What Currency To Use When
Vacationing In Mexico
While it may seem a simple question to some, what currency
you should use while vacationing in Mexico is often asked
and more often gotten wrong. Most people know that the national
currency of Mexico is the Peso, but most assume that the American
dollar works just as well, if not better. It is a common misconception
that Mexican merchants and vendors see the dollar as more
desirable and revered, but that is not necessarily true.
Most retailers and merchants in Mexico will politely accept
American dollars, but they prefer Pesos. The exception would
be in Northern Mexico and Baja where merchants happily accept
dollars and there isn't much chance to offend. You just need
to make sure in these cases that you get a fair exchange rate.
It is also a better deal for the tourist to use Pesos because
prices are almost always less expensive when using Pesos.
You can plan ahead and use a currency exchange service before
you travel, although you may find that a currency exchange
at the airport might give you the best exchange rate. A good
bill amount to obtain might be 500 Pesos, which would come
in handy for tipping the bellman or a waiter. You can use
your debit or credit card for all your other transactions
and you can take along traveler's checks for any emergency
that comes along. All of your cards and travelers checks can
be replaced if stolen so don't take an inordinate amount of
cash with you.
If you run low on cash you can always replenish your pocketbook
at the many ATM bank machines that are prevalent in resort
areas. You can cash your traveler's checks at an exchange
house or a bank, which will result in the face value of the
check multiplied by that day's rate of exchange. If the place
you go tries to charge a fee for doing this, go somewhere
else, as it is not common practice to levy fees or commissions
for cashing traveler's checks.
And don't forget that friends and family will appreciate
and enjoy seeing coins and currency from distant lands when
you get home. Be sure to keep some Pesos to give a show and
tell when you return. If you have children you will especially
appreciate how much they will enjoy showing off your "booty"
to their friends. And putting some of the Pesos you get while
on vacation into your scrapbook or photo album will be a great
reminder of all the fun you had in Mexico.
Using the currency of Mexico will not only make your cash
go farther, but it will also stimulate your mind as you take
in all the colorful images printed on the Pesos and immerse
yourself into the culture of Mexico. Go to a currency exchange
service and get a lot of different small denominations. Learning
what certain everyday items cost and how little you have to
spend to have a good time will only serve to better your vacation
experience. Have fun!
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