money exchange

[jasminelee]

we will be going to Progreso and Cozumel in a week on Carnival, and I wondered if I should exchange for some Mexican pesos to use at the markets instead of dollars?

thanks for the input

[hdawson]

Not necessary. US $ are welcome just about everywhere.

[jasminelee]

thanks for the info

[maldenmusic]

There should not be any problem using American dollars. Last time in Progreso I wanted some pesos to take home as a souveneir and they were hard to come by. Seems everyone working at the market had dollars!

[WilliamLawson]

Be aware that the Mexican government has imposed new restrictions on US currency and it is no longer accepted in any established business, like the Oxxo convenience store in Progreso.

 

Exchanging USD to pesos can be done at the bank there with a passport, if you should require some pesos, but on the street, your small USD bills should be accepted without too much hassle.

 

As a result of this law, we have seen a drop in the exchange rate here.

[Whumcruise]

Don't change your dollars in the port, if you plan a city tour to Merida, change in the streets there as you get a way better exchange rate and souvenirs, etc are cheaper as well!

[WilliamLawson]

Hate to disagree, but changing in the streets will not give you the best rate. You will get between 10 and 11 pesos per dollar. The current rate is over 12, which you can only get at banks.

 

THAT SAID, it really doesn't matter if you are buying small amounts of stuff. The exchange rate will only be an issue if you are buying expensive jewelry or something.