This article contains affiliate links. When you book a hotel, a car rental or an activity through these links, we receive a commission from the advertiser at no extra cost to you 💕. By using them, you support us while paying exactly the same price 🙏. We earn a commission from the advertiser at no extra cost to you 💕. Thank you!
Our partners
CONTENTS
PESOS OR BANK CARD: WHAT SHOULD YOU USE IN MEXICO? 🇲🇽
On every trip, this question comes up and often depends on the country you’re going to 😉. It’s important to know before you leave how you’re going to withdraw money and pay in Mexico. In this article, we’ll look at the 3 options: currency exchange, ATMs and bank cards 🇲🇽.
The currency in Mexico is the Mexican peso (MXN), and its “$” symbol looks a lot like the dollar sign. Be careful not to confuse the two, especially in tourist areas where some prices are shown in US dollars ⚠️. That’s the case, for example, on the Caribbean coast, in Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Cancún or Isla Mujeres, destinations popular with Americans.
👉 The exchange rate: on our trip in October 2021, we got about 23 pesos for €1. Today, expect more like 20 to 21 pesos for €1. The rate changes every day: check it just before you go.
THE MAP OF OUR MEXICO ROAD TRIP 🗺️
To help you plan your itinerary, we’ve gathered every place from our 30-day road trip in Mexico 🇲🇽 on an interactive map: cenotes, Mayan sites, beaches and stopover towns, from Yucatán to Quintana Roo. Click on each pin to discover the place in detail 📍. And to keep it handy during your trip, open it in Google Maps: you’ll find it easily on your phone 📱.
Our itinerary
Our trip to Mexico
1 month8 stops2 states: Yucatán & Quintana RooCar + ferry to the islands
The stops, in order
- 1
Cancún
1 night
Arrival by plane, then last night before the flight home
- 2
Holbox
3 nights
Beaches, sunsets and a timeless vibe
- 3
Valladolid
5 nights
Suytun, Oxman, Ik Kil, Chichén Itzá, Ek Balam
- 4
Mérida
3 nights
Uxmal and the 3 cenotes of Cuzamá
- 5
Bacalar
5 nights
The lagoon of seven colors and its cenotes
- 6
Tulum
4 nights
Ruins, Coba, Sian Ka'an, Cenote Azul and Calavera
- 7
Cozumel
4 nights
Scuba diving and snorkeling
- 8
Isla Mujeres
3 nights
Jet skiing, beaches and the end of the road trip
EXCHANGING EUROS FOR PESOS: CURRENCY EXCHANGE OFFICES 💵
The first way to get pesos is to exchange cash (euros, dollars…) for pesos at currency exchange offices, the casas de cambio. You’ll find them in every town, and even more in tourist spots 🤙.
Be careful: there’s generally no posted commission, but the exchange office makes its money on the gap between its rate and the market rate. Always compare the rate offered with the day’s rate before exchanging 🧾. Opening hours are fairly long, even if they’re not open 24/7.
On our first stopover at Mexico City airport, we found the best rate of our road trip (23.5 pesos for €1 in 2021). That’s not a rule: airport rates are generally less favorable, and the currency fluctuates every day 📈. Exchanging a little money on arrival is still handy for having a few pesos in your pocket from the start of your trip.
WITHDRAWING FROM ATMS IN MEXICO: BANKS AND FEES 🏧
The method many travelers use (and we did too) is to withdraw from ATMs (cajeros). They let you get cash at any time and can be found in towns and tourist spots. Visa and Mastercard work almost everywhere; American Express much more rarely.
HOW MUCH DOES AN ATM WITHDRAWAL COST IN MEXICO?
Two fees can add up: those of your home bank, which depend on your card and your plan, and those of the Mexican bank, which you can’t avoid. The latter now range from about 25 to 150 pesos per withdrawal (about €1 to €7), sometimes plus Mexican VAT. The amount is shown on screen before you confirm: feel free to cancel and try another ATM.
Check with your bank before you leave: many offer a no-fee option abroad, for a month or for the year. On a long trip, these fees can quickly add up to tens of euros 💰.
WHICH BANKS SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
Ideally, withdraw from an ATM inside a bank branch, during the day. Networks that are often cheaper include Banamex, Santander, Banorte, BanBajío and Inbursa. BBVA often charges foreign cards more. Avoid standalone ATMs in tourist areas and airports, which are generally the most expensive.
DECLINE THE CONVERSION OFFERED BY THE ATM
The ATM (or card terminal) will sometimes offer to charge you directly in euros, “at a guaranteed rate.” Always decline and choose to be charged in pesos: the rate your bank applies is almost always much better.
