Mexican Currency
Quick Facts
- The currency in Puerto Vallarta, as well as the rest of Mexico, is the Mexican peso.
- U.S. dollar bills are widely accepted in tourist-oriented shops and restaurants in Puerto Vallarta.
- Mexican currency comes in denominations of 20-, 50-, 100-, 200-, and 500-peso bills, and coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 pesos and 20 and 50 cents.
The peso is the national currency and is the official payment method in Puerto Vallarta, U.S. dollars are accepted in most important businesses in the city as long as purchases are not too big (under 100 dollars), you’ll receive any difference in pesos at the rate the business has established (normally on a sign, if not, ask).
Major credit cards are also accepted in most establishments, these are mainly Mastercard, and Visa, some accept American Express, Diners, and others.
Universal ATMs are widely available for cash withdrawals at the current exchange rate. Visitors can access ATMs in several systems such as VISA, MC, Cirrus, and PLUS. Most ATMs have menus in English. The ATMs only dispense currency in pesos.
Current Mexican bills
1000 peso bill
New 500 peso bill (from 2018 on)
500 peso bill
200 peso bill
100 peso bill
50 peso bill
20 peso bill
Notice:
The 1000 peso bill is the highest denomination. Coins are not shown in the right proportion. Review the official notes in circulation here
Current Mexican coins
20 peso coin
10 peso coin
5 peso coin
2 peso coin
1 peso coin
50 cent coin
Notice:
These are the official coins (20, 10, and 5 cent coins not included, they’ll be out of circulation soon) and bills.
Money Exchange
ATMs have become the preferred choice for money exchange when traveling and are the most common method now. The rates you get are better than money exchange booths, traveller’s checks, and banks. Read more on AMTs, fees and where they are.
You can change money at a convenient “Casa de Cambio” (Money Exchange). These are money exchangers that are open long hours and provide quick service. Expect a slightly lower rate for traveller’s checks.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT: “Mexico Banking System Cap on Exchange of Dollars for Pesos: In order to regulate the number of dollars entering the Mexican banking system, beginning September 14, 2010, the Mexican government will cap the number of dollars foreigners can exchange for pesos in Banks & Money Exchange Establishments to no more than US$1,500 per month. The measure WILL NOT AFFECT purchases made with credit cards or debit cards in Mexico. The measure WILL NOT AFFECT the amount of cash (in Mexican pesos) an international tourist can withdraw from an ATM machine on a daily or monthly basis. It is recommended that all travelers bring Mexican pesos as well as their credit and/or debit cards to minimize any inconvenience the exchange cap at banks may cause.”
Although dollars are widely accepted in resort areas, we recommend using pesos during your stay. Hotels can also exchange dollars, but these normally give you low rates, use them as your last resort (pun not intended).
Most Mexican banks have stopped exchanging dollars to pesos unless you have an account with them, rendering them useless for travelers. If you do find one that exchanges dollars bring your passport along, there are also limits to how much you can cash, $300/day and $1500/month is the norm.
There’s usually no commission added on exchanges, but do ask beforehand to avoid any surprises. In any case, they adjust rates to give them a commission anyway, all financial institutions never waste an opportunity to fleece us.
For the current exchange rate (reference only) use the following link:
Currency Conversion on Yahoo.com!
So as a summary:
- Exchange a small amount of your local currency to Mexican pesos before you take off. Consider having enough pesos for a few expenses upon arrival, such as tips, a taxi, a drink, or a small meal before you arrive at your lodging, etc.
- Avoid exchange rate hassles paying with a credit card whenever available.
- Have a credit card or debit card with enough funds for ATM cash withdrawals.
- Another useful tip is to inform your bank that you will travel to Mexico, so they know you’ll be charging your card from abroad, this way they won’t block transactions.
FAQ
- What is the safest part of Puerto Vallarta to stay in?
The Marina and the Romantic Zone are considered some of the safest areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta. Both areas are popular among tourists and offer a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. The Marina is known for its upscale atmosphere, luxury resorts, and high-end shops and restaurants. It has a very secure, controlled environment with 24/7 security personnel. The Romantic Zone offers a more authentic Mexican experience with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and a vibrant mix of galleries, cafes, and bars. As a central tourist area, it also has a strong police presence and is considered very safe.
- Where do locals go in Puerto Vallarta?
Locals in Puerto Vallarta enjoy spending time at the city’s beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and lively local markets. Popular beach spots include Playa de Oro, Playa Las Animas, and Playa Camarones for their soft sand and calm waters. Many locals visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens to enjoy the lush vegetation and hiking trails. They also frequent authentic local food venues like Birrieria las 3 Regiones taco stand, cafes like Cafecito Vallarta, and neighborhood bars like La Cerveceria Union. The downtown Lazaro Cardenas market is a favorite for produce, spices, crafts.
- Is Downtown Puerto Vallarta nice?
Yes, downtown Puerto Vallarta is an exceptionally nice and popular area, celebrated for its vibrant mix of historic Mexican charm and a lively beach town atmosphere. It features a picturesque historic center with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the iconic Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe church. The downtown seamlessly blends into the scenic Malecón, a beautiful oceanfront boardwalk lined with fascinating sculptures, shops, and restaurants, making it perfect for strolling and enjoying the stunning ocean views.
The area offers an excellent variety of dining, from upscale restaurants to authentic street food, along with fantastic shopping in boutiques and art galleries. Adjacent to the main center is the popular Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone), known for its trendy vibe and energetic nightlife. The entire downtown is considered safe and is very walkable, allowing visitors to easily explore its captivating blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty on foot.
Tip: For an unforgettable experience, head down to the Malecón or any beachfront spot about 30 minutes before the scheduled sundown to watch the spectacular sunset over the bay.
- What is considered old town in Puerto Vallarta?
Old Town, also known as the Romantic Zone or Zona Romántica, is considered the historic heart of Puerto Vallarta. It is characterized by its picturesque cobblestone streets, classic whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs, and a lively mix of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and Banderas Bay, Old Town has a traditional Mexican village charm with its colonial architecture and slower pace compared to the rest of Puerto Vallarta. Its romantic ambience comes from the area’s natural beauty, outdoor cafes, and charming boutique hotels. Old Town offers visitors a taste of an authentic Mexican neighborhood.
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