Over twenty million people from all over the world visit Mexico’s stunning landscapes each year. This paradise stretches across 758,000 square miles (about the area of Alaska) and can be found in North America. It is brimming with history, culture, breathtaking scenery, and activities that the whole family will enjoy.
Suppose you plan a trip to Mexico but are unsure how, when, or where to obtain some Mexican pesos, then your search is over! For your forthcoming trips, we have compiled a list of useful travel-related information, including how to convert money, where to find the best exchange rates and other helpful hints.
Keep reading this article to find out everything you need to know about obtaining Mexican pesos so you can use them during your vacation in Mexico.
What is a Mexican Peso?
The peso is the unit of money used throughout Mexico. The Mexican Peso can be denoted by the dollar sign ($), MXN (which is the abbreviation for Moneda Nacional). The following face values are printed on Mexican bills: 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 pesos, respectively.
The value of one peso in Mexico can change dramatically from one day to the next, and it has done so consistently throughout history. The exchange rate for one dollar in US currency was around ten Mexican pesos (MXN) in the year 2000, thirteen Mexican pesos (MXN) in the year 2010, and approximately twenty Mexican pesos (MXN) in the year 2020.
Should you get pesos before going to Mexico?
Even if the dollar from the United States is accepted in Mexico, it is still a clever idea to acquire some pesos before you travel there just in case you find yourself needing the money.
Purchasing pesos from your bank in the United States is going to be the one that will save you the most money. Financial institutions typically provide this service at no cost, particularly if the amount of money you intend to withdraw is not particularly large.
What is the cheapest way to get pesos?
Customers of several banks can make use of currency exchange services. Your local bank or credit union will always be the cheapest place to convert currency, even though you might have to pay a fee (and the cheapest).
You may be able to place an order for money at a branch location, over the phone, or online and either have it delivered to your home or pick it up at a branch.
You may be able to pick up your cash as soon as the following business day, arrange to have it sent to you within one to 3 – 5 business days or select overnight shipping from some currency suppliers.
Is it better to exchange money in Mexico?
Although you can choose to make a currency exchange in Mexico after you have arrived in the country, it is recommended that you acquire at least a few thousand pesos in advance of your trip to the country.
This will allow you to cover any unexpected expenses that may arise. After your airline has landed, you should be prepared to pay cash for things like food, beverages, and taxi rides.
You can exchange your currency in Mexico, but you should be aware that the conversion fees will be far greater than those you would pay if you exchanged cash in your own nation.
Is it better to take cash or a card to Mexico?
Using a credit card will be the most convenient option when making larger transactions, and many hotels require guests to have one. In order to pay for the things you buy daily, you will constantly need cash.
To facilitate a seamless entry into Mexico, it may be in your best interest to withdraw a sizable sum of cash in advance and keep it on hand for your arrival there.
Under no circumstances should you ever keep your cash in an area where many people can see it. When going on a trip abroad, the last thing you want to worry about is the possibility of being singled out as a target by those with sinister motives.
Do banks exchange Mexican pesos?
Yes! Your foreign cash can be converted at any of the banks found across Mexico. Having said that, it is quite likely that you will be required to pay a nominal percentage-based cost for the service.
If you are going to be exchanging your dollars for pesos in Mexico, you should do some research to find out which bank offers the most competitive exchange rate. Some banks have much higher transaction costs than others.
In a similar vein, most financial institutions across the globe can convert any form of foreign currency. Again, most financial institutions impose a charge for this service; nonetheless, the service is widely practiced.
What is the cost of basic necessities in Mexico?
If you are thinking of taking a vacation to Mexico soon, you should budget anywhere from $32 to $66 a day for things like food, transportation, and activities. The costs of these things can vary widely depending on several factors. This does not consider the expense of meals and accommodation.
As a result, you want to prepare to store anywhere from 600 to 1500 MXN in actual currency notes to cover your day-to-day costs. It is understood that this will vary from person to person, but it is a smart idea to use this as a starting point for planning purposes.
Top advice: exchange currency before you arrive!
The most important thing to remember about the conversion rate for Mexican pesos is that it is in your best interest to convert some US dollars into Mexican pesos before you arrive in Mexico for your trip.
Related article: Can You Drive to Cancún From the United States?
Although it is possible to convert your money at airport ATMs or exchange counters in Mexico, you should be aware that the rates offered at these locations are highly high and may cause the exchange to be a little bit frustrating.