WITHDRAWAL LIMITS
Mexican ATMs often limit the amount per transaction (often a few thousand pesos). Since fees are charged on every withdrawal, it’s better to make fewer but larger withdrawals, within the limit of what you’re comfortable carrying on you.
WHICH NO-FEE BANK CARD SHOULD YOU TAKE TO MEXICO? 💳
Several online banks and neobanks limit or waive fees abroad. Here are the conditions we found when this article was updated (these are French and European banks): they change regularly, so check them before you go.
- BoursoBank (formerly Boursorama): free card payments abroad, and depending on the card, 1 to 3 free withdrawals per month outside the eurozone (unlimited with the premium card), then about 1.69% per withdrawal.
- Revolut (free plan): free withdrawals up to €200 or 5 withdrawals per month, then 2%. A markup applies to currency exchange on weekends.
- Wise: 2 free withdrawals per month up to €200, then a fixed fee plus a percentage.
- Trade Republic: free withdrawals from €100, €1 below that.
In every case, the Mexican bank’s fees still apply. And if you don’t want to open a second account, ask your current bank whether it has a no-fee “travel” option.
PAYING BY CARD IN MEXICO: WHERE IT WORKS, WHERE TO BRING CASH 💳
In tourist areas, cards are more and more widely accepted: hotels, tourist restaurants, supermarkets, car rental agencies, tours. But be careful: in most places, cards aren’t the main way to pay. Mexicans are still very attached to cash, and that’s also the challenge when you travel.
Some businesses add a “comisión” of a few percent (often 3% to 5%) for card payments: ask before you pay. With a card that has no foreign fees, your bank takes nothing.
For everyday purchases, bring cash: small restaurants, markets, colectivos, cenotes (often cash only), tips, and sometimes the parking lots at sites. ADO buses generally accept cards at the counter and in their app, but not always: keep some pesos on you.
CAR RENTAL: A CREDIT CARD IS REQUIRED
To rent a car in Mexico, you’ll almost always need a credit card (not a debit card, which most people have in France) for the deposit. Don’t end up having to pay hundreds of euros extra on the day because you missed that detail…
TIPPING IN MEXICO: HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU GIVE? 🤝
At restaurants, it’s customary to leave about 10%, and up to 15% in very touristy areas. Check the bill: the propina is sometimes already included. Also keep a few pesos for gas station attendants, guides and the people who watch parking lots.
SCAMS AT ATMS AND GAS STATIONS ⚠️
- 🏧 Withdraw during the day, inside a bank branch, and turn down help from strangers at the ATM. Cover your PIN.
- ⛽ At the gas station, check that the meter is at zero before they fill up.
- 💵 Pay once the tank is full, saying out loud which bill you’re handing over, and count your change: the 500-peso bill “turned into” a 50 is a well-known scam.
- 💳 If you pay by card, don’t let it out of your sight.
DISCOVER THE NEARBY MAYAN SITES 🦎
Explore the Mayan sites near here through nearly 40 articles about the Yucatán and Quintana Roo 🌍. Discover our best tips, itineraries, history, reviews and much more to make the most of your travel experience and dive 100% into discovering Mexico! It’s the perfect time to carefully plan your vacation ✈️.
DISCOVER THE NEARBY CENOTES 🧐
Now’s the time to explore the cenotes near here on my Mexico travel blog to make the most of your stay 🌟! You’ll find details on the history of these cenotes, our honest review, and captivating photos of your future discoveries 🌍. These articles will be essential resources for planning your trip to Mexico! 🗺️📸
OUR TIPS FOR PAYING LESS IN FEES IN MEXICO 🥰
As always in our articles, here are a few tips for withdrawing money in Mexico:
- Bring €50 to €100 in cash to exchange part of it on arrival.
- Always pay in pesos, much better value than euros or dollars 💶.
- Decline the conversion to euros offered by ATMs and card terminals.
- Withdraw from well-known banks, inside a branch 🏦.
- Contact your bank before you leave to find out your fees abroad, or to get a no-fee option.
- You’ll inevitably pay Mexican bank fees on each of your withdrawals.
- Always keep some cash: cards aren’t accepted everywhere.
- For some destinations like Holbox, withdraw before you go: ATMs there are rare and often empty.
- Check your car rental quote carefully (deposit by credit card).
- Don’t pay in dollars, or you’ll lose out on the exchange rate…
👉 Planning your trip? Also read our 10 things to know before visiting Mexico.
