll need it to pay for the ride from the airport if using a taxi or shuttle service unless using an Uber. Also, it’s better to exchange cash for Mexican pesos, as opposed to using an ATM, which may incur a fee for currency exchange.

Additionally, using your card to pay for food and activities in Mexico will likely result in a foreign transaction fee, so it’s always best to have cash on hand in case you need to pay for something and you don’t have pesos or the place you’re at doesn’t accept cards.

To be fair, the foreign transaction fee isn’t terrible as long as you aren’t doing multiple transactions or racking up big bills. Most banks will charge you a 2-5% fee on each transaction. 

But, if you’re traveling to Vallarta on a budget you should probably avoid using your card as the fees can add up quickly.

Believe me, I found out the hard way the first time I visited PV.

How Much Cash Should I Bring to PV?

You should bring at least $40 for each day you plan on staying in Puerto Vallarta. This should be enough money to cover your food, transportation, and entertainment for the day. This does not include the price of your accommodation or excursions you might want to book.

Also, you should never carry more money than you plan to spend for the day. If you know you’ll be out all day, bring all the money you plan to spend for that day. If you’re going out to eat, only bring enough to cover the cost of your meal. Planning ahead ensures you only bring what you need.

My recommendation when carrying cash on you is to store it in several places on your body. Don’t just keep it all in your wallet or purse. If you have a secret pocket, tuck some in there. Wearing socks? You can put some cash in your sock.

Anything you can do to split up your money will help prevent you from losing it all if something bad does happen, such as getting robbed.

Can I Pay With US Dollars in Puerto Vallarta?

Churro Man on Augacate street in PV, Mexico

Many places in Puerto Vallarta will accept US dollars (USD) as a payment method, especially in tourist areas. You can pay with cash or a card for most transactions. That said, it’s worth paying with pesos to get the most out of your money, as some may give you change at a low exchange rate.

This is especially true if you are staying near any of the main tourist areas (hotel zone, Malecon, romantic zone) as most businesses in these areas will gladly accept USD.

Keep in mind that these are established businesses. If you’re buying from a street vendor, for example, they accept dollars but they aren’t able to take cards.

To be honest, I can’t think of a place I’ve been to in Puerto Vallarta that didn’t accept US dollars.

Just make sure that you have cash on hand as there are some places that might not accept cards.

The better question is why would you pay with dollars if you know that pesos are the better option?

I think the answer is convenience.

Not everyone who travels to PV wants to exchange their money for pesos—especially if they don’t plan on coming back any time soon.

If that sounds like you then I suggest exchanging money in smaller increments.

That way you can spend it all before getting more and you won’t end up leaving Mexico with pesos you can’t use.

If you simply don’t want to go through the hassle of exchanging money you can get away with using USD for your entire stay.

But, I wouldn’t recommend it.

How Do You Exchange Your Money for Pesos?

Here are all the ways you can exchange your money for pesos.

Exchange money at your bank before traveling

You can easily exchange dollars for pesos before your travel date at your local bank. To do this you need to have an account at the bank, then you can place an order, and finally, you can pick it up in person at your bank.

Also, make sure to bring your ID.

Keep in mind that your local bank will likely give you the worst exchange rate with added fees, so it’s not the best option.

Send yourself money using an online service

Elektra Banco Azteca in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

There are numerous online services you can use to send yourself money to Vallarta , and then pick it up in pesos once you arrive. Xoom is my favorite service for doing this.

Basically, you create an account, choose your pickup location in Vallarta (you can pick it up at Elektra, BanCoppel, Banorte, and even Walmart), and then send the money.

This is safe because in order to pick up the money you have to provide the ID you used to send the money along with the authorized transaction number. 

Plus, the fees are pretty good and the exchange rate is established when you buy your pesos on Xoom, not when you pick it up in Mexico. 

Just make sure to send your money a few days in advance as it can take a bit before it’s available.

Use the airport exchange

If you are desperate to get pesos once you land, there are exchanges located conveniently inside the Puerto Vallarta airport.

That said, airport exchanges have the worst rates. The difference in exchange rates can be significant (up to 20% difference) when compared to a local exchange outside of the airport.

As a result, you should really only use the airport exchange if it’s an emergency.

Otherwise, you’re better off waiting until you get to your hotel or Airbnb to find a better option. 

If you’re staying at a hotel it will likely have an ATM you can use to withdraw pesos. Although this isn’t the best option, it’s convenient.

Just remember the exchange rate might not be as good and you’ll have to pay an ATM fee (usually a couple of dollars) along with your bank’s foreign transaction fee.

But if you need cash fast, ATMs are always a viable option.

Visit a local exchange

Last but certainly not least, visiting a local exchange somewhere in the city is the best option in my experience. In fact, I use to only send money to myself using Xoom. But after trying out the local exchanges, I haven’t turned back.

Using a local exchange will guarantee you get the best rate possible, with little to no fees.

Also, it’s instant. You walk in, show your ID, hand them your dollars, then they’ll give you pesos and a receipt. Simple, right?

Additionally, most exchanges will have an ATM you can use to withdraw money from your bank. I prefer these ATMs over the ones you’d find in a hotel as the fees can be more reasonable.

Related posts:

  • Best Restaurants In Puerto Vallarta: 13 Best Local Food Spots
  • Is Puerto Vallarta Safe For Tourists?
  • Top 20 Free Things To Do In Puerto Vallarta
  • Puerto Vallarta: Why It’s The Best Honeymoon Destination
  • Visiting Puerto Vallarta: First Timer Unparalleled Travel Guide

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Alex Gomez, the founder of Mexico Travel Buddy, combines his firsthand, on-the-ground experiences in Mexico with a personal connection to the country, fostered through his Mexican wife and numerous explorations. As a professional writer and avid travel enthusiast, his favorite destination remains anywhere within Mexico's diverse landscapes. His extensive travels have equipped him with a treasure trove of tips, tricks, and insights, which he enthusiastically shares with his audience. Alex's stories and photos on the website not only showcase his love for Mexico but also offer readers a deeply authentic and engaging perspective.

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U.S. Issues Travel Warning for Mexico Ahead of Spring Break

The warning is asking travelers to “travel smart” and “be informed."

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The United States is warning travelers heading to Mexico to be aware of their surroundings ahead of the spring break holiday season.

The warning , which was issued this week by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico, reminds travelers to “travel smart” and “be informed” as “thousands of U.S. citizens visit Mexico during spring break” each year. The embassy continued that “while the vast majority travel safely,” visitors should be aware of issues with crime, drugs, unregulated alcohol, drownings, and more. 

“Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations. Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations,” the embassy warned. “U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break locations including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark.”

The warning also reminded American travelers that drug possession and use is illegal in Mexico, including medical marijuana. It also advised that unregulated alcohol may be contaminated, that counterfeit medication is common, and that guns are illegal in Mexico.

When it comes to the country’s popular beaches, the embassy reminded travelers some beaches may have strong rip tides and “may lack lifeguards, warnings, or signs of unsafe conditions.”

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued a similar spring break warning last year .

The U.S. Department of State classifies different states in Mexico under different warning levels. While travelers can “exercise normal precautions” when traveling to the Campeche and Yucatan states, the State Department warns them to “exercise increased caution” when heading to places like Baja California Sur (where Los Cabos is), Mexico City, and Quintana Roo (where Cancun is) due to crime.

The State Department also asks American travelers to “reconsider” going to the state of Jalisco, which is home to popular destination Puerto Vallarta , due to the danger of crime and kidnapping.

The State Department recommends Americans who do travel to Mexico keep people at home informed of their travel plans and enroll in the department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to both receive alerts and make it easier to locate them if an emergency occurs.

Travelers heading to international destinations can view all current travel advisories on the State Department's website at  travel.state.gov .

mexico travel money

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

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Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

CBP Seal, circular, Eagle with shield and Globe behind, Department of Homeland Security written below.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection written above.

