Exchanging Money in Mexico

Find out about exchange rates and where to change your money

The exchange rate of the Mexican peso to the US dollar was fairly stable for several years, hovering at ten pesos to the dollar. Late in 2008 the peso plunged and has since fluctuated between 13 and 15 pesos to the dollar, making the exchange rate more favorable for US citizens traveling to Mexico. The exchange rate can change at any time. To find out the present exchange rate, you can go to X-Rates.com to see the exchange rate of the Mexican peso to various other currencies.

You can use Yahoo's Currency Converter, or you can use Google as a currency converter. To find out the amount in the currency of your choice, simply type in the Google search box:

(amount) MXN in USD (or EURO, or other currency)

Where to Exchange Money in Mexico

You can change money in banks, but it is often more convenient to change currency in a casa de cambio. These businesses are open longer hours than banks, usually do not have long line-ups as banks often do, and they offer comparable exchange rates (though banks may offer a slightly better rate). Check around to see where you will receive the best exchange rate. There is usually no charge to exchange cash, but if you want to cash travelers checks, there may be a fee. Also you do not need to present identification when changing cash currency, but you will need to show your passport to cash travelers checks.