Jazmin Li
If you're planning to travel to Mexico, you'll need to exchange your currency for Mexican pesos. While it's possible to buy pesos from your bank before you travel, you can also get them at Mexico City Airport. There are various options for exchanging currency at the airport, including ATMs and money exchange booths, but be aware that exchange rates can vary, and you may be charged fees for using certain services.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Currency exchange at the airport | Offers competitive exchange rates due to high competition |
| Currency exchange downtown | Usually offers worse exchange rates than your bank |
| Currency exchange at the airport vs. downtown | Shop around at various exchange houses at the airport or downtown if you plan to buy pesos using foreign currency in cash |
| Using ATMs in Mexico | Use your debit card to withdraw pesos from ATMs in Mexico, which is the cheapest way to get pesos |
| Using ATMs at the airport | Safe to use, no need to worry about sketchy people lingering around |
| Using ATMs in Mexico vs. currency exchange | ATMs usually have an upper limit of pesos they will dispense in any one transaction, and the amounts vary by bank |
| Using ATMs in Mexico | Avoid using random ATMs on the street as you may end up paying high service fees |
| Using ATMs in Mexico | Tell your bank back home that you'll be travelling to Mexico so that they don't block your card when you try to withdraw pesos |
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What You'll Learn
Using an ATM at the airport
Mexico City Airport has many options for exchanging currency and withdrawing cash. While it is possible to exchange currency at the airport, it is not always recommended due to the risk of being overcharged or scammed. Some travellers have reported receiving counterfeit money from airport ATMs. Therefore, it is generally advised to use an ATM instead of exchanging cash at the airport.
ATMs are called 'cajeros' in Mexico, and they are widely available throughout the country, including at the airport. It is recommended to use an ATM from a well-known national bank to avoid high service fees. Some sources suggest informing your bank that you will be travelling to Mexico to avoid any issues with your card being blocked when you try to withdraw pesos.
When using an ATM at Mexico City Airport, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and keep your money secure, as pickpocketing and theft can occur in crowded areas. It is also a good idea to have a general understanding of the exchange rate before withdrawing cash to ensure you are getting a reasonable rate.
Overall, while it is possible to exchange currency at the airport, using an ATM is generally a safer and more cost-effective option. Withdrawing pesos directly from an ATM can help you avoid unfavourable exchange rates and potential scams associated with exchanging cash at the airport.
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Exchanging currency at booths after customs
While it is possible to exchange money at the airport, some travellers have reported getting “hosed” at forex right by the baggage claim, suggesting that rates may be more favourable after you clear customs and immigration. One traveller noted that they felt safer exchanging money before exiting the baggage claim area, as it is less exposed and potentially less risky in terms of finding targets for theft. However, others have mentioned that there are people who track those who have exchanged money and follow them outside the airport to steal. Therefore, it is recommended to be cautious and aware of your surroundings when exchanging and handling money at the airport.
It is worth noting that ATMs (called "cajeros" in Mexico) are also available at the airport and throughout Mexico City. Using your debit or credit card at an ATM can be a quick and efficient way to withdraw Mexican pesos directly. However, it is generally recommended to use ATMs from well-known national banks to avoid high service fees and potential issues with counterfeit money. Remember to inform your bank about your travel plans to Mexico to avoid any unexpected card blocks when making transactions abroad.
While the airport provides a convenient option for exchanging currency, it may not be the only place to do so. If you are staying in Mexico City for a more extended period, you can explore other options, such as local exchange houses or banks, which may offer better exchange rates. Additionally, some travellers suggest bringing a mix of pesos and US dollars or using cashless payment methods like Apple Pay or Google Pay, which have become widely accepted in Mexico City.
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Getting pesos before your trip
If you want to get pesos before your trip to Mexico, you can do so through your bank. However, be aware that US banks have been reported to have poor exchange rates and high fees.
