Currency in Mexico: the Mexican peso
Mexico uses the Mexican peso, written MXN and often shown with the symbol MX$ or simply $. The peso is one of the most traded emerging market currencies, and the rate can move with US economic news. The dollar sign on price tags is a local convention, not a sign that prices are in dollars.
Reviewed 5 November 2026. Rates update automatically.
Updated · Latest mid-market rate
Mid-market rate for guidance only. Banks and transfer providers add a margin and may charge a fee. This site does not handle, hold or transfer money.
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Rate context
Over the last 30 days of published data, 1 USD moved between 18.3653 and 18.9080 MXN, with an average of 18.6155. The change over the period was +1.60%.
| You send | Mid-market value |
|---|---|
| 10 USD | 186.2736 MXN |
| 50 USD | 931.3680 MXN |
| 100 USD | 1,862.74 MXN |
| 500 USD | 9,313.68 MXN |
| 1,000 USD | 18,627.36 MXN |
The Mexican peso floats freely. Banxico, the Bank of Mexico, sets monetary policy and does not target a fixed exchange rate. Remittances from Mexican workers abroad, US manufacturing demand and the interest rate gap with the Federal Reserve are major drivers. The peso is liquid and can react quickly to changes in global risk appetite.
Rates are indicative and can change. About our rates.
Mexican Peso key facts
The peso, the dollar sign and the confusion
The Mexican peso is divided into 100 centavos. The ISO code is MXN, and prices are often written with the $ symbol. In Mexico, the peso is the legal currency, even though the dollar sign can look familiar to visitors from the United States.
The Bank of Mexico issues the currency and sets monetary policy. The peso is the most traded currency in Latin America and one of the most liquid emerging market currencies.
Cards in the city, cash in the market
Cards are accepted in cities, hotels, restaurants and larger shops, but cash is still important for markets, small cafes, taxis and towns outside the main tourist areas. Carry a mix of notes and keep some small denominations.
ATMs are widely available, but not every machine accepts foreign cards. Use a machine inside a bank or a busy public place, check the operator fee and choose to be charged in pesos if the machine offers a choice.
ATMs, fees and the bank lobby rule
The bank lobby rule works well in Mexico. An ATM inside a bank or a shopping center is generally a better bet than a machine on a quiet street. Use it during the day, cover the keypad and put the cash away before you leave.
Check the operator fee before you withdraw. A small withdrawal can be expensive if the fixed fee is high. If you need a large amount, compare the fee with the amount you are taking out.
Casas de cambio and the rate board
Compare the rate at banks and licensed exchange houses, often called casas de cambio. Airport counters are convenient, but their margins can be wider. Ask for the total pesos you will receive, including any commission.
Count your money before you leave the counter and keep the receipt. Avoid exchanging money on the street. If a business quotes a price in dollars, check the conversion rate it is using.
Tipping, taxis and small notes
Tipping is common in restaurants, bars, hotels and for guides and drivers. Check whether a service charge is included, then leave a small amount based on the service. In casual places, rounding up is common.
Keep small notes for tips and small purchases. If you use a card, check whether the terminal offers dynamic currency conversion and decline it if you want to pay in pesos.
Safety and scams
Use ATMs inside banks or busy public places, carry a small amount of cash and avoid displaying large notes. Agree taxi fares before you get in or use a ride app, and keep a backup card separate from your main wallet.
If a card terminal offers to charge you in dollars, decline it and pay in pesos. Count your change in markets and small shops, and keep your passport and main cards in a safe place.
A budget in pesos
Use the converter above to turn your budget into pesos, then add a margin for exchange and card fees. Because the peso can move, a budget set weeks in advance may need adjusting.
If you are traveling during a busy season, book accommodation early and keep a cash reserve for places that do not accept cards. A mix of card and cash covers most situations.
Frequently asked questions
What is the currency in Mexico?
The Mexican peso (MXN) is the legal currency. It is divided into 100 centavos and issued by the Bank of Mexico.
Can I use US dollars in Mexico?
Some tourist businesses may accept dollars, but the peso is the legal currency. You may receive change in pesos and a less favorable conversion. It is usually simpler to pay in pesos.
Are credit cards accepted in Mexico?
Cards are accepted in cities, hotels, restaurants and larger shops, but cash is still important for markets, small cafes, taxis and towns outside the main tourist areas.
Where can I get cash in Mexico?
ATMs are widely available. Use a machine inside a bank or a busy public place, check the operator fee and choose to be charged in pesos if the machine offers a choice.
Do I need to tip in Mexico?
Tipping is common in restaurants, bars, hotels and for guides and drivers. Check whether a service charge is included, then leave a small amount based on the service.
Useful links
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