Preparing your money before a trip to Mexico saves you a lot of hassle: here is what you need to know about the Mexican peso, about the cash that remains essential as soon as you leave the tourist areas, and about tipping (the famous propinas).
The Mexican peso (MXN) in brief
The official currency is the Mexican peso (code MXN), whose symbol is the same as the dollar: "$". On the ground, you will sometimes come across the notation "MXN" or "M.N." (moneda nacional) to distinguish it from the US dollar, which is also written "$". Stay alert, especially in very touristy areas where some prices are displayed in dollars.
Banknotes range from 20 to 1,000 pesos (20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000), and coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5 and 10 pesos, supplemented by a few small centavos. The country has largely switched to polymer banknotes, which are more durable and harder to counterfeit. Remember to keep small denominations on hand: paying for a taco, a taxi or a market purchase with a 500 or 1,000 peso note is often complicated, as small traders do not always have enough to give change.
Why cash remains essential
In the large hotels and restaurants of Mexico City, Cancún or Playa del Carmen, bank cards work without any problem. But as soon as you go off the beaten track, cash becomes king again. The tianguis (street markets), the small comedores, the neighbourhood fondas, taxis outside the apps, rural archaeological sites, colectivo drivers and many street stalls operate in cash only.
Our advice: arrive with a stock of pesos already in your pocket for your first few hours (transport from the airport, first meal, first tips), then top up locally. Changing part of your budget in France before departure spares you the queues and the unfavourable rates of the airport exchange desks. At Paris Change, you can check our currencies and book your Mexican pesos online for a simple in-store pickup.
ATMs and payments on the ground
ATMs (the cajeros automáticos) are plentiful in the cities. Favour those located inside or against the façade of the major banks (BBVA, Banorte, Santander, HSBC): they are safer and generally less greedy on fees than the independent machines in tourist areas.
When paying or withdrawing, the machine will sometimes ask whether you want to be charged in euros or in pesos: always choose pesos. Accepting the charge in euros triggers "dynamic currency conversion" (DCC), with a rate applied by the terminal that is rarely in your favour. Also keep a backup card and a little cash set aside: not every village has an ATM, and some break down or run out of notes at the weekend.
Tipping (propinas): a deeply rooted custom
In Mexico, the propina is part of the culture and often supplements modest wages. A few useful benchmarks:
- Restaurants: it is customary to leave around 10 to 15% of the bill. Check that the service is not already included, especially for groups.
- Supermarkets: the empacadores (often elderly people or youngsters) who bag your shopping are not salaried and live off tips; a few coins are customary.
- Petrol stations: the staff fill up the tank for you; people happily leave a few pesos.
- Hotels: porters and housekeeping staff appreciate a small gesture in cash.
- Guides and drivers on excursions: a tip according to the quality of the service.
These gestures are almost always settled in cash and in pesos: one more reason to keep small change on you.
Customs rules and good habits
As for formalities: on entering and on leaving the European Union, carrying €10,000 or more in cash (or the equivalent in foreign currency) requires a mandatory customs declaration. For a typical stay, you will remain well below this threshold; simply plan to spread your money across several pockets and bags.
Also remember to notify your bank of your trip to avoid having your card blocked, and to note down the card-cancellation number. Avoid flashing large wads of notes and favour withdrawals during the day, in busy places.
Why prepare your currency exchange at Paris Change
A bureau de change approved by the ACPR (Banque de France), Paris Change is located at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, 75005 Paris, in the heart of the Latin Quarter (Saint-Michel metro line 4, RER B and C at Saint-Michel–Notre-Dame). The shop is open 7 days a week, Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm and Sunday from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm: handy for fitting in your visit just before departure. More than 53 currencies available, commission-free, and online booking for a simple pickup at the counter.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to change your euros into pesos in France or in Mexico?
Having a stock of pesos as soon as you arrive is very convenient (transport, first meals, tips) and avoids the unattractive rates of the airport exchange desks. You can then top up locally, at the ATMs of the major banks.
Is the US dollar accepted in Mexico?
In some very touristy areas, sometimes yes, but often at a disadvantageous rate and with the change given in pesos. For everyday life and away from the seaside resorts, it is better to pay directly in pesos.
Do you need a lot of cash day to day?
Yes for markets, taxis, street food and small shops; cards are enough in the hotels and restaurants of the big cities. Above all, keep small denominations.
Prepare for your trip with peace of mind: check our currencies and book your Mexican pesos online for a quick, commission-free pickup at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel.
