Currency before going to Cancun?

Question

So I'm going to Cancun the end of next week. I'm wondering what's the best way I should handle currency. I assume charge whatever I can to my visa/mastercard/american express (is AMEX even accepted in Mexico?)

As for cash or Pesos. Is it better to get currency exchange over there, Or should I find a local place to get some pesos before I get there? or should I do a currency exchange at my hotel? Thank You.

~G

Answer 1

Al answers are correct until some stars passing counterfeit U.S. bills.

You do NOT want to be caught doing that in Mexico. Whether you come by them accidentally or otherwise and beware of people that ask you to change currency.I was asked to change a $500.00 peso bill by a kid who looked like he wouldnt have anything and the bill did not look so good

You are in another country and better off using their currency.

There have been some sort of problem with American Express and I have seen signs at bars and restaurants that say they do NOT accept them

Answer 2

I just did it at my hotel when needed, I never changed out more than $20 at a time anyway...

http://www.tripupdater.com/cancun.html

Answer 3

I converted $ to Pesos before leaving the US...when we got south of the border businesses preferred US$ over my converted Pesos and gave a better deal to those who paid with $$.  

Stick with $$.

Credit cards are good especially Capital One -- they don't charge a convenience fee and the exchange is real time when you use it.

Good luck, Have Fun and Play Safe.

Answer 4

Use ATM to get pesos and you can pay almost everywhere in dollars and with credit cards...

I always use my cc's instead of paying in cash...

also i think is better they give you better exchange rate.

Answer 5

Its easy to find places to exchange money all over Cancun, use US funds to pay for things like excursions and club admissions, get pesos for minor purchases and tips.  Be aware though that the US Dollar is weak lately, even in Mexico so you can not get as great a deal on things as you used to.

Answer 6

Don't convert money at home, just go and do it when you arrive at your hotel. Get a little to start, if you pass a bank then go in and you will find better rates. The ATMs in Cancun's shopping malls accept all major companies found in the US. Just be sure to remember that you are taking money out in pesos, $20 is the equivelent of $2 US dollars more or less. Since you will be charged a service fee, make sure with your bank in advance of traveling what that will be. Finally, keep all of your receipts for credit card use in Cancun or anywhere you travel. Be sure to save them and match them up to your bill when it arrives. I have traveled to Cancun a dozen times and only had a minor problem twice, but it was good to have the proof in the receipts.

Have fun planning your vacation in paradise,

212eric

Answer 7

The dollar is excepted every where in Cancun. Coins are not. If you feel more comfortable exchanging your dollars to pesos, you can wait till you get there. Use the ATM's to exchange. They disperse pesos. We have been there many times and never exchange our money. Travelers from other countries will need to. (England, Europe, Canada etc) The exchange rate is about 11 pesos =$1.00.

Some places it's even. One peso is equal to a little more than a dime.

We always bring about $100 in one dollar and five dollar bills for tipping, bus fare (65cents) and small purchases. The ATM's tend to disperse larger bills and small bills are not easy to find.

Most places accept all credit cards including AX. We mainly use ours for excursions or a large purchase. We always use our AX for the hotel when we check in. But bring another credit card like Visa just in case AX isn't accepted somewhere.

Have a great time. Enjoy)