Michael
 |
Well, in past years I would say that you would want to use dollars. But with the value of the dollar taking a hit recently, you might want to consider euros. They'll exchange better. I definitely wouldn't go down there with all pesos. After 15 years of travel to Mexico, I would have to say that there are a couple of qualifiers: 1. Where in Mexico are you going? and, 2. How long will you be staying?
It's never a good idea to take a lot of cash, and traveler's checks have lost favor the world over, despite what American Express would like you to believe.
Here's what we do:
Every year, when we embark on one of our trips to Mexico, we make sure to bring a couple credit cards, and our check card for our local bank. Then we stow away about $300 in cash, just for emergencies, and the rare occasion in which we're unable to use a credit card or access an ATM.
For a week, for 5 people (my wife, 3 kids and myself), we typically try to make sure that we have about $1500. It allows for just about anything that might come up. You never know if you might end up in a hospital, and you need to pay immediately if such a case arises.
Your bank back home is, surprisingly enough, going to give the best exchange rate for pesos while you're down there, so using credit/check cards is the best bet, plus the purchases are protected. If it's stolen, it doesn't mean that you're then broke.
As far as being all inclusive, that just means that you have the equivelent of an in hotel credit card that you have to settle upon leaving, so watch the spending, because in many of these types of resorts, the prices are a bit higher, and they'll give you enough rope to hang yourself with.
All inclusive applies only to the resort and possibly some of their local partners. But if you, say, visit Cancun, and decide to take a day trip to a ruin site, like Ek Balam, then you're going to need money.
Also, beware. It's a poor country, so you may stiffed if you're not careful. Make sure you keep track of your receipts, and settle on prices for EVERYTHING before purchase, especially taxis. Before you even get into a taxi, they should know exactly where you are going, and you should have an agreed upon price from them. Places like Wal-Mart and your hotel usually have posted prices, but you'll need exact change as they claim to never have any.
And remember, just about everything outside of the resort can be haggled down, just stand your ground, and if necessary start to walk away, remain friendly, and they'll usually fold to your whim.
And as for the previous answerer's remarks about the beggar children: Please please please don't give in to them. The Mexican government is trying very hard to get these families to stop these ways, and giving them something just negates that effort.
If a child comes up to you begging, "Un peso....un peso por favor." You should kindly reply something to the effect of "Siento, pero no tengo ningún dinero para ahorrar. ¿Pero deberías tu no ser en la escuela?" (I'm sorry, but I've no money to spare. But shouldn't you be in school?) |
Jason M
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Well...my husband and I took our honeymoon to the Myan Riveria, about 60 miles south of Cancun, Mexico. The question you are asking is a rather good one! It all depends on what you want to see and do while there and what your all-inclusive package intails. At our resort we took Myan temple and ruins tours that were included in our package, but took another trip that we had to pay for and it was about $178 US dollars for both of us, but VERY worth it! We snorkeled, swam with exotic fish and toured lots of areas on our paid trip. I would recommend at least $300 US dollars for spending money, just to be safe. And if you don't spend it you can always bring it back home! Keep your money in US dollars! The bell boys, room service, and bar tenders like it better! The exchange rate is about $1 US doaller to 10 Pesos. And you get better deals in shopping districts if you are negociating with US dollars! I hope that this information helps you to prepare for your trip and that you have a WONDERFUL time! It truely is the best destination I have been to in my life and I have done A LOT of traveling! Post if you have any more questions! |
kingsgirl
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American money all the way. Be careful, do not let them give you change in peso's, ask for american change - they will try to do this I guarentee you.
Estimate how much you think you'll buy in gifts to bring home/excursions off the resort you might do, then add another $100 for an emergency.
NOTE: if you leave the resort, the children will follow you and beg for you to buy them food. there are people who will sell you food that you can give to the children. be prepared to either buy the food and give it to the kids, or ignore the kids. either way, you will be followed so be prepared - a sad situation all around. |
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