How often has US cash not been accepted?

[freezerburn]

Hi all,

 

We've been to Progresso a couple of times over the years and heading back soon.  This go-around we're just gonna catch the bus to the market and wander around. 

 

Have you ever had problems with the smaller shops taking dollars?  I'd rather not have to exchange for Pesos before the trip and then have to exchange them back after.

 

Also, have you noticed inaccurate prices when paying with dollars instead of pesos?

 

Thanks in advance!

[WisRiver]

 I am not quite sure what you mean by "inaccurate prices".    If a vendor quotes you a price in USD and pesos, they often will build in the cost of exchange.   The vendor may set the price based on how you look, the time of day or remaining stock.  Exchange rates vary.  Today's (11/6/19) exchange rate is about 19.1 pesos to the US dollar.  Since we winter in Mexico, we always have pesos.  When we take friends to the cruise ship markets to shop, the vendor will usually first quote us a price in US dollars.  We usually respond by asking the price in pesos.  The peso price is a better price than the dollar price.  

 

Almost every vendor in the cruise ship area takes US dollars.  The beachside bars take dollars.

[freezerburn]

Thanks for letting me know that they all take dollars. 

 

How many of these small shops (corner stores, bakeries, candy stores) take credit card?  I happen to have a card with no foreign transaction fees.

[WisRiver]

Most stores take credit cards and I have seen some street vendors using credit card services like Square.  You will have to ask.  In Mexico the rules are more lax about imposing a surcharge for using a credit card or offering discounts for cash.  Credit card fees are usually 3 or 4 % (higher for American Express) and the vendors or store may pass that fee on to you.