Money Matters in Mexico: 12 Essential Tips for Motorcycle Travellers

Cash is king, cards are tricky, and ATMs can eat your lunch (literally). Here’s everything riders need to know about handling money on the road in Mexico—before the first peso leaves your pocket.

1. Cash rules

Under $50 CAD or USD? Pay in cash. Cards are fine in fancy restaurants and big shops, but are not common at gas stations, mom-and-pop shops, or markets.

2. Use the right ATMs

   Best: Scotiabank is gold (no fees if you’re a Canadian with a Scotiabank account).

   Good: Santander, Inbursa, Banorte and Banbajio are the next best options at about MXN$25-30 pesos per withdrawal. 

   Avoid: HSBC, BBVA, Banamex, and Bancomer — their fees are steep and can run you as much as MXN$197 pesos.

   
   

3. Always decline conversion

ATMs will try to “help” with insurance or conversion. Say no. Your bank’s rate will be better even if they sneak in a conversion fee. I’ve fallen into the “accept” trap a few times to my annoyance.

4. Daily withdrawal limits

Expect caps around 6,000-9,000 pesos per transaction. Need more? You’ll have to do multiple withdrawals (and multiple fees).

5. ATM safety

Stick to machines inside malls, grocery stores, or banks during the day. Avoid stand-alone ATMson quiet streets, especially at night. Always cover your PIN. 

6. Carry small bills & coins

Gas, toll booths, parking attendants, snacks, and the occasional “informal toll” all need exact change. Keep a stash ready.

7. Split your cash

Keep one day’s worth of pesos in your pocket or tank bag. Hide the rest in a pannier, money belt, or secret spot so you’re never flashing big bills. 

Tip: I fold my bills up individually rather than as a big wad so that I can pull them out discreetly.

8. Conversion hack

To convert pesos to CAD:

• take the pesos amount and remove a zero

• Divide by two

• Add a bit

Example: MXN$200 pesos ≈ CAD$14 or USD$10. (Though lately, the peso’s been strong, so it’s closer to CAD$16.)

9. Tipping culture

Fuel attendants (they pump for you), hotel staff, and restaurant servers all appreciate small tips. A few coins or a 10% add-on goes a long way. Check out my post here for more important details.

10. Gas station caution

If you must use a card, only at busy, modern Pemex or BP stations. Double-check the machine before approving the amount.

11. Emergency backup card 

ATMs sometimes eat cards. Keep a second debit or credit card in a separate place so you’re never stranded.

12. Optional extras

Apps like Wise or Revolut let you load pesos at good rates and withdraw locally. Handy for long stays, but not essential. I use Wise and love it!