In Cabo Mexico, the official currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). You won't find many places accepting US dollars, except for some high-end resorts and tourist areas.
Mexican ATMs are widely available, and you can withdraw pesos using your debit or credit card. Be aware that you may be charged a foreign transaction fee by your bank.
The Mexican government has implemented a cashless payment system in many tourist areas, making it easy to use your credit or debit card for small purchases. This system is called "tarjeta de débito" or debit card.
You can exchange your currency at a bank, currency exchange office, or some hotels, but be prepared for less favorable exchange rates.
Readers also liked: Post Office Travel Cash Card
Currency Basics
The official currency in Mexico is the peso, and it's the best way to go when making purchases.
You'll find that American dollars are widely accepted in touristy areas, making it a convenient option for visitors.
Some high-traffic tourist regions might also accept Euros, Canadian dollars, and British pounds, but it's not as common.
Paying with pesos is almost always more cost-efficient, so it's worth exchanging your money or using an ATM to withdraw pesos.
Exchanging Currency
Exchanging currency in Cabo Mexico can be a bit of a challenge, but with some research and planning, you can save yourself a lot of money.
You'll find currency exchange booths everywhere from the airport to downtown, but be aware that their rates can vary greatly, and all of them exchange to the booth's advantage.
It's a good idea to check the dollar-to-peso exchange rate before you head to Mexico, so you can get an idea of what to expect.
You can exchange dollars at various places, including currency exchange facilities at the airport, cash exchange houses around town, and even at your local bank before you leave home.
Many banks will give you a better exchange rate if you give them notice, so it's worth converting to pesos ahead of arriving in Mexico.
Some research prior to your trip could save you money, and you may find that your home bank has a good partnership with banks abroad to waive fees.
For your interest: Mexico City Airport Currency Exchange
You can also use online services like Wise to send money abroad and get a better deal.
Currency exchange kiosks are convenient, but they often mark up the exchange rate and charge service fees, so be sure to check before exchanging any money.
It's also a good idea to pay for as much as possible before you arrive and show up with some pesos in your pocket, to avoid wasting time looking for ways to get your pesos.
Payment Options
In Mexico, you have several payment options available to you. Credit cards are widely accepted, particularly in larger cities and tourist areas, with Visa, MasterCard, and American Express being the most commonly used.
Carrying some cash is always a good idea, but try not to carry more than you plan to spend in a day to avoid safety risks. Many vendors won't accept credit cards from smaller companies, so do your research ahead of time.
To minimize inconvenience, inform your bank or card issuer that you're traveling abroad, which will prevent them from freezing your card for potential fraud.
Readers also liked: Is It Better to Use Cash or Card in Turkey
Traveller's Checks
Traveller's checks are a thing of the past, and for good reason. They require a manual verification process, which can be a hassle.
Before ATMs were widely used, traveller's checks were a safe and convenient way to carry currency abroad. But now, they offer poor exchange rates.
You might have a hard time finding a bank or exchange house that will accept your traveller's checks, as fewer people use them. This makes it less cost-effective for banks to process them.
Instead of using traveller's checks, consider opting for a prepaid debit card or using your debit card at an ATM. These options are much more efficient and convenient.
Readers also liked: Travelex Travel Card
Cash vs Credit
Using credit cards is a good option in Mexico, especially in larger cities or tourist destinations, as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are widely accepted.
However, it's always a good idea to carry some cash on you, and don't carry around more than you plan to spend on any given day.
Related reading: Postal Money Order Expiration
Not all businesses in Mexico accept credit cards, so always ask first to avoid any inconvenience.
Credit cards offer a better exchange rate than cash, and you can earn credit card points, but make sure your bank doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.
You'll find that many restaurants, hotels, and stores accept credit cards, but it's still a good idea to carry some cash.
The USD is accepted across most of Baja California, but it's essential to ask about the exchange rate and check your bank fees.
In some smaller, less tourist-oriented stores, credit cards may not be accepted, so it's best to have at least $100 USD worth of cash on hand.
Banks tend to charge fees on international purchases, so be diligent and check your statements regularly.
Using ATMs in Mexico is common, but be aware of the fees and charges involved, and always choose to be charged in pesos to avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion.
For more insights, see: How Much Do Hard Money Lenders Charge
Banks
Banks in Mexico are a great option for getting pesos, but be aware that some may charge high service fees. You can withdraw cash from ATMs at major retail banks like BBVA Bancomer Mexico, Banamex, Banorte, Santander Mexico, and HSBC Mexico.
These banks have a large presence in Mexico, with many ATMs and branches throughout the country. For example, BBVA Bancomer Mexico is Mexico's largest bank, and U.S.-based bank Wells-Fargo has ties with the entity.
Some banks offer free or low-fee ATM withdrawals for their customers, such as Banorte, which allows free withdrawals at Banorte ATMs of up to 3,000 pesos a day for Capital One debit card holders.
You can also use your home bank's debit card to withdraw cash at partner banks in Mexico, such as Scotiabank, which is partnered with Bank of America.
If you bank with a global bank, chances are you'll find a branch or a partner bank in Mexico. Check with your home bank before you go to see if they have any partnerships with Mexican banks.
Here are some of the principal banks with retail operations in Mexico:
- BBVA Bancomer Mexico
- Banamex (owned by Citigroup)
- Banorte (merged with IXE)
- Santander Mexico
- HSBC Mexico
- Banco Inbursa
These banks offer a range of financial services, including ATM withdrawals, currency exchange, and more.
Sending Options
Sending money abroad can be a challenge, but there are options to consider. The cheapest way to send money to Mexico depends on the amount you are sending and your payment method.
If you're sending a large amount, you might want to look into online money transfer services. These services often have lower fees and better exchange rates than traditional banks.
The amount you're sending is a big factor in determining the cheapest option. For example, sending a small amount might be cheaper with a specific online service.
Online services often have lower fees, but they can also be less secure than traditional banks. Make sure to research and choose a reputable service.
The cheapest way to send money to Mexico is often a matter of finding the right balance between fees and exchange rates.
See what others are reading: Western Union Foreign Exchange Rate
Sources
- https://wise.com/us/blog/money-and-banks-in-mexico
- https://beachpleasemexico.com/pesos-exchange-money-in-mexico-atm/
- https://www.purecabo.com/blog/general/pesos-to-dollars-cabo-best-ways-to-spend-your-money/
- https://www.destinoloscabos.com/blog/money-dollars-and-pesos/
- https://www.purecabo.com/blog/general/how-much-money-do-i-need-in-los-cabos/
Featured Images: pexels.com