Lordy

Hi there,
I am just wondering about what currency I will need when I am away.
For the hotels, will I be billed in pesos or US dollars. ( for drinks, meals etc ???)
What about when shopping and going to other restaurants ?
I am aware the bus takes pesos.
When going to nature parks, are the costs in US or pesos?
Where is the best place to exchange US dollars to pesos?
Thanks for your help
Donna

Dude

In Mexico anywhere, always pay in pesos as it is cheaper. Use atm'S.

P_M

Most places will accept the US$ but not at a favorable exchange. The ATM will give you the best exchange rate. I always notify my bank when I'm going to use my ATM card out of the country so they won't flag it for irregular activity.

Lordy

Where is the best place to exchange US dollars?
We are coming from Australia, so I am not sure if I will bring my ATM cards or not.
Thanks again
Donna

P_M

There is no better way to exchange than the ATM, regardless of where you are from. You really should bring your ATM card.

suze

If coming from Australia, why would you even have USD? to then exchange to peso? Double-exchanges like that are always money-losers. Go straight from your home currency to peso, or better yet use an ATM.

P_M

I agree w/suze, changing money twice is never a good thing. You might be hard-pressed to find anyone who will change Aussie $, so you have even more of an incentive to use your ATM card instead of cash.

Lordy

Hi there,
we will be in the US for 3 weeks before we go to Mexico.
( That is why we would have the US dollars )
I am not too keen on using my ATM card in Mexico and would prefer to exchange money.
The exchange from Australian to US is very favourable, so this is not a major problem.
Thanks again for your suggestions
Donna

colokid

I don't use my credit card in Mexico if at all possible but I do use my ATM all the time. I change to pesos as it's much easier to work with compared having someone calculate the current rate for me. Be aware that at times restaurants include the propina (tip) on the bill so you should be careful not to tip twice. The exchange rate a couple of weeks ago when I left was the lowest I've ever seen.