Don’t Travel to Mexico Without Knowing These 9 Money Tips: Pesos vs. USD

Everything you need to know about pesos before you travel to Mexico!
In this video, I’m sharing my best advice about using Mexican currency (pesos), including when you should use cash vs. card, whether or not to use USD or Pesos, where to get pesos and using the ATM in Mexico. These Mexico travel tips will help you save money!
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About me - Aly Smalls:
I'm the CFF (Chief Fun Finder) of my travel website - Like Where You're Going.
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A former Tourism Development Officer who now makes fun and easy to follow travel itineraries for your next trip. Wherever your travels take you, I'll help make sure you like where you're going!
My free travel and destination guides focus on unique & fresh itineraries - showcasing Canada, USA, Mexico and a bit of Europe.
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#mexicotravel #pesos #currencytips
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[@donaldmacdougall799]

One more tip, when withdrawing from an ATM, I always take out something like $4900 or $4950 pesos instead of $5000 just to make sure that I don't get all $500s.

[@jfrickerii]

You cannot pay in dollars in 99% of Mexico. But 99% of people who visit Mexico from the US or Canada tend to visit the 1% of Mexico that does. That's an important distinction.

[@donovan1971]

This helps. I'll tell that these videos are taking the stress out of my first trip to Mexico. Plus they help push me through the overtime shifts I'm doing before hand.

[@Stevenfrijol]

As a man, I always carry extra napkins or towels, because some restrooms do not have toilet paper.

[@alfredohernadez8661]

Thank you is good to know im taken a trip to mexico next week.

[@pepediver9609]

And more important venmo is not available in Mexico so please always bring some cash if you really want to tip someone cause saying venmo it seems like you really don’t want to pay or be grateful. Thank you for your attention and welcome to México

[@SmartFreelancerAHSakin-dz8dv]

Your videos are absolutely amazing and inspiring. I am one of your best followers.

[@mileshigh1321]

Great tips Aly! First time I went to Mexico, I took travelers cheques, that is the only thing that has really changed, money wise!

[@Sheilawisz]

Hi! I don’t know if it happens in other countries too, but here in Mexico if you have a Scotiabank account you can get your cash from HSBC ATMs and viceversa without a fee. They have kind of a partnership. Also, indeed never ever use street ATMs or those inside supermarkets. Pay in pesos please, it’s a bit arrogant if you pay with dollars.

[@alysmalls]

Thanks for the tip about HSBC!

[@ronb3914]

I see in some of your videos that your partner is quite tall. A flying tips video for us tall flyers would be great! 😀👍 Thanks for the information you provide!

[@cuppajoylady]

Excellent tips!!

[@BobSmith-yo6ib]

So, we go to Mexico pretty often. What i do is take a bunch of USDs and exchange at casa de cambios. Look around and use the one that is going to give you the most favorable rate. When shopping or dining out, ask what they pay the USD. If their rate is better than what you got at the casa de cambio, pay in dollars. Otherwise pay on pesos. I avoid using ATMs and CCs. Only as a last resort.

[@gabe8138]

Why avoid atms? That was my best exchange but I could be wrong

[@mikebarnes2294]

My understanding is that credit cards provide some of the best exchange rates retail consumers are likely to get (even if you have to pay 3% extra for a foreign transaction - though avoidable if you pick the right card for international travel).

[@spankymcduff9683]

We do February every year in Mexico to break up the 'balmy' western Canadian winter and have found that planning ahead on getting pesos in this part of the world is wise. Last January I had problems getting pesos...there was a shortage (in Calgary area at least). This year I ordered some in November and was unable to get anything larger than 100 peso bills...so I got half of what be planned on taking and was able to top up in December with larger bills. We certainly have enough tipping money now...To reiterate, don't wait until the last minute.

[@nancyconca9892]

Good video - thanks for posting ‼️

[@alysmalls]

Thanks!

[@Bull-BearTrading]

Great content. Thanks Aly!

[@quinalana]

Great report Aly

[@alysmalls]

Thank you ☺

[@martinwhetter6041]

Good video. I find I get the best exchange rate using my Visa credit card. The next best is when I exchange $C cash at an exchange booth away from the airport in Mexico (always check the posted exchange rates to be sure). I avoid using exchange booths at airports if I can because their exchange rates are typically the worst. ATM’s in Mexico are hit and miss in my experience and I usually ask fellow travelers where the ‘best’ ATM’s are, that is the ones with the lowest fees. I agree with your tip of bringing along some pesos at the start of the trip so you can get a taxi or buy a coffee / drink when you land. Then you can find an exchange booth or ATM when you get to your hotel or accommodation. Happy trails 😊

[@anjelicayoder1177]

I have a Visa credit card too (Amazon card). How do I get the best conversion rate using the card?

[@martinwhetter6041]

@@anjelicayoder1177 I don’t do anything special, I just use my regular home country Visa card. My understanding is that Visa gets a very good currency exchange rate because they are an institution, and then for my card they a charge a 2% foreign transaction fee. You’ll have to check your credit card terms and conditions to see what your credit card foreign currency transition fee is to be sure it’s not toot high. If in doubt, an ATM with a low fee is a good choice.