OUR EXPERIENCE: HOW WE PAID FOR A MONTH 💭
Being used to traveling, we’re starting to understand the system well. Knowing where to withdraw your money isn’t so simple when you don’t travel much. That’s why you need to consider all the pros and cons of the country you’re going to. We chose the second option, withdrawing from ATMs, taking out about €400 each time. Always at well-known banks (Google Maps is your best friend) to avoid scams and above all to get the lowest commission among Mexican banks.
We each had a bank card with no foreign fees. Adeline, at Caisse d’Épargne, had taken a one-month “no fees” option, selected directly in the bank’s app. As for me, I was with Boursorama (now BoursoBank). That way, we paid no fees to our French banks. By the way, if you’d like to open a BoursoBank account, you can use my referral code by scanning the QR code just below to get the welcome bonus (the amount varies with the current offer). As explained in our tips, we’d brought €50 in cash to exchange right away at Mexico City airport, so we’d have a few pesos on us from the moment we arrived.
Think carefully about the option you’re considering. For us, the ATM was the best solution. In other countries, it may be different.
👉 What about you? What’s your method?
FAQ: MONEY AND PAYMENTS IN MEXICO ❓
These are the questions people often ask before leaving for Mexico. Feel free to ask yours in the comments, and I’ll add to this FAQ 💬.
There’s no need to order lots of pesos before you go. We brought €50 in cash, exchanged it on arrival to have a few pesos right away, then withdrew the rest from ATMs on site.
The Mexican bank generally charges 25 to 150 pesos per withdrawal (about €1 to €7), sometimes plus VAT. On top of that come your home bank’s fees, depending on your card. The amount is shown before you confirm, and these rates change.
Go for ATMs inside a bank branch: Banamex, Santander, Banorte, BanBajío or Inbursa are often cheaper. BBVA often charges foreign cards more. Avoid standalone ATMs in tourist areas and airports.
No. Always decline the conversion to euros and choose to be charged in pesos: your bank’s rate is almost always better.
No. Cards work at most hotels, tourist restaurants and supermarkets, but in most places cash is still the main way to pay. Keep pesos for markets, small restaurants, colectivos, cenotes and tips.
Online banks and neobanks (BoursoBank, Revolut, Wise, Trade Republic…) limit or waive fees abroad, with limits that change regularly. On our trip, we each had a no-fee card: BoursoBank for me, and a one-month option at Caisse d’Épargne for Adeline.
Yes, in the vast majority of cases, rental companies require a credit card for the deposit; a debit card is often refused. Check your quote before you leave.
At restaurants, about 10%, up to 15% in very touristy areas. Check the bill, as the propina is sometimes already included.
Check that the meter is at zero before they fill up, pay once the tank is full while saying which bill you’re handing over, and count your change. If you pay by card, don’t let it out of your sight.
WHERE TO STAY IN MEXICO 🏨
During our one-month road trip in Mexico 🇲🇽, we stayed in 8 different towns, alternating between Airbnbs and hotels. And we were always very happy with where we stayed 😇.
We deliberately avoided “All Inclusive” packages. It’s not our idea of travel: we’d rather be in the heart of towns and villages, eat local and discover the country at our own pace 🌮.
OUR TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT PLACE TO STAY
- 📅 Book ahead in high season: the best places go fast and prices climb.
- 🚗 Private or secure parking if you’re traveling with a rental car. You’ll see, it’s not always available, but depending on the town it can be really worth having.
- ❄️ Air conditioning: essential in Yucatán and Quintana Roo, where it’s hot all year round.
- 🏊 A pool: up to you whether you want one at some of your stays, because it can quickly push the price up.
- 📍 A place close to the center: so you can do everything on foot in the evening. That said, if you like places outside town and you have the car, nothing forces you to stay near the center
- ✅ Free cancellation, to keep your itinerary flexible.
AIRBNB OR HOTEL IN MEXICO?
Both have their advantages. An Airbnb is ideal for more space, a kitchen and living like a local. A hotel is more convenient for one or two nights passing through, with a reception desk and often breakfast included. As for us, we liked both. It all depends on what you want, whether you’re with family, solo or as a couple, and how you like to travel.
HOW MUCH DOES ACCOMMODATION COST IN MEXICO?
There’s something for every taste and every budget. We paid between €40 and €100 a night for two. To be completely transparent with you: €1,800 for 29 nights, or about €62 a night on average (that was in 2021, prices may have changed since).
👇 Here are the 8 places where we slept during our road trip, with our review of each one.
Tested during our road trip
Our 8 places to stay in Mexico
AirbnbHotel
-
AirbnbHolbox
An incredible room, with the pool right next door to cool off. Just perfect!
- Room
- Pool right next door
- Incredible room
- Hotel
Valladolid
A stunning setting and a super spacious room, ideal for catching your breath between two cenotes.
