About Mexico
Currency and Credit Cards
Mexican Pesos. American funds are widely accepted, though we recommend buying some pesos, especially for shopping at the Mercado and tips. Currency can be exchanged at casas de cambio (exchange houses), banks, and hotels, though the latter usually have the worst rates. ATMs are readily available and accept foreign bankcards. Major credit cards are widely accepted. Traveler’s checks or letters of credit in U.S. dollars issued by well-known banks or travel organizations are readily negotiable in banks and hotels. Sterling traveler’s checks are not readily negotiable except at head offices of banks in the country's capita, and may be subject to a considerable discount. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveler’s checks in U.S. dollars
Banking
Banks usually open from 9 a.m. to 1 or 2 p.m. on weekdays. The banks have the best rates, but should you opt for convenience, the Casas de Cambio (money exchange booths) give a competitive rate of exchange and usually have short lines. Hotels are perhaps the most convenient place to exchange money, but rates are worse at hotels than at banks or exchange booths.
Language
Spanish is the official language; English is understood and/or spoken by most people employed in the tourism industry. French, Italian, German and many other languages are spoken by tour guides and concierges.
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