Currency in Cozumel: Navigating Money Matters on the Island
As a seasoned traveler to Cozumel, I’ve learned a few things about dealing with money on the island. Here’s a guide to Cozumel’s currency, along with some helpful tips for managing your finances during your trip.
Official Currency: The official currency of Cozumel, as well as the rest of Mexico, is the Mexican Peso (MXN). Banknotes come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 pesos, while coins are available in 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 peso denominations, as well as smaller centavo coins.
Exchanging Money: It’s a good idea to have some local currency on hand when you arrive in Cozumel. You can exchange your money at the airport, banks, or currency exchange offices (casas de cambio). However, I’ve found that the best exchange rates are often offered by banks and ATMs.
ATMs: ATMs are widely available in Cozumel, particularly in the main tourist areas and larger towns. I recommend using ATMs affiliated with reputable banks to ensure secure transactions and better exchange rates. Keep in mind that there may be transaction fees, so it’s a good idea to withdraw larger amounts of cash at once to minimize these charges.
Credit Cards: Major credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions in Cozumel. However, smaller businesses and street vendors may only accept cash, so it’s essential to have some pesos on hand for these transactions.
Using US Dollars: Some businesses in Cozumel will accept US dollars, but the exchange rate may not be favorable, and you may receive your change in pesos. I recommend using pesos for most transactions to ensure that you’re getting the best value for your money.
Tipping: Tipping is customary in Cozumel, with a 10-20% tip being standard at restaurants, depending on the level of service. It’s also common to tip hotel staff, tour guides, and taxi drivers. Keep in mind that tipping is generally expected in cash, even if you’re paying for your meal or service with a credit card.
By familiarizing yourself with Cozumel’s currency and being prepared to handle various payment methods, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate money matters during your trip to this beautiful island destination.
Navigating through life, or as I like to call it, stumbling through a travel brochure, I’ve bounced from one continent to another like a ping pong ball. From riding a camel around the pyramids and getting lost in Cairo’s bazaars, to scuba diving wrecks off Florida, mingling with sharks in Roatan, and admiring Cozumel’s coral reefs. And amidst this whirlwind of adventure, I find time to scribble it all down in a blog, because what’s a near-death experience with a dolphin if you can’t brag about it online, right? So here’s to cheap travels, history lessons in every port, and unforgettable under-the-sea encounters. May my suitcase always be packed and my oxygen tank never be empty!
