Do I need to exchange money for my trip to Cancun?

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Doug S

Cancun is as modern as Miami and maybe safer, however...

Your biggest risks is getting short changed or credit card fraud. So, count your change and don't use your card all over the place.

Get cash from an ATM and leave the excess cash, card and other valuables in the hotel safe.

flightpillow

We have always found that the best deals are offered when paying cash in Mexican Pesos. You can obtain pesos quite easily by exchanging your currency at your Hotel's front desk or by using an ATM. One word of advice before using ATMs, do check with your bank before you leave home what the fees would be for using your ATM card internationally.

If using/bring credit cards call you company and tell them the dates you will be in Mexico for so no one, including you, can make a charge to that card after the date you tell them from Mexico.
Odds are hotels are not a great place to exchange unless they are a US chain hotel. Best place is the banks of which there are several in the hotel zone and or ATMï¿½ï¿½ï¿½s. Restaurants and stores do not give you a very good rate so exchange money before shopping. EVERYONE here wins when it comes to exchanging money so just check the rates. The closer you get to downtown the better the rates are for you.
You can not use ripped bills or if they have been written on or taped back together.
Traveler checks must be signed not only on the front but odds are on the back with ID and a drop of blood.
NO personal checks or money orders. No coins (hard to ship back to exchange).

=)

whymewhynow

US currency is widely accepted in Cancun

Melissa

No, not really. You'll want some change if you're going to ride the buses. And you'll want to use small bills because your change will be in Mexican money. But most restaurants and shops take American money.

bic

depends on whewre you spend it.

dons

They will exchange it there, no problem

gerardo

dollars can be use all over the city

latrailera2000

Nah it's a large tourist destination.

rocky_chase_angel

Exchange $20-$50 in the morning at your hotel when you go out for cabs or buses, eating and shopping, depending on how much you want to spend for the day. Bring about the same amount in US dollars too, keep the rest hidden well in your hotel room or put it in your hotel safe. That way you're prepared no matter what you want to buy. Many places take credit cards also and the credit card automatically converts it to US dollars on your statement. If you run out of pesos, there are places all over to exchange your currency and they may have a better exchange rate than your hotel.

BTGirl

I just got back from a 5 month stint in Mexico, and I went to many different parts- Playa Del Carmen, Cancun, Merida, etc., etc...

Not everyone takes US dollars, and sometimes you end up paying more if you pay in dollars.

If you are only going to eat and be in a resort in Cancun, then you probably don't need to.

I would change my money. But, If you pay in dollars at a place that takes it, you will get your change back in pesos anyway, so you will have an assortment of currency in your wallet anyhow.

Gulfstream_five_fifty

No need to exchange.
Take a bunch of "ones" for tipping, and use caution if you use your credit card.
Insure the amount charged is in USD.
US dollars...
Good luck

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