Cancun money guide
Money in Cancun: Cash, Cards, Pesos and Dollars
Money in Cancun can puzzle first-time visitors and regulars alike. The short answer is to pay in the currency the price is quoted in, carry a sensible amount of cash, and keep a card as backup.
The Mexican peso is the official currency. Shops, restaurants, hotel gift shops, buses and taxis normally quote their prices in pesos, so pesos are usually the better choice for those payments. Tours and nightclub entry are often priced in US dollars, so paying those prices in dollars can avoid an unfavourable conversion back into pesos. As a general rule, use the currency shown on the price. Use the quick answers below, then choose the detailed guide that matches what you need.
First things first
Quick answers for spending in Cancun
These are the practical answers most visitors need before deciding which detailed guide to read.
What currency should I use?
Use the currency the price is quoted in. Shops, restaurants, hotel gift shops, buses and taxis normally price in pesos, while tours and nightclub entry are often priced in US dollars. Paying in another currency leaves the conversion rate to the business, and that rate may not favour you.
How much cash should I carry?
Carry enough pesos for a day of tips, transport and small purchases, rather than your entire holiday budget. Keep the rest secure and have a second way to pay.
Can I use cards?
Cards are widely accepted, especially for larger purchases, but cash is still useful for markets and small businesses. Tell the terminal operator you want to pay in pesos.
What about ATMs?
Prefer an ATM inside a bank, shop or mall, check the displayed fee, and withdraw pesos. If the ATM offers home-currency conversion, decline it and let your card provider handle the conversion.
Do I need to exchange before arrival?
You do not need to exchange your whole budget before you arrive. Compare the total pesos you receive after the rate and fees, then use the exchange guide for the detailed options.
Choose your guide
Go straight to the money advice you need
This page is the starting point. Each guide below answers a different practical question in more depth.
Currency in Cancun
Start here if you are deciding between pesos and US dollars, wondering where each is accepted, or choosing between cash and cards.
Best Exchange Rate in Cancun
Compare ATMs, banks and exchange services, understand fees and exchange-rate margins, and avoid expensive currency-conversion choices.
Mexican Currency
See the Mexican banknotes and coins you are likely to handle, learn the denominations, and get familiar with pesos before your trip.
Tipping in Cancun
Find out when tipping is customary, when it is optional, and what to consider at resorts, restaurants, bars, on tours and in taxis.
Cancun Scams
Learn the warning signs and practical precautions for common payment, ATM, taxi, restaurant and timeshare situations without assuming that every business is a problem.
A simple plan
Three rules cover most Cancun spending
- Pay in the currency shown on the price: pesos for peso prices and dollars for dollar prices.
- Carry cash and a card, keeping a second payment method separate as backup.
- Choose pesos on the screen when an ATM or card terminal offers a currency choice.
That is enough for most visitors. Use the five guides above when you need the detail behind any one decision.