What’s the best currency to take to Mexico from the UK?

Getting ready for a Mexican adventure? Whether you’re visiting iconic sites like Chichén Itzá and Teotihuacán or heading to the beaches of Cancún, it helps to have a clear plan for managing your money while you’re abroad.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best currency to take to Mexico from the UK. We’ll also outline the commonly accepted payment methods in Mexico to help choose the most convenient option for your holiday.

We'll also introduce the Wise card from the money services provider Wise. This clever debit card automatically converts your pounds to the local currency at the mid-market exchange rate in 150+ countries, only adding a tiny, transparent conversion fee* - or it's free if you already have the local currency in your Wise account.

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What’s the best currency to use in Mexico from the UK?

The best currency to take to Mexico is the Mexican peso. The country’s official currency is subdivided into 100 centavos and often recognised by the symbol $, just like the US dollar.¹

Although pesos are the most suitable option, it may be possible to use US dollars in some places. Since the United States and Mexico share a border, US currency is accepted in some popular tourist areas, such as Playa del Carmen or Cancún, as well in some border towns.¹

The currencies of several other Latin American countries, such as Argentina or Colombia, are also called peso. However, it’s important not to confuse these with the Mexican peso, as only the Mexican peso is accepted in Mexico.¹

Should you exchange money before travelling to Mexico?

There’s no need to exchange currency before leaving the UK, since you’ll be able to do it once you arrive in Mexico. If you’d prefer to have some cash with you when you land, you can exchange a small amount of pounds for pesos in the UK and sort out the rest in Mexico.

Once you’re there, you can look for a bureau de change or casa de cambio, as well as a local bank in your destination. It’s also possible to exchange money at the airport, although the rates are usually less favourable than those in the city.

Another option is to withdraw cash from a Mexican ATM, but high fees may apply depending on the machine and your card.

How much Mexican pesos should you take to Mexico?

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to budgeting for a trip to Mexico, as it largely depends on your travel style. You might choose to keep costs low by using local transport and enjoying affordable street food, or you may prefer to unwind at an all-inclusive resort with cocktails by the sea. Ultimately, how much you spend will depend on the places you want to explore and the level of comfort you’re seeking.

For example, restaurant prices are generally around half of those in the UK. A three-course meal for two people costs £32 on average. If you choose a more budget-friendly dining option, the average cost is around £8 per person. Groceries are also approximately 30% cheaper compared to the UK, although prices can be noticeably higher in popular holiday destinations.²

An average basic travel budget for Mexico is around 800 pesos, which is around £30. A mid-range budget is up to £90 a day, while you’ll need upwards of that for a luxurious holiday. The budget includes food, drinks, transport and entrance fees for attractions, but not accommodation.³

How to pay in Mexico – which payment methods are accepted?

All major payment methods are accepted in Mexico, although some are more commonly used than others. Cash is still the most popular option, especially in local markets, when visiting archaeology sites, using independent taxis and for tipping, which is a common practice in Mexico.⁴

However, debit cards and credit cards are widely accepted in popular tourist areas. You should be able to use them in most restaurants and large shops, but it’s worth checking in advance if you’re visiting a less frequented area. Mobile wallets are available, but not yet widely used.⁴

Is it better to use debit and credit cards, travel cards or cash in Mexico?

If you’re deciding whether to take cash or cards to Mexico, the best approach is to bring both. It’s important to know that cash remains the primary payment method in many parts of the country, especially outside major tourist areas. You’ll often need pesos for everyday expenses such as local transport, street food, entrance fees and tipping.

While cards are a convenient and secure option, they’re mainly accepted in larger establishments such as hotels and supermarkets. Using a credit card can also help reduce the amount of cash you carry, particularly for bigger purchases. Always choose to pay in Mexican pesos rather than pounds, as this usually gives you a better exchange rate.

Travel and debit cards can be useful tools for managing your spending. Although card payments are becoming more widespread across Mexico, many local shops, markets and independent vendors still only accept cash. Carrying pesos with you will help ensure your trip runs smoothly without any payment issues.

Also, keep in mind that some cards, like the Wise debit card, can convert your pounds to pesos automatically, with only a small conversion fee*, so you don’t have to worry about exchanging currency in advance.

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Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 21-Aug-2025