
Cozumel, Mexico is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches and rich history. The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso.
You'll want to exchange your money for pesos before you arrive in Cozumel, as not all businesses accept credit cards or US dollars. This will save you time and hassle when trying to make purchases.
Most tourist areas in Cozumel have ATMs that dispense pesos, but be aware that you'll likely be charged a withdrawal fee. You can also use your credit or debit card to make purchases, but be prepared for a less favorable exchange rate.
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Currency Basics
The Mexican Peso ($MXN) is the official currency in Cozumel, and it's widely accepted in the island's businesses.
You can easily get pesos from bank-owned ATMs in Cozumel, which are safe and convenient. Most merchants in Cozumel take US dollars (USD), especially taxis, large grocery stores, hotels, and dive shops.

However, to get the best rates on goods and services, it's recommended to use the official local currency, the Mexican peso (MXN). The exchange rate is roughly 18 Mexican pesos for one US dollar.
Many businesses in Cozumel list their prices in both Mexican pesos and US dollars, making it easy for tourists to navigate. You can even tip, pay cab fares, and make purchases using US dollars in Cozumel.
The US dollar is accepted by nearly everyone in Cozumel, but using pesos will get you a better rate on costs and services. Approximately 2,000MXN pesos are equivalent to $100 USD.
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Peso: Mexico's Official Currency
The Mexican Peso is Mexico's official currency, used throughout the country, including in Cozumel. It's divided into 100 centavos, just like the US dollar.
You'll see the peso symbol ($) used to denote pesos, not US dollars. To avoid exchange rate costs, it's best to use pesos for transactions. Cozumel's currency is widely accepted, and you can easily get pesos from bank-owned ATMs on the island.
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The most common currency notes in Cozumel are:
- MXN $20
- MXN $50
- MXN $100
- MXN $200
- MXN $500
- MXN $1000
While many businesses in Cozumel accept US dollars, paying in pesos will give you the most accurate prices. The exchange rate between pesos and US dollars is around 18 Mexican pesos for one US dollar.
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Currency in Mexico: Peso (MXN)
The Mexican Peso (MXN) is the official currency of Cozumel, Mexico. It's divided into various bills and coins for all transactions.
You'll see common currency notes in denominations of MXN $20, MXN $50, MXN $100, MXN $200, MXN $500, and MXN $1000. Each peso is further divided into 100 centavos, just like the US dollar.
Using the peso eliminates the exchange rate cost and gives you the most accurate prices. So, when you see the dollar sign ($), it usually means pesos, not US dollars.
Many large Cozumel businesses take US dollars (USD), especially taxis, large grocery stores, hotels, and dive shops. However, to get the best rates on goods and services, it's much better to use the official local currency, the Mexican peso (MXN).
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Here's a rough estimate of the exchange rate: 18 Mexican pesos for one US dollar. You can also use a cheat sheet to remember how many Mexican pesos are in a dollar and the local cash denominations.
Here's a quick reference guide to help you navigate the currency:
Paying in pesos will almost always get you a better rate on costs and services, and avoid any stress and confusion at the point of purchase.
Currency Exchange
You can exchange US dollars for pesos at local banks and exchange houses in Cozumel, but be sure to shop around and compare rates before you decide.
Many banks offer currency exchange services, and you can also use traveler's checks, which are accepted at various banks and currency exchange houses in Cozumel.
To get the best rates on goods and services, it's much better to use the official local currency, the Mexican peso (MXN).
You can easily get pesos from several secure bank-owned ATMs in Cozumel, and it's a good idea to withdraw as much money as possible at once to reduce transaction fees.
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The fee from the Mexican bank providing the service is usually no more than $1.50 – $3.00 per transaction.
Here is a quick cheat sheet to help you convert pesos to US dollars:
Where to Exchange
You can exchange currency before you leave for your trip by using your home bank. Having pesos on hand can make planning a beach day more convenient.
Many banks offer currency exchange services, so you can have pesos with you when you arrive in Cozumel. You can also use traveler's checks, which are accepted at various banks and currency exchange houses in Cozumel.
Some exchange houses may charge a commission, so it's best to shop around and compare rates before you decide. Be sure to bring your passport or a color copy of it, as it may be required for currency exchange transactions.
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Exchange Houses
You can easily find a Cozumel currency exchange business on the island if you prefer to deal in cash. These currency exchange services are friendly and easy to use, but you may experience higher fees and a different exchange rate compared to ATM withdrawals.

