What do they use as their main currency in Mexico Pesos or USD?

Question

I will be travelling from Australia to Mexico and was wondering in Mexico do they normally use Peso or USD? Am i better to change AUD to Peso before i Leave austr? Will also be travelling to USA. Which way will i get better value out of our currency? If they charge Peso I am assuming that would be better for the aussie dollar. Thanks to anyone who can help!

Answer 1

Pesos are the main currency but most places will take both Pesos or USD. Generally speaking if you pay in USD you'll pay about 10% more for everything since stores and restaurants round the exchange rate to 10 Pesos to 1 USD, while the actual rate is closer to 11 Pesos to 1 USD.

I'd take some USD with you, since I would think that they would be more available in Australia than Mexican Pesos,  and then simply withdraw Pesos from an ATM. You bank will charge you, I know when I withdraw from my bank account in Canada the charges are between $3-$6. It adds does tend to add up so I tend to take out larger amounts. They way I look at it, the cost is about the same as if I bought travelers cheques and it's more convenient.

Two tips about USD in Mexico:

1) Make sure that all bills are in good shape, many people will not take bills that are in poor condition.

2) Unless you are shopping in a tourist area, try to keep the denominations lower. If you are are outside of a tourist area, you might have a hard time spending larger bills (since the merchant may not have enough money to make change)

Enjoy your trip.

Answer 2

u can juss pay in usd if ur comming 2 the riviera maya or to the nothern border, anywhere else u have 2 pay i pesos

Answer 3

T he main currency is Pesos, but if you go to Los Cabos in Baja california you can use the usd or if you go to Canun you can use the usd too, but in all the other cities the pesos are the main currency

Answer 4

pesos but in touristic zones they take usd. Anyway if u r going to usa, bring your dollars and change the left ones once u r here! good luck and have fun!

Answer 5

Pesos, but if you go to Cancun, you can also pay in USD