- Currency Local
- MXN
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: holboxislandtravel.com, ad-hoc-news.de
Good to know
Good to Know
- Tipping is customary and often vital to service workers' income in Holbox, similar to broader Mexico norms
- Many restaurants in Holbox include a suggested tip on the bill; always check to avoid double-tipping
- ATM availability on the island can be unreliable; bring sufficient pesos from the mainland as backup
- Tip in Mexican pesos when possible—it is faster and easier for service workers than foreign currencies or card tips
- Check your restaurant bill carefully for 'propina sugerida' (suggested tip) to avoid accidentally tipping twice
ATM Info
- ATM Fees
- Varies by bank; typical ATM withdrawal fees in Mexico range from 0–5% depending on your home bank and the ATM operator
- Availability
- ATMs exist on the island but availability and reliability can fluctuate
- Recommendation
- Arriving with cash from the mainland is often recommended as backup, especially since ATMs can run short or be out of service
Tipping Norms
- Housekeeping
- MX$25
- Hotel Bellhops
- MX$25
- Currency For Tipping
- Mexican pesos preferred; tips can be added to card in many restaurants, but cash in pesos is always most appreciated
- Porters And Service Staff
- MX$10
Small tip for assisting with tasks
Restaurants
- Standard Percentage
- MX$15
- Note
- Check your bill first to avoid tipping twice; service charge may already be included
- Context
- 10–15% is customary; some restaurants include a service charge labeled 'propina sugerida' (suggested tip) on the bill
Tour Guides
- Standard Percentage
- 10–15% of tour price
- Context
- Tipping is common and appreciated for guided tours and excursions
Taxi Drivers
- Recommended
- 10 pesos if driver assists with luggage
- Context
- Not commonly expected; optional rounding up of fare or small tip appreciated
Bars And Cafes
- Standard
- 20 pesos per drink or 10–15% of the bill
Currency Local
MXN
Card Acceptance
- Summary
- Mixed acceptance; varies by establishment
- Recommendation
- Carry cash in Mexican pesos; cards are useful but not guaranteed everywhere
- Small Businesses
- Small businesses, local eateries, independent tour guides, and street vendors may prefer or only accept cash
- Upscale And Mid Range
- Widely accepted in mid-range and upscale establishments
Banking
- Overview
- No traditional banks are open for account-opening services on the island. Banking is cash-based with ATM access.
- Payment Cards
- Many small businesses, local tours, and food stands operate cash-only; larger restaurants, hotels, and beach clubs accept cards but systems can be unreliable; card payment not guaranteed.
- Account Opening
- No bank branches actively establish new accounts for nomads. CIBanco operates on the island but primarily for currency exchange. Account opening would require travel to mainland.
- Currency Exchange
- CIBanco and currency exchange offices on the island provide foreign exchange services, though exchange rates are variable; using ATM is generally preferred to restaurant/shop rates.
ATM Availability
- Status
- Multiple ATMs available, though availability and cash supply can be unreliable during peak tourism periods
- Reliability Issues
- Some ATMs occasionally out of service due to power outages or cash shortages; cash availability cannot be guaranteed
Locations
BBVA
- Details
- Two ATMs in a climate-controlled room; generally most reliable with fewest lines
- Location
- Calle Tiburón Ballena 6, next to Clandestino Coffee Roasters, enclosed air-conditioned facility
Main Square Area
- Bank
- CIBanco
- Details
- Can be crowded and run out of cash during peak hours
Paseo Kuká 1, Plaza Andador Kuká
- Bank
- Scotiabank
- Details
- 24-hour ATM access
Calle Tiburón Ballena, Centro
- Bank
- Gomart (convenience store ATM)
- Details
- Often dispenses USD only; exchange to MXN at bank or currency exchange office
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this money & payments research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
- 1.holboxislandtravel.com
- 2.ad-hoc-news.de
- 3.ad-hoc-news.de
- 4.islaholbox-info.com
- 5.islaholbox-info.com
- 6.gamintraveler.com
- 7.skyscanner.com
- 8.xe.com
- 9.mtfxgroup.com
- 10.riviera-maya-news.com
- 11.umedholbox.com
- 12.holboxisland.com
- 13.transfercancun-airport.com
- 14.holboxislandtravel.com
- 15.the.holboxeno.com
- 16.yelp.com
- 17.xe.com
- 18.wise.com
- 19.xe.com
More About Holbox
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.