I am staying at the Moon Palace and don't plan on venturing outside. Do we need to get pesos or will they take US$ all over the hotel? What about at the airport?

Thanks.

You can use U.S. dollars both at the airport and Moon Palace. I usually convert some pesos to use for tips - but again, you can use U.S. dollars for that too.

No problem, you won't pay for anything much anyway except the gift shop and if you want to tip a bartender/server at the beginning which will help with getting excellent service for your whole trip.

Thanks. So, I should be fine with my US dollars.

I do plan on bringing loads of singles for tipping the maids/bartenders/waiters right at the beginning. I know they don't make much money and I know they really appreciate it. It also guarantees great service.

Other than tipping, keep in mind that you'll get a terrible exchange rate. People usually just take dollars at 10 pesos, when the correct exchange rate is 11.15 or so. Pay with your credit card when you can, and you'll get a much better rate.

At the airport, you can also pay with US$, no problem.

where are you getting 11.15?

I travel on the West Coast of Mexico, so maybe this does not so much apply near the Caribbean ... but when you tip in US dollars the people have to go to the bank and get peso or deposit the US dollars. Why not simply use an ATM, or change some money at a bank or cambio window and use the currency of the country you are in? You will not lose, and may gain (better exchange rates) and will be more smooth and polite in your local dealings.

The exchange rate is 11.18 today. You should be able to get that, or close to that with cash at a bank in Mexico. Anyway, you do save a little with pesos. As above, people usually give you 10/1 so if you convert to pesos via ATM or changing cash you come out a little bit ahead.

I second whoever suggested using the currency of the country you're in. It's polite and counters the 'ugly american' reputation.

I also agree with using pesos for tips. Whatever exchange rate you get, it won't amount to much on the $50 you might use for tipping. Yes, they can exchange your dollars by standing in line at the cambio, but wouldn't it be nicer if they could use your tip to stop off and get groceries on the way home?

Why go to Mexico if you are not going to venture outside and see a little of the country?

I would just go to Florida, California or Long Island or some other nice place in the US.

UKUKUK - Because maybe we wanted to go to Mexico to relax by the pool. We've already done it in Florida, California and Long Island. Thanks for the suggestions though!

Hey thanks everyone. I will use my ATM and get pesos for the tips. Great idea. So if I wanted to tip $1, I would tip around 10 Pesos or more?

Oh yeah, is there an ATM at Cancun Airport? Thanks.

Never mind, I found out at: http://www.internationalairportguide...ancun_cun.html

Where do you get that the locals "have" to exchange US dollars they receive in tips into pesos? They can spend them at the stores just as easily as we can. I've been into the smaller grocery stores and other stores where locals have used US dollars to purchase something.

No need to change, just take lots of USD. The locals prefer USD so I don't know why it would be considered impolite to offer that currency?!

I side with tipping with pesos. Once you leave resort areas, as many workers do to go home, U.S. currency isn't accepted or is accepted at a horrible exchange rate. As far as which currency people prefer depends on who you talk to and how and when they are going to use the money.

If you are just going to relax by a pool I would consider buying one, going to your local municipal baths or going to a US hotel with a pool.

Buying a pool will allow you to use it whenever. The local baths are a cheap alternative. Also staying within the US and going to a hotel with a pool will be cheaper that going to Mexico and you won't need to convert currency.

Why do you care if someone wants to relax by the pool in beautiful Mexico? I too have been many places but always dream of Mexico as it is sooo gorgeous.