  • For International Visitors
  • Know Before You Visit

Customs Duty Information

What is a customs duty.

Customs Duty is a tariff or tax imposed on goods when transported across international borders. The purpose of Customs Duty is to protect each country's economy, residents, jobs, environment, etc., by controlling the flow of goods, especially restrictive and prohibited goods, into and out of the country.

Dutiable refers to articles on which Customs Duty may have to be paid. Each article has a specific duty rate, which is determined by a number of factors, including where you acquired the article, where it was made, and what it is made of. Also, anything you bring back that you did not have when you left the United States must be "declared." For example, you would declare alterations made in a foreign country to a suit you already owned, and any gifts you acquired outside the United States. American Goods Returned (AGR) do not have to be declared, but you must be prepared to prove to U.S. Customs and Border Protection the articles are AGR or pay Customs duty.

The Customs Duty Rate is a percentage. This percentage is determined by the total purchased value of the article(s) paid at a foreign country and not based on factors such as quality, size, or weight. The Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) provides duty rates for virtually every existing item. CBP uses the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States Annotated (HTSUS), which is a reference manual that the provides the applicable tariff rates and statistical categories for all merchandise imported into the U.S.

Duty-Free Shop articles sold in a Customs duty-free shop are free only for the country in which that shop is located. Therefore, if your acquired articles exceed your personal exemption/allowance, the articles you purchased in Customs duty-free shop, whether in the United States or abroad, will be subject to Customs duty upon entering your destination country. Articles purchased in a American Customs duty-free shop are also subject to U.S. Customs duty if you bring them into the United States. For example, if you buy alcoholic beverages in a Customs duty-free shop in New York before entering Canada and then bring them back into the United States, they will be subject to Customs duty and Internal Revenue Service tax (IRT).

Determining Customs Duty

The flat duty rate will apply to articles that are dutiable but that cannot be included in your personal exemption, even if you have not exceeded the exemption. For example, alcoholic beverages. If you return from Europe with $200 worth of purchases, including two liters of liquor, one liter will be duty-free under your returning resident personal allowance/exemption. The other will be dutiable at 3 percent, plus any Internal Revenue Tax (IRT) that is due.

A joint declaration is a Customs declaration that can be made by family members who live in the same household and return to the United States together. These travelers can combine their purchases to take advantage of a combined flat duty rate, no matter which family member owns a given item. The combined value of merchandise subject to a flat duty rate for a family of four traveling together would be $4,000. Purchase totals must be rounded to the nearest dollar amount.

Tobacco Products

Returning resident travelers may import tobacco products only in quantities not exceeding the amounts specified in the personal exemptions for which the traveler qualifies (not more than 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars if arriving from other than a beneficiary country and insular possession). Any quantities of tobacco products not permitted by a personal exemption are subject to detention, seizure, penalties, abandonment, and destruction. Tobacco products are typically purchased in duty-free stores, on sea carriers operating internationally or in foreign stores. These products are usually marked "Tax Exempt. For Use Outside the United States," or "U.S. Tax Exempt For Use Outside the United States."

For example, a returning resident is eligible for the $800 duty-free personal exemption every 31 days, having remained for no less than 48 hours beyond the territorial limits of the United States except U.S. Virgin Islands, in a contiguous country which maintains free zone or free port, has remained beyond the territorial limits of the United States not to exceed 24 hours. This exemption includes not more than 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars:

  • If the resident declares 400 previously exported cigarettes and proves American Goods Returning (AGR) , the resident would be permitted or allowed to bring back his AGR exempt from Customs duty.
  • If the resident declares 400 cigarettes, of which 200 are proven AGR or previously exported and 200 not AGR or not previously exported, the resident would be permitted to bring back his 200 previously exported cigarettes tax and Internal Revenue Tax (IRT) free under his exemption.
  • The tobacco exemption is available to each adult 21 years of age or over.

In December 2014, President Obama announced his intention to re-establish diplomatic relations with Cuba. The President did not lift the embargo against Cuba. Absent a democratic or transitional government in Cuba, lifting the embargo requires a legislative statutory change. Since the announcement, however, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has amended the Cuba Assets Control Regulations (CACR), effective January 16, 2015, to authorize travel within certain categories to and from Cuba and to allow certain imports from and exports to Cuba.

All travelers, including those from Cuba, must comply with all applicable laws and regulations. This includes the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (“HTSUS”) (2016) limitations on personal exemptions and rules of duty extended to non-residents and returning U.S. residents.

Persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction are authorized to engage in all transactions, including payments necessary to import certain goods and services produced by independent Cuban entrepreneurs as determined by the State Department and set forth in the State Department’s Section 515.582 list located at FACT SHEET: U.S. Department of State Section 515.582 List . On October 17, 2016, the Office of Foreign Asset Control relaxed restrictions so authorized travelers, arriving direct from Cuba, are now able to bring Cuban merchandise for personal use back to the United States and qualify for the U.S. Resident exemption (HTSUS 9804.00.65, which allows up to $800 total in goods, and adults 21 and older may include 1 liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, and 100 cigars). This exemption also applies to travelers, arriving from any country in the world, with declared Cuban merchandise.

Declared amounts in excess of the exemption are subject to a flat 4% rate of duty, and any applicable IRS taxes, pursuant to HTSUS 9816.00.20 and 19 CFR 148.101, which impose a duty rate of 4% of the fair retail value on goods from a Column 2 country.

Regarding goods: The Department of State will, in accordance with the State Department’s Section 515.582, issue a list of prohibited goods. Placement on the list means that any listed good falls within certain Sections and Chapters of the HTSUS which do not qualify for this exception.

Regarding entrepreneurs : The Cuban entity must be a private business, such as a self-employed entrepreneur or other private entity, not owned or controlled by the Government of Cuba. Travelers engaging in these transactions are required to obtain evidence that demonstrates the goods purchased were obtained from a Cuban entrepreneur, as described above, and should be prepared to furnish evidence of such to U.S. Government authorities upon request. Evidence may include a copy of the entrepreneur’s license and/or an invoice and/or purchase order demonstrating the goods were purchased from a specific Cuban entrepreneur. Whether a traveler presents adequate evidence that a good qualifies from importation and that it was bought from a licensed independent Cuban entrepreneur shall be determined on a case-by-case basis by the inspecting CBP officer.

Imports under Section 515.582 (i.e., imports from licensed independent entrepreneurs not on the Department of State’s prohibited list) must comply with all current U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) formal and informal entry requirements, as applicable. This means that, while there is no value cap on the amount of goods that may be imported under this provision, the applicable duties in the HTSUS must be considered.

In particular, HTSUS 9804.00.65 allows for the duty-free importation of personal-use articles from a Column 2 country when the fair retail value of such goods is under $800. Also see 19 C.F.R. 148.33. HTSUS 9816.00.20 establishes a duty rate of 4% of the fair retail value for personal-use articles under $1,000 imported from a Column 2 country. Thus, any articles imported under this section for personal use with a value of under $800 can be imported duty free, and any articles imported for personal use with a value between $800 and $1800, will be subject to a flat 4% duty rate. Any articles valued over $1800, regardless of whether for personal use, will be subject to entry and should be classified, appraised, and assessed duty appropriately under the specific HTSUS Column 2 rates. Also see 19 C.F.R. 148.101 and 148.102. Any commercial importation, i.e., not for personal use, is subject to entry requirements and payment of applicable duties, fees, and taxes.

While these revised regulations may facilitate certain travel and trade with Cuba, all other laws and regulations applicable to international travel and the importation/exportation of goods remain in full effect. This means that all United States agency requirements applicable to a particular importation must be met and fully complied with, such as the regulations of the Food and Drug Administration, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Alcoholic Beverages

One American liter (33.8 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages may be included in your returning resident personal exemption if:

  • You are at least 21 years old.
  • It is intended exclusively for your personal use and not for sale.
  • It does not violate the laws of the state in which you arrive.

