We are going to be travelling primarily in the western part of the Yucatan mid Feb to mid March. When mentioning this in conversation, we have been warned not to take American $$ because of cartel problems, etc. I've never heard this before. Can someone fill me in. We are Canadian but have always found that U.S. currency has been more readily accepted.
1
mclarjh
Non-residents have problems exchanging USD at banks, but using casas de cambios shouldn´t be a problem. Why not take a debit card and withdraw MXN from ATM?
2
friendly_checkingirl
The casas de cambios have their rates clearly displayed for all currencies, USD were readily exchanged everywhere.
I personally never carry alot of cash, plastic in the form of debit and credit cards are what I use for ATMs and hotels.
3
ref_traveller
AFAIK, there are no cartel problems in and around Merida (if that's what you mean by western Yucatan). Regardless, locals here appreciate when you use local currency. It's kind of the same as if an American were visiting Canada; you'd wonder why they weren't using Canadian dollars. Unless you have some extra US dollars lying around I fail to see the logic in exchanging Canadian dollars to US dollars and then to Mexican pesos or, worse, paying in US dollars at very poor exchange rates. Any exchange house I've seen in Merida readily takes Canadian dollars. However, common consensus is that you get better rates by withdrawing money (pesos) from an ATM.
4
329
Elektra stores most often have a Banco Azteca in them that exchange US dollars (need to show passport, etc). The rates are not too bad, but usually a bit worse than what can be found at say the CDMX airport for cash. I dont know if other currencies can be exchanged at Elektra stores, Ive never looked into it (maybe someone on this thread will know). Elektra stores are found in many, many places, and can be a good thing for those running really low on pesos and not carrying a card for ATM use. Note that you can get a better rate at an ATM, but depending on the card you have (and different fee structures associated with the card, your bank, the ATM, etc.) it is possible to end up with a worse ´real exchange rate´ than you get with a cash exchange.
5
enroutesiglo
Cartel problems!?
Don't listen to whoever told you that, but do use ATM's as everyone has said.
6
rgm
Why would you pay an exchange rate to buy US dollars at a cost to you. Then exchange to Mexican pesos and lose again.
As has been said before use a debit card at a "Bank" ATM, not a no name ATM, to get your needed pesos.
That gives you the best rate.
7
329
A couple of years ago, a young woman from the US tried to get money from an ATM in Lagunas Crossing, Mexico. She was out of money and so was the ATM. She subsequently disappeared while hitchiking from this location and has not been seen since. Maybe she would have caught a second class bus there, had the ATM worked. There are so many reports of ATM and card failures online that a backup seems to be a must (for me it would be). Changing 200 dollars worth of Canadian to US, to carry just incase, wont cost much at all.
8
aslukas
"Cartel problems" in Yucatan and Campeche are purely imaginary, as far as impacting travelers is concerned. These are very safe places to travel.
When I travel I usually have about $40 USD on me, and I withdraw local currency from an ATM immediately upon arrival. I tuck some of that cash away for an emergency, and continue to rely on ATMs wherever I go. In cities a lot of businesses accept credit cards these days with no issues.
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