Pesos or USD

Hi

The last few times we have been to Mexico we have used USD but have read somewhere that they prefer pesos and that maybe the rules have changed and we have to use pesos , any thoughts please ?

Most of the times you can use US$, but the exchange rate isnot always in your favour. Remember change will almost always be Pesos. Since Pesos is the mexican money, vendors, shops etc. donot need to accept US$.

If you are going to use US Dollars, it is often wise to first know the price in Pesos...so you can do your own quick mental calculation of the exchange rate. For example, you ask a taxi driver how much to go from town to the port and he says 200 Pesos. You later ask him how much in US Dollars and he says "only $20." At the current exchange rate is should only be about $12...not $20. But the driver is doing you a favor taking dollars...so its OK that they make some profit on the exchange.

One interesting thing in Puerto Vallarta (where we live part of the year) is that some of the bars actually give great exchange rates as a way to attract business. They will sometimes have a sign in their window showing a decent exchange rate...or perhaps promote bottles of beer for $1. The bar right below where we live in PV...often sells beer and Margaritas for a better price in dollars then in Pesos. But the smart cruiser should be aware of the current exchange rates...and act accordingly. Many things in Mexico are negotiable...so don't be afraid to try and bargain....but always be friendly. A smile will likely get you a better price then a scowl :).

Hank

Easy and convenient to use the US Dollar. (y)

We use dollars in big places, places that see many tourists. We'll use pesos in the smaller ones, places that they're not expecting tourists, like the mercado in La Paz.

Definitely know the exchange rate. We almost always ask for the bill in Pesos and US. If using USD, you might get change back in pesos. Have to be quick with that.

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We typically use pesos since we have found that most places and cabs use a 10 to 1 exchange rate because it used to be that and it is a very easy conversion. While, as others said, there are times that USD is a better deal, we have found that to be rare.

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A handy website to check exchange rates for any country is http://www.xe.com.

I usually check it before or during my cruises.

Easy and convenient to use the US Dollar. (y)

Yes it is....and it also might be quite expensive. As some others have posted, there are still merchants and taxis that will try to use a 10:1 exchange rate (if taking dollars)..hoping that a cruiser is completely ignorant of the real rates (which now is about 17.8:1. Last winter we witnessed one merchant offering a 10:1 rate when the real rate was better then 20:1.

That is why I suggested using some caution when using dollars....and knowing the real exchange rate.

Hank