Federal and state regulations allow you to bring back one liter of an alcoholic beverage for personal use duty-free. However, states may allow you to bring back more than one liter, but you will have to pay any applicable Customs duty and IRT.

While federal regulations do not specify a limit on the amount of alcohol you may bring back beyond the personal exemption amount, unusual quantities may raise suspicions that you are importing the alcohol for other purposes, such as for resale. CBP officers enforce the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) laws, rules, and regulations and are authorized to make on-the-spot determinations that an importation is for commercial purposes. If such determination is made, it may require you to obtain a permit and file a formal entry to import the alcohol before the alcohol is released. If you intend to bring back a substantial quantity of alcohol for your personal use, you should contact the U.S. Port of Entry (POE) through which you will be re-entering and make prior arrangements for the importation.

Also, state laws might limit the amount of alcohol you can bring in without a license. If you arrive in a state that has limitations on the amount of alcohol you may bring in without a license, that state's law will be enforced by CBP, even though it may be more restrictive than federal regulations. We recommend that you check with the state government about their limitations on quantities allowed for personal importation and additional state taxes that may apply. Ideally, this information should be obtained before traveling.

In brief, for both alcohol and cigarettes, the quantities eligible for duty-free treatment may be included in your $800 or $1,600 returning resident personal exemption, just as any other purchase should be. But unlike other kinds of merchandise, amounts beyond those discussed here as being duty-free are taxed, even if you have not exceeded, or even met, your personal exemption. For example, your exemption is $800 and you bring back three liters of wine and nothing else, two of those liters will be dutiable and IR taxed. Federal law prohibits business-to-private consumer shipping of alcoholic beverages by mail within the United States.

How to Pay Customs Duty

If you owe Customs duty, you must pay it before the conclusion of your CBP processing. You may pay it in any of the following ways:

  • U.S. currency only.
  • Personal check in the exact amount, drawn on a U.S. bank, made payable to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. You must present identification, such as a passport or U.S. driver's license. CBP does not accept checks bearing second-party endorsement.
  • Government check, money order or traveler's check if the amount does not exceed the duty owed by more than $50.

In some locations/POEs, you may pay duty with either MasterCard or VISA credit cards.

Increased Duty Rates

Items from certain countries.

Under what is known as its "301" authority, the United States may impose a much higher than normal duty rate on products from certain countries. Currently, the United States has imposed a 100 percent rate of duty on certain products of Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, The Federal Republic of Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the Ukraine. If you should bring more of any of these products back with you than fall within your exemption or flat rate of duty, (see below) you will pay as much in duty as you paid for the product or products.

While most of the products listed are not the type of goods that travelers would purchase in sufficient quantities to exceed their exemption, diamonds from the Ukraine are subject to the 100 percent duty and might easily exceed the exemption amount.

For information on countries that may become subject to a higher than normal duty rate, check the Department of Commerce Web site.

Countries With Free or Reduced Customs Duty Rates

The United States gives Customs duty preferences-that is, conditionally free or subject to reduced rates-to certain designated beneficiary developing countries under a trade program called the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). Some products that would otherwise be dutiable are not when they are wholly the growth, product, or manufacture of a beneficiary GSP country. Visit the Office of United States Trade Representative website for additional GSP information.

  • Many products from Caribbean and Andean countries are exempt from duty under the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act, Andean Trade Preference Act and the Andean Trade Promotion and Drug Eradication Act.
  • Many products from certain sub-Saharan African countries are exempt from duty under the African Growth and Opportunity Act.
  • Most products from Israel, Jordan, Chile and Singapore may also enter the United States either free of duty or at a reduced rate under the U.S. free trade agreements with those countries.
  • The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) went into effect in 1994. If you are returning from Canada or Mexico , your goods are eligible for free or reduced duty rates if they were grown, manufactured, or produced in Canada or Mexico, as defined by the Act.

Additional information on these special trade programs can be found on the CBP Web site.

Household Effects & Personal Effects - Customs Duty Guidance

Household effects conditionally included are duty-free. These include such items as furniture, carpets, paintings, tableware, stereos, linens, and similar household furnishings; tools of the trade, professional books, implements, and instruments.

You may import household effects you acquired abroad duty-free if:

  • You used them abroad for no less than one year.
  • They are not intended for any other person or for sale.

For Customs purposes, clothing, jewelry, photography equipment, portable radios, and vehicles are considered personal effects and cannot be brought in duty-free as household effects. However, duty is usually waived on personal effects more than one year of age. All vehicles are dutiable.

Mailing and Shipping Goods - Customs Duty Guidance

Unaccompanied purchases are goods you bought on a trip that are being mailed or shipped to you in the United States. In other words, you are not carrying the goods with you when you return. If your unaccompanied purchases are from an insular possession (IP) or a Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) country and are being imported within 30 days and sent directly from those locations to the United States, you may enter them as follows:

  • Up to $1,600 in goods will be duty-free under your personal exemption if the merchandise is from an IP.
  • Up to $800 in goods will be duty-free if it is from a CBI or Andean country.
  • Any additional amount, up to $1,000, in goods will be dutiable at a flat rate (3%).

To take advantage of the Customs duty-free exemption for unaccompanied tourist purchases (mailing/shipping) from an IP or CBI country:

Step 1. At place and time of purchase, ask your merchant to hold your item until you send him or her a copy of CBP Form 255 (Declaration of Unaccompanied Articles), which must be affixed to the package when it is shipped.

Step 2. (a) On your declaration form (CBP Form 6059B), list everything you acquired on your trip that is accompanying you. You must also complete a separate Declaration of Unaccompanied Articles form (CBP Form 255) for each package or container that will be sent to you after you arrive in the United States. This form may be available where you make your purchase. If not, you may find the form on the CBP website.

Step 3. When you return to the United States, the CBP officer will: (a) collect Customs duty and any tax due on the dutiable goods you have brought with you; (b) verify your list of unaccompanied articles with your sales receipts; (c) validate your CBP Form 255 to determine if your purchases are duty-free under your personal exemption ($1,600 or $800) or if the purchases are subject to a flat rate of duty.

Step 4. Two copies of the three-part CBP Form 255 will be returned to you. Send the yellow copy of the CBP Form 255 to the foreign shopkeeper or vendor holding your purchase, and keep the other copy for your records.

Step 5. When the merchant gets your CBP Form 255, he or she must place it in an envelope and attach the envelope securely to the outside wrapping of the package or container. The merchant must also mark each package "Unaccompanied Purchase." Please remember that each package or container must have its own CBP Form 255 attached , the most important step to follow in order to gain the benefits allowed under this procedure.

Step 6. If your package has been mailed, the U.S. Postal Service will deliver it after it clears Customs. If you owe duty, the Postal Service will collect the duty along with a postal handling fee. If a freight service transports your package, they will notify you of its arrival and you must go to their office holding the shipment and complete the CBP entry procedure. If you owe duty or tax, you will need to pay it at that time in order to secure the release of the goods. You could also hire a customs customhouse broker to do this for you. However, be aware that customhouse brokers are private businesses and are not CBP employees, and they charge fees for their services.

If freight or express packages from your trip landed in the U.S. before you return and you have not made arrangements to pick them up, CBP will authorize their placement into general order bonded warehouse or public storage after 15 days (days for perishable, flammable, explosives). This storage and all other related charges (transportation, demurrage, handling) will be at your risk and expense. If the goods are not claimed within six months, they will be sold at auction.

Per U.S. Postal Service regulations, packages sent by mail and not claimed within 30 days from the date of U.S. arrival will be returned to the sender unless the amount of duty is being protested.

