Money in Mexico
Mexico uses the Mexican peso. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- MXNMexican peso
- Symbol
- $
- Tipping
- Expected
Paying in Mexico
Uses the $ sign too. Carry small notes for taxis and markets.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- Audley advises carrying some local cash for rural areas. Wise advises carrying only what you plan to spend that day.
- ATMs
- Wise recommends ATMs of large banks such as Banamex, Santander, Banorte and HSBC, because smaller operators may charge high fees. Most Mexican ATMs accept only 4-digit PINs, and Responsible Travel notes ATM fees are a percentage, so larger withdrawals cost more.
- Foreign currency
- Wise says US dollars are accepted in tourist areas, but paying in pesos is usually cheaper.
- Exchanging money
- Wise says large banks or select ATMs give the best rates, and exchange kiosks at airports, hotels and in towns often mark up rates and add fees. Responsible Travel advises getting pesos before you leave rather than converting to US dollars first.
- Watch out for
- Always choose to be charged in pesos, not your home currency, at ATMs and card terminals, because the ATM can mark up the exchange rate (Wise). Wise also reports that ATMs are sometimes targeted by hijackers, so avoid withdrawing or carrying large sums.
Tipping in Mexico
10–15% in restaurants unless a service charge is included. Small tips for porters, bagging staff and guides; taxi drivers don't expect one.
Expected: Tips are customary, and staff often rely on them.
Sources checked: Wise (Money in Mexico: banks, ATMs, cards and currency exchange), Audley Travel (Mexico practical info), Responsible Travel (Mexico travel advice), Skyscanner, Intrepid Travel, Mexico News Daily.
Convert to and from MXN
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 18.57 MXN | 20.80 MXN | 24.91 MXN |
| 10 | 186 MXN | 208 MXN | 249 MXN |
| 50 | 928 MXN | 1,040 MXN | 1,246 MXN |
| 100 | 1,857 MXN | 2,080 MXN | 2,491 MXN |
| 500 | 9,283 MXN | 10,400 MXN | 12,457 MXN |
What each amount is worth in MXN. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Mexico use?
Mexico uses the Mexican peso (MXN).
Do you need to tip in Mexico?
Expected. 10–15% in restaurants unless a service charge is included. Small tips for porters, bagging staff and guides; taxi drivers don't expect one.
Can you pay by card in Mexico?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. Audley advises carrying some local cash for rural areas. Wise advises carrying only what you plan to spend that day.
Are there ATMs in Mexico?
Wise recommends ATMs of large banks such as Banamex, Santander, Banorte and HSBC, because smaller operators may charge high fees. Most Mexican ATMs accept only 4-digit PINs, and Responsible Travel notes ATM fees are a percentage, so larger withdrawals cost more.