subject: Find Out the Safest, Most Popular Ways to Send Money to Mexico [print this page] Find Out the Safest, Most Popular Ways to Send Money to Mexico
As you have probably guessed, lots of places in Mexico do accept U.S. dollars, especially in areas that cater to tourists. If you are heading to a popular destination like Cancun or Rocky Point, you will probably be just fine using U.S. dollars. However, some smaller shops that do not cater to tourists might require that you change your dollars to Mexican pesos before you buy anything. You can take cash in U.S. dollars with you to Mexico, and then either spend them or exchange them at banks or casas de cambio. However, try to keep small bills with you since many vendors do not take bills larger than $20, and you may also get change in pesos instead of dollars.
If you want to avoid bringing lots of cash with you across the border, you can use a prepaid debit card instead. This way, you can send money to Mexico before you leave your house by adding funds to the card from your bank account. You can then use the card to purchase items like you would a regular debit card. Note that many stores in tourist areas and large cities like Mexico City likely accept cards, but smaller towns and shops probably do not. In this case, you can use the prepaid debit card to withdraw cash at ATMs in the form of pesos.
If you do not want to take lots of money with you to Mexico, or send money to Mexico before you leave using a debit card, you have another option. Note that regular personal checks are not typically accepted by most Mexican stores and hotels, but travelers checks are usually at least accepted by banks. These can be a safe way to bring plenty of money with you without carrying lots of cash, as they are guaranteed if you lose them. However, be aware that most retailers do not take them so you will have to head to a bank like Banco de Mexico or Bancomer and pay a small fee.
In general, it is best to use a combination of payment options in this country. You can bring some cash to use and exchange to pesos, especially if you plan to barter. You can also use a prepaid debit card to send money to Mexico before you leave, and then get cash out from ATMs when needed. Traveler's checks may feel safe to have just in case you lose your debit card or all your cash.
welcome to Insurances.net (https://www.insurances.net)
