Budget to visit Mexico

Daily Budget Estimates

The following estimates are provided per person, per day, and do not include the cost of your pre-booked international flights and primary accommodation. These figures are intended as a general guideline, as daily expenses can vary significantly depending on your travel style and location. For instance, costs in popular coastal destinations like Tulum or Cancún are considerably higher than in cultural hubs such as Oaxaca City or Puebla.

Backpacker/Budget Traveler

• Estimated daily cost: ~$40-60 USD / $800-1,200 MXN
• This budget assumes you are staying in hostel dormitories, primarily eating street food or at local markets, utilizing public transportation, and focusing on free or low-cost activities like exploring neighborhoods on foot or visiting public parks.

Mid-Range Traveler

• Estimated daily cost: ~$80-150 USD / $1,600-3,000 MXN
• This budget allows for stays in private rooms at budget hotels or in an Airbnb, a mix of meals from local eateries and more formal sit-down restaurants, the use of ride-sharing apps or occasional taxis, and participation in some guided tours or paid attractions.

Luxury Traveler

• Estimated daily cost: ~$250+ USD / $5,000+ MXN
• This budget accommodates stays in boutique hotels or luxury resorts, dining at high-end restaurants, utilizing private transfers for transportation, and booking premium, private tours and exclusive experiences.

Breakdown of Major Expenses

To help you plan with greater detail, here are typical price ranges for common expenses you will encounter during your travels in Mexico.

Accommodation

• Hostel Dorm Bed: $15-30 USD / $300-600 MXN per night
• Budget Private Hotel Room: $40-80 USD / $800-1,600 MXN per night
• Mid-Range Hotel/Airbnb: $80-200 USD / $1,600-4,000 MXN per night
• All-Inclusive Resort/Luxury Hotel: $300+ USD / $6,000+ MXN per night

Food & Drink

• Street Food (tacos, tamales): $1-3 USD / $20-60 MXN per item
• Meal at a local restaurant (fonda or comida corrida): $5-10 USD / $100-200 MXN
• Meal at a mid-range restaurant: $15-30 USD / $300-600 MXN per person
• Local Beer (cerveza): $2-4 USD / $40-80 MXN
• Cocktail/Mezcal: $7-15 USD / $140-300 MXN

Transportation (Within Mexico)

• City Bus (colectivo or bus): <$1 USD / $10-20 MXN per ride
• Metro (Mexico City): ~$0.25 USD / $5 MXN per ride
• Ride-sharing app (e.g., Uber, Didi): $3-10 USD / $60-200 MXN for a short city trip
• Long-distance Bus (e.g., ADO): $20-60 USD / $400-1,200 MXN for a 4-6 hour journey
• Domestic Flight: $50-150 USD / $1,000-3,000 MXN one-way, when booked in advance

Activities & Entrance Fees

• Major Archaeological Sites (e.g., Chichen Itza, Teotihuacan): $15-35 USD / $300-700 MXN
• Museum Entrance Fees: $5-10 USD / $100-200 MXN
• Cenote Entrance Fees: $5-25 USD / $100-500 MXN
• Guided Day Tours: $50-150 USD / $1,000-3,000 MXN per person

Currency & Cash Management

The Mexican Peso (MXN)

The official currency is the Mexican Peso. Be aware that its currency symbol is $, the same as the U.S. dollar. Prices in tourist areas may sometimes be listed in USD, but generally, a price listed with a ‘$’ sign refers to Mexican Pesos unless explicitly stated otherwise (e.g., USD or U.S. Dollars).

Common banknote denominations you will handle are $20, $50, $100, $200, and $500 pesos. Coins come in denominations of $1, $2, $5, and $10 pesos, as well as smaller centavo coins.

ATMs vs. Currency Exchange

• ATMs, known as cajeros automáticos, are widely available in cities and towns and almost always offer the best exchange rate.
• For your security, we recommend using ATMs that are physically attached to a major, reputable bank branch, such as BBVA, Santander, Banorte, or Citibanamex.
• Exercise caution with standalone ATMs located in convenience stores, hotel lobbies, or small shops, as they often charge exorbitant fees and may have a higher risk of card skimming. Always decline “dynamic currency conversion,” where the machine offers to convert the transaction to your home currency; this service comes with a poor exchange rate.
• Before your departure, please inform your bank of your travel dates and destinations to prevent your card from being blocked for suspicious activity.

Using Credit Cards & Cash

• Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) are widely accepted in larger hotels, established restaurants, tour agencies, and supermarkets, particularly in cities and tourist destinations.
• Cash remains essential for your trip. It is necessary for paying at smaller, family-run restaurants, street food stalls, local markets, for most taxis, and for public transport like local buses and colectivos.
• It is wise to carry a mix of cash, including smaller bills ($20, $50, $100 pesos) for minor purchases, as vendors may not be able to make change for a large $500 peso note.

Tipping Etiquette (Propina)

In Mexico, tipping (propina) is a customary and expected way to show appreciation for good service. It is rarely included in the bill, but it’s always worth checking. Here are some general guidelines:

• Restaurants: 10-15% of the total bill is standard for good service. Before tipping, quickly check your bill (la cuenta) to ensure a service charge (servicio) has not already been included.
• Bartenders: A tip of $1 USD / $20 MXN per drink or 10-15% of the total bar tab is appropriate.
• Hotel Staff:
  • Bellhops: $2-5 USD / $40-100 MXN for handling your luggage.
  • Housekeeping: $2-5 USD / $40-100 MXN per day. It is best to leave this on your pillow or nightstand daily, as staff may change.
• Tour Guides/Drivers: 10-20% of the tour cost is a good guideline, depending on the quality of the service, the length of the tour, and the size of your group.
• Gas Station Attendants & Grocery Baggers: These individuals often rely on tips. A few coins, such as $5-10 MXN, is a much-appreciated gesture.

Top Money-Saving Tips

• Eat comida corrida: In the afternoon, look for local restaurants offering a `comida corrida`, a fixed-price, multi-course lunch menu that offers excellent value.
• Use Public Transportation: For travel between cities, first-class bus lines like ADO are comfortable, safe, and far more economical than flights for many routes. Within cities, the metro and local buses are exceptionally affordable.
• Visit Local Markets: Purchase fresh fruit, juices, and snacks from a local mercado. The quality is often better and the prices are significantly lower than in convenience stores.
• Stay Hydrated Smartly: Instead of constantly buying small plastic bottles of water, purchase a large multi-liter jug (a garrafón) from a convenience store like OXXO to keep in your room and refill your personal water bottle each day.
• Look for Free Museum Days: In Mexico City and other major cities, many government-run museums offer free admission to all visitors on Sundays. Be prepared for larger crowds.
• Negotiate (Respectfully): At artisan markets and informal street stalls, it is generally acceptable to politely negotiate prices. However, this is not appropriate in established shops, boutiques, or restaurants with listed prices.
• Pay in Pesos: When using your credit card, if the payment terminal gives you the option to be charged in your home currency or in Mexican Pesos (MXN), always choose MXN. This ensures you get your bank’s more favorable exchange rate.