subject: Money In Playa del Carmen [print this page] Money In Playa del Carmen Money In Playa del Carmen
Pocketful o Pesos
One of Playa del Carmen's many exchange houses. For sexchanges, we suggest Sweden.The currency in Mexico is called pesos. The exchange rate used to fluctuate like mad, but it has been quite steady for years now. The current exchange rate is around 12.75 pesos to the US Dollar (as of June 2010). The sign for pesos is the same as for US dollars ($), which can be a little confusing sometimes. Prices are usually in pesos, but many hotels, dive shops, etc. put their prices in dollars. Dont worry about changing money before you get here, just bring your debit card or dollars and get pesos when you get here. Travelers checks have become less popular in the last few years. The exchange rate at the airport usually has a fair, but somewhat lower rate. The best rates are given by using your ATM card to withdraw (converted) pesos from your account back home. Most hotels, shops and restaurants in this part of Mexico also accept dollars, however usually at a lower rate.
Credit Cards and Cash
Many smaller establishments do not accept credit cards, so check before you order. The easiest way to get money is to use your bank card at one of the many cash machines in town, all of which dispense pesos (max 3000 pesos per day for most machines, some allow up to 5000). Do remember your pin code as there is no bank in Playa that will give you a cash advance on your card. For that you would have to go to Cancun or Cozumel. Theres no fee involved on the Mexican side, but your own bank probably charges a fee for each withdrawal. Your day will be easier if you have small denominations, as many smaller establishments dont have a supply of change. Sometimes even the banks run out of smaller notes.
Banks, Police and Post office
Playa has many banks, on Juarez and elsewhere. Hours are usually 9am to 5pm, but this can vary, as can their available hours for currency exchange. Exchange houses are usually open till 9 or 10pm. Avenida Juarez is also where you find the Post office and the main Police Station. There are banks in other places in town too, for example, on the corner of Avenida 10 and Calle 12.
Bus and Colectivos
The are two bus terminals in town, one on the corner of Avenida Juarez and 5th Avenue and one on Avenida 20, between Calle 12 and 14. Both have direct bus service to Cancun, Tulum, Merida and a lot of other places in the area and the country. The Colectivos are white vans running up and down the highway. They stop anywhere you want, and you can flag them down by the side of the road. They operate from Calle 2 between Avenida 15 and 20, next to the basketball court.
Tipping
Tipping is not a town in China, the saying goes. In Spanish, its called the propina, but sometimes you will see it as servicio on a restaurant bill. The bill is called a cuenta, by the way. Most Americans have the custom of tipping down pretty well. They even tend to tip a little on the heavy side. Ten to fifteen percent is considered the standard range in Mexico for a restaurant check. Many Europeans tend to think that since they do not tip at home, they can pretend its the same when they travel. TIPPING IS PART OF MEXICAN LIFE! Many restaurants in Playa have begun to include a 10% service on all checks to make this very clear. You should consider tipping your maid, any tour guide you find particularly talented (like your dive guide, for example), the kid who watches your car, or sometimes, our friend the pesky police officer. And toss a peso or two to the child who packs your bags at the grocery store.
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