Simple, useful utilities for before, during and after your trip.
Practical answers to the payment questions travelers ask most.
Often yes in the Hotel Zone, rarely in town.
Hotel-Zone resorts, large restaurants, and tourist tours commonly accept USD - but the exchange rate they apply is usually worse than the bank rate. Local restaurants, small shops, taxis, OXXO and ADO buses expect pesos.
A small amount yes, then withdraw pesos from a bank ATM.
Airport exchange counters give the worst rates. Bring a small buffer of pesos for the first taxi and tip, then use a bank-branded ATM (Banorte, BBVA, Santander, HSBC) for the rest. Avoid free-standing ATMs in OXXOs or hotels - fees and FX margins are higher.
Visa/Mastercard widely; Amex less; cash for small purchases.
Hotels, chain restaurants, large tour operators and supermarkets accept Visa and Mastercard. Smaller restaurants, taxis, beach vendors and many markets are cash-only. Carry small peso bills (20, 50, 100) for tips and street food.
Roughly 500–1,500 MXN per person, per day.
Enough for taxis, tips, snacks and small purchases without making yourself a target. Refill from a bank ATM every couple of days instead of carrying everything at once.