Mexican Currency

Q: What is the currency in Mexico City?

The currency in Mexico City is the Mexican peso. Each peso is divided into 100 cents. When you’re in Mexico you’ll see the symbol $ written down in shops and on menus, and the currency code MXN used in exchange offices.

Q: Can I use dollars in Mexico?

You can spend your USD in some tourist areas in Mexico, but it's best not to rely on US dollar cash. Some merchants will not accept USD, so carrying local pesos is a must. Your best bet when travelling to Mexico is paying in the official Mexican currency: the peso. To switch easily between currencies, use the Wise debit card.

Find out what currency is used in Mexico, tips and tricks for Mexican currency exchange, and how you can save money on your visit with the Wise Mexican peso card.

Learn about the Mexican peso card

What is the currency in Mexico?

The currency in Mexico is the Mexican peso. Each peso is divided into 100 cents.

When you’re buying currency for Mexico, look out for the currency code MXN. And once you’re in Mexico, you’ll see the symbol $ used to show prices.

You’ll find Mexican banknotes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000.

Mexican coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 100 pesos and 5, 10, 20 and 40 cents.

Use the Wise Mexican peso card to spend in Mexican currency.

The Wise Mexican peso travel money card lets you top up in your local currency, and switch to peso to spend when you’re in Mexico. You’ll get the best rate for spending in Mexican peso - and can also hold and spend 40+ other currencies with the same card.

Get your Wise travel money card online, to send and spend money around the world at the mid-market exchange rate.

Simply top up your card and convert to the currency you need in real time using the Wise app.

You’ll always get the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden costs, and you’ll avoid foreign transaction fees while withdrawing from ATMs abroad, paying in restaurants and shops, and buying your accommodation and flights.

Learn more about the Mexican peso card

Tips for exchanging currency in Mexico.



The mid-market rate is the true exchange rate - with no sneaky hidden fees. Use an online currency converter before your trip to get a feel for what your money is worth and make sure you get a fair rate when you buy your travel money.



Being offered to pay in your own currency at an ATM is a sneaky trick and causes many travellers to pay more than they need to. Always choose to pay in the local currency - in this case, peso - to cut your costs and get the best rates available.



Currency exchange desks at airports and hotels often markup the exchange rates they use, and may charge hidden fees. Avoid this expensive option whenever you can.



Withdraw money, pay for meals in restaurants or spend in shops in Mexican peso, all at the mid-market exchange rate with the Wise debit card.

Spending money in Mexico.

Paying by credit or debit card in Mexico

Card coverage in Mexico is somewhat patchy. You'll probably be able to pay on card in any large shop or hotel in tourist areas and cities. However, smaller places and family run hotels may prefer cash.

ATMs in Mexico

ATMs are commonly used - and easily found - throughout Mexico.

To get the best deal when spending on card or withdrawing money in Mexico, don’t forget to use the Wise travel money card to avoid sneaky exchange rate markups and excessive fees.