Mexico Holiday Questions re money
Discussion
I went about 15 years ago and only used US dollars, I went back two years ago to Playa Del Carmen and the official line is Peso only, apparently it's to try and cut down on all up the $ drug money floating around. The hotel and tour operator wouldn't take US dollars but the local shops did, I took both and was pleased I did.
Take a bit of both depending on what you will be doing. We were all inclusive and left US dollar tips, booked our trips to places in US dollars and paid for the bus in US dollars. Just beware when buying stuff from shops if you only have US dollars they will make up how much it is in US dollars compared to Peso's. I don't know the exchange rate but if something is 50 peso's or 10 dollars they will say 15 dollars so unless your maths is good and quick - take both.
We found USD to be easier, a more round currency if you will, so the bus was 1USD or like 1 peso 30, i can't remember but it was easier to just hand over a dollar than faff about with change. Yes you probably pay more but unless you are a tight ass yo uwill get over it quickly.
We found USD to be easier, a more round currency if you will, so the bus was 1USD or like 1 peso 30, i can't remember but it was easier to just hand over a dollar than faff about with change. Yes you probably pay more but unless you are a tight ass yo uwill get over it quickly.
Muzzer79 said:
Are you going all inc. or off on your own?
We went all inc and the rep out there said
"You're in Mexico, the currency is Pesos, so use Pesos"
Most places seemed to take dollars but it did seem like they're trying to shift to Pesos.
From what I read they are trying to get people to use pasos, we booked the moon palace so all inclusive and the trips will go on my card,. But want some money for shopping.We went all inc and the rep out there said
"You're in Mexico, the currency is Pesos, so use Pesos"
Most places seemed to take dollars but it did seem like they're trying to shift to Pesos.
We are heading in June and had been wondering about this as well, checking companies online who offer trips to the sights etc have all their prices in USD. Checking with people who have been out there before most larger shops have prices listed in both currencies with only the smaller local shops not having this. I don't really want to take a lot of cash and we usually load up a money card with our spending money just don't know what currency to load it with now.
ChrisBMW said:
We are heading in June and had been wondering about this as well, checking companies online who offer trips to the sights etc have all their prices in USD. Checking with people who have been out there before most larger shops have prices listed in both currencies with only the smaller local shops not having this. I don't really want to take a lot of cash and we usually load up a money card with our spending money just don't know what currency to load it with now.
Can't you take 2 cards and load them up with half and half?We went in November and only used dollars.
However this was as a result of having some in stock. Next time I would take at least Pesos because:
i) Taxis were about 20% cheaper paying in pesos (standard airport list price)
ii) Shops did 'questionable' exchange rate conversions, heavily in their favour.
Inside the hotel dollars were fine
Ben
However this was as a result of having some in stock. Next time I would take at least Pesos because:
i) Taxis were about 20% cheaper paying in pesos (standard airport list price)
ii) Shops did 'questionable' exchange rate conversions, heavily in their favour.
Inside the hotel dollars were fine
Ben
Hi,
We have been to Mexico twice in the past year. We stayed in Bahia Tulum Riveria Maya all inc and we done most of our trips through the holiday rep. The prices are shown in Dollars but you can pay in either, although when they work it out to pay it with the Peso they do not give you a good exchange rate from peso to dollar, so either pay on card or Dollar.
The second time we went to White Sands, Riveria Maya again all inc but we hired a car for the whole three weeks and so did most things independ. Petrol etc was in Peso. Alot of the entrance fees are in Dollars but not all but buses and taxis are in peso i was told. Tips you can pay in either and trust me you tip for everything so take alot of small notes as it really adds up.
I would say take mainly Dollars, two thirds Dollars to one third Peso
The price is alot cheaper when you do it on your own. For instant the first time we booked to swim with the turtles through the rep and it cost us $70 each. The second we did it on our own and cost less than $10 for the both of us that included, the car parking and the hiring of one life jacket from the stall on the beach.
A good rate for the Peso is about 22 to the pound. Also you can not take money cards out there as although they do take Dollars, the money cards are not accepted as Dollars are not offically the countries currency and they will not put Peso on a card plus you really get stung when you exchange. The hotel was giving only giving 16 peso to the pound.
If anyone needs any more help or pointing in the right direction on which attractions are good to go on. let me know as we have done loads out there and are just sorting out to go out again. It is a fantastic place just dont be scared of all of the check points and all of the police with their b
y big guns.
Hope this helps.
Shelly
We have been to Mexico twice in the past year. We stayed in Bahia Tulum Riveria Maya all inc and we done most of our trips through the holiday rep. The prices are shown in Dollars but you can pay in either, although when they work it out to pay it with the Peso they do not give you a good exchange rate from peso to dollar, so either pay on card or Dollar.
The second time we went to White Sands, Riveria Maya again all inc but we hired a car for the whole three weeks and so did most things independ. Petrol etc was in Peso. Alot of the entrance fees are in Dollars but not all but buses and taxis are in peso i was told. Tips you can pay in either and trust me you tip for everything so take alot of small notes as it really adds up.
I would say take mainly Dollars, two thirds Dollars to one third Peso
The price is alot cheaper when you do it on your own. For instant the first time we booked to swim with the turtles through the rep and it cost us $70 each. The second we did it on our own and cost less than $10 for the both of us that included, the car parking and the hiring of one life jacket from the stall on the beach.
A good rate for the Peso is about 22 to the pound. Also you can not take money cards out there as although they do take Dollars, the money cards are not accepted as Dollars are not offically the countries currency and they will not put Peso on a card plus you really get stung when you exchange. The hotel was giving only giving 16 peso to the pound.
If anyone needs any more help or pointing in the right direction on which attractions are good to go on. let me know as we have done loads out there and are just sorting out to go out again. It is a fantastic place just dont be scared of all of the check points and all of the police with their b
y big guns.Hope this helps.
Shelly
Edited by jamienshelly on Sunday 13th January 18:17
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