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Driving to Mexico? Make Sure You Have the Right Car Insurance

Isabel Contreras

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Spring break is just around the corner, and many Americans will soon flock to Mexico’s white sand beaches and bustling cities to enjoy their time off. But those opting for a road trip will need to sort out their car insurance coverage first. Mexico legally requires all drivers, including American tourists, to have liability insurance , and failing to purchase enough insurance could land drivers in jail should they cause an accident.

Standard U.S. auto insurance policies won’t cover drivers south of the border, so it’s vital to purchase Mexican car insurance before making the trip.

Liability car insurance is crucial when driving in Mexico

Many large U.S. insurance companies partner with Mexican insurers to offer Mexican car insurance to their customers. Plans are flexible, starting at a single day of coverage and going for as long as a year. Another option is to purchase insurance from a U.S. broker that specializes in Mexican car insurance.

Mexico requires drivers to hold 100,000 Mexican pesos (around $5,800) for bodily injury and death liability coverage and 50,000 Mexican pesos (around $2,900) for property liability damage. If you're caught driving in Mexico without this minimum coverage, you may face a fine of at least $200. If you cause an accident while driving uninsured in Mexico and cannot pay for the damages you caused, you could face jail time. That’s because in Mexico, all car accidents are considered criminal offenses, not just civil matters.

“If you don't have insurance and you cause an accident, you can be held by the authorities,” says Geoff Hill, vice president of business development at Baja Bound, a California-based agency that specializes in Mexican auto insurance. “If you're at fault, they will hold you until you can come up with the money to pay for the damage you [caused]. If you had insurance, you wouldn't be on the hook for that.”

Oscar Arrieta, an Allstate insurance agent in El Paso, Texas, stresses the importance of having strong liability coverage above all other protection while driving in Mexico. The country’s liability insurance requirements are likely not enough to protect you and your finances if you cause an accident. “To me, protecting your vehicle is secondary,” he says. “It’s [about] the damage you create.”

Arrieta recommends a policy that has at least a $300,000 combined single limit, which is one larger liability limit to cover both bodily injury and property damage. Baja Bound only sells policies that start at that $300,000 limit and go up to $500,000 in liability coverage.

Other types of car insurance coverage worth having in Mexico

Because there’s a possibility that a car accident could land you in jail, many Mexican insurance policies include legal assistance coverage. This benefit can help you find and pay for an attorney and post bail, up to your policy’s limit.

Mexican insurers also typically offer hands-on support at the scene of an accident. If you’re in a car accident, an adjuster from your insurance company will arrive at the accident to examine the scene and determine how to proceed with other drivers’ insurers. That’s a big difference from how things work in the U.S. , where adjusters won’t get involved until later.

To drive with peace of mind, it might be wise to consider strengthening your Mexican car insurance policy by purchasing medical payments coverage, which pays for the cost of treating your and your passengers’ injuries after an accident.

Even though it’s legally required, only a small portion of drivers in Mexico have car insurance, according to Mexico’s National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Users of Financial Services. And those who do might only satisfy the $2,900 property damage liability coverage requirement.

That is why you should also consider buying physical damage coverage and theft coverage which, combined, offer similar coverage to collision and comprehensive insurance in Mexico. These cover the cost of repairing or replacing your own car after it's stolen or damaged in various situations, up to its current market value. Some U.S. insurance companies offer limited insurance coverage in Mexico, as long as you're within a certain distance of the border, so check with your insurer to see if damage to your vehicle is covered in Mexico.

But no matter what, if you’re driving in Mexico, it is crucial to purchase liability insurance coverage at the very least — even if your insurer will cover damage to your car while driving in Mexico.

Mexican rental car insurance

If you’re planning to rent a vehicle for your trip, the best move will be to do so once you’re in Mexico. Many U.S. rental companies restrict or prohibit their cars from being driven into Mexico. The coverage options available at Mexican rental counters will all comply with the local minimum requirements, so that will be one less thing to worry about when your only concern should be finding the best taquería in town.

On a similar note...

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mexico travel money

What are the 4 levels of travel advisory? What to know about spring break trips to Mexico

mexico travel money

The U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Mexico issued a spring break travel advisory on Feb. 26.

Violent crime is widespread and common in Mexico , according to the U.S. State Department . Crimes such as carjacking, homicide, kidnapping and robbery are prevalent.

Travel: Should I mask for my flight? What to know about COVID and traveling.

Here's what you need to know about U.S. State Department travel advisories:

Is Mexico safe 2024?

According to the spring break travel advisory , there is list of safety concerns to consider:

  • Arrests: Drunk and disorderly behavior, public urination, and open alcohol containers in vehicles are illegal in Mexico.  If you break Mexican law, you can be arrested.
  • Crime:  Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations. Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations. See the  Mexico Travel Advisory   for specific information for each Mexican state. U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break locations including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark.
  • Drowning: Some beaches have strong undercurrents and rip tides. Beaches may lack lifeguards, warnings, or signs of unsafe conditions.
  • Drugs: Drug possession and use, including medical marijuana, is illegal in Mexico and may result in a lengthy jail sentence. U.S. citizens have become seriously ill or died in Mexico after using synthetic drugs or adulterated prescription pills.
  • Guns and Ammunition:  All guns and even small amounts of ammunition are illegal in Mexico.  Firearms and other weapons violations may result in lengthy jail time.
  • Immigration:   Violating the terms of your stay in Mexico can result in steep fines and detention.
  • Medical Emergencies: An illness or accident could result in the need to seek medical treatment or hospitalization in Mexico. Private hospital prices can be higher than those in the United States. Many facilities require payment (sometimes only in cash) either before providing treatment or before discharging a patient.
  • Pharmaceuticals:  Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients.  Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
  • Sexual Assault: U.S. citizens have been victims of rape and sexual assault. Perpetrators may target inebriated or isolated individuals or may employ drugs that alter the victim’s physical or mental state.
  • Unregulated Alcohol: Unregulated alcohol may be contaminated, and U.S. citizens have reported losing consciousness or becoming injured after consuming alcohol that was possibly tainted.

Mexico spring break travel advisory 2024

According to the spring break travel advisory , there is a list of actions travelers should take:

  • Avoid strong currents and do not swim after drinking or when warning flags note unsafe conditions.
  • Be aware of your safety and protect your personal possessions when using public transportation. Use radio taxis or those from “sitio” taxi stands. Application-based car services such as Uber and Cabify are available in many Mexican cities, and generally offer another relatively safe alternative to taxis.
  • Call 911 in an emergency. Although there may be English-speaking operators available, it is best to seek the assistance of a Spanish speaker to place the call.
  • Consider downloading the “Guest Assist” application on your smart phone if traveling to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, or other areas in the state of Quintana Roo. The Mexican government provides information on emergency services and assistance for tourists via the app and their  website .
  • Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate if you need assistance.
  • Drink responsibly and always watch your drink. If you begin to feel ill, seek medical attention immediately. Report cases of suspected unregulated or contaminated alcohol to the Mexican Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risk (COFEPRIS) by  filing a report online   at the COFEPRIS website, call the COFEPRIS call center at +52 01-8—033-5050, or visit a COFEPRIS office.
  • Enroll in the State Department’s  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program   to receive up-to-date information on safety conditions in Mexico and to help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency.
  • Keep friends and family at home informed of your travel plans, especially if traveling alone.
  • Keep your passport and entry permit (FMM), if applicable, in a safe place. Confirm the date you must depart Mexico.
  • Know your drinking companions and stay in a group of friends who have your safety in mind when you are in clubs and bars, walking in dimly lit areas, or in a taxi at night. Obey Mexican law and remember Mexican laws may differ from U.S. laws.
  • Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage in Mexico, or purchase travel insurance that covers you in Mexico. Seek coverage that includes medical evacuation.  Confirm costs of medical treatment in advance, when possible.
  • Read the  Mexico Travel Advisory  and  Country Information Page  for details on travel throughout Mexico, including entry requirements.
  • Regularly monitor your credit or debit card accounts to ensure there are no unauthorized transactions. Limit the amount of cash you carry in public, exercise caution when withdrawing cash, and avoid ATMs in isolated or unlit areas.
  • See our  advice for cruise passengers  , particularly those with underlying health conditions.

