Currency & Payment

The currency is the Mexican peso (MXN), written with the $ sign and often shown locally as MX$ or with m.n. after amounts. Notes come in several denominations and coins in smaller values. Because the peso shares the $ symbol with the US dollar, check menus and price tags carefully. Carry small notes for taxis, tips and street stalls, as breaking large notes can be difficult.

You can exchange money at banks, exchange bureaus (casas de cambio) and airports, though airport rates are usually poor. US dollars are the easiest foreign cash to change, and some tourist businesses accept them directly at a weak rate. For the best value, withdraw pesos from bank ATMs. Carry your passport for larger exchange transactions and compare rates and commission before you swap.

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and shops in cities and resorts, while American Express is less common. Contactless payment is normal in urban areas. Smaller towns, markets, taxis and street food still run on cash, so always carry some pesos. Tell your bank you are travelling, and if asked whether to charge in pesos or your home currency, choose pesos to avoid poor conversion.

Contactless card and phone payments such as Apple Pay and Google Pay work at many terminals in cities and modern shops. Local app-based transfers usually need a Mexican bank account, so as a visitor your card or contactless is the practical option. Ride-hailing and delivery apps let you pay by card in-app. Markets and small vendors remain cash-only, so mobile payment does not replace carrying pesos.

Tipping (propina) is expected in Mexico. In restaurants, leave around 10 to 15 percent if service is not already included, and check the bill first. Tip hotel porters and housekeeping a small amount, round up for taxis, and give a few pesos to petrol attendants and grocery baggers. Tips in cash are appreciated. When paying by card, ask if the tip can be added or leave it in cash.

Mexico offers great value, though beach resorts like Cancun and Tulum are pricier than local cities. Street tacos and market meals are cheap and delicious, while sit-down restaurants and tourist zones cost more. Local buses and the metro are very affordable, and long-distance buses are good value. Set a daily cash budget, mix street food with restaurants, and prices fall quickly away from the main tourist strips.

Mexico has a limited tax-refund scheme for foreign tourists on qualifying purchases, generally claimed at international airports when leaving. It applies only to purchases from participating stores above a minimum amount, paid by card, with the goods and receipts available for inspection. Rules, thresholds and refund operators change, so confirm current eligibility and the process with an official Mexican source and the store at the time of purchase.