Spending Money in Cancun?

Question

Hello!

I am going to Cancun in less than 3 weeks time. Just need to know if $1000 is enough money to take with me. I want to visit all the major attractions around the area and get involved in some water sports (including a bit of diving) and buy a few odd souverniers. Our hotel is also all inclusive 24/7 which includes drinks so we wont be spending alot on food.

Also how should I take the money? Ie. in Dollars, Pesos, Travellers Cheques or Visa (my bank also offers free withdrawals abroad).

Any tips to keep to my budget? Also should I book excursions through my tour operator or another company? (I am with First Choice and they are quite expensive!)

Thanks in advance!

Andy

Answer 1

I would think that would be plenty of cash. If it were me I would take a couple of hundred in USD then just withdraw money from an ATM as you need it or put stuff on credit cards.

I know someone else said credit cards are not safe to use but I've never heard that nor have I ever had any problem in Mexico.

Things are usually about 10% cheaper if you pay in pesos because merchants generally only give 10 pesos to the dollar where the bank will give you around 11 pesos to the dollar. Since you don't want to be going back to the US with a bunch of pesos just withdraw money as you need it.

Answer 2

I would recommend taking cash only.  The last two years, I have gone just south of Cancun and stayed at an all-inclusive Iberostar resort.  Some of the attractions can be pricey but usually for two people it was 120 to do an excursion.  I wouldn't recommend taking a credit card with you because it isn't safe doing the transactions internationally.  Also make sure you only take small bills.  You can do allot of bargaining with the souvenirs and get them inexpensive.  Take about 150 in singles, some 5's, 10's, and 20's.  However, I don't know how far 1000 will go because diving is pretty pricey down there.  When I stayed for 2weeks one time and 10 days the other time, I had 2000+ with me because my husband is into diving and we spent most of it.

I hope I helped.  Have fun in Cancun

Answer 3

I just got back today from 7 days in cancun. I dont know if 1000 is enough, it depends on what you plan to do. You stated that you will be staying in an all inclusive hotel that includes drinks and i'm guessing food too...you still will spend money on food and drinks when you go out, and besides you will probably get sick of the same selection for two whole weeks. I dont think a grand is enough. Go to cancunvista.com. I purchased all my tours with them. They were great.I highly recommend that captain hook dinner cruise, and snorkeling on the reef. Also, I would do pesos...you get your moneyworth that way. for example, the exchange rate is about 10.80 u.s.  to 1 peso. If you buy something and you pay in us...they basically round it off to 10 to 1, so you lose about 80 cents on the dollar. There is one main street that pretty much takes you everywhere. The bus goes up and down that street. It costs only 6.50 pesos. It will save you tons of money on cab fare. Just be careful..they drive pretty crazy. Also, if you do take a cab, dont get out until you get your change. Otherwise, they will drive off. It didnt happen to me, but I heard stories. Only take cabs that are white with a green stripe. Those are the official ones. Go to mercado 28 for souveneirs, and make sure you eat at one of the restaurants there. When purchasing your souveneirs, dont take the first price they offer. Haggle them a little so that you can get a great deal. Oh yeah...use tons of suncreen and reapply frequently. I got really bad sunburn becuase i didnt reapply often. Also, take pepto, mylanta, tylenols, and any other meds. You might need them...and they are either too expensive or not effective enough to buy in cancun. Have Fun!

Answer 4

Check with your hotel.  Most all inclusive includes non-motorized watersports.  Diving and snorkeling, dancing lessons, and your hotel may even include entertainment.  To visit the Mayan ruins includes a bus ride, packed lunch, an all day event costs about $90/person.  Travelers checks should be your choice.

Answer 5

My wife and I stayed for one week back in 2002 at an all-inclusive.  We took $500 in cash and had about $200 when we got back!  Tips and souvenirs are all you really need to spend money on.  Take US dollars, they like them down there for tips. We did take a credit card each just in case. Your hotel can help you if you want to convert them to pesos.  We scheduled our activities through our hotel when we arrived.  They were very helpful with everything and we are looking forward to going back sometime.

Answer 6

Yeah, $1,000 is perfect for 1 person, that's if you like to splurge.  Cancun is NOT ALL THAT EXPENSIVE!  Dollars are accepted almost everywhere, just break your big bills and carry sufficient dollar bills ($1) for tipping.  People in Cancun work very hard and it is always nice to tip them.