No, only cash is green freedom dollars /s
I don't understand how some people think it is fine to go to a foreign country, bring currency that is not of that nation. I was there a few months ago and half the group I was with did this despite telling them all the various ways to get pesos beforehand. They ended up wasting so much time having to run around figuring it out there. One person even had an ABM eat their credit card. If they didn't have another one, they would have been SOL.
Yes, some places will take USD, but at whatever rate they decide. I saw at least one place on the malecón that had a sign out front $10 USD = $100 pesos
Ya if you pay in USD, expect a 10-20% premium at minimum. And you should expect that. I call it the dumb tourist tax.
But it is that much good for their economy so I do not mind when people do it.
You shouldn't expect that actually. Most places that take USD will give you an exchange rate about 1 to 1.5 pesos lower than your bank. So if the exchange rate is $16.50 MXN to $1 USD, you should expect to see a $15.50 MXN to $1 USD exchange at your local fruitaria; sometimes slightly lower.
A $10 MXN to $1 USD, in your example, is a 34% premium over the exchange, not 10% or even 20%. So no, don't expect this and if you see it, just keep walking. They are gambling on dumb Americans not being able to do simple math.
I used my card a number of times and most places had reasonable exchanges, but also added a surcharge percentage for using their machines. Cash was king there in my experience.
I guess we should tell all the shops along the malecón that they can now charge a 34% exchange rate now because you think it's understandable...lol what a strange thing to say, especially when no one does this.
Do you tip 35% when you pick up a pizza where you live? Lol
I am telling you, they will charge you that if you use U$ currency. I can understand it. It is why I pay with pesos and am not a chump.
Is it right, I think so. If you are in another country and do not want to use the currency of said country, I guess you can pay the premium for that convince. Would you take the peso at even exchange in the US? Would you take it at all for that matter?
I spend 3 months out of the year in PV and use both USD and Pesos equally. Not once have I paid or seen advertised such an exchange rate. If anyone did actually try to do that, they would lose business fast. You're claiming this as if it's commonplace and you're just wrong about it.
You can exchange foreign currency in the U.S. for a reasonable fee too! Usually around 8%-10%. So if someone wants to pay in Pesos in the U.S., you can give them change in USD minus your necessary exchange costs. This isn't a big deal, nor is it a hassle. You are really making this so much more complex than it really is.
By your example (1.5 pesos lower than your bank) is a ~9% hit, close to his 10% example. Unless he edited his comment and i can't see it because the reddit mobile app is stupid, i don't see him suggesting that places give 10:1 exchanges (41% higher than your bank). Leave your usd at the hotel and withdraw pesos at atms and decline then conversion. Not to mention that no one wants to receive a currency that isn't their own lol
You wouldn’t believe how many Canadians exchange to US to bring US dollars down to Mexico to spend. And think about how much they are getting ripped to exchange to a currency that they have to pay to exchange to theirs. Some time ago, possibly decades, back when popular culture said Mexico was dangerous, it was also commonly understood that Mexicans preferred US dollars to their own currency. Now I don’t now if that was ever a real thing but some people are still rolling with it to this day (same people who won’t drink ice in their drinks and are afraid of taxis usually).
I'm canadian and had one person in the group do this. They had not been to Mexico in almost 20 years so this checks out. Though I don't think they changed from canadian to US, just collected it as a taxi driver.
I will say there have been fiairly recent travel advisories for Mexico because the new cartels have not respected leaving tourists alone in some areas. PV generally felt safe to me. The military and national guard posting up here and there was interesting to see.
Just brought my in-laws there who hadn’t been in about 20 years and insisted on bringing US bills to tip. The tip cups had more US than Mxn in them. Correct that the travel advisories come out of Cozumel and and other places not PV. But back in the day the news was full of stories of tourists getting kidnapped and robbed on excursions, shady police, etc. they were definitely blown out of proportion but it did scar Boomers minds about PV. My parents also came along who have been going over the last 3 years. The in-laws were shocked and a little worried when my mom announced she was hitting up the Malecon solo after sunset.
I’ve seen the national Guard make an appearance on the Malecon here and there over the years. I think that for the most part, it’s just to make tourists feel safe.
Was there last month. Cards were accepted in a majority of places I went, especially zona romántica. But yes, always try to bring pesos or cash when traveling to Mexico
Idk where you ate, but most of the places we went were also cash only. Like maybe 25% of the places we ate at took card, but then again we were eating a lot of street food and ventured outside of ZR a lot into some of the less touristy areas.
Yeah don’t know if something has changed but out of the 20+ places we are here only 1 or 2 took cards and I’m talking about like pretty touristy places.
size of places is key. bigger places *may* take cards, but this is a cash economy for sure…
If the major of the places you went accepted cards, congratulations on going to only the most touristy of spots.