U.S. State Department Travel Warnings for Mexico

Here are the travel warnins from the U.S. State Department :

Do Not Travel To In Mexico

  • Colima state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Guerrero state  due to  crime .
  • Michoacan state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Sinaloa state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping
  • Tamaulipas state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping.
  • Zacatecas  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Reconsider Travel To in Mexico:

  • Baja California  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Chihuahua state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Durango state  due to  crime .
  • Guanajuato state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Jalisco state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Morelos state  due to  crime .
  • Sonora state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To in Mexico

  • Aguascalientes  state due to  crime .
  • Baja California Sur state  due to  crime .
  • Chiapas state  due to  crime .
  • Coahuila state  due to  crime .
  • Hidalgo state  due to  crime .
  • Mexico City  due to  crime .
  • Mexico State  due to  crime .
  • Nayarit state  due to  crime.
  • Nuevo Leon  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Oaxaca state  due to  crime .
  • Puebla state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Queretaro state  due to  crime .
  • Quintana Roo state  due to  crime .
  • San Luis Potosi state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Tabasco state  due to  crime .
  • Tlaxcala state  due to  crime .
  • Veracruz state  due to  crime .

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To In Mexico

  • Campeche state
  • Yucatan state

Is Cancun safe in Mexico?

The Quintana Roo state − where Cancun is located − is under a Level 2 travel advisory, warning travelers to exercise increased caution due to crime.

According to the State Department, criminal activity and violence may occur at any time in any location, including in popular tourist spots. Maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations. 

Travel advisory tips for Mexico trips

According to the State Department, consider these things when traveling to Mexico:

If you decide to travel to Mexico:

  • Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend.
  • Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
  • Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
  • Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
  • Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
  • Follow the U.S. Embassy on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
  • Review the  Country Security Report  for Mexico.
  • Mariners planning travel to Mexico should check for U.S. maritime  advisories  and  alerts , which include instructions on reporting suspicious activities and attacks to Mexican naval authorities.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
  • Visit the  CDC page  for the latest travel health information related to your travel. 

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What are the 4 levels of travel advisory?

Here are the four levels of travel advisory , according to the U.S. State Department:

Travel Advisory Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions

  • This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time.

Travel Advisory Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution

  • Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Departments of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.

Travel Advisory Level 3 - Reconsider Travel

  • Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.

Travel Advisory Level 4 – Do Not Travel  

  • This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.

Cheap flights: The destinations that could see a drop in airfare prices this year

What countries have a Level 4 travel warning?

  • Afghanistan
  • Burkina Faso
  • Central African Republic
  • North Korea
  • South Sudan

What countries have a Level 3 travel warning?

  • El Salvador
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Papau New Guinea
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Trinidad & Tobago

Travel advisory tips for high-risk areas

The State Department recommends three websites for information on travel safety tips :

  • Bureau of Consular Affairs  
  • The Overseas Security Advisory Council  
  • The Federal Bureau of Investigation

Chris Sims is a digital producer for Gannett. Follow him on Twitter:  @ChrisFSims .

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  • Per Diem Lookup

City Pair Program (CPP)

The OMB-designated Best-in-Class City Pair Program procures and manages discounted air passenger transportation services for federal government travelers. At its inception in 1980 this service covered only 11 markets, and now covers over 13,000 markets. Today, CPP offers four different contract fares.

Fare finder

  • Search for contract fares

Note: All fares are listed one-way and are valid in either direction. Disclaimer - taxes and fees may apply to the final price

Taxes and fees may apply to the final price

Your agency’s authorized travel management system will show the final price, excluding baggage fees. Commercial baggage fees can be found on the Airline information page.

Domestic fares include all existing Federal, State, and local taxes, as well as airport maintenance fees and other administrative fees. Domestic fares do not include fees such as passenger facility charges, segment fees, and passenger security service fees.

International

International fares do not include taxes and fees, but include fuel surcharge fees.

Note for international fares: City codes, such as Washington (WAS), are used for international routes.

Federal travelers should use their authorized travel management system when booking airfare.

  • E-Gov Travel Service for civilian agencies.
  • Defense Travel System for the Department of Defense.

If these services are not fully implemented, travelers should use these links:

  • Travel Management Center for civilian agencies.
  • Defense Travel Management Office for the Department of Defense.

Contract Awards CSV

Download the FY24 City Pair Contract Awards [CSV - 1 MB] to have them available offline. The file updates after 11:59 pm Eastern Time on standard business days. Previous fiscal year contract awards can be found on the Fiscal documents and information page . To read more about the contract award highlights, please see our Award highlights .

Instructions for the FY24 CSV file

All fares are listed one-way and are valid in either direction. In the CSV file, Origin and Destination are in alphabetical order regardless of travel direction. The Origin is the airport code (domestic travel) or city code (international travel) that comes first alphabetically and the Destination is the airport or city code that comes second alphabetically.

For example, you are traveling from Washington, DC to London, England. You know the city codes are WAS and LON respectively. The city code LON comes first alphabetically and WAS comes second alphabetically. To find the contract fares, you filter:

City Pair Program benefits and info

CPP offers government travelers extra features and flexibility when planning official travel, in addition to maintaining deep program discounts. These include:

  • Fully refundable tickets.
  • No advance purchase required.
  • No change fees or cancelation penalties.
  • Stable prices which enables accurate travel budgeting.
  • No blackout dates.
  • Fares priced on one-way routes, permitting agencies to plan multiple destinations.

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CPP is a mandatory use, government-wide program, designated as a Best-In-Class procurement by OMB. The program delivers best value airfares, and ensures federal agencies effectively and efficiently meet their mission.

CPP saves the federal government time and money by maintaining one government-wide air program. At the acquisition level CPP delivers data analysis, compliance, and uses strategic sourcing to optimize its service.

PER DIEM LOOK-UP

1 choose a location.

Error, The Per Diem API is not responding. Please try again later.

No results could be found for the location you've entered.

Rates for Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. Territories and Possessions are set by the Department of Defense .

Rates for foreign countries are set by the State Department .

2 Choose a date

Rates are available between 10/1/2021 and 09/30/2024.

The End Date of your trip can not occur before the Start Date.

Traveler reimbursement is based on the location of the work activities and not the accommodations, unless lodging is not available at the work activity, then the agency may authorize the rate where lodging is obtained.

Unless otherwise specified, the per diem locality is defined as "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city, including independent entities located within those boundaries."

Per diem localities with county definitions shall include "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city as well as the boundaries of the listed counties, including independent entities located within the boundaries of the key city and the listed counties (unless otherwise listed separately)."

When a military installation or Government - related facility(whether or not specifically named) is located partially within more than one city or county boundary, the applicable per diem rate for the entire installation or facility is the higher of the rates which apply to the cities and / or counties, even though part(s) of such activities may be located outside the defined per diem locality.

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5 key issues at stake in the upcoming 2024 Mexican elections

Presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum greets supporters upon her arrival to her opening campaign rally at the Zocalo in Mexico City, Friday, March 1, 2024. General Elections are set for June 2. (AP Photo/Aurea Del Rosario)

Presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum greets supporters upon her arrival to her opening campaign rally at the Zocalo in Mexico City, Friday, March 1, 2024. General Elections are set for June 2. (AP Photo/Aurea Del Rosario)

Presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum greets supporters upon her arrival to her opening campaign rally at the Zocalo in Mexico City, Friday, March 1, 2024. General Elections are set for June 2. (AP Photo/Aurea Del Rosario)

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Presidential candidate Xóchitl Galvez waves during her opening campaign rally in Irapuato, Mexico, Friday, March 1, 2024. At right is Libia Dennise García, who is running as candidate for Governor of Guanajuato state. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

Supporters of presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum attend her opening campaign rally at the Zocalo in Mexico City, Friday, March 1, 2024. General Elections are set for June 2. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

Supooterts of Presidential candidate Xóchitl Galvez attend her opening campaign rally in Irapuato, Mexico, Friday, March 1, 2024. General Elections are set for June 2.(AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador gives his daily, morning press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City, Friday, March 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico is almost certainly about to get its first woman president.

