Maudy

Or should I change it while in Mexico. Only looking at about 100.00 spending, so which would be the better (and cheaper) way of going about this? Thanks in advance.

Markt

You can't beat the US dollar when traveling and the good news is that they are cheaper this year. The Can $ is way up from last year. Change your money here in Canada before you go. It's easier then dealing with a bank down there and the hotel exchange will be more expensive.

mrwunrfl

So, you're going to pay to exchange Cdn$ for US$ and then pay more to convert the US$ to pesos? Y'all don't have any ATM cards up there?

SusanInToronto

I usually go to Mexico every year. We use ATM machines most of the time that we're there (plus visa when we're able to) so we don't have to take a lot of cash with us. We typically take some USD (maybe $100) with us in cash, so that we've got money to use if we run into a situation where we're in some out of the way spot and there are no ATM's or the only machine doesn't work. Sometimes when we've arrived in Mexico, we've needed some cash to pay for a cab to our hotel, that kind of thing. Usually there are ATM's in the airport, but the odd time it hasn't worked for us. I realize that there is a service charge to withdraw $ from my account when I use a bank other than my own, but it's worth the convenience to me (plus the safety factor - I don't like to carry a lot of cash on me).

If you're only going to be spending aobut $100, it sounds like maybe you're going to an all inclusive and your tranportation to and from the airport are already taken care of. I wouldn't worry then about taking any extra cash. There are usually banks all over the place and you can withdraw some pesos when you need them.

One thing to keep in mind, is that when you use USD, you'll get your change back in pesos.

Jean_Valjean

US$ are usually easier to change than CDN$. Everyone will take US$ (including banks), while very few people (including bankds) will take CDN $

suze

As a frequent traveler to Puerto Vallarta, there are change windows all over downtown plus several banks who accept all types of foreign currency.

There are both ATM and bank windows at the airport. They will all accept Canadian cash. Or use an ATM to withdraw peso directly.

I don't know about other parts of Mexico, but in PV this is very easy to do once you arrive. So to the original question, bring 100 in Canadian bills and exchange it the first opportunity you have - the airport in PV has OK rates.

Changing into US dollars is definitely not necessary.

Carolred

Why on earth would you change to USD then pesos and pay service fees twice and risk getting bad rates? Also, the Canadian dollar being up means you will get a good rate on it. I read a newspaper article lately that said that you lose out 5-10% when using USD because of the rates used in restaurants, etc, compared with withdrawing peso's from a bank machine. Use ATM's and credit cards!

Maudy

Ok, I think now I am more confused on what to do than when i posted my original question. There are a few different opinions on what I should do anyways. Of course, I don't want to pay more for exchanging than i have to. I do realize PV is quite a touristy place and quite a few atms and banks, but I guess at this point just which is the better bang for the buck. I thank you all for your replies and welcome any more.

JohnK

Hi Maudy, The best deal is to use an ATM in Mexico to get pesos. You'll get the best rate, it's convenient and you only pay a small fee of a dollar or two per transaction. There are a couple of ATMs in the airport so you'll be set right away. With an ATM card and a credit card you'll have all the bases covered for your trip. Have fun.

suze

You have gotten many *opinions* but some are simply incorrect. Trading Canadian, thru U.S., to get peso is absurd.

Either use an ATM or change your 100 Canadian at any convenient bank window or casa de cambio.

You are talking only a few cents difference in exchange rates and possible fees on such a small amount of money. The mixed and inaccurate advice on this thread is making it seem way more complicated than it really is!

CarolineW

Hi there, I just posted a similar question in the "Royal Hideaway trip report" thread. This info on using ATMs to get pesos is very helpful. For tipping, which do service staff prefer, pesos or USD? Which will we need more? We'll be at an AI, so everything is taken care of as far as transportation to/from the airport, but I am wondering for shopping, tours, etc. if it's better to have USD or pesos. Thanks all.

jwc

I agree that changing your money twice does not make much sense. First, you are only talking about $100 so it really doesn't matter how you do it.

Tipping in pesos is fine. They will gladly accept either pesos or US dollars.

suze

Tip in peso. If you tip in US dollar the people will just need to go to the bank, same as you would, to change it into peso to spend.

jwc

You can use US dollars for shopping if you wish. Even the street vendors accept US dollars. There is no need to go to the bank to change them into pesos.

suze

My personal feeling behind my posts above is that it is more polite and respectful as a visitor in their country to use their currency. It only takes a few seconds at any casa de cambio window which are all over town.

Richard1507

We went to Cancun last year for two weeks. We had our Visa, 200C$ in pesos (I don't remember how much that was at the time) and canadian travellers cheques. We had no problems with the banks (there was a lineup only once) and anyway, most restaurants and shops took Visa.
Richard

CarolineW

Thanks Suze and JWC. I'll be tipping in pesos that I get at the ATM, and bring some US$$ with me as well! Only 37 days until our trip, yippee!