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ATM and Money in Mexico

Mexico National Currency

The national currency of Mexico is the peso its exchange rate, in relation to the dollar, fluctuates from day to day (usually just a few cents). A good rule of thumb is for every 10 pesos it represents $1 U.S. dollar or simple a 10 to 1 conversion. There are one hundred Mexican cents (centavos) to every Peso. The symbol used for the peso is "$", which is sometimes annotated Mex$ to distinguish from U.S. dollars, while the 100 centavos into which it is divided are represented by "¢". Visitors may exchange money or traveler checks at any bank or at any money exchange house. Anyhow keep in mind, that U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere

Mexico Currency Coins

Coins always seem like a hassle, however when traveling in Mexico they come in handy. Many times you will find that small merchants, taxis, buses do not have change for large notes. These are images of Mexican coins currently in circulation. Coins are minted in denominations of 5, 10, 20 and 50 centavo pieces. Coins are also available in denominations of 1, 5, 10 and 20 pesos.

Mexico Currency Banknotes

Banknotes are printed in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 pesos. The most commonly used are the 100 and 200 Peso notes. 500 and 1000 Peso banknotes are hard to spend because most merchant will not have change for higher bills. It is recommended that you ask for smaller bills when exchanging your money. The 20 and 50 Peso notes are slightly smaller than the 100, 200, 500 and 1000 Peso notes, which are all the same size. ATM Machines dispense either 100 or 200 Peso denominations

Cajero Permanente (ATM)

There are ATM's all over the State specially in touristic areas (look for a sign that reads "Cajero Permanente") they will dispense bills in pesos. You can easily withdraw money from your U.S. account, but the money will be delivered to you in pesos. (Rest assured that during your visit to Baja California U.S. dollars will be widely accepted, altough figuring out pesos bills and coins will definitively complete your vacation in Mexico as a foreign Country). The Main Banks in Mexico with ATMs and branches nationally are:

• Bancomer (owned by BBVA of Spain)
• Banamex (owned by Citigroup of USA)
• Banco Santander (part-owned by Bank of America)
• HSBC
• Banorte (Mexican-owned bank)
  

Credit Cards

Most commercial establishments accept Mexican and international credit cards, such as Master Card, Visa and American Express some will also accept travelers checks. Personal checks are not accepted.