If you are flying from Vancouver to Cancun, Puerto Vallarta or Mexico City, it is smart to land with some Mexican pesos (MXN) in your pocket. Cards work in many hotels and larger restaurants, but taxis, street food, small shops, markets and tips often go smoother with cash. A simple plan is to buy a week's worth of everyday spending money before you leave, and keep your card for the big bills.
Why bring Mexican pesos in cash
When you step out of the airport, the first things you pay for are often small: a bottle of water, a snack, a tip for help with your bags. Having pesos ready means you are not hunting for a machine in a busy terminal after a long flight.
Outside the hotel, cash is simply handy. Beach vendors, taco stands, local markets and small corner stores may prefer cash, and paying in pesos keeps things simple. You also know exactly what you are spending, which makes a holiday budget easier to stick to.
Your card is still useful. Many travellers pay for hotels, tours and sit-down dinners by card, and use cash for everything small. Carrying both gives you a backup if one option does not work.
How much cash for a typical week
There is no single right amount. It depends on where you stay, whether your resort is all-inclusive, and how often you head out to explore. A resort guest in Cancun who eats most meals on site will need less cash than someone wandering the neighbourhoods of Mexico City every day.
Here is a simple worked example using our rate. Say you plan for about 1,000 pesos a day in cash for taxis, snacks, small purchases and tips, for a 7-day trip. That is 7,000 MXN.
At our We Sell rate of 0.08434 CAD per peso (Thursday, October 8, 2026 at 9:48 AM Pacific), 7,000 MXN cost 7,000 x 0.08434 = $590.38 CAD. Rates change through the day, so check today's rates before you come in.
| Pesos you buy (MXN) | Cost in CAD at 0.08434 |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $84.34 |
| 3,000 | $253.02 |
| 5,000 | $421.70 |
| 7,000 | $590.38 |
| 10,000 | $843.40 |
Rates shown are FonderX's We Sell rate as of Thursday, October 8, 2026 at 9:48 AM Pacific. They change through the day.
If you come home with pesos left over, you can sell them back to us. At our We Buy rate of 0.07750 at the same time, 1,000 MXN would get you $77.50 CAD. Many travellers simply keep a small amount for their next trip.
Small bills vs large bills
Mexican banknotes come in 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 peso notes, with coins for smaller amounts. Large notes are compact to carry, but a small taco stand or a taxi driver may not have change for a 500 or a 1,000 at the start of the day.
A practical mix is to keep most of your money in mid-sized notes and a handful of 20s, 50s and 100s for everyday spending. Tell us when you come in and we will do our best to give you a mix that suits your trip, depending on what we have on hand.
A few simple habits help:
- Split your cash between your wallet and a second safe spot, like a hotel safe.
- Keep a few small bills in an easy pocket for tips and quick purchases.
- Count your change before you walk away.
Tipping and everyday cash habits
Tipping is common in Mexico for restaurant service and for people who help you during your stay, such as hotel staff and guides. Small bills make it easy to tip without asking for change.
The exact amount is up to you and the service you receive. If you are not sure, your hotel front desk or tour company can tell you what is usual where you are staying.
It also helps to agree on a taxi fare before you set off if the car has no meter, and to have the right notes ready. That one small habit can save you a lot of back and forth.
Buying pesos at FonderX before your trip
Buying your pesos at home means one less thing to think about at the airport. You walk out with cash in hand, you know your rate, and you can start your holiday as soon as you land.
At FonderX we buy and sell Mexican pesos in cash, along with about 40 other world currencies. The process is quick: bring cash and a valid government photo ID, tell us how many pesos you want, and we will give you the total at our live rate. If you are a paramedic, firefighter, police officer, 911 dispatcher, nurse, ER doctor or teacher, ask about our Frontline Heroes Rate and bring your work ID.
Planning a trip that also passes through the United States? We sell US dollars too, so you can pick up both currencies in one visit.
Visit FonderX
FonderX Currency Exchange Inc. is at Unit 2, 723 12th Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 4J8, an easy trip from Burnaby, Coquitlam, Surrey and the rest of Greater Vancouver.
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Closed weekends and BC statutory holidays.
- Cash only: no cards, e-transfers or cheques.
- Bring a valid government photo ID.
- Phone: (778) 759-0400
See our contact and hours page for directions, and check today's rates before you come in.
Frequently asked questions
Should I bring Mexican pesos or US dollars to Mexico?
Pesos are the local currency, so paying in pesos keeps prices simple and clear. Bring pesos for everyday spending and use your card for larger bills.
How much cash should I bring to Cancun for a week?
It depends on your hotel and plans. As an example, 1,000 pesos a day for 7 days is 7,000 MXN, which cost $590.38 CAD at our rate on October 8, 2026 at 9:48 AM Pacific.
Where can I buy Mexican pesos near Vancouver?
FonderX in New Westminster sells Mexican pesos in cash, Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Bring cash and a valid government photo ID.
Can I sell leftover pesos when I get back?
Yes. FonderX buys Mexican pesos back in cash at our live We Buy rate, which you can check on our rates board.
