Everything you need to know
Tulum Airport Money Exchange
The Mexican Peso (MXN) is the official currency of Mexico. While the US Dollar is often accepted in Tulum's hotel zone and major tourist venues, using pesos is strongly recommended for smoother transactions with local vendors, taxis, and smaller businesses.
Checking the live exchange rate before your trip is crucial to ensure you get fair value and can budget accurately. Below, you can see a chart with the latest values for major currencies compared to the Mexican Peso.
Tips for Currency Exchange & Money Services at Tulum Airport
A primary concern for travelers is securing a good exchange rate. While some prefer to exchange a small amount before departure, you will typically find more competitive rates in Mexico. Tulum Airport (TQO) has currency exchange counters (casas de cambio) located in the arrivals hall; however, the rates offered there are often less favorable than those available in downtown Tulum. For the best value, we recommend exchanging only what you need for immediate costs (such as transportation and tips) at the airport, and then using local banks or reputable casas de cambio in Tulum town for larger amounts.
Arrival & Transport:
Have some pesos on hand for your taxi or shuttle from the airport. Many transport services accept USD, but the conversion rate they offer may be poor.
ATMs are Your Friend:
The most cost-effective method is usually to withdraw pesos directly from an ATM using your debit card. Use ATMs located inside the airport terminal or affiliated with major Mexican banks (like BBVA, Banorte, or Santander) for better security and rates. Remember to decline the ATM's dynamic currency conversion (DCC) and let your home bank do the conversion.
Credit Cards:
Major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and tour operators in Tulum, but cash is essential for markets, small shops, and beach clubs.
Rate Stability:
Major currency values typically fluctuate less than 1% daily, so the exact day you exchange is less critical than avoiding high-fee locations.