What are some places to convert Mexican currency to American dollars?

Travel Destinations

By Kristy Tolley

Mexican currency to American dollars

If you’re traveling from Mexico to the United States, you’ll need to convert your Mexican pesos to American dollars. While many businesses in Mexico will accept American dollars, it’s best to have the local currency on hand. Fortunately, there are several options for converting your Mexican currency to American dollars.

Banks

One of the most common places to convert currency is at a bank. Many banks in Mexico will exchange Mexican pesos for American dollars, although some may only provide this service to their account holders. Be sure to check with your bank before leaving on your trip to see if they offer currency exchange services and what their rates and fees are.

Exchange bureaus

Exchange bureaus, also known as currency exchange offices, are another option for converting Mexican currency to American dollars. These businesses are specifically set up for currency exchange and often have better rates than banks. However, be cautious and do your research before using an exchange bureau, as some may have hidden fees or unfavorable exchange rates.

ATMs

Using an ATM to withdraw American dollars directly from your Mexican bank account is another option. However, this can be a more expensive option due to foreign transaction fees and ATM fees. Check with your bank to see what their fees and exchange rates are for using ATMs in the United States.

Hotels

Some hotels in Mexico will offer currency exchange services for their guests. However, these services may come with higher fees and less favorable exchange rates than other options. It’s always best to compare rates and fees with other options before using a hotel’s currency exchange services.

Airports

Airports in both Mexico and the United States will often have currency exchange kiosks or ATMs available. However, these services may also come with higher fees and less favorable exchange rates. It’s recommended to compare rates and fees with other options before using an airport’s currency exchange services.

Border towns

If you’re traveling by car or foot across the Mexico-United States border, there are often currency exchange businesses set up in border towns. These businesses may offer better rates and fees than other options, but again, it’s important to research and compare before making a decision.

Western Union

Western Union is a well-known money transfer service that can also be used for currency exchange. However, this option may come with higher fees and less favorable exchange rates. It’s best to compare rates and fees with other options before using Western Union for currency exchange.

Certain shops

Some specialty shops in Mexico may offer currency exchange services, particularly in tourist areas. However, these services may come with higher fees and less favorable exchange rates than other options. It’s recommended to compare rates and fees with other options before using a shop’s currency exchange services.

Credit unions

If you’re a member of a credit union, check to see if they offer currency exchange services. Some credit unions may be able to provide this service with lower fees and better exchange rates than other options.

Online exchange services

Finally, there are several online exchange services that can be used to convert Mexican currency to American dollars. However, be sure to research these services and read reviews before using them, as some may have hidden fees or be scams.

Conclusion: Options for converting Mexican currency

Overall, there are several options for converting your Mexican currency to American dollars. It’s important to research and compare rates and fees before making a decision. Banks, exchange bureaus, ATMs, hotels, airports, border towns, Western Union, certain shops, credit unions, and online exchange services are all potential options for currency exchange.

Photo of author

Kristy Tolley

Kristy Tolley, an accomplished editor at TravelAsker, boasts a rich background in travel content creation. Before TravelAsker, she led editorial efforts at Red Ventures Puerto Rico, shaping content for Platea English. Kristy's extensive two-decade career spans writing and editing travel topics, from destinations to road trips. Her passion for travel and storytelling inspire readers to embark on their own journeys.

Leave a Comment