If you want to get pesos at the airport, Mexico City airport has been described as one of the best places to exchange foreign banknotes, as the exchange houses there offer very competitive and attractive exchange rates due to high competition. However, some travellers have reported that they got a poor exchange rate at the airport, and there are also concerns about safety, with reports of people being followed outside the airport and robbed after exchanging money.
ATMs are another option for getting pesos in Mexico. These can be found in abundance in most towns and cities, and you can use your credit or debit card to withdraw pesos directly. It is recommended that you notify your bank that you will be travelling to Mexico to avoid any issues with your card being blocked. It is best to use ATMs from well-known national banks, as some have been reported to have corrupt business histories.
If you are planning to be in Mexico for a longer period, you may want to consider opening a Mexican bank account and transferring money from your foreign bank account. This can save you time and money in the long term, as you can avoid ATM fees by withdrawing larger sums.
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Using a credit or debit card
ATMs can be found at Mexico City Airport, as well as in big cities and busy tourist areas. They are often located in shopping centres, central plazas, main streets, and outside bank buildings. It is recommended to use an ATM inside a bank branch or a large supermarket rather than on the street for safety reasons.
When using your credit or debit card at an ATM, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it is generally recommended to decline the conversion to pesos offered by the ATM and instead let your bank handle the conversion. This is because the ATM's conversion rate may be unfavourable and result in additional fees.
Additionally, if your card is linked to a bank outside of Mexico, you may be charged a currency exchange fee and a foreign currency transaction fee for purchases or cash withdrawals. These fees can add up, so it is important to check with your bank before your trip to understand the charges that may apply.
To avoid some ATM fees, you can check if your bank has partnerships with any Mexican banks. For example, HSBC and Citigroup offer free ATM withdrawals for their customers at their branches in Mexico. It is also a good idea to notify your bank that you will be travelling to Mexico to avoid any issues with your card being blocked due to suspicious activity.
Using a credit card can offer some benefits, such as the ability to dispute any irregularities or fraudulent charges. However, using a debit card may result in additional fees, and it is important to be aware of the various charges that may be applied to your account when using a foreign-issued card to withdraw cash.
Overall, using a credit or debit card can be a convenient way to access cash and make purchases in Mexico, but it is important to understand the fees and charges that may be involved.
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Exchanging a small amount of cash
Firstly, you can use an ATM at the airport. ATMs are usually readily available as you exit customs, and the prompts are in English and Spanish. This option is quick and efficient, but you may encounter high service fees, depending on your bank. It is also a good idea to inform your bank that you are travelling to Mexico to avoid any issues with your card being blocked.
Secondly, you can exchange your money at a currency exchange booth at the airport. These booths, known as "Casas de Cambio", offer competitive rates due to high competition. However, it is important to be cautious as some travellers have reported being ripped off or receiving counterfeit money. It is recommended to shop around and compare rates before choosing an exchange booth.
Thirdly, you can bring cash in your home currency and exchange it for pesos at the airport. This option may be suitable for small amounts, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks, such as being targeted by thieves after exchanging money.
Lastly, you can use a money transfer app, such as the Walmart app, to transfer money to yourself and then withdraw it at a Walmart location in Mexico. This option may be convenient and cost-effective, depending on your preferences and the app's fees.
When exchanging a small amount of cash, it is generally recommended to have a mix of pesos and US dollars. While you can use your debit or credit card in many places, some vendors, such as street vendors, museums, and buses, may only accept cash. Therefore, having a small amount of cash in pesos can be useful for such situations.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can get pesos at Mexico City Airport. There are many money exchange booths and ATMs available at the airport.
There are a few ways to get pesos at the airport. You can use an ATM, exchange foreign currency cash, or use a foreign bank card to withdraw cash. It is recommended to use an ATM as the exchange rate is better outside the baggage claim, and you may be overcharged at booths.
While there are reports of scams and pickpockets in the subway, getting pesos at the airport is generally safe. It is recommended to get an Uber after exchanging money at the airport and to not exchange large amounts of money.
