Pesos conversion in US or Mexico, tips
Oct 3, 2023 | 6:45 pm
#16
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: ROC
Programs: AA Exec Plat; NEXUS
Posts: 101
At least it's heading back in the right direction again !! We're hoping that by the time we get back there in late Dec it'll be closer to 21:1 again. (wishful thinking !!)
Oct 3, 2023 | 6:55 pm
#17
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Queretaro
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, Marriot Gold, IHG Silver, Choice Platinum, Wyndham Gold
Posts: 5,228
Oct 3, 2023 | 7:05 pm
#18
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: ROC
Programs: AA Exec Plat; NEXUS
Posts: 101
Oct 3, 2023 | 7:24 pm
#19
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: New Jersey
Programs: AeroMexico Club Premiere
Posts: 275
I think "experts" are calling for mid 18's by the end of the year. A lot depends on inflation and interest rates respectively in the two countries. The faster inflation falls and rates get cut in Mexico, the better for us US tourists.
Mar 14, 2025 | 1:41 pm
#23
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Queretaro
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, Marriot Gold, IHG Silver, Choice Platinum, Wyndham Gold
Posts: 5,228
The MXN Peso just took over the USD. Rising in worth. One dollar is only worth 19.95 pesos now. Things may change if the April 2nd tariffs occur.
Mar 17, 2025 | 7:45 pm
#24
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 18,072
Here's my thoughts:
- DO NOT EVER use an ATM that is not attached to a bank or a bank ATM in a supermarket. The hotel and.street ATMs often have skimmers. Krebs did a whole story on this.
- Beware the ATMs default to DCC (dynamic currency conversion) which will give you a horrible exchange rate. Be sure to DESELECT "convert to USD for me" as the interbank rate that your bank uses will be far better.
- Get an ATM card that rebates ATM fees as all the Mexican banks charge fees now. If you have to pay a fee compare across the banks as the fee ranges from 20-70 pesos.
- Always tip in pesos if you can as it is a PITA for your servers to cash out USD and it costs them a forex fee. I used to think they preferred USD because it was a stronger currency but I was wrong! They want pesos because they need generally spend the money at home.
- Of course if you don't have enough pesos or just starting your trip then it is fine to tip in USD. They would rather have foreign currency than no currency and many tourists are oblivious anyway.
- The advice about tipping 15-20% is nonsense. In Mexico it is generally acceptable to tip 10-15% max. Only silly Americans burn money by tipping 20%.
- No need to tip taxis unless they unload groceries or do other favors. Most of the time they find ways to jack up the fare so better to negotiate the fare up front.
Apr 6, 2025 | 8:45 pm
#25
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: USA
Programs: MB Ambassador, WOH Globalist, HH Diamond (Aspire), IHG Plat (CC), UA (*G) Gold, AA Plat (OWS)
Posts: 10,101
The Santander ATM access fee yesterday was 34 MXN, which should be reimbursed by my debit card - still, though, less than 2 USD is pretty good. Ive heard to avoid BBVA.
Dec 15, 2025 | 4:50 pm
#28
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 18,072
Will update the ATM advice soon after my next visit to PVR. I can live with 18p = $1 as I remember the days when it was 13p = $1. I am having a harder time digesting a 6-pack of Corona at $6 when I used to get a case for that price. But that was 4 decades ago. 
Dec 15, 2025 | 7:48 pm
#29
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Queretaro
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, Marriot Gold, IHG Silver, Choice Platinum, Wyndham Gold
Posts: 5,228
Boraxo I feel ya! During the pandemic I really made out with the increased currency exchange rates. 18 is not so bad, but I'm still losing money. And decades ago EVERYTHING was cheap even for lower wage earners. I remember paying $1.99 for a case of non-Corona beer in the USA.👍
Dec 16, 2025 | 7:11 am
#30
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: WAS
Programs: enjoyed being warm spit for a few years on CO/UA but now nothing :(
Posts: 2,817
about 7 years ago went to a Toluca futbol game, paid US$1 for an 18oz Corona...those are $14 at my home stadium here in DC.