**When to use US Cash instead of Mexican pesos?**

[Lanmon]

We are cruising the Mexican Riviera in a few weeks and need advice on using US Currency vs pesos.

 

When can we use US cash instead of pesos?

 

We plan to use credit cards whenever possible but what about for transportation purposes or in the local marketplaces?

 

Do Mexican cab drivers accept US cash or should we plan to get some pesos?

Will they accept US cash for tipping?:confused:

 

Also do the cab drivers give a verbal quote at the pier or is there an established price for certain distances.

 

If we do need pesos can we get it on-board the ship or is there a nearby exchange place at the cruise terminals?

 

Any advise or suggestions will be appreciated!

[bh2359]

If you will be in ports that the cruise line brought you to, then U.S. dollars is best. When bargaining, if you have pesos, you are in a worse position than if you had U.S. dollars.

 

A word of caution, depending on what you are buying etc, there have been reports when Americans use their credit cards of being double billed or billed for other items than what you purchased and you don't find out about it until you receive your bill much later.

 

Almost everybody in those cruise ports accept U.S. dollars and most items for sale are tagged in U.S. dollars. Just bring a bunch of smaller bills (under $20 bills) for your souvenir sales etc.

[mary ee]

Pesos are not really necessary anymore. The Mexican people would much prefer American dollars as they are worth more. As the previous poster said, make sure you have alot of SMALL BILLS. You can change your currency at the pursers desk before you leave ship. Make sure you bargain with your vendors. Everything starts higher and they will get quite a bit lower if you walk away. Best deals are at the end of the day. Make sure you purchase silver from a reputable shop. It's weighed and sold per ounce. Although your inexpensive piece from the vendor on the beach is stamped 925, most likely it is what is called "alpaca". Not solid silver. If you really like it though, by all means buy. I love some of my "questionable" pieces and I wear them often.

 

The cabs should have an established rate with you before you get in. You will recieve info from your cruise directors talks about the type olf cab to take and prices to expect ect. Just make sure they REALLY speak English or that you speak Spanish well. Enjoy your trip.

[1cruiselvr]

Being on the west coast, we have cruised the Mexican riviera many times. Always negotiate the price with the cab driver before entering his cab. Be sure he understands it is a total price you are willing to pay, not per person. After negotiating, summarize by saying "Okay, it's XX dollars TOTAL for the two of us" to go XXXX. Otherwise, misunderstandings occur and you can end up in an argument with the cab driver at the end of the ride. They always start out high when you ask how much for xx of us to go xxxx. Tell them too much and start walking away. That's when they will begin negotiating if they are willing to take less. We always tip nicely at the end of the ride but negotiate fiercely for the best deal. There is always a cab driver willing to take the ride for less. Just keep asking until you find him. You don't need pesos as they will accept US dollars gladly and will negotiate price in US dollars. Happy Sailing!