Traveling to Mayan Riviera next week and had 2 questions...?

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Rockin' Mel S

As a fellow Canadian - here's the deal - US dollars are widely accepted Canadian dollars less so. Anyone will take USD, Canadian dollars you will generally need to change them at the hotel desk, a bank or money exchange booths in the shopping areas of Cancun or Playa del Carmen. You can change money at the booths at the airport too but these generally have the worst rates.

You can easily spend USD almost anywhere but as someone already pointed out if you spend USD you will be overcharged (by about 10% with the bad exchange rate). Your best bet is to spend Pesos.

So, my advice would be to bring some USD just to get you through the first day or so after that just use your bank card and withdraw money in pesos from the ATM's. There is a couple of Scotiabanks in Playa del Carmen (including one on 5th Ave.) and if you bank with them at home I don't think they even charge you the interact fee. (not 100% sure on that though). Also, excursions and such you can generally pay for with credit cards and you'll generally get a good exchange rate with those as well.

jthomp58

I wouldn't bother to exchange the money...very little difference. Yes, they could use those items and would appreciate your gifts.

Paolove

You can exchange Canadian money into pesos in Mexico, but they usually take the money exhange rate very low, they abuse. You have more chances to get a better rate with US dlls, you can check some web pages of banks in Mexico to see what is more convenient for you, because its better to do it directly in a bank.
And the people of the Rivera Maya doesn't appreciate gifts they usually prefer money.

Robb

I would exchange money into U.S. currency (easy for me to say as an American), simply for the fact that the U.S. Dollar is broadly accepted and can sometimes yield a better value... If you do a little research, you will find whether to change some into USD and some into Pesos or all USD to pesos is better.

I usually leave cash for the staff. While there is a lot of poverty in Mexico (especially in the "Indian" population), it is nothing like the Dominican Rep. I usually give out the rest of my Pesos and some USD.

Tammy R

Well the money question.....it is your choice.....not a lot of difference there. The staff would greatly appreciate anything that you bring them. They are very humble and hard working people......appreciative of anything. I think that is a wonderful gesture. Oh yeah....I always take my taxi driver a t-shirt....he loves it. I use him everytime I go....I have his cell number and just call him up when I need him. He is wonderful..I can give you his number if you like.

chris c

The exchange rate is a little different. It's 10:1 at stores, restaraunts, etc. It is 12:1 at the Hotel. So $100 U.S. equals $1200 pesos. Definetly worth it to exchange in the long run. But really depends on how much you plan to spend. Under $1000.00 don't bother. I have found that cash is king as far as gifts go!! I was just in Mexico about 2 months ago.

iseemen

don't exchange your money it is not worth it, second I think they might depending where you stay a big resort may not appreciate as much as smaller one. If you get a chance go to Isla Mujeras take the ferry over it is a great day trip

Mari

ATM machines are easily available and you can withdraw in pesos so you just need a little American money to exchange at the beginning of your stay. The items are available in Mexico, and often less expensive than elsewhere. I think they would appreciate a tip more.

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