Ruling-party candidate Claudia Sheinbaum leads in polls on the race leading to the June 2 vote . The second-place candidate is also a woman. A man running for a small third party essentially has no chance of winning.

Popular President Andrés Manuel López Obrador is barred by law from running for another six-year term, and Sheinbaum is running for his Morena party. Businesswoman, senator and Indigenous Affairs official Xóchitl Gálvez has an uphill battle, backed by a coalition of all the main opposition parties.

Sheinbaum, Mexico City’s former mayor, has a doctorate in energy engineering and a long career in leftist politics. Gálvez helped her family by selling tamales in the street as a girl. She went on to earn a degree in computer engineering and start her own tech companies.

Whoever wins, here are the issues and stakes.

HOW COULD MEXICO’S ELECTION AFFECT MIGRATION?

Most migrants to the United States come over the border with Mexico to Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. Mexico has agreed to some things that it isn’t legally obligated to do, such as deploying its National Guard to arrest migrants, and accepting the return of non-Mexicans who pass through on their way to the U.S.

FILE - Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, left, stands with his wife Ana Garcia, during the presidential inauguration ceremony for his second term at the National Stadium in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Jan. 27, 2018. The former first lady said Tuesday, March 12, 2024, just days after her husband’s U.S. drug trafficking conviction, that she plans to seek the country’s presidency in 2025. (AP Photo/Fernando Antonio, File)

Migration isn’t much of an issue in Mexico, outside of calls for the fair treatment of Mexicans in the U.S. Mexico’s next president will almost certainly have latitude in deciding either to stop cooperating with the United States, or crack down harder on migrants heading north. Either would be a big change and migration is already certain to be a key issue for whoever wins the White House in November.

COULD MEXICO’S VOTE AFFECT THE FLOW OF DRUGS?

Supporters of presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum attend her opening campaign rally at the Zocalo in Mexico City, Friday, March 1, 2024. General Elections are set for June 2. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

Supporters of presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum attend her opening campaign rally at the Zocalo in Mexico City, Friday, March 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

Instead of confronting the drug cartels, López Obrador has adopted what is for him the pragmatic policy of increasing government hand-outs to drain the pool of recruits for cartels seeking gunmen. But many poor, addicted or neglected youths can still be convinced to pick up a gun.

Under López Obrador, anti-drug cooperation has been limited by nationalism; he doesn’t like the DEA in his country and denies that Mexico produces fentanyl, the opioid that kills over 70,000 Americans each year.

The next president could take that view to an even greater extreme or decide to cooperate more as evidence mounts that drug cartels are incompatible with domestic peace .

HOW WILL MEXICO’S VOTE AFFECT ITS ECONOMY?

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador gives his daily, morning press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City, Friday, March 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte)

In the 1980s, the United States could threaten to close the border any time the Mexican government displeased Washington. Those days are over. U.S. appliance, auto-parts and automotive factories have moved to Mexico, and they need daily shipments of parts.

As López Obrador put it, “they couldn’t last, maybe a day, but not a week” with a closed border. Mexico — not China — is now the United States’ biggest trading partner, and U.S. markets rely on Mexico for fresh produce and many other things. The economic relationship may now simply be “too big to fail.”

Over 50 countries go to the polls in 2024

  • The year will test even the most robust democracies. Read more on what’s to come here .
  • Take a look at the 25 places where a change in leadership could resonate around the world.
  • Keep track of the latest AP elections coverage from around the world here.

Mexico also depends on the money sent home by citizens living abroad — mostly in the United States. Last year, Mexican migrants sent home a record $63.3 billion . Income from remittances surpasses what Mexico earns from tourism and exports of oil and most manufactured goods.

WILL MEXICO’S VOTE SHOW A NEW LATIN POPULISM?

Presidential candidate Xóchitl Galvez waves during her opening campaign rally in Irapuato, Mexico, Friday, March 1, 2024. At right is Libia Dennise García, who is running as candidate for Governor of Guanajuato state. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

Latin America has seen periodic swings from left to right for decades. Free-spending presidents friendly to Iran or Russia have been quickly replaced by neoconservatives, and vice versa.

A populist wave appears to have interrupted the region’s normal pendulum swings with two key events in recent months — the overwhelming reelection of El Salvador’s hardline president Nayib Bukele, and the victory for libertarian firebrand Javier Milei in Argentina.

A victory for Morena on June 2 could entrench populism for 12 years in Mexico, essentially reviving the old idea of a charismatic, nationalist, hand-out regime as the perennial party in power.

Hungary has kept its populist president in power for nearly 15 years, but the world record is held by Mexico’s old ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI, which held the presidency for — wait for it — 71 uninterrupted years.

WILL MEXICAN DEMOCRACY SURVIVE?

Supooterts of Presidential candidate Xóchitl Galvez attend her opening campaign rally in Irapuato, Mexico, Friday, March 1, 2024. General Elections are set for June 2.(AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

López Obrador has tried mightily to eliminate checks and balances, regulatory oversight and the role of non-governmental organizations. He has accumulated more centralized power than any president since the heyday of the PRI in the 1970s, an era for which he expresses open nostalgia.

His main tool of governance has been the army, which has built a portfolio of railways, an airline, airports and hotels. Mexico’s army, unlike many other Latin American nations’, has not become involved in politics through coups or candidacies since the 1940s. But many worry that the Morena party’s continued dominance might endanger that old arrangement .

Whoever wins, the outgoing president is leaving a pile of ambitious, unfinished projects, obligations and debt. López Obrador has pledged to retire entirely from politics after he leaves office, but few people believe that a man who has basically spent every waking minute for the last 30 years driving toward his political goals will give that up so easily.

Follow AP’s Latin-America coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america

mexico travel money

We spent over $3,300, took 2 flights, and glamped for days to pet gray whales in Mexico

  • My husband and I spent over $3,300 to go on a whale-watching expedition in Mexico .
  • The price of the trip included three meals per day and a glamping tent with a bed and a shower.
  • We got to spend lots of time with the whales up close, which is an experience I'll never forget.

Insider Today

I'm a bit of a whale-watching addict. So when I saw a TikTok of people hanging over the side of tiny boats to pet a gray whale on the head, I knew I had to find a way to experience it for myself.

After doing some research, I learned that the optimal time to visit their protective breeding and calving lagoons in Baja, Mexico, was starting in February, just a few months away.

However, the San Ignacio lagoon, which is the epicenter of gray whale activity, is only accessible through licensed tour companies . So, my husband and I booked a four-day, three-night glamping trip with Baja Expeditions, a company known for sustainable tourism.

Although the experience can cost upwards of $2,500 per person, we were able to score a trip for $1,650 each through a Super Bowl weekend deal.

Our journey started with 2 flights to the San Ignacio Lagoon

We kicked off the trip by flying from Seattle to Cabo San Lucas, where we headed to the Baja Expeditions offices.

When we arrived, a chartered bus shuttled our entire tour group to the San Jose del Cabo International Airport, where we stuffed 14 people into small Cessna planes.

For the next two hours, we watched over the pilot's shoulder as he flew the plane. I plastered my face against the window to take in the incredible canyon-filled scenery, marveling at the remote version of Mexico I didn't know existed.

When we landed on the shoreline of the San Ignacio Lagoon, a Baja Expeditions employee welcomed us with bubbly.

