How many pesos?

[glk2009]

My first cruise and first time to Mexico... we're going for a weeklong cruise with 3 stops in Mexico (PV, Mazatlan and Cabo)... how much would you recommend bringing in pesos? Or should I just plan to use my credit card?

 

I apologize if this is a super dumb question. =)

 

TIA!

[Ula]

None as far as Pesos, those ports always take US dollars. Just bring small bills, since your change will be in Peso's. Never used a credit card in those ports. The vendors all speak English. And they like to barter for prices.

It is fun, and Cabo has really been fixed up nice. They have a couple big market places right off the ship to visit.

[glk2009]

Thanks! That's good to know!

[Kerry's Girls]

We've been about a dozen times - I always bring a credit card for transactions in shops/restaurants and small bills to use for the street vendors. You don't want or need pesos for anything. As the previous poster said, use small bills to avoid getting change, which will be in pesos. I'm not sure why not to use a credit card - just make sure to call your credit card company ahead of time to let them know you'll be travelling.

 

Best,

Mia

[crusinmama06]

US dollars, always appreciated. ;)

 

To add to Mia's suggestion, if you do use your credit card, just be sure to keep an eye on it after the cruise. There have been a number of posts lately complaining about card fraud after the cruise.

[cb at sea]

You do NOT need pesos!!! US dollars are fine...and preferred. Bring smaller bills ashore, so you don't risk getting pesos in "change"....the ship will break down larger bills for you...You don't want to carry a wad of small bills...too bulky...bring hundreds, and have the ship change them for you!

[kitty9]

Be very, very careful with using credit cards in Mexico. My sister uses one card for cruise purchases, never for anything else. She purchased some jewelry in Huatulco, using that card, and everything was just fine, UNTIL..... A couple of months later, she had a charge for some very expensive shoes on that credit card, ordered online and shipped to an address in Huatulco. Someone at that store kept the CC info and used her card for the online purchase. I know of three others who've had similar experiences--one in Puerto Vallerta and two in Acapulco. Make sure you get any carbon papers used in the transactions, and NEVER let them take your CC to another room to run the charge. Keep an eye on your CC at all times.

[Keith1010]

I agree with Kitty on the use of credit cards. We have learned from our travels to minimize using Credtic Cards in certain places and Mexico is one of them.For most purchases in Mexico I would just stick with USA dollars.

 

Keith

[imsulin]

You do NOT need pesos!!! US dollars are fine...and preferred. Bring smaller bills ashore, so you don't risk getting pesos in "change"....the ship will break down larger bills for you...You don't want to carry a wad of small bills...too bulky...bring hundreds, and have the ship change them for you!

 

The Casino is your best bet for getting smaller bills, but you have to do it when it's open.

[Ula]

I just said we never used a credit card in Mexico but the high fraud risk is a reason why we do not. The ship is good for small bills. But we attempt to never use credit cards in any port we visit so it is not just Mexico. We do not make major purchases in ports so it is not a big issue.

[relin711]

However, if you have pesos, you would have gotten them at a 12.5/13 to 1 exchange rate. My understanding is that if you use US dollars, you'd likely only get a 10 to 1 exchange.

 

Doesn't sound like much, but since it's so easy to get pesos, why pay 25% more right off the bat if you don't need to.

 

I plan to have about $200-$300 USD worth of pesos (for a family of 6).

[leighuf]

I'd bring my VISA and US cash. If needed, use an atm.