- Very spacious room
- Pool
- On-site massages
- Airbnb
Mérida
A whole house just for us, with a small pool to relax.
- Whole house
- Small pool
- A bit out of the way
- Hotel
Bacalar
A gorgeous place right in the town center, with a superb pool.
- Hotel
- Superb pool
- Town center, far from the lagoon
- Airbnb
Tulum
A whole place with a pool, but very far out: you'll need the car.
- Whole place
- Pool
- Far out, car essential
- Airbnb
Cozumel
A clean, well-located studio, so you can do everything on foot from the town center.
- Studio
- Clean and well designed
- Close to the center
- Hotel
Isla Mujeres
A beautiful seafront hotel with a magnificent pool.
- Hotel
- Magnificent pool
- Seafront, a bit out of the way
- Hotel
Cancún
Right next to the airport: perfect for the first or last night of the trip.
- Hotel
- Close to the airport
- Ideal for the 1st or last night
MY MUST-HAVE TRAVEL GEAR 🧳
It’s a question that comes up a lot when preparing a trip “What should I bring?” That’s why you’ll find below some essential travel accessories to set off on vacation with peace of mind (your documents kept safe) 🛡️ . Planning ahead and getting these items in advance helps you save money and avoid paying for some of them on the spot, where they’ll cost you much more 💸 These are the accessories we took to Mexico and still use for every destination we travel to 👇.
Our road trip checklist
What to pack for Mexico?
Most of these items came with us throughout our 30-day road trip.
0 / 12 in my suitcase · check what you already have
- Essential
ElectronicsUniversal travel adapter
In Mexico, outlets are the American type: French chargers won't fit.
- Essential
ElectronicsPower bank
Long days between ruins and cenotes: your phone lasts until evening.
- Essential
Health & protectionBiodegradable sunscreen
Mineral and biodegradable, kinder to cenotes and reefs.
- Essential
Health & protectionMosquito repellent
Mosquitoes are everywhere, especially in the evening and near the jungle.
- Essential
Cenotes & beachWaterproof phone pouch
To film in cenotes and at the beach without any risk.
- Recommended
Health & protectionFilter water bottle
Tap water isn't drinkable in Mexico: filter it and avoid plastic.
- Recommended
Health & protectionTravel first-aid kit
Band-aids, painkillers, anti-diarrhea meds: enough to handle small issues.
- Recommended
Cenotes & beachWaterproof bag
Papers and keys kept dry on boats, at the beach or by the cenotes.
- Recommended
Cenotes & beachWater shoes
For slippery cenote steps and rocky seabeds.
- Recommended
Cenotes & beachMicrofiber towel
Light and quick-drying: perfect for swim after swim.
- Bonus
Travel & securityTSA lock
To lock your suitcase on the plane, with no risk of it being broken at security.
- Bonus
Travel & securityAirTag
To track your suitcase if your luggage is delayed or lost.
OUR YOUTUBE VIDEOS IN MEXICO 
During our 30-day road trip in Mexico 
, we filmed everything! From Holbox to Cancún, by way of Valladolid, Mérida, Bacalar, Tulum, Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, we take you along with us step by step in our vlogs.
You’ll discover the cenotes we swam in, the Mayan sites we explored, the beaches that made us dream, our places to stay, our favorite spots to eat… and above all our honest take on each place: what amazed us, and what disappointed us a little 
.
If you’re planning your trip, or simply dreaming of getting away, these videos will give you a real glimpse of Mexico, far from the tourist brochures.
Our road trip on video
Our YouTube videos in Mexico
Now watching: Episode 1 · Discovering Mexico & Holbox
21 minEpisode 1Discovering Mexico & Holbox- 17 minEpisode 2Cenotes & Mayan cities
- 9 minEpisode 3Mérida, Uxmal, Cuzamá & the bats
- 13 minEpisode 4Bacalar, a hidden paradise
- 12 minEpisode 5Tulum, Coba, Sian Ka'an & Cenote Azul
- 12 minEpisode 6Cozumel, diving & snorkeling
- 17 minEpisode 7Isla Mujeres, jet skiing & the end of the road trip
21 min
17 min
9 min
13 min
12 min
12 min
17 minTHANKS FOR YOUR FEEDBACK
Thanks for reading this article all the way to the end 🙏! We hope it helps you plan your trip.
A question, a doubt about your itinerary, or simply want to tell us what you thought? Write to us in the comments. Your messages also help other travelers plan their trip, and they always make us very happy 💚.
And if our articles are useful to you, a quick review on Google or Trustpilot helps us enormously to spread the word about the blog ⭐. Thanks for following us!