I was surprised to find there was no warm, tropical climate, and was instantly grateful that I followed the packing list provided to us and packed a puffer jacket.

It definitely took me a second to adjust to the cold temperatures.

We arrived at our campsite and enjoyed some lunch

After grabbing our bags, we were loaded into SUVs and taken to the glamping grounds, which would serve as our home for the next four days.

Inside our tent was a space heater, a tent shower that had water warmer than most hotels I've stayed in, and bed with cozy fleece-lined electric blankets.

In the dining tent, we enjoyed a lunch of gourmet Thai-style chicken salads. I was excited at the prospect of all the included breakfast, lunch and dinner meals to come since they were included in the price of the trip.

As we ate, the Baja Expedition guides announced we'd be leaving to see the gray whales soon

Dressed in warm layers and rain gear, I was given a life preserver, soft-shell jacket, and knee-high rain boots.

I struggled to carry a ridiculous amount of photography equipment with me as our guide helped us into a small metal boat, known as a panga.

Soon, we were off on a high-speed 30-minute boat ride to the heart of the San Ignacio Lagoon.

When we arrived, the boat slowed down, and moments later, we spotted the smooth back of our first gray whale gliding through the water.

All six of us shot to our feet, cheering at our first sighting, while the captain and guide smiled at our unfiltered joy.

Another whale surfaced closer to our boat while we spotted the spout of a gray whale coming up for a deep breath of air on the other side of the panga.

I wondered how long this kind of luck could last and dreaded that it would end too soon…until I realized we were surrounded by whales.

Two hours later, as our panga floated among these gentle giant gray whales, I sat dazed with joy watching whale after whale surface, spy hop, and breach throughout the lagoon.

I got to have the close encounter of my dreams

Later, our guide told us to splash the water to capture the whales' attention.

I threw myself to the side of the panga while frantically splashing like I might never get this chance again. It worked.

Ever so slowly, an enormous dark mass rose toward the surface of the cloudy water. We reached our arms out as the whale paused. She then poked her nose up, resting on the side of the boat.

I reached toward her, carefully avoiding the barnacles on her dark gray skin, and found a patch on her nose to rub gently.

I found myself cooing endearments at this massive, smooth whale, who seemed to beg for scratches like a golden retriever.

The trip was something my husband and I will never forget

For the remainder of this epic trip, we visited the San Ignacio lagoon six more times and had more close encounters than we could have ever dreamed possible.

We even got another chance to look into the eye of a 40-ton whale, just inches away, as we touched her face.

As we returned home from Cabo San Lucas, my husband and I agreed that this whale-watching trip could never be topped. We're already making plans to visit these special creatures again soon.

Watch: SeaWorld is ending its killer whale show after being criticized for how it treats them

mexico travel money

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Biden rebutter Sen. Britt blasted for recycling 20-year-old sex traffic story to attack border policy

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  • In her rebuttal to Biden's State of the Union, Republican Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama used what appears to be a sex trafficking victim's experience from the early 2000s to condemn President Joe Biden's current border policy.
  • The victim Britt referenced was Karla Jacinto Romero, who was sex trafficked in Mexico from 2004 to 2008, twenty years before Biden became president.
  • Journalist Jonathan Katz first pieced together Britt's presentation of Jacinto Romero's experience in a TikTok video.

Alabama Republican Sen. Katie Britt is under fire for using what appears to be a sex trafficking victim's experience from the early 2000s to condemn President Joe Biden and his border policy.

Britt gave the GOP rebuttal to Biden's State of the Union address to Congress this week.

During her rebuttal, Britt referenced a visit to the Del Rio sector of the Texas border where she depicted a seemingly personal conversation with someone who had survived sex trafficking by groups in the U.S.

"That's where I spoke to a woman who shared her story with me," Britt said in the video. "She had been sex trafficked by the cartels starting at the age of 12."

The victim Britt referenced was Karla Jacinto Romero , who was sex trafficked in Mexico — not the United States, as the senator suggested — from 2004 to 2008, twenty years before the Democrat Biden became president.

The journalist Jonathan Katz first pieced together Britt's presentation of Jacinto Romero's experience in a TikTok video.

Britt seemingly attempted to present the anecdote as a damning example of Biden's border management.

"We wouldn't be okay with this happening in a third-world country," she added. "President Biden's border policies are a disgrace. This crisis is despicable."

But Jacinto Romero did not experience sex trafficking in the U.S. as a result of Biden's border policy — because he was not president from 2004 to 2008 and because she was sex trafficked in Mexico.

Katz slammed Britt for the implication that Jacinto Romero divulged her experiences privately.

"Britt tells it like she's sitting by the banks of the Rio Grande, like holding her hand, like getting her to tell the story that she won't tell anyone else," he said.

Instead, he added, Jacinto Romero is a public advocate for sex trafficking and has repeatedly shared her story publicly to shed light on the issue. Jacinto Romero ha s testified to U.S. Congress , the Mexican House of Representatives and the Vatican, according to a short 2015 profile in a U.S. House of Representatives document.

Britt visited the Del Rio area in January 2023 on a joint trip with Sens. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss. During that trip, Jacinto Romero appeared at a press conference with Britt, Blackburn and Hyde-Smith where she publicly relayed her grueling sex-trafficking story.

Britt has faced a flurry of online criticism since the anecdote was exposed as misplaced, compounding previous disapproval about her rebuttal's delivery.

"So not only was Katie Britt a flaming embarrassment. She is also an out and out liar. Alabama's finest!" political scientist Norman Ornstein wrote in an X post .

Ornstein is a part of a broader chorus of journalists and others slamming Britt for her storytelling.

"This was old Alabama politics. The politics of fear and confusion," Alabama columnist Kyle Whitmire wrote on X. "Britt blamed Biden for an assault that appears to have happened 20 years ago. Her spokesman won't give a clear answer when asked."

Christine Pelosi, political strategist and daughter of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, demanded in a Saturday X post that Britt apologize "for lying about the horrific case of sexual violence that you exploited for political purposes."

Sean Ross, spokesperson for Sen. Britt, did not deny that Jacinto Romero is the sex-trafficking survivor in question but doubled down on Britt's story.

"The story Senator Britt told was 100% correct," Ross said in a statement to CNBC. "But there are more innocent victims of that kind of disgusting, brutal trafficking by the cartels than ever before right now."

Though sex trafficking has taken place in the U.S. under the Biden administration, Jacinto Romero's sex-trafficking story is not an example of it.

"Today, Karla is a happy and successful mother of two beautiful girls, a wife, a student, and an international activist," reads the 2015 House document.

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IMAGES

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COMMENTS

  1. Travel money Mexico 2024: How to pay & how much to bring

    Get up to $300 cash bonus with qualifying direct deposit. Terms apply. This offer is available until June 30, 2024. Earn up to 4.60% APY on savings by meeting deposit requirements, and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Members without deposit requirements will earn 0.50% APY on both savings and checking balances.

  2. How Much Cash Should You Bring to Mexico? Calculate now!

    Follow these Mexico travel money tips to save money when it comes to international travel and exchanging currency in Mexico: When given the option, pay in pesos: When paying at restaurants or stores in major tourist destinations in Mexico, you'll likely be given the option to pay in pesos or USD (even when paying with a credit card). Always ...

  3. Money in Mexico: Your Complete 2024 Guide by an Expat

    The Mexican peso is the official currency in Mexico. It is often written as MXN or with a dollar symbol ($) as you would use for US dollars, Canadian dollars, Australian dollars, etc. Mexican pesos come in note denominations of 1000 (circa $50), 500 (circa $25), 200 (circa $12), 100 (circa $5), 50 (circa $2.50), and 20 (circa $1).

