Riviera Maya
 

Hello FT

Tried to search but I couldn't find a specific answer to my question

In the touristic areas of Riviera Maya/Cancun (Hotel, Spa, Little shops, Tips) what is the most appreciated by locals?
MXN vs USD vs CAD

I dont mind being charged conversion fees at the exchange desk or the bank, i just want the currency they prefer to deal in.

Thanks in advance

First of all, some Mexican bank ATMs don't charge a fee for cards from certain banks when withdrawing in pesos. (For us, it was B-of-A and Santander. I asked my bank before I left. Can't say for any Canadian bank.)
Using US dollars, you get a conversion rate (on the fly, as you pay) of about 10 pesos = 1 dollar (for convenience in doing the math, but the shop keeper also makes slightly more, and convenience for the customer in not having to bother his/her mind calculating in another currency--note: torn/worn dollars are not accepted). The actual value may be about 13.xx pesos = 1 dollar, so you are losing and "they" are making slightly more, but which adds up. Maybe given this, "they" prefer/appreciate dollars.
Many tourists seem to want to avoid withdrawing money in pesos, or exchanging currency, and prefer to stick to dollars. I'm too cheap to lose 3 pesos on each dollar (some good meals/snacks we ate locally only cost a few pesos), and also think it's respectful to use the country's own currency.

That's what I like when travelling.

Thanks for the reply, I think I'm going to bring a bit of both, calculating isnt a hassle for me, I actually enjoy playing with foreign currencies.

Obrigado VidaNaPraia!

did either of you rent a car in CUN/Riviera Maya? looking for advice, thank you

Yes, I've rented from Easyway. Their office is about 5 minutes from the airport in Cancun and they meet you and shuttle you over. The staff was great/personable/helpful, the prices reasonable (with all insurance, all as in the online quote), and the car comfortable to drive/sound.
Do you have specific questions/concerns?

Whilst dollars etc. may be accepted, you will pay a price for the vendor / shop / hotel / restaurant's inflated conversion rate to use them.

By the same token beware "dynamic currency conversion" tricks if anyone offers to accept your credit card and "helpfully" offer to charge you in dollars / Euros, etc. The conversion rate will not be at a bank rate, that's for sure.

Riviera Maya
 

I found that it was best to carry both US or Canadian dollars and pesos. When you want to purchase something ask what it costs in both currencies. Most vendors fluctuate in their exchange rates and you can often save a lot of money. They seem to have no preference on which currency they receive.

Excellent points.

Most vendors simply lop off the zero if you're using dollars (CND or US). The "real" rate is currently closer to 13 than 10. Do the math.
500 pesos=U$50 dollars when the "correct" rate is U$38.75

Riviera Maya
 

Thanks all,

To the person asking about car rentals, I'm renting a car with National for 56.78CAD tax in for 7Days 0 hours.. And they're in terminal.. I had the option of renting

FX 13.48$ (yes these are rates for the full week)
EY 14.49$
ZA 14.63$
BW 23.67$
Finally ZL 56.78$

So there's obviously low prices for the rental, but watch out the insurances because whatever happens to your car, it's on you!

Misleading "advice" to post.

That all sounds fine if you want to be detained in a Mexican jail for the time it takes until any accident is resolved. It's not just about damage to the car.

You MUST take the FULL insurance to protect yourself in case of an incident. Your credit card or other foreign insurance is not sufficient.
The price of rental with full insurance probably wouldn't be less than
U$240/week.

One of the things I like about renting with Easyway is that when you book your rental, the insurance is offered, and the total price appears up front (no "surprises" at the counter on arrival).

I know, and I wasn't originally planning on renting since I thought price before any insurance was over 200$. I got that car rental booked without any credit card on file and I will see at the counter the total price that they'll charge me

IMO it's silly to wait until you are at the counter to see the entire price. I am renting again so I was just on the net researching. Just go on the Easyway site and you will get a total, including the rental for the car you choose (starting at U$20 or U$23/day) and any insurance you pick (U$18/day for full for those cars, or you can choose individual coverages) , and taxes.