What Currency Is Best to Take to Mexico from the UK? Pesos vs USD
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Are you stuck in a jalapeño over which currency to take to Mexico?
It comes up constantly in Facebook groups. And chances are, you’ll get 37 different answers — half of them confidently wrong.
Let’s clear it up properly.
Short Answer: If You’re Travelling from the UK, Take Pesos
Unless you’ve got a secret stash of US dollars lying around from 2008… take Mexican Pesos.
Here’s why.
Americans often recommend USD.
But that’s because it’s their home currency. They’re not converting anything.
From the UK, you’d be doing:
GBP → USD → MXN
That’s two exchanges. Two rates. Two chances to get stung.
And yes… you will get stung.
If you pay in USD in Mexico, you can expect to lose anything from 5% to 25% in poor exchange rates at shops, bars, restaurants, excursions — even souvenir stalls.
It’s convenience pricing.
And you’re paying for it.
“But They Accept Dollars Everywhere…”
True.
They accept them.
That doesn’t mean you should use them.
Gift shops and resorts often quote prices in USD. Ask for the price in Pesos instead.
Most of the time, that dollar price includes a handy little “tourist bonus margin.”
Top Tip:
When a card machine asks if you want to pay in GBP or local currency, always pick local (MXN).
That avoids dynamic currency conversion, which is another quiet little sting.
What Do Locals Actually Prefer?
I asked a self-employed local in Riviera Maya — Alberto, who carves coins into souvenirs.
His take?
When the USD exchange rate is strong, locals prefer dollars because they can get a slightly better grocery rate.
Right now?
The rate isn’t great.
So locals want Pesos.
If tourists pay in weak USD, locals lose value when they convert it.
So if you’re coming from the UK, Pesos are better for:
- You
- Them
- Everyone’s wallet
Win-win..
“When the USD has a high exchange rate , everyone wants to get paid in usd ..the main reason Is when We go to places to Buy our groceries, the stores gives us a little better rate than a money exchange place and this means We can Buy i little extra things …
Now the usd Is no having a good rate..not at all ..so everyone wants pesos …
Me… My clients pay me most of them in usd ..But Its so bad rate in exchanging..and also so unstable that now i had to Buy my ‘clip’ wich Is an ítem that helps me to accept now crédito card
Usd is good ..on good exchange rate…now It Is not in good rate ..so Lets take pesos.”
Should I Just Tap My Card Instead?
Honestly? Yes — mostly.
We’re big fans of the two-card method.
1. Virgin Money Debit Card
- No foreign transaction fees
- Mastercard exchange rate (one of the best)
- No ATM fees up to £350/day
- Looks quite cool, not gonna lie
2. Monzo
- Mastercard exchange rate
- No fees
- Great for splitting spending
Monzo is probably our most used. It’s simple, clear, and the app is awesome. You can also make different pots, round up and one time virtual cards
Whatever you use:
Always pay in local currency, not GBP, not USD.
| Name | Top-Up Fee | Currency Exchange Rate | ATM Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revolut Digital Card | None up to £1000 per month. 3% after | Variable (always one of the best) | N/A |
| Virgin Money Debit Card | None | Mastercard Exchange Rate | None up to £350 per day |
| Monzo Debit Card | None | Mastercard Exchange Rate | Unlimited in EEA, £200 per month anywhere else |
| Wise Travel Card | £7 One Time Fee | 1.75% | None |
Should I Take Cash?
Yes. A bit.
Especially in Riviera Maya.
Resorts are often miles from town.
Attractions are in the jungle.
Resort ATMs can be scandalous. (This is where Facebook groups are your bread & butter for info)
Have enough to get started — taxis, tips, random roadside taco stops.
Just don’t carry loads.
If you’re unsure what’s expected, we break down how much to tip in Mexico (including all-inclusive resorts) in our full guide here 👉 Tipping at All Inclusive Resorts in Mexico
And whatever you do…
Never exchange at the airport.
That’s daylight robbery with air conditioning.
What About Travel Money Cards?
We’re not huge fans anymore. We have an Asda travel card, but it is nothing more than a backup/safety net.
With banks like Revolut, Monzo and Virgin offering competitive exchange rates, most prepaid travel cards now feel unnecessary.
Extra fees.
Worse rates.
More faff.
You’re better off opening a secondary current account and using that as your “travel card.”
Final Thoughts
From a UK point of view:
Pesos > USD
You’ll get better value.
Locals benefit more.
You avoid double exchange.
We personally run the Virgin + Monzo combo, and it’s never let us down.
Chances are, if you prep properly before you fly, you won’t think about currency again all holiday.
And that’s exactly how it should be.
More Mexico Travel Tips
- Free Data, Calls & Texts in Mexico + A Bacon Roll
- Travel Money & Spending Abroad: Our Full Setup
- Tipping at All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico
- Is an All-Inclusive Resort Worth It?
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¡Adiós amigos!
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