To exchange dollars for pesos, simply ask for a casa de cambio (currency exchange house) and show a valid passport. You'll pay relatively small transaction fees, but there's usually a lag of a day or so in the exchange rate.
If you do a little homework before you arrive, you should have no problem navigating payments in the right currency in Cozumel. Keep some cash on hand and you'll be good to go.
You can exchange dollars for pesos at a currency exchange house, but be aware that there may be higher fees and a different exchange rate compared to ATM withdrawals.
Using Currency in Cozumel
The Mexican Peso is the official currency of Cozumel, Mexico, and it's divided into various bills and coins for all transactions. Each peso is further divided into 100 centavos, just like the US dollar.
You'll see the dollar sign ($) often used to represent pesos, not US dollars. To get the best exchange rate, it's essential to use pesos for transactions, especially for sizable purchases.

Most merchants in Cozumel will take US dollars, especially for small transactions like taxis, small grocery stores, and restaurants. However, using pesos or a credit card is often advantageous for larger purchases.
You can easily get pesos from bank-owned ATMs in Cozumel, which usually offer the best exchange rate possible. Large and familiar bank names like HSBC, Santander, and Banamex have interbank networks that allow you to withdraw cash using your home ATM card.
To avoid scams, stick to bank-backed ATMs and avoid stand-alone, private ATMs on random street corners. It's also a good idea to inform your bank and credit card services about your travel plans to avoid any issues with foreign transactions.
Here's a quick cheat sheet to help you convert US dollars to Mexican pesos:
Keep in mind that some ATMs may have a transaction fee, which can range from $1.50 to $3.00 per transaction. To minimize this fee, try to withdraw as much money as possible whenever you access a machine.
Money Management

In Cozumel, a good daily budget depends on how many people are traveling, where you're staying, and what kind of food and drinks you like.
You can expect to spend around $5 per person for a meal at a breakfast spot or taco place.
Dinner at a restaurant can cost between $10 and $40 per person, easily.
Many businesses in Cozumel now have mobile credit card readers that work with your phone, making it easier to pay with card.
However, not all places accept credit cards, especially smaller shops and businesses far from downtown.
Taxis only take cash, so if you're using them a lot, it can add up.
It's a good idea to tip in cash, either in pesos or dollars, if you can.
Payment Options
Using ATMs in Cozumel is a convenient option, but you'll often get $500mxn bills, which can be difficult to break down for small purchases.
It's best to withdraw small denominations, such as 20s ($1), 50s ($2.50), 100s ($5), and 200s (10 bucks), if you can.
Taxis and smaller stores may not have a lot of change on hand, so it's a good idea to have some smaller bills to avoid inconvenience.
For another approach, see: Mexico Currency Bills
Tips for Using Cruise Ships