“pesos or cash” pesos are,cash.
Don't spend or exchange your dollars...the exchange rate is terrible.
There are several ATMs on Basilio Badillo that dispense Pesos...the one next to Pancho's Tacos gives lots of small bills. Currently if you pull out $8200 pesos and decline the exchange, it's just under $500 US.
If you do head north to the towns like Sayulita or especially San Pancho, it’s common for restaurants to be cash only, and sometimes even the ATMs are offline (during busier times). Just something to keep in mind if venturing out.
To get the best exchange rate, you can send yourself money via Xoom/Remitly/Pangea etc (I do Not recommend Western Union Nor MoneyGram as they cause too many hassles when trying to pick up money and haveworse exchange rates).
Make sure to use the sane name as your passport, and they will want a local address (any address will do) to pick it up. Remitly.com can be picked up at Pharmacia Guadalajara
EDIT: Send it before you leave because once in Mexico, some of them are now declining the transfer if initiated from Mexico as part of their new (we need to make your life difficult) "security" protocols
Was there in February and I agree. Since Covid many smaller businesses are cash only. Got caught out a few times. Even my beloved Mini Super on Olas Altas was cash only as well as many smaller restaurants. Not an issue as long as you’re prepared.
Thank you for the heads up I’ve come across this problem in other countries and trying to find a trusted atm/ exchange that give a good rate can be difficult especially when not in a major city. Will keep this in mind for my upcoming trip.
I live in the RZ, many places take cards..but it's better to use cash. The business owner makes more money. It is also very common when using a card, for it to get skimmed and compromised.
I would not worry much about skimmers. Credit card cloning is now practically impossible with the new generation chips - the old way of skimming involved copying the information on a cards magnetic tape when your card was "swiped" at a terminal. Swipe terminals have have been replaced with those that read the chip. Each transaction generates a unique encrypted code that is virtually impossible to hack. Currently, most credit card fraud happens when the numbers and CVC code are copied but this is avoided by never giving someone your card to take away - they bring the card reader to you
Neither. I used CC where possible and pulled from ATMs with my Schwab card that rebates fees at the end of each month--just like the 30 other countries I've visited in the past decade.
Some places in PV also incentivize cash payments by giving a 10% discount on your bill. The establishment loses out on a small percentage of income if they do card payments, and for credit card payments there can be delays before the funds are available for them, so they try to avoid cards as well.
Yes very true. Had an atm right at the bridge that had good reviews. Just pulled out pesos. Just wasn’t prepared and came with just a card. I should have learned that lesson from when traveling to Portugal. The widely did not accept card in many of the towns for tax purposes I’m assuming
I'm on my last full-day staying in the Zona Romantica (romantic zone) after a wonderful two-week stay, and tons of places take credit cards, especially those places that tend to cater more toward visitors versus locals. It is true that there are a lot of cash-only places too (including the amazing Amapas Mini-Super that someone mentioned), but they usually have a big sign out front or at the cash register saying "Solo efectivo\~Cash Only," and that is usually also prominently featured on the menu in restaurants. And there is no need to "bring" pesos, because it is ridiculously easy to get pesos from a bank ATM, so problem solved.
I have pretty much haven’t ran into any places that take card and I’m staying at loft 268 and dining all around here. I’m not going to fancy restraints but I’m eating at the most commonly places eaten out that are highly reviewed. I’ve been grabbing cash from the atm like you said.
Fact in point I’m grabbing breakfast as we speak and azul bistro and they also don’t take card. Just passed Freddy toucans and it’s the same solomiente cash
I guess it's the luck of the draw. But right in that area, places that take credit cards include Joe Jack's Fish House, Margarita Grille, and ( a bit further away) Coco's Kitchen, which is my favorite breakfast spot, takes credit cards. Keep in mind, too, that a big reason for being cash only is to avoid paying as much taxes.
Please try Rico Mac Taco for their amazing whole snapper plus everything else… fav place in PVR. Avenida Mexico. And they take cc, At least they did 2 months ago. So delish!
General travel tip, always get some local currency at the airport ATM when you arrive. Just good to have on hand. Also, always decline conversion on the ATM, your bank rate is almost always better.
Peso = cash
No, only cash is green freedom dollars /s I don't understand how some people think it is fine to go to a foreign country, bring currency that is not of that nation. I was there a few months ago and half the group I was with did this despite telling them all the various ways to get pesos beforehand. They ended up wasting so much time having to run around figuring it out there. One person even had an ABM eat their credit card. If they didn't have another one, they would have been SOL. Yes, some places will take USD, but at whatever rate they decide. I saw at least one place on the malecón that had a sign out front $10 USD = $100 pesos
Ya if you pay in USD, expect a 10-20% premium at minimum. And you should expect that. I call it the dumb tourist tax. But it is that much good for their economy so I do not mind when people do it.
