You don't need that kind of money if staying at the resort, right? I was really just planning on bringing tip money since I'm not leaving the resort except for the Boobs Cruise.
So for tips at resort...they are thankful for what they are given and will work hard for it. They aren't going to be picky or disappointed that you chose American over pesos or vice versa.
I bring enough money for the Boobs Cruise day and tips at the resort. That's the only cash I'll use the entire trip.
Tips in US Dollars are just fine. Workers are able to spend dollars at many places and almost everywhere in the hotel zone accepts dollars (except the public bus only takes pesos 8.5 pesos per person). The 20 peso and 50 peso notes are plastic, waterproof. Perfect for beach money!
For me, you just can't beat the fact that pesos are waterproof. When you spend all day at the swim up bar, there is only one option!
If I was Mexican and somebody was offering me either US$1 or 10 pesos, I'd take the US$1. Cause US$1 is worth more than 10 pesos. About 30% more actually. I'm sure you could tip in Canadian $'s too. Just bills tho, nobody wants coins cause you can't change them. The truth is that it doesn't matter. They love their tips and you could probably get a giant smile and a thank you if you tipped in Japanese Yen. If you want to save a trip to the bank, just use an ATM there to withdraw pesos or $US. exchange isn't horrible. Then give people tips when they do cool stuff for you. Don't worry about the currency, instead worry about the intent and saying thank you for them doing cool stuff for you.
We took the city bus from the downtown Hotel Zone to Temptation at 3am, gave the driver one US dollar bill for each of us. Was not a problem. Bring $10 - $20 a day for tipping. Not everyone tips, but its appreciated. You can also use your credit card at most stores and don't need cash. if you do need US Dollars you will pay a hefty fee for ATM usage, like 20%. So $200 will get you $160.
I usually exchange US bills once in Mexico. Tried it at our commerce bank once and the exchange was horrible plus they were charging a fee on top of that just to do it. Guess the bank wanted their share of the tips? The water proof ones are convenient. Soop, next time I run out, I'll let you exchange them..........
