How Much Currency You Need to Go On Vacation to Cancun, Mexico
Ordering Mexican pesos is easy with OnlineFX.
As an expert on foreign currency exchange, "How much currency to bring?" is one of the most common questions we get. It is difficult to provide a true estimate because it depends on each traveler’s needs and plans.
For you to get a better idea of how much currency to bring on your trip, we’ve put together a travel guide that includes the cheapest time to visit, how to get around, the best dining options, and things to do in Cancún.
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What Currency to Bring to Mexico?
The Mexican peso is the official currency of Mexico. The word pesos means “weights” in English and refers to gold or silver weights. Mexico has the 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 peso banknotes in circulation. Many of the current and old series banknotes can look similar, so never accept notes with “El Banco de Mexico” written on them, only accept “Banco de Mexico” notes.
When you purchase foreign currency from CXI, don't forget to get your currency protected. If you opt out of Currency Price Protection, you're leaving money on the table that can be used on your trip. With a small fee of $5.95, we offer an exchange rate protection that's valid for 180 days after the original purchase. This allows you to sell any leftover currency back at our ultimate buy-back rate plus you receive no exchange fee upon your return. This offer is currently exclusively available at CXI's company-owned branches.
Cheapest Times To Visit Cancún
The cheapest time to visit Cancún is during the low seasons (December-April) specifically the month of September. Traveling during the low seasons allows you to beat the crowds and travel on a budget. Flights to Cancún, Mexico typically range from about $170 USD to $400 USD, depending on where you leave from, the airline you fly with, and when you are taking your trip, according to Expedia. The average cost for a round-trip ticket is $308 USD.
Don't forget before you book that flight, check out everything you need to know about the five trusted travelers programs in our video.
How to Get Around Cancún?
Buses: The best way to get around Cancún is by riding the bus. Cancún has a great bus system that can take you down the strip and to nearby tourist towns. If you're looking to venture out to Tulum, Playa del Carmen, or Chichén Itzá (Wonder of the World), consider taking the ADO buses.
Taxis: Another way to get around Cancún is by Taxis. In our how much currency to bring chart below, you'll see a 10-mile cab ride is on average about $10.83 USD. Having this information handy should give you a good idea of how much you would need to get around the city. Be sure to have some pesos on hand, because cash is king, and most drivers still prefer cash.
Best Restaurants in Cancún
Recommended by locals and visitors alike, visit La Fonda del Zancudo for traditional Mexican cuisine. Another great option is La Habichuela - Centro. There you'll have a great Mayan culture ambiance and a menu filled with Mexican-Caribbean fusion. For a more relaxed dining experience, make your way to Café Antoinette for breakfast or El Fish Fritanga for lunch for great seafood options.
As shown in our how much currency to bring chart above, it costs on average $23.36 USD for a budget dinner for two and $2.34 USD for a pint of beer. If you enjoy your service, leave some pesos for your service. Typically, around 10-15% percent is the norm for restaurants and bars. Be sure to leave your tip in cash.
Best Things to Do in Cancún
There's so much that Cancún has to offer year-round. Here is a list of activities to consider while on vacation.
- Cenote Tour, deep natural well
- Museo Subacuático de Arte (MUSA), an underwater museum
- Coco Bongo Cancun, is a great spot for nightlife
- Xavage Park by Xcaret, Cancun's most original theme park
Currency Exchange International (CXI) is a leading provider of foreign currency exchange services in North America for financial institutions, corporations, and travelers. Products and services for international travelers include access to buy and sell more than 80 foreign currencies, gold bullion coins and bars. For financial institutions, our services include the exchange of foreign currencies, international wire transfers, purchase and sale of foreign bank drafts, international traveler’s cheques, and foreign cheque clearing through the use of CXI’s innovative CEIFX web-based FX software www.ceifx.com
