I should have qualified my previous comment (about hotel exchange rates being 'OK') with a reminder that each hotel exchange rate is different. If you're staying a in hotel which gouges it's customers at the currency exchange counter (not all do - example below), then of course the ATM is most assuredly your friend. (As an aside, my currency exchange experiences at places that belong to the Royal and the Sunset groups and such have remanded any need for such attention there. At VCI for example, every time I've asked for currency exchange at the desk and have specified that I need to have change for the bus - they exchange the currency, and then simply GIVE me an additional 65 pesos for the bus. Doesn't take a lot of math to be happy with that.) Another (perhaps more) important consideration, however, while we're on the topic - is that once one understands how Cancun works - unless you do all of your shopping at Walmart and only take the bus to get around, the difference between the exchange rate at a (4-5 star) hotel and an ATM will pale into insignificance when compared to the difference in what you will pay for most things based on your negotiation skills. So - do pay attention to the exchange rate. A word to the wise, however, would be that - in Cancun in particular, don't spend so much attention to the exchange rate such that you lose attention to what you're paying for things.
Funny, I was thinking more along the lines of: Very carefully! :lol: Handling money+ drinking alcohol= going broke! Diane
Just a note for Brits and to back up what Ian says - if you bring cash at all bring pesos not $ USD! Your travel agent may tell you to bring USD but that is because he/she has never been here and is reciting company policy because the TA makes commission. If $USD is your home currency it's widely accepted and you'll have no problems, if it's not your home currency then use pesos - it is after all the National currency of Mexico. If you dont you'll just end up getting confused converting prices between two strange currencies instead of one. The ATM's offer the best rate by far, most of my banking is still in the UK and I've been using ATM's for 2 and a half years now. Just bring your switch maestro card and you'll save some cash.
We just used USD while we were there (It seemed to be easier to keep track of what we were actually paying for something). We got our change back in pesos that we used for smaller purchases and bus fare when we actually left the resort. Have fun!
In addition aswell, when getting your foreign currency I'd request a quantity of smaller bills say, 20 50 and 100 peso notes or, $1 $5's and $10's for tipping purposes, as I found out you cannot change up $50 & $100 dollar bills for smaller bills at the BBG reception without them actually wanting to charge you for doing that as well :evil: :evil: Ian :lol: :lol:
