Mexico Currency Guide
Mexico is a land of endless opportunities for anyone looking for an incredible tourist destination. With its gorgeous beaches, ancient ruins, alluring culture, and dynamic cities bursting with neoclassical architecture, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in Mexico. The country is also home to some of the best cuisines in the world, making it a paradise for food lovers. And, of course, no trip to Mexico would be complete without sampling some of the finest tequila and mezcal. Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun or explore Mexico’s ancient ruins, you won’t be disappointed with what this amazing country has to offer.
Taking Travel Money to Mexico
If you’re travelling to Mexico, you’ll need to exchange your Australian dollars (AUD) for Mexican pesos (MXN) before you leave.
Is it cheaper to convert currency in Australia or Mexico?
It’s generally cheaper to convert your currency into Mexican pesos before you leave Australia, as you’ll get a better exchange rate. However, it’s always a good idea to have some USD on hand in case of an emergency. This way, you can easily exchange currency at a bank if needed.
How much cash can I take to Mexico?
While carrying up to USD $10,000 (or equivalent in foreign currency) in cash into Mexico does not require a declaration, higher sums do. Customs must be informed if you transport more than USD $10,000 into the country.
Where to convert currency?
Crown Currency Exchange is Australia’s largest and leading foreign exchange provider. With over 20 years of experience in ensuring our customers have the exact currencies needed to get the most from their travel adventures, we offer great rates on foreign currency and exceptional customer service. You can collect your foreign currencies from over 60 stores across Australia and get your travel money on the spot, locking in a fantastic exchange rate. Our stores are located nationwide in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Canberra, Adelaide, Tasmania & Perth.
What should you budget per day?
Budget
A reasonable minimum amount to spend per day in Mexico City if you have a tight budget is $1,800 MXN. With this budget, you can afford a hostel dorm room, food from street carts and groceries for self-made meals, transportation via buses and trains, as well as some daily activities (like visiting museums or local art galleries). And if you intend to go out more often or drink alcohol while on your trip here, we recommend adding an additional 200-300 pesos daily to your budget.
Moderate
For a more comfortable and realistic daily budget in Mexico City, we recommend setting aside at least $4,000 MXN. With this amount, you can afford a private room in a mid-range hotel or Airbnb apartment, eat traditional los comidas at local restaurants, occasionally use cabs for transportation, and do one or two tourist activities each day.
Luxury
For a luxury daily budget in Mexico City, expect to spend MXN $7,500 per day. You can even exceed this amount if you want to stay in a 5-star hotel, eat at the best opulent restaurants, take private tours, and do other high-end activities. Having no worries about money while on vacation definitely has its perks!
What is ATM access like in Mexico?
You have no worries finding an ATM because it is almost everywhere in Mexico – in cities, towns and even villages. MasterCard and Visa are the most widely accepted ATM cards in Mexico. Be aware that some ATMs will charge you a foreign transaction fee for withdrawals – usually, this is 3% of the amount withdrawn, but it can be higher. Also, always take into account the exchange rate when withdrawing money from an ATM; you may get a better deal by exchanging your currency in advance.
Is tipping customary in Mexico? How much is expected?
In many countries around the world, gratuities are given to those who provide services, especially in Mexico. Here, service industry workers generally make more from tips than their hourly wage–tips are essential for their income.
Restaurants: In restaurants, it is customary to tip 15% of the bill; if you are dining with a large group, a service charge may be applied automatically (look out for that). If you believe you have received exceptional service, a 20% tip is greatly appreciated.
Taxis: If you’re ever taking a street or an app cab, it’s always appreciated if you leave a tip for the driver. For street cabs, consider rounding up to the nearest $5 or $10 pesos; for app cabs, most apps now have an option to add a tip at the end of your journey. You can also pay the driver in cash if you’d like.
Hotels: For each night spent at a hotel in Mexico, it is usual to leave a tip of between US$1 and US$5 (equivalent in Mexican pesos) for the chambermaid. As chambermaids operate on a schedule, it is advisable to leave a tip daily if you are staying more than one night.
Car parks and valets: Car parks in Mexico’s larger towns and cities are sometimes ‘patrolled’ by men (and occasionally women) who assist drivers in locating a vacant spot, keep a watch on the vehicles, and assist them in reversing out of the parking lot. As you exit, it is common but not required to pay $2 to $5 pesos. A small gratuity of $10 to $20 pesos, appropriate with the class of the establishment, is anticipated if your vehicle is attended to by valet service.
Tour guides and drivers: Group tour guides should be tipped between 3 and 5 dollars per day, or 10% to 20% of the ticket price if you are satisfied with their service (10 dollars a day if you have taken a private tour). Bus drivers should also be tipped $2 each day as a minimum.
Salons and spas: As a general guideline, when you receive a hair styling service that you’re happy with, tip 15% of the total cost. Add 15-20% to the bill to show your appreciation for spa treatments.
Can you bargain in Mexico?
Yes. You may find it on street-side vendors, flea markets, beach sellers, and cabs. In fact, you’ll be able to get “brag-able” discounts on embroidered apparel, hats, handbags, beaded jewellery, tooled leather goods, printed art, masks and artisan products by utilising this money-saving strategy.
Must-Do's in Mexico
1
Adventures at Mexico City's Museums
Brimming with more than 150 museums, it’s no surprise that Mexico City is known as the “City of Museums”. From world-renowned institutions like the Museo Nacional de Antropología to smaller, more quirky ones like the Museo del Chocolate, you won’t run out of things to see and do.
2
A Day Trip to Teotihuacan
The ancient ruins of Teotihuacan are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico. Located just an hour outside of Mexico City, this archaeological site is home to some of the tallest pyramids in the world. Be sure to add it to your list!
3
A stroll through Chapultepec Park
Chapultepec Park is one of the largest parks in Mexico, and it’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of Mexico City. With plenty of green space to relax in, as well as museums, lakes and even a zoo, there’s something for everyone here.
4
Shopping at the Bazaar Sabado
If you’re looking for a unique shopping experience, head to the Bazaar Sabado. This open-air market is held every Saturday in the San Angel neighbourhood, and it’s the perfect place to find locally made arts and crafts, jewellery and more.
5
A taste of Mexico City's Street Food
From spicy tacos to refreshing aguas frescas, Mexico City’s street food is not to be missed. Be sure to try some of the city’s signature dishes, such as quesadillas, churros and tamales. And don’t forget to wash it all down with a cold beer or margarita!