Riviera Maya
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 101
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
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
#2
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,667
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.
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 101
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!
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!
Last edited by Tshoobaka; Sep 3, 2013 at 12:45 pm
#5
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,667
Do you have specific questions/concerns?
#6
Moderator: American AAdvantage




Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT EXP; HH LT Diamond, Matre-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
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.
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.
#7
Join Date: Aug 2013
Programs: AC Aeroplan, BA Executive, DL Skymiles, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, National Executive Elite
Posts: 264
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.
#8
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: DEN
Programs: US Gold • SPG Gold
Posts: 222
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.
#9
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,667
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 101
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!
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!
#11
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,667
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!
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!
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$240/week.
One of the things I like about renting with Easyway is that when you book your rental, the insurance is offered, and the total price appears up front (no "surprises" at the counter on arrival).
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 101
I know, and I wasn't originally planning on renting since I thought price before any insurance was over 200$. 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
#13
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,667
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.

