Do you have any upcoming plans to visit Mexico? Here’s a brief overview of the currency and payment choices you can expect during your trip, ensuring you’re well-prepared beforehand.
Currency in Mexico
The official currency in Mexico is the Mexican Peso, often abbreviated as MXN or represented by the symbol “$”. The Mexican Peso is further subdivided into 100 centavos, which are smaller denominations used for everyday transactions.
Banknotes and coins of various denominations are used in everyday transactions, with banknotes typically ranging from 20 to 1,000 pesos and coins available in values such as 5, 10, and 20 pesos.
When visiting Mexico, it’s a good idea to carry some local currency as well as U.S. dollars. In addition to the Mexican Peso, U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas and border towns due to the proximity to the United States and the significant number of American tourists who visit Mexico.
Payment Options When Traveling to Mexico
When embarking on a trip to Mexico, it’s essential to cover your lodging and dining costs, along with transportation expenses and any souvenirs you wish to purchase. Here are the prevalent payment methods in Mexico:
- Cash: The primary currency used in Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN). It’s recommended to carry some cash with you for small purchases, transportation, and in case you visit places that don’t accept cards.
- Credit cards: Major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted in most businesses, especially in larger cities and tourist destinations. Be sure to inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid card issues due to international transactions.
- Electronic payments: Many places in Mexico accept electronic payments via smartphone. Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other similar apps make it convenient to pay for goods and services securely–as long as your phone has an active internet connection or NFC capabilities.
Buy an RFID-Blocking Wallet for Mexico Travel
RFID-blocking wallets provide added security to safeguard your credit card details while you’re on the move.
RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification. An RFID-blocking wallet prevents identity theft by blocking radio waves.
There are many types of RFID-blocking wallets on Amazon, so it’s easy to find one that will fit your style and budget.
If you’re not sure what kind of RFID wallet is best for you, we recommend the FurArt Credit Card Wallet. This wallet features 13 card slots, 2 cash pockets, and an RFID blocking lining — a great gift for the man or woman on the go!
