Dollar's vs Peso and what to do about it

It is a good idea to go to your bank and get a lot of singles for your vacation. They are great for giving tips in Mexico. The locals prefer dollars over pesos. Bringing $30-$40 or more in singles will make your tipping life easier.

Exchange your dollars for pesos, but not at the airport. The reason is many local restaurants and services will not give you a fair amount on the exchange rate. The airport takes advantage of new travelers and does not give a good exchange rate. The resort has a ATM machine, and they will exchange your dollars for pesos but again it is not a good exchange. Ask our onsite managers and they will give you directions on how to go to a safe exchange house that is close and a great exchange rate.

Do not forget to use all of your coins before you leave Cancun. The coins add up fast because your change is always in pesos and not always in U.S. dollars.

Using credit cards is a great idea because the card is paying the merchant in pesos and then gives you the American United States Dollar exchange rate which is fair. Some debit cards then charge you an exchange fee on your bank statement but a 3% fee is still much better than getting over charged 10-20% associated with giving dollars instead of pesos.

The locals know that Americans cannot figure the correct exchange for peso to dollar quickly in their head and sometimes short change you. If you can pay with a credit card, I suggest it.