Dollars or Pesos?

[Sarangel]

We're going on the 7/9 West Coast cruise, and it occurred to me that it would be helpful to know if we should exchange currency before we go. For those who've been, can you tell me if you needed Pesos or were greenbacks as good?

Thanks.

 

[TootyJane]

We didn't bother getting Pesos when we went on our cruise to the Mexican Riviera on the Diamond Princess this past March. For shopping, I found it best to have smaller bills. I always got dollars back except when we did the Canopy Tour in Puerto Vallarta. I paid in US dollars but did get Pesos back. I just used up the Pesos in Mazatlan. The exchange rate in March was about even though I don't know what it is now. HTH

 

[Drcell01]

If you use a credit card you will always get the correct exchange rate. Be careful of being quoted a price in dollars but being charged to your credit card in pesos. I bought my wife jewlery in Cozumel and I was quoted a price in dollars but when the credit card statement came the actual amount (when figured in pesos) was $56.00 more in dollars. I called the credit card company and explaned the issue and I was credited with the overcharge.

 

[jgalecpa]

If you use a credit card you will always get the correct exchange rate.

True, But most card companies are now adding a 3% fee for foreign transaction.

See this month's Consumer Reports for details.

Jim

 

[Laurajean1014]

Pesos. Even though you may not look like a local, act like one.

 

[challada]

We were on the first mexican riviera cruise last week and NO, you do not need pesos anywhere...just have lots of $1 bills on you. Everything you get quoted is in dollars anyway (only place that wasn't was tshirts at the dolphin encounter, so I charged them to make sure I didn't screw up exchange rate). Most everything in Mexico will cost you $1 anyway!

 

[Honu]

I've never carried pesos and have only received pesos as change from a couple taxi drivers. Even in the open markets, who pretty much deal only in cash, I've spent and received dollars. If you really want to pay in pesos I'm sure any retailer would be willing to give you change back in pesos, if you ask.

 

[JennsBabySky]

The dollar is highly valued by the locals at the ports, so you can usually get better pricing with the dollar. Plus, then you don't need to exchange money. But find out the exchange rate when you go and do the math yourself for converting it. If you're not comfortable with the math, I'd carry both so that I wouldn't lose in the conversion. Often times, the taxi drivers or shop keepers round (significantly) in their favor, so be comfortable with the exchange rate.

 

[minniemoms]

I used only Dollars, and didn't have a problem at any location. I did ask at a few places to you have american dollars for change, and all but 1 did. The one that didn't I didn't shop there.

 

[mokehil]

What is the exchange rate today? Has it changed much in the last month or so?

 

[Mazatlan Frank]

The exchange rate today is aprox $10.74 per us dollar at American Express. It goes up and down everyday. But it stays between $10.60 and $11.00.
American express has the best rate. Some of the Money exchange places will give you less then this, but if you are only changing $50 or $100us, there is not much of a difference. You will notice when you change $500 or $1000us!

Hope this helps!

Mazatlan Frank

 

[Pineapple]

I was checking with several friends who vacation in Mexico regularly and they said to be careful with a credit card. Credit card fraud seems to be on the rise. The typical scam is to run your card more than once and add charges you don't see. Sometimes your number is sent to another city and someone there runs up charges on your number.

I'm planning on bringing a card I don't use often and wouldnt' mind getting shut down.

 

[Mazatlan Frank]

I have heard about credit card fraud also. I would say, keep an eye on the card when they are putting it thru the machine.
On the good side, I have heard that you get a very good exchange rate and normally you pay a little less then your original charge.

Mazatlan Frank