Using your cruise ship's onboard currency exchange can be convenient, but it's essential to be aware of the exchange rates and fees involved. To get the most out of your currency exchange, choose newer US bills in good condition, as some businesses may not accept torn or worn bills.
Know the current exchange rate to get fair value for your money. This will help you avoid losing money due to unfavorable exchange rates.
Keep small pesos on hand for small purchases and tipping, as this will make your transactions smoother. Trust me, you don't want to be stuck trying to find an ATM to get change for a small bill.
If you plan to visit remote areas of Cozumel where ATMs are scarce, bring enough pesos for your expenses. Having pesos will also come in handy for activities like taking a dip at local swimming pools.
To stay safe and secure, consider using a money belt or secure wallet to carry your cash while in Cozumel. This will give you peace of mind and prevent you from losing your money.
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Here are some popular activities to consider when in Cozumel:
- Visiting the Mayan Ruins: Explore the ancient history of Cozumel by visiting the San Gervasio and San Miguel de Cozumel ruins.
- Snorkeling or Scuba Diving: Known for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, Cozumel is a top destination for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts.
- Exploring the Eastern Side: Punta Sur is a popular spot for a beach day, offering picturesque views and calm waters perfect for relaxation.
Credit Cards and Electronic Payments
Credit cards have become widely accepted in Cozumel, even in small and remote businesses.
In fact, credit cards have become a common form of currency in Cozumel, with many businesses now accepting them as a reliable payment option.
Online internet and mobile services have improved significantly in Cozumel, making it easier for businesses to offer mobile electronic payments.
This has led to an increase in the use of cards and other forms of mobile electronic payments, making it more convenient for tourists to make payments.
However, it's still a good idea to have some backup cash on hand, especially when visiting remote beach clubs and restaurants.
You never know when you might find yourself in a situation where you need to make an "unplugged" transaction, like buying a cold beer at a secluded beachside hideaway.
Exchange Rates and Conversion
Exchange rates can fluctuate, but a rough estimate is that 18 Mexican pesos are equal to one US dollar. This rate has remained consistent for several years, making it a reliable benchmark for travelers.

The XE Currency app is a handy tool for staying up-to-date on current exchange rates in real-time. This app can be downloaded on your phone and provides a clear, easy-to-use interface for converting pesos to dollars and vice versa.
To give you a better idea of exchange rates, here's a quick reference guide:
Easy App for Exchange
The XE Currency app is a lifesaver when it comes to converting pesos to dollars on the spot. It's a top-rated app that can be downloaded on your phone, allowing you to track the current exchange rate in real-time.
This app makes it easy to calculate expenses accordingly, and it's especially helpful when you're out shopping or eating and need a quick rate conversion. You can simply type in a question like "how much is 50 dollars in pesos" and get an instant answer.
Using the XE Currency app eliminates the need to keep track of the day's rate, and it's a great tool to have on hand when traveling. I personally still use the XE exchange app on a daily basis, and it's been a game-changer for me when it comes to navigating exchange rates.
With a few moments of setup, you can always know the current exchange rate in the palm of your hand, and then simply calculate expenses accordingly. This app is a must-have for anyone traveling to Cozumel or other Mexican destinations where pesos are the local currency.
USD to MXN Exchange Rate

The USD to MXN exchange rate is a crucial piece of information for travelers heading to Cozumel, Mexico. You can use a pesos to dollars app, like the XE Currency app, to get the current exchange rate in real-time.
According to the XE Currency app, the exchange rate is approximately 16-18 Mexican pesos for one US dollar. This means that if you exchange $100 USD, you'll get around 2,000 MXN pesos.
You can also use a cheat sheet to remember how many Mexican pesos are in a dollar. Here's a rough guide:
- $10 USD = about 200 MXN
- $20 USD = about 400 MXN
- $50 USD = about 1,000 MXN
- $100 USD = about 2,000 MXN
- $200 USD = about 4,000 MXN
These exchange rates are consistent with the rough exchange rate mentioned in Example 6, which hovers around 18 Mexican pesos for one US dollar.
It's worth noting that while US dollars are widely accepted in Cozumel, using the local currency, Mexican pesos, will give you a better rate on costs and services.
Sources
- https://stingrayvilla.com/should-you-use-pesos-or-dollars-in-cozumel-your-best-guide/
- https://cozinfo.com/cozumel-and-currency-which-cash-to-have-on-hand/
- https://cozumelmycozumel.com/cozumel-money-matters/
- https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/
- https://mxtravel.com/cozumel-mexico/cozumel-information/exchange-money-cozumel.html
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