NewbE

<Also take a pile of $1's and some $5's you can use for tipping in a pinch.>

In a pinch, yes, but as others have said, it is far preferable to tip in pesos, and really, it's not that hard to get pesos.

Even if you have to resort to the cambio in the airport--oh, I know, Horrors, They Are A Rip Off!-- you will "lose" maybe $5 on a $100. Compared to the cost of your vacation, peanuts.

On the other hand, the people you are tipping are much worse off than you economically . Most, if not all, of them can't dream of a vacation like the one you are taking. It behooves you, therefore, not to inconvenience them by tipping in a foreign currency.

Rohelio

Good information NewbE, those airport ATM's should be used only when necessary, as they are stragically positioned to get your attention and lets face it, they can be very handy, as anyone who has been, will testify !

gracie

I appreciate all the replies, but now I am completely confused about the best way for us to exchange dollars for pesos. These are our constraints:
1. Can't order them locally ahead of time from any local bank.
2. Our transportation from the airport to the hotel is prearranged through Vacation Express, and the van won't make any stops along the way for us to make exchanges.
3. We don't plan to leave the resort until our second or third day, and then we would only be leaving as part of a tour. Again, we wouldn't be making any stops for us to exchange currency.
4. We prefer to tip servers, housekeepers, etc daily, and not at the end of our stay.
5. We are only there for three nights and don't plan to take a taxi to Playa. Our only reason to do so would be to exchange currency. If we did take a taxi into Playa to exchange currency, I think the fare would be around $40. round trip. So, any money we might save by exchanging $100. U. S. dollars into pesos in Playa rather than an airport ATM would be off set by the taxi fare, right?
So, it looks like our best options, under our circumstances, are to exchange currency either at the airport or at an ATM at the resort. Or, am I missing something?

kja

Have you checked on-line to see the locations of ATMs associated with YOUR bank? Or called your bank?

NewbE

I doubt that there are no network-affiliated ATM's in the Cancun airport. I have never been in that airport, so I could be totally wrong, but I doubt it. Networked ATM's are not rare in Mexico in general IME.

So, if I were you, gracie, I would find a map of the Cancun airport online, or a list of its services, and see if there's a network ATM. (Santander, which suze menitoned, is on the same network as BofA, which is our bank, for example.) If there is not, plan to use a cambio on your way out of the airport. You won't get the best deal, but you won't lose your shirt, either, and then you'll be set for your stay.

kja

The map of the Cancun airport is not very useful for ATM info -- I checked. That's why I recommended looking up the ATMs associated with the OP's bank / card. According to the on-line info available through my network, there are ATMs at the airport that are associated with my bank, which is consistent with my (now outdated) experience of the airport.

Rohelio

Your points are well taken Gracie, there are thousands upon thousands of people who travel to and from the Cancun international airport every week. This said, services to travellers are readily available for all kinds of situations. Once you have passed customs, keep an eye out for an ATM or a currency exchange desk. Instructions (ATM) are in English and Spanish and if you take your time and follow directions, you will not have a problem. On your way out there will be dozens of people looking to get your attention, just look for you hotel name and logo and the driver will take care of you and your luggage. Should you miss out on locating an ATM, I am quite certain that you can find one at your hotel. I have never been to this hotel but I have heard good things about it from my sister. Mexican's have been working in the tourist industry for generations, they are very friendly, knowledgeable and most certainly helpfull. Please, rest assured that your trip to the Riviera Maya will be amazing and memorable.

suze

Rohelio,
You posted above there are no bank ATMs at the Cancun airport. But my research seemed to indicate there are 2 Santanders ATMs available.
Can you please clarify your first comment?

suze

gracie, Please don't be confused by everyone's various opinions. Given your specific circumstances I'd say:

1) Use an ATM at the Cancun airport after you land and before getting into your pre-arranged van. Or a currency exchange booth if you can't find an ATM for some reason.

2) Ask the resort/hotel front desk if they do money exchange, most likely they do.

3) Use $1's and $5's USD for tipping. Any currency tip will be appreciated.

NewbE

Look, guys, using USD for tipping is rude. Period. It's only better than nothing.

suze

It is most certainly not "rude"! Please stop giving misinformation and confusing the issue NewbE.

I've been going to Mexico for 20+ years and have talked to locals in the tourist industry about this specifically. They are happy to receive tips in peso or USD. It is simply not the problem you are making it out to be. Not a big deal to them either way.

Sure peso is preferable but a local can exchange or spend USD easily enough.