Traveler checks or cash to Mexico?

Question

Just wondering what we should bring next week when we go to Playa del Carmen. Is it easy to cash traveler checks there. Also, will we need to exchange for pesos or is US money easily accepted in this area?

Answer 1

I say split it.

Traveler's checks are great and easy to exchange at nearby banks.  Just note that banks in Mexico keep weird hours compared to the states and there are unexpected holidays where they close without warning.  Your hotel/resort may have an exchange counter on site but their rates are usually laughable-  Banks offer the best rates.  

ATM- Every major tourist destination has ATM's now.  Just a tip tho- only use the ones that allow you to slide your card rather than put them in the machine.  The machines in MX are notorious for sucking in your card by mistake.  Also, do note that the fees for each ATM usage are usually expensive and billed by both the bank that owns the machine and your bank.  

Most upscale restaurants, stores, etc will accept your ATM card and will offer decent exchange rates.

Cash- honestly, I've lived here for a few years and only once heard about tourists being mugged- but hey, they were out late, in a bad neighborhood, and drunkity drunk drunk so they were kind of asking for it.  If you're that dumb, you could get mugged in any US city!  

You might want to bring plenty of small bills- singles and fives for tipping and small purchases.  The locals love getting "a little extra" and will often go cheaper for US dollar purchases.  Plus, it just tends to make their day a little nicer ;)

Note that nearly every hotel and resort offer safes in your room, and a house safe for cc's, cash, and valuables.   I personally had my hotel room broken into once a few years ago by neighbors who actually jumped balconies to get in through the sliding door-  I was out a laptop, numerous cell phones and some jewelry- all of which I could have locked up.

So in short-  Bring singles, bring cash to exchange at the bank, bring your ATM card but try use sparingly, bring credit cards and lock at least one in your hotel safe.

Hope that helps!  Have a great trip!

Answer 2

THE DOLLAR IS ACCEPTED ANYWHERE,  BUT EXCHANGE THEM AT A GOOD PLACE AND GET MORE PESO FOR YOU DOLLAR.

   TRAVELER CHECKS ARE GOOD.  BUT REMEMBER THAT YOU CAN ALSO USE YOU DEBIT AND CREDIT CARDS OVER THERE AND TAKE OUT CASH!!!!!

         THE BEST BANK  FOR THAT IS BBV BANCOMER WHICH IS  MY PERSONAL FAV. CAUSE THEY GIVE YOU THE MOST AND CHARGE A 1.50 TRANSACTION FEE.

    GO,  HAVE FUN AND BE VERY CAREFULL.  THERES GOING TO BE  SOMEONE WANTING TO STEAL YOUR PURSE SO HOLD ON TO IT FOR DEAR LIFE.

Answer 3

Traveler checks ,if they get stolen or lost you can replace them

Answer 4

NEITHER ONE.... I travel internationally all the time and the best way to get money is your debit card, the problem with traveller checks is that you can only cash them at certain places, whereas a debit card is more widely accepted. And the best thing about debit cards is that you get the best transactions rate, and that is the bank international rate on that day..... yes I know that some banks will charge fees for every transaction but it is worth it paying that fee.

You have to only let know your bank you will travelling abroad and ask them to increase your daily cash withdrawl just in case.

One big huge advise.... do not take cash, if you get mugged all your money will be lost, you can find ATMś almost anywhere...............

Answer 5

You can go to AAA and get a prepaid debit card instead of travelers cheques. If you don't want to do that, I would go wih the travelers cheques.

Answer 6

Use traveler checks.  Most hotels will cash them for close to a bank or money exchange.