November 1st is approaching, bringing with it one of the most spectacular celebrations in the world: Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) in Mexico. If you already have your tickets to experience this unique event, there is one logistical detail you shouldn’t leave until the last minute: your currency. Between the vibrant local markets, street food stalls, and traditional altars, relying solely on a bank card will limit your trip. Preparing your Mexican pesos (MXN) in advance by buying them online before you fly is the best strategy to land with peace of mind and focus entirely on enjoying yourself.
Understanding the Tradition and Where to Experience It
Day of the Dead is a pre-Hispanic celebration fused with Catholicism, where Mexicans honor their deceased with altars, marigold flowers (cempasúchil), and traditional food.
Foreign travelers tend to gather in three main areas, each offering a distinct atmosphere:
Mexico City (CDMX): Famous for its massive parades on Paseo de la Reforma and the traditional vibe in neighborhoods like Coyoacán and Mixquic, where cemeteries are lit by candlelight.
Riviera Maya and Cancun: Perfect for combining beach and culture. Xcaret Park hosts the Festival of Life and Death Traditions, which is highly accessible if you are staying in nearby resorts.
Oaxaca or Pátzcuaro (Michoacán): The top choice for those seeking the deepest, most authentic, and deeply rooted celebrations in the country.
Money and Payments: Why Cash is Essential
The official currency is the Mexican peso (MXN). While you can pay with cards (Visa and Mastercard) in hotels, tourist restaurants, and supermarkets, cash is king on the streets of Mexico.
You will need physical Mexican pesos to:
Buy pan de muerto (bread of the dead) and handicrafts at traditional markets.
Pay for street taxis (taxis hailed on the street rarely accept cards).
Leave tips. In Mexico, it is customary to leave a 10% to 15% tip in restaurants. Tour guides and hotel staff also expect cash tips.
Pay entrance fees for local cenotes or small museums in the Riviera Maya.
Relying on ATMs in Mexico means paying your home bank’s foreign transaction fee plus the Mexican bank’s surcharge. Furthermore, during November 1st and 2nd, ATMs in highly touristy areas often run out of cash quickly.
How Much Cash Should You Bring for a Week?
For daily expenses (light meals, short transport, tips, coffees, and small purchases), a rough budget for two people ranges between 1,500 and 2,500 Mexican pesos per day. It is best to pay for hotels and large tours with your card, keeping your cash for day-to-day interactions.
Organize Your Pesos Before the Flight: The Advantage of Buying Online
Arriving in Cancun or Mexico City with local currency in your pocket allows you to take your first taxi, hand out your first tip, and go straight to dinner without wasting time looking for an open exchange bureau with fair rates.
Taking advantage of the “México Inolvidable: Pesos para el Día de Muertos” campaign, you can buy your Mexican pesos online through Eurochange. The process is simple: select the amount, see the exact exchange rate with no surprises, and receive the money at your home in Spain before packing your bags, or pick it up at any of our 40+ branches.
Practical Tips for Managing Your Money
Ask for small bills: When organizing your exchange, try to carry 20, 50, and 100 peso bills. Paying for a coffee at a market with a 500 peso bill is often a problem due to a lack of change.
Watch out for the $ symbol: The Mexican peso uses the same symbol as the US dollar. In the Riviera Maya, always ask which currency the price is listed in.
Distribute your cash: Do not carry all your money in one wallet when leaving the hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What currency is used in Mexico? The official and legal tender is the Mexican peso (MXN). In areas like the Riviera Maya, euros or dollars might be accepted, but the exchange rate applied by merchants is usually very poor for tourists.
Can you pay with euros in Mexico? Generally, no. You will need Mexican pesos or a bank card enabled for foreign transactions.
Is it better to take cash or a card to Mexico? The smartest approach is to combine both. Use your card for large payments (hotels) and carry cash in pesos for transport, tips, markets, and street food.
Where can I exchange euros for Mexican pesos before traveling? You can buy Mexican pesos online from Spain with Eurochange and receive them at home within 24-48 hours, or pick them up at the nearest physical branch.
Organizing your currency before you travel is the first step to a successful trip. This way, once in Mexico, your only concern will be enjoying the colors, flavors, and magic of the Day of the Dead.
