How to exchange money in Mexico

by admin · Published May 31, 2022 · Updated September 19, 2023

Find out about exchange rates and where to change your money in Mexico.

If you’re planning to travel to Mexico, you may be concerned with how you will access your funds to pay for expenses during your trip. You should be aware that credit and debit cards are not accepted in all establishments in Mexico.

Also, when paying for small expenses on the go such as taxis, bottled water, admission fees for museums and archaeological sites, as well as paying at local restaurants or food stands, and tips, you will need to use cash, and that means pesos, not dollars.

So before your trip, you should consider how you will get those pesos.

An easy way to access money while traveling is to use your debit or credit card in an ATM or cash machine in Mexico: you will receive Mexican currency, and your bank will withdraw the equivalent funds from your account plus a fee for the transaction.

However, you may also wish to bring a certain amount of cash with you to exchange during your trip, and the following is a primer on what you need to know about exchanging money in Mexico.

Mexican peso exchange rates

The currency in Mexico is the Mexican peso. The “dollar sign” $ is used to designate pesos, which can be confusing to tourists who may be unsure whether prices are quoted in dollars or pesos (this symbol was used in Mexico to designate pesos before it was used in the United States).

The code for the Mexican peso is MXN.

When exchanging U.S. dollars to pesos at banks and exchange booths in Mexico, you should be aware that there is a cap on the number of dollars that can be changed per day and per month for each individual.

This law was put into effect in 2010 to help combat money laundering. You will need to bring your passport with you when you change money so that the government can keep track of how much money you change so that you don’t go over the limit.

Exchange money before your trip

It’s a good idea to get some Mexican pesos before your arrival in Mexico, if possible (your bank, travel agency, or exchange bureau should be able to arrange this for you). Although you won’t receive the best rate of exchange, it may save you worries upon your arrival.

Where to exchange money in Mexico?

You can change money in banks, but it is often more convenient to change the currency in a “casa de cambio” (“exchange bureau”).

These businesses are open longer hours than banks, usually do not have long line-ups as banks often do, and they offer comparable exchange rates (though banks may offer a slightly better rate).

The exchange rate is usually posted prominently outside the bank or “casa de cambio”.

ATMs in Mexico

Most cities and towns in Mexico have an abundance of ATMs (cash machines), where you can withdraw Mexican pesos directly from your credit card or debit card.

This is often the most convenient way of accessing money while traveling – it’s safer than carrying cash, and the exchange rate offered is usually very competitive.

If you’re going to be traveling in rural areas or staying in remote villages, be sure to take enough cash with you, as ATMs may be scarce.