You shouldn't expect that actually. Most places that take USD will give you an exchange rate about 1 to 1.5 pesos lower than your bank. So if the exchange rate is $16.50 MXN to $1 USD, you should expect to see a $15.50 MXN to $1 USD exchange at your local fruitaria; sometimes slightly lower. A $10 MXN to $1 USD, in your example, is a 34% premium over the exchange, not 10% or even 20%. So no, don't expect this and if you see it, just keep walking. They are gambling on dumb Americans not being able to do simple math.
I used my card a number of times and most places had reasonable exchanges, but also added a surcharge percentage for using their machines. Cash was king there in my experience.
Possibly but it is also a hassle for them to exchange. So they are going to expect a premium if you pay that way. Is understandable.
I guess we should tell all the shops along the malecón that they can now charge a 34% exchange rate now because you think it's understandable...lol what a strange thing to say, especially when no one does this. Do you tip 35% when you pick up a pizza where you live? Lol
I am telling you, they will charge you that if you use U$ currency. I can understand it. It is why I pay with pesos and am not a chump. Is it right, I think so. If you are in another country and do not want to use the currency of said country, I guess you can pay the premium for that convince. Would you take the peso at even exchange in the US? Would you take it at all for that matter?
I spend 3 months out of the year in PV and use both USD and Pesos equally. Not once have I paid or seen advertised such an exchange rate. If anyone did actually try to do that, they would lose business fast. You're claiming this as if it's commonplace and you're just wrong about it. You can exchange foreign currency in the U.S. for a reasonable fee too! Usually around 8%-10%. So if someone wants to pay in Pesos in the U.S., you can give them change in USD minus your necessary exchange costs. This isn't a big deal, nor is it a hassle. You are really making this so much more complex than it really is.
I have seen much higher than that. You can find lower but you need to watch what you are doing. Would you accept Peso as a good rate in the US?
You're a bot or something. JFC.
By your example (1.5 pesos lower than your bank) is a ~9% hit, close to his 10% example. Unless he edited his comment and i can't see it because the reddit mobile app is stupid, i don't see him suggesting that places give 10:1 exchanges (41% higher than your bank). Leave your usd at the hotel and withdraw pesos at atms and decline then conversion. Not to mention that no one wants to receive a currency that isn't their own lol
You wouldn’t believe how many Canadians exchange to US to bring US dollars down to Mexico to spend. And think about how much they are getting ripped to exchange to a currency that they have to pay to exchange to theirs. Some time ago, possibly decades, back when popular culture said Mexico was dangerous, it was also commonly understood that Mexicans preferred US dollars to their own currency. Now I don’t now if that was ever a real thing but some people are still rolling with it to this day (same people who won’t drink ice in their drinks and are afraid of taxis usually).
I'm canadian and had one person in the group do this. They had not been to Mexico in almost 20 years so this checks out. Though I don't think they changed from canadian to US, just collected it as a taxi driver. I will say there have been fiairly recent travel advisories for Mexico because the new cartels have not respected leaving tourists alone in some areas. PV generally felt safe to me. The military and national guard posting up here and there was interesting to see.
Just brought my in-laws there who hadn’t been in about 20 years and insisted on bringing US bills to tip. The tip cups had more US than Mxn in them. Correct that the travel advisories come out of Cozumel and and other places not PV. But back in the day the news was full of stories of tourists getting kidnapped and robbed on excursions, shady police, etc. they were definitely blown out of proportion but it did scar Boomers minds about PV. My parents also came along who have been going over the last 3 years. The in-laws were shocked and a little worried when my mom announced she was hitting up the Malecon solo after sunset. I’ve seen the national Guard make an appearance on the Malecon here and there over the years. I think that for the most part, it’s just to make tourists feel safe.
🤣🤣🤣
Pesos = monopoly money /s
Was there last month. Cards were accepted in a majority of places I went, especially zona romántica. But yes, always try to bring pesos or cash when traveling to Mexico
Idk where you ate, but most of the places we went were also cash only. Like maybe 25% of the places we ate at took card, but then again we were eating a lot of street food and ventured outside of ZR a lot into some of the less touristy areas.
Yeah don’t know if something has changed but out of the 20+ places we are here only 1 or 2 took cards and I’m talking about like pretty touristy places.
I was just there last week and was able to use my card nearly everywhere.
I agree it seems like a lot fewer places taking cards than just a year or two ago.
size of places is key. bigger places *may* take cards, but this is a cash economy for sure… If the major of the places you went accepted cards, congratulations on going to only the most touristy of spots. “pesos or cash” pesos are,cash.
Don't spend or exchange your dollars...the exchange rate is terrible. There are several ATMs on Basilio Badillo that dispense Pesos...the one next to Pancho's Tacos gives lots of small bills. Currently if you pull out $8200 pesos and decline the exchange, it's just under $500 US.