  4. Get to Know Mexican Paper Bills and Currency

    Mexico's currency is the Mexican Peso, and its ISO code is MXN. There are one hundred Mexican centavos in each peso. Mexican bills are of varied colors and have pictures of a variety of important Mexican historical figures printed on them. The banknotes are printed in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 pesos.

  5. 2023 Guide: Travel Money in Mexico

    Planning your travel money in Mexico is an important part of preparing for your trip. By understanding currency exchange rates, choosing the best ways to carry money, being aware of ATMs and currency exchange options, and practicing safety and security measures, you can have a worry-free experience. Don't forget to consult with your bank ...

  6. The Cost of Travel in Mexico: My 2024 Budget Breakdown

    It has a reputation for being expensive, but bargains can still be had. Casa Almendro comes in at $51 a night — a steal for Tulum — and still manages to have the amenities of a luxury hotel. You're within walking distance of the centre of Tulum, so finding a restaurant becomes a hell of a lot easier.

  7. How to Travel in Mexico on a Budget

    If you're a budget traveler, you're going to be pleasantly surprised by how low your expenses are. Let's say you travel overland using public transport, stay primarily in hostels, eat Mexican street food for three meals a day, and take a tour every couple of weeks or so. In this situation, you can expect to average just $25 a day in Mexico.

  8. Money in Mexico: A traveller's guide

    The best ways to pay in Mexico. You can pay by card in most shops and restaurants, but cash is still needed for street food and smaller businesses. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are the most commonly accepted bank cards in Mexico. Some establishments will add a 5% to 7% surcharge when you pay with a credit card.

  9. My Ultimate Travel Guide To Mexico (Money Saving Tips)

    Buses In Mexico. When traveling longer distances between cities, a comfortable option is to use Mexico's fantastic ADO Bus System. Buses have AC, a toilet, reclinable seats, and Spanish language movies. They are faster & more comfortable than colectivos for long distances. An hour long trip costs about $12.

  10. Mexico Travel Guide (Updated 2024)

    Mexico Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips. Mexico is incredibly budget-friendly. Unless you're splurging on food or resorts, it's really easy to visit on a budget. That said, it never hurts to save more money! Here are some ways to save in Mexico: Shop at the markets for food - Mexico's markets are a great place to eat inexpensively and ...

  11. All About Mexican Pesos (MXN)

    Just as 100 cents make up a dollar in US currency, 100 cents make up one peso in Mexican currency. To keep things simple, let's say 20 Mexican pesos is roughly equal to one U.S. dollar. Then the Mexican coins you'll encounter are worth: 5 centavos ($0.05 MXN) = $0.002 USD. 10 centavos ($0.10 MXN) = $0.005 USD.

  12. What Currency is used in Mexico? Should you bring cash or cards?

    The best currency to bring to Mexico is a mix of pesos and US dollars. Use the dollars to pay for tours, entrance fees, accommodation, and travel. For everything else use pesos. It should be relatively simple to get pesos in your own country before you travel. Although if you are going to want a large amount then you may need to order them ...

  13. 2023 Guide: Should You Exchange Money Before Traveling to Mexico?

    In conclusion, exchanging money before traveling to Mexico offers several benefits, including convenience, peace of mind, and the ability to secure competitive exchange rates. However, some travelers may prefer to exchange currency upon arrival for the sake of flexibility or the potential to find better rates. Regardless of the chosen approach ...

  14. Money Matters: What To Know About Money When Traveling To Mexico

    In Mexico, the official currency is the Mexican peso (MXN). One peso is divided into 100 centavos. Mexican paper money comes in denominations of $20, $50, $100, $200, $500 and $1000 pesos. The most common coins are the $1, $2, $5, $10 and $20 pesos. There are also $0.50, $1 and $5 peso coins.

  15. Mexico International Travel Information

    Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.

  16. Riviera Maya Currency Guide for Travel in 2024

    Usage Fee: $5 USD (waived) = $0 USD. Currency Conversion: $2000 MXN at BOA Conversion Rate (.0548) = $109.60 USD. International Transaction Fee: $110.60 x 3% = $3.28 USD. Total Amount for this Withdrawal: $112.88 USD. If you weren't to use a Scotiabank ATM, then you would be charged the $5 usage fee in addition.

  17. 25 Mexico Travel Tips to Know BEFORE Travel [2024]

    Me exploring Rio Secreto in Mexico #1 - Restroom Doors Marked With an "M" Are For the Ladies. The Spanish word for women is "mujeres."So, gentlemen, if you see a door marked with an "M," do NOT assume that it is the men's room. Instead, look for a door marked with an "H" (for "hombres") or a "C" (for "caballeros"). It seems like a simple enough thing, but going ...

  18. Best Tips For Exchanging Your Money For Pesos

    Best Way to Get Pesos for Mexico. 1. ATM in Mexico. A convenient way to get money in Mexico is by withdrawing pesos at an ATM. Major c redit and debit cards are accepted at Mexico ATMs and your bank will charge a foreign transaction fee of 1% to 3% of any amount withdrawn. The ATM may also have its own fee ranging from $1.00 USD to 1%.

  19. How to Use Money in Mexico

    Final Thoughts on Using Money in Mexico. And now you have what you need to use money in Mexico. By using Google and doing simple math, exchange rates and prices are no longer a mystery. You know it is customary to tip at least 10% for most services. And that you should use a good travel credit card wherever you go.

  20. What Currency Does Puerto Vallarta Use? (Local Money Guide)

    Puerto Vallarta primarily uses the Mexican peso (MXN) as its currency of choice. US dollars (USD) are also accepted by many local businesses, but you'll get more for your money if you use pesos. Making purchases with pesos is the best way to maximize your money's worth in Vallarta. The Canadian dollar is also widely accepted in the Vallarta ...

  21. Buy Mexican pesos

    The Mexican peso (M$) is the official currency of Mexico, and it's sometimes accepted in towns on the Mexican border in the southern US. Like all exchange rates, the Peso rate can vary of course; as a rough guide, the average rate between the peso and the British pound in 2018 was M$21.50 to £1.

  22. U.S. Issues Travel Warning for Mexico

    The warning, which was issued this week by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico, reminds travelers to "travel smart" and "be informed" as "thousands of U.S. citizens visit Mexico ...

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    Customs Duty is a tariff or tax imposed on goods when transported across international borders. The purpose of Customs Duty is to protect each country's economy, residents, jobs, environment, etc., by controlling the flow of goods, especially restrictive and prohibited goods, into and out of the country.

  24. Driving to Mexico? Make Sure You Have the Right Car Insurance

    Mexico requires drivers to hold 100,000 Mexican pesos (around $5,800) for bodily injury and death liability coverage and 50,000 Mexican pesos (around $2,900) for property liability damage. If you ...

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    The U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Mexico issued a spring break travel advisory on Feb. 26. Violent crime is widespread and common in Mexico, according to the U.S. State Department. Crimes such as ...

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    The Origin is the airport code (domestic travel) or city code (international travel) that comes first alphabetically and the Destination is the airport or city code that comes second alphabetically. ... CPP saves the federal government time and money by maintaining one government-wide air program. At the acquisition level CPP delivers data ...

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    Mexico also depends on the money sent home by citizens living abroad — mostly in the United States. Last year, Mexican migrants sent home a record $63.3 billion. Income from remittances surpasses what Mexico earns from tourism and exports of oil and most manufactured goods.

  28. We Touched Whales and Glamped in Mexico for $3,300, Worth It

    The trip was well-worth the money we paid. My husband and I spent $3,300 to travel to Mexico, go glaming in a tent, and touch massive gray whales. The trip was well-worth the money we paid.

  29. Sen. Katie Britt blasted for Biden rebuttal sex traffic claim

    Karla Jacinto Romero experienced sex trafficking in Mexico from 2004 to 2008, twenty years before Biden took executive office. ... Best Travel Credit Cards. ... Best Money Transfer Apps. Best ...