[@ramonarias2593]

I live on the border and pay a lot of stuff in Mexico with my capital one quicksilver credit card and they don’t charge any conversion fees and always give the best exchange rate

[@judithgrace9850]

I pay rent and online grocery shopping with my debit cards. You can get pesos at the airport Do not take the conversion rate. Decline. Use banks that refund ATM fees.

[@patrickvanmeter2922]

Good job, IMO. I have been in Mexico over 25 years and knew most of this. I have been using Santander but have never declined the fees. I will try this. I thought they might cancel the transaction, so I have never tried. Thank you.

[@CPcamaro]

Some ATMs will cancel, but it seems to be a case by case basis. I had a friend who got the entire transaction cancelled at a Scotia ATM, but it wasn't in an actual bank. Personally I've never had a declined conversion cancel the transaction at BBVA, HSBC or Banorte, either at the bank or in a kiosk at a gas station or store.

[@80sbreaker]

Most important to all travelers to mexico always i mean always carry a bottle of peptobismol i been living in Tijuana Mexico for past 5years and you will surely get a food born illness soon or later food cooking procedures in Mexico are way different than in the U.S.

[@anjelicayoder1177]

Hi Aly! We will be staying at the Grand Palladium in Puerto Vallarta which you also did a video on. Where is the best place to get pesos in PV or Punta Mita? The Palladium shuttle is picking us up from the airport and we plan on staying at the resort mainly and just taking the bus to Sayulita for a day so we would need mainly cash for tips, the bus, and Sayulita food/ shopping.

[@natnasci]

I've found, at least in the Romantic Zone of PV, ATM's to be a pain. Not only the fees, but some do run out of money, some are not open 24 hours Also some limit the amount you can take out, which is different than your bank limit at home. I stay in hotels with a good safe ( yes some people think the safes aren't safe enough, but I've never had anything stolen from one in my decades of travel ) and just bring enough cash in pesos for my stay. This of course would not work if you are travelling within Mexico with more than one destination, but is safer if your money is just put in one place, after you arrive. Plus my currency converter shop, gives me the denominations I want. No more running down the street to beat the line-up at the ATM.

[@user-wt7pt9ty5n]

Hi Ally. I’m in the banking credit card dispute department and there’s been a lot of fraud in Mexico with people using chip/pin. Pls tell you followers to be careful

[@Katepwe]

It is so much easier to use pesos. I always take some with us and then yes, we always get pesos at a bank.

[@sequoiaweldon5997]

Thank you 🙏

[@user-eb1qm2ip8m]

Thanks. I'll be heading to Mexico next month. Haven't been in many years. Is Scotia bank the only Canadian bank there?

[@Stevenfrijol]

I go to Central Mexico to visit my Wife's Family. I use a Schwab Debit card. I always take a money belt and stash a could hundred dollar bills and a copy of my passport.

[@chulieho]

thanks

[@kylebetz2231]

Ty for the video, going to Mexico in a few weeks for a month. What do you recommend tipping? I’m American, so usually at a restaurant it’s 15-20% the bill, is this expected in Mexico?

[@pepediver9609]

Yes, that is correct welcome to Mexico

[@ForeignGalaxy]

What about exchanging USD or CAD cash (or other currency) in a bank? Is that an option? Any roadblocks?

[@peggyyoung2601]

Hello Aly, I love your show i’ve been trying to get to Mexico for the last three years, my plan is to go to Mexico on my birthday this year, which is in June and I like to go to Santa Fe New Mexico. I would like to know do you have any information or pointers? You can give me about Santa Fe New Mexico? I really would appreciate it. Thanks, Peggy.

[@lilamcnutt2853]

Santa Fe, NEW Mexico is in the UNITED STATES in the state of New Mexico, just between Arizona & Texas!!!

[@pepediver9609]

😂😂😂 OMG really?

[@mr.bayarea_]

So aly should I get mixed pesos from my bank or small bills only far as big and small bills

[@alysmalls]

I would get a mix, but lots of small bills included in the mix

[@KeepItBrief89]

So beautiful ❤

[@jazz18ish]

So what is 2,500 usd to peso ?

[@missmayflower]

Google is your friend.

[@jazz18ish]

@@missmayflower look here translucent look’s like Google hasn’t helped you either because it has not taught you how to mind your goddamn business. If I wanted you to respond, I would have looked you up at asked you. but since I didn’t stay in your lane. Play stupid games when stupid prizes. You wanna be rude/nasty. I can be nasty too.

[@lilamcnutt2853]

at today's rate it is 42,435.85 pesos!

[@mikimiki195]

48th 👍🏻

[@sirwm3107]

You are gorgeous btw! 🤭

[@moisesgustavodazcarbajal2741]

Dollar is dropping down so Mexicans prefer pesos.

[@slappyortega2449]

Kinda worthless.

[@Genarovaz]

So you are telling me that I can withdraw cash in a Scotiabank ATM in zona romantica? That's too good to be true

[@lilamcnutt2853]

Yes!