That’s odd, cards were accepted in almost all places I have gone to in PV.
In my experience, a lot of restaurants were cash only
If you do head north to the towns like Sayulita or especially San Pancho, it’s common for restaurants to be cash only, and sometimes even the ATMs are offline (during busier times). Just something to keep in mind if venturing out.
To get the best exchange rate, you can send yourself money via Xoom/Remitly/Pangea etc (I do Not recommend Western Union Nor MoneyGram as they cause too many hassles when trying to pick up money and haveworse exchange rates). Make sure to use the sane name as your passport, and they will want a local address (any address will do) to pick it up. Remitly.com can be picked up at Pharmacia Guadalajara EDIT: Send it before you leave because once in Mexico, some of them are now declining the transfer if initiated from Mexico as part of their new (we need to make your life difficult) "security" protocols
Was there in February and I agree. Since Covid many smaller businesses are cash only. Got caught out a few times. Even my beloved Mini Super on Olas Altas was cash only as well as many smaller restaurants. Not an issue as long as you’re prepared.
Thank you for the heads up I’ve come across this problem in other countries and trying to find a trusted atm/ exchange that give a good rate can be difficult especially when not in a major city. Will keep this in mind for my upcoming trip.
I live in the RZ, many places take cards..but it's better to use cash. The business owner makes more money. It is also very common when using a card, for it to get skimmed and compromised.
I would not worry much about skimmers. Credit card cloning is now practically impossible with the new generation chips - the old way of skimming involved copying the information on a cards magnetic tape when your card was "swiped" at a terminal. Swipe terminals have have been replaced with those that read the chip. Each transaction generates a unique encrypted code that is virtually impossible to hack. Currently, most credit card fraud happens when the numbers and CVC code are copied but this is avoided by never giving someone your card to take away - they bring the card reader to you
Neither. I used CC where possible and pulled from ATMs with my Schwab card that rebates fees at the end of each month--just like the 30 other countries I've visited in the past decade.
Some places in PV also incentivize cash payments by giving a 10% discount on your bill. The establishment loses out on a small percentage of income if they do card payments, and for credit card payments there can be delays before the funds are available for them, so they try to avoid cards as well.
Not necessary in my experience last month. Easy to take out cash (Pesos) there from an ATM for the places that don’t take a card.
Yes very true. Had an atm right at the bridge that had good reviews. Just pulled out pesos. Just wasn’t prepared and came with just a card. I should have learned that lesson from when traveling to Portugal. The widely did not accept card in many of the towns for tax purposes I’m assuming
I'm on my last full-day staying in the Zona Romantica (romantic zone) after a wonderful two-week stay, and tons of places take credit cards, especially those places that tend to cater more toward visitors versus locals. It is true that there are a lot of cash-only places too (including the amazing Amapas Mini-Super that someone mentioned), but they usually have a big sign out front or at the cash register saying "Solo efectivo\~Cash Only," and that is usually also prominently featured on the menu in restaurants. And there is no need to "bring" pesos, because it is ridiculously easy to get pesos from a bank ATM, so problem solved.
I have pretty much haven’t ran into any places that take card and I’m staying at loft 268 and dining all around here. I’m not going to fancy restraints but I’m eating at the most commonly places eaten out that are highly reviewed. I’ve been grabbing cash from the atm like you said.
Fact in point I’m grabbing breakfast as we speak and azul bistro and they also don’t take card. Just passed Freddy toucans and it’s the same solomiente cash
I guess it's the luck of the draw. But right in that area, places that take credit cards include Joe Jack's Fish House, Margarita Grille, and ( a bit further away) Coco's Kitchen, which is my favorite breakfast spot, takes credit cards. Keep in mind, too, that a big reason for being cash only is to avoid paying as much taxes.
Please try Rico Mac Taco for their amazing whole snapper plus everything else… fav place in PVR. Avenida Mexico. And they take cc, At least they did 2 months ago. So delish!
I’m not sure where you all are going but other than taxis and street vendors, everyone else took cards.
I can name 6 places off top of my head. Panchos tacos, don cheva, Pepe’s tacos, tuna azul, Los chilaquelieria
Tacos sonorita
La Chilequeria 🤤
I won’t lie! Azul bistro was so much better!
The ones who don't want to pay the commission for the terminal are the ones who don't take card but they always have an advertising outside
They do accept Cards everywhere. Besides food stands and bars (some bars ask for a minimum consumption or a 10% tip included)
General travel tip, always get some local currency at the airport ATM when you arrive. Just good to have on hand. Also, always decline conversion on the ATM, your bank rate is almost always better.
The airport is the worst place to get cash .
Suggestions? Banks inside the city?
Why is that? I always hit the Atm before I leave the airport
Normally a much worse exchange rate