Mexico

[staycaysandvacays]

We go to Mexico soon (MC and Tulum) and wondered whether we should take any cash? So many places are cashless now so would appreciate any advice from those who have been. Thanks!

It depends what kind of holiday. If you're in a resort, then just small denomination dollars for tips. If travelling a bit more then yes, some cash essential for transport etc, again small denomination

Thanks - and would you recommend mxn pesos or US dollars?

@Mumaway

Pesos

Pesos - lots of people do tip in dollars because there's a fair amount of US visitors, but if you use pesos then they won't need converting.

Taxis take cash in dollars.

Hotel staff will take tips in either but I think pesos are preferable so they don't have to pay exchange fees if they need to exchange from dollars to pesos. When we went this summer the exchange rate for pesos was better than for dollars too so better all round.

Most places take card but if you are buying something small in a shop and want to use cash, pesos will be your cheapest option.

I've just returned from a week in Mexico City and I only needed cash once watch was to tip the tour guide after an organised tour.
All the restaurants cafes bars etc take a credit card and some don't even accept cash. Also got around everywhere on uber which is cheap and cashless.
It might be worth having some for street food and it's easy enough to get money out of an ATM.
If you're in Mexico City I highly recommend the free walking tours which you can join in various neighborhoods and payment is by donation to the tour guide (200 pesos average). Highly recommend visiting or staying in La Condesa- it's really cool, very safe and just delightful.
Wish I was back there now -it's one of my favorite cities!

I was wondering the same thing.

We are travelling and one of our hotels wants a deposit in pesos, another bills in dollars. It is confusing!

Thanks everyone!

@theyoungishman we are staying in Condesa! And we've booked a walking tour! Clearly, great minds think alike 😂 thanks for the tip on tipping (no pun intended).

Did you feel safe in MC?

It’s good to have a small amount of cash for tips and shopping at markets etc. But most places take cards. I think just do similarly to what you’d do if you were taking a holiday within the U.K. TBH. In my experience either US dollars or pesos were generally accepted as valid currency anywhere I wanted to spend as a tourist.

I felt very safe there personally.

Totally safe. And I was travelling by myself as a blonde (clearly very foreign) female. Ate out by myself, toured alone, never had a bad experience.
Also recommended the sunrise hot air balloon over the pyramids - amazing experience!

Thank you

@theyoungishman we've booked it! Cannot wait to go in the hot air balloon! Glad to hear that you're recommending the experiences we've booked!

I hope you have an amazing holiday! ❤️😁

I live inMexico City and personally prefer cash as you can use it to buy in markets and from street vendors. And I wasn't aware that there are shops that accept dollars. But why change sterling to dollars to come to a country that uses the peso?

bring cash, I’ve been to Mexico twice and was constantly tipping. Not large amounts but I almost always needed cash. If you can get pesos bring them, but USD is also fine.

Some pesos for Mexico City. Especially for street food which is incredible. Lived there for five years with two small children and felt completely safe. La Condesa is a great neighbourhood as its La Roma. We lived in Coyoacan which is just gorgeous

Who did you book the hot air balloon with @theyoungishman. Sounds fantastic

With Volare but via booking app Get Your Guide. Very easy and hotel pick up and drop off was smooth. An early start but so worth it!

@theyoungishman thank you! 🥰

@Applesaarenttheonlyfruit we booked this one. Liked the idea of a tour after too. There was a walking tour option also but we preferred this one

you need a small amount of pesos