Mexico Currency

> My daughter is going to the Cancun area in September.
> Should she take Mexican pesetas or US dollars, cash or cheques?

Unless she can get an astonishing exchange rate on pesos before
leaving home, she'd be better off using credit cards where she can
(your equivalent of Visa and MasterCard) and use an ATM card to get
pesos for use when a credit card won't work.

US$ do work in many places, but the exchange rate is really, really
bad.

--
Bert Hyman | St. Paul, MN

Yes, let her bring some mexican pesetas, maybe she can get a good
exchange rate for the US yen.

Now seriously, your daughter can bring US dollars, most hotels,
airports, restaurants, tours, etc. will take them in Cancun, but I
would say a credit card would be prefered over cash (VISA, MC, Amex are
OK), and use any ATM to get pesos for street expenses, the exchange
rate is about 1 dll ~ 10.80 pesos.

Good luck

You can exchange your pounds for pesos at any cambio in Cancun. Rates will
vary slightly, but it's not worth the effort to find the 'best' exchange.
You'll earn pennies at best, surely not enough to make a search worthwhile.
That said, hotels are not likely to give you the best rate.

You will need pesos, there's no doubt, but like others have said, you'll do
best with your credit card where you can use it. However, you'll want cash
for purchases from vendors, and for things like an ice cream, or a
newspaper, or a cab ride.

We normally exchange either $US20 or 40 at a time depending on our immediate
plans, and just get more pesos when we're low. Coins are the hardest things
to hang onto, and are also the most useful for tips and such. Those you can
get from a hotel cashier.

Keith

Hi Bob,
I live very close to Cancun and I recommend your daughter to bring a
few US dollars or Mexican pesos just for arrival. The best way to get
pesos is from ATMs. They sometimes also offer withdrawl of US dollars.
US dollars are accepted almost everywhere in and around Cancun, but you
often get better prices paying in Mexican pesos.
There is a ATM machine at Cancun airport. If her vacation package
doesn´t include a transfer to her hotel, she will need money for a
taxi, so in case she doesn't want to take USd or Mex. pesos from home,
she can use her bank / credit card right upon arrival in the departure
hall of Cancun airport.
ATMs arround here accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus or Maestro.
Hope she has a great time in Cancun!

Bob Phillips <bob.phillips@tiscali.co.uk> wrote:
> it was like an American outpost,

Maybe being in the American continent has something to do?

> My daughter is going to the Cancun area in September.
> Should she take Mexican pesetas or US dollars, cash or cheques?

They're Pesos, not pesetas. And the currency symbol for the Peso is the
same as the US dollar sign.

One of the funniest things I saw in Mexico was an American tourist
push the $100 button on an ATM and out came.. a 100 Peso note. You
should have seen his face.

T.

Before going, call your credit card company and tell them you'll be in
Mexico and that you'll probably be using your credit card there.

When my mother went, the first time she used her credit card they put a
hold on its use in case it was a fraudulent use.

Always notify the company if you're going out of the country to avoid
issues once you're there.

April G.
San Antonio, TX

It is always a smart idea to inform your credit card company that you
are travelling out of the country, but credit card fraud still exists,
even when you follow the rules. If your card is double swiped into a
machine to get your numbers, no one knows thiefs are charging things up
in the city you said you would be in until you get back home and see
your statement . It's just a possibility that should be thrown out
there, thats all.

In terms of bank machines not working, you can certainly go into the
bank (not sure that all banks can help you with this), but not after
bank hours.

Everyone has their preferred method of "travelling with money". Do what
you think is best. Just consider the possibilities.

Christina

Don't take Pounds! You will not be able to change them except at downtown
banks and at a hefty fee. Use ATMs - they are everywhere and the exchange
rate is on an hourly basis measured on international standards. Credit cards
are also almost universal even in grocery stores and small restaurants.

Wayne

The money changers will change pounds and Euros and dollars. They do not
discriminate. I found a 10 Euro note in my swimming trunks pocket while in
Peru, local guy changed it without any problem. Lots of fake Travelers
Checks were making the rounds and AMEX would not stand behind them. So lots
of places do not take TC's. As to ATM cards, in 3 trips to Europe, and 2 to
South America and 1 to canada in the last 5 years, never had a problem
getting money. In most European cities there are banks on lots of the
corners, so if a machine is broke, go to another bank.