Money & Payments in Mexico City (2026)

Good to know

Good to Know

Mexico City is increasingly cashless in tourist/upscale areas but still requires significant cash for local vendors, markets, and informal services.
ATM fees are charged both by the Mexican bank (30-35 MXN typical) and your home bank (often 1-3% + flat fee). Use ATMs inside banks or supermarkets, not on streets.
Always decline Dynamic Currency Conversion offers—your bank's exchange rate is almost always better than the ATM's offer.
Smaller peso denominations (20, 50, 100) are much more practical than large 500-peso notes; many vendors cannot make change.
Many cash-only establishments exist (street food, markets, some trendy Roma-area restaurants); always carry backup cash even if you prefer cards.
Check your restaurant bill for 'propina incluida' (included tip) or 'sugerencia' (suggested tip) before adding extra gratuity to avoid double-tipping.
US dollars are accepted in some touristy areas but rarely in local neighborhoods. Stick to pesos for better rates and wider acceptance.

ATM Fees

ATM Safety: Use ATMs inside bank branches, supermarkets, or large shopping centers. Avoid street-facing ATMs due to skimming risks.
Dcc Warning: Avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) when offered at ATMs. Always decline and choose to charge in MXN—DCC rates are typically 5-10% worse than your bank's rate.
ATM Fee Range: ATM operator fees in Mexico City typically range from approximately 30-35 MXN. Independent ATMs (outside banks/supermarkets) charge higher fees.
Withdrawal Limits: ATM withdrawal limits vary by bank, generally 4,000-11,000 MXN per transaction, plus your home bank's daily limit.
Local Bank ATM Fee: MX$31
Foreign Transaction Fees: Your home bank may charge 1-3% foreign transaction fee or currency conversion fee on withdrawals. Some banks charge an additional flat fee ($3-5 USD typical).

Banks With Low Fees

Santander: approximately 34.80 MXN per withdrawal
Banamex: approximately 30-31 MXN per withdrawal
Banco Inbursa: known for lower fees
BanCoppel: 34.80 MXN per withdrawal

Tipping Norms

Bars And Drinks: 20 pesos per drink or 10-15% of bill.
General Note: Tipping culture in Mexico City is strong but flexible. Service workers rely on tips to supplement modest wages. Always tip in pesos; USD tips create extra work for recipients to exchange.

Taxis

With Luggage: Approximately 10 pesos per bag or 10% tip if they help.
Standard Rule: Tipping is NOT required for taxi drivers unless they assist with luggage.

Hotels

Concierge: 50-150 MXN depending on service provided.
Housekeeping: 20-50 MXN per day, left on pillow or desk with a note saying 'para limpieza' (for housekeeping).
Bellhops Porters: 25-50 MXN per bag or service.

Uber Rides

Standard: While not required, tipping through the app (5-15%) is becoming more common, especially for exceptional service.

Restaurants

Standard Percentage: 10-15% for good service at casual/local restaurants; 15-20% at upscale restaurants.
Payment Method: Tip in cash (pesos) when possible. If paying by card, you may be asked 'el servicio' (the service/tip) when the bill closes.
Important Note: Check your bill before tipping—some establishments (especially upscale/tourist restaurants) include a service charge automatically. Tipping is voluntary but customary.

Other Services

Tour guides: 10-20% of total tour cost per person
Grocery store baggers: 5-10 MXN (they work solely on tips)
Gas station attendants: 5-10 MXN
Spa/massage services: 10-20% of service cost

Card Acceptance

Surcharge Risk: Some vendors charge 3-5% surcharge for credit card payments; always ask before paying.
Digital Wallets: Apple Pay and Google Pay are increasingly accepted at retailers with contactless terminals, particularly in tourist zones and upscale establishments.
Acceptance Scope: Mexico City has widespread card acceptance in upscale hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard are most widely accepted.
Smaller Businesses: Street markets, small local shops, family-run convenience stores, street food vendors, and public markets typically require cash only.

Major Cards Supported

Visa
Mastercard
American Express

Banking

Online Banking: Common at major banks; online and mobile app access available after in-person setup

Account Types

Checking Account: Most common for foreigners; enables local and international transfers, bill payments
Currency Limitation: Individual personal accounts held only in Mexican pesos; foreign currency accounts available only to companies

Account Opening

Timeline: 1–3 business days after application, with debit card issued same day or later
Eligibility: Foreigners must have temporary or permanent residency visa; tourists generally ineligible
Opening Process: Must visit bank in person during business hours; some banks allow online application start but in-person completion required for security verification
Minimum Initial Deposit: MX$1,000

Requirements

Valid government-issued passport
Temporary or Permanent Resident Card (Residente Temporal or Residente Permanente)
Proof of address within last 90 days (utility bill, lease agreement)
Mexican phone number
CURP (Unique Population Registry Code) or RFC (Federal Taxpayer Registry) may be required by some banks

Recommended Banks For Expats

BBVA Bancomer
Banorte
Banco Santander
HSBC
CitiBanamex
Scotiabank
Inbursa

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.

More About Mexico City

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.

Money & Payments in Mexico City