Last year we only took cash (usd) for tipping. We only left once for Walmart and used credit card. I think since its Walmart it's safe cause we have done it the past 4 times we have gone to cancun or playa. Our trip is usually 7 days and we take $350 but we didn't do boob cruise cause we slept past all the knocking on the door by friends. Was very sad we missed it. I always buy souvenirs for family and kids at airport on way home and use card for that too. So the $350 totally went to tips to workers at resort. Not sure if that was being too cheap or just about right but that's what we did.
We bring pesos and usually spend around 300-400 a day in tips (CDN$25-33) for the maids and bar staff. Ali tips the maids cash but also leaves little travel size bottles of toiletries for them also as we'd read they appreciate those. No evidence they do other than we usually get extra water, coffee etc. and cool towel animals. We usually only use our CC in the airport and try and remember to let our bank know we're traveling but often forget. We usually travel 3 times a year so I think they're used to us by now lol
One correction, if you use it in a payphone and they charge you something stupid , you do have to pay for it.
You should also bring a card with at least a $25,000 limit, for medical emergencies, there have been a few claims on here they (hospitals )will not treat you until you pay in advance, regardless of your health insurance coverage.
