An Overview Of the Currency Used In Cozumel, Mexico

By Tom Seest

What Currency Does Cozumel Use?

Most Cozumel hotels, restaurants, and excursions list their prices in both US Dollars and Mexican Pesos to make it easier for American tourists to pay, tip, and get the best rates on all purchases.
However, it’s wise to have some cash on hand in case of emergencies. Fortunately, there are plenty of ATMs and bank-backed Casa de Cambios (currency exchange houses) on the island.

This photo was taken by Hana Mara and is available on Pexels at https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-coins-3650642/.

Can You Use Mexican Pesos In Cozumel, Mexico?

The Mexican peso is the official currency of Cozumel, and it’s widely accepted by restaurants, shops, and services. Bills come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 pesos, while coins range in value from 1-10 pesos.
When traveling, it’s always beneficial to have some cash on hand. Doing so can help protect you against scams and enable you to pay for items in the local currency.
Around town, you’ll find plenty of ATMs where you can withdraw money at a fee. By using one of these machines, oftentimes, you’ll receive the best exchange rate available.
However, bear in mind that exchange rates can fluctuate daily, so be sure to double-check them before making a withdrawal. Your home bank may offer better rates, but be aware they will charge a transaction fee for converting foreign currencies.
If you’re uncertain of the exchange rate, ask your bank for a quote before going to Mexico. That way, you’ll know exactly how much money can be saved.
At present, Mexican pesos are worth just under 20 pesos per US dollar – still an attractive rate given the US dollar’s strength, and many tourists flock to Cozumel with their dollars.
Most people are happy to pay in their local currency, but they also expect a tip when service is provided. This is especially true at restaurants where wait staff, earn low base salaries and strive to provide excellent service.
Taxi drivers and gas station attendants alike often expect a tip. To ensure you know the cost of your trip before getting in the car, confirm the price with them first and then tip accordingly.

This photo was taken by cottonbro studio and is available on Pexels at https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-putting-coin-in-a-piggy-bank-3943714/.

Can You Use Us Dollars In Cozumel, Mexico?

The US Dollar (USD) is the official currency of the United States and serves as a standard unit of measurement in many other countries around the world, such as Mexico.
The dollar is worth 100 cents, and it is printed in $100, $50, $20, $10, and $5 notes, as well as coins. Its nickname, the “greenback,” derives from its greenish-yellow color.
Although the US Dollar is the most widely used currency worldwide, other currencies should also be taken into account when planning your vacation to Cozumel. Euro, British Pound and Canadian Dollar are just three of the options you have when using a currency while there.
Another thing to consider when planning your budget and purchases in Mexico is the peso versus USD exchange rate. In Mexico, the peso is often treated as the local currency; prices will typically be listed and displayed using this unit instead of fluctuating according to exchange rates, making it simpler to plan ahead for purchases and budgeting ahead.
For instance, knowing the price of a restaurant menu in pesos allows you to predict how much the bill will be in dollars more accurately. This is especially helpful when paying taxi fares or other services where exchange rates may fluctuate.
It’s wise to bring cash with you if you plan on using your credit card for transactions such as restaurants and car rentals. When doing so, use cash only and check the price before using your card.
You can exchange your money at any of the many “Casas de Cambio” (or simply “Cambios”) scattered throughout Cozumel; however, be prepared for long wait times in front of these establishments.
When in town, it’s wise to visit one of the many bank-backed ATMs available. These usually belong to larger and more recognizable bank names like HSBC, Santander, or Banamex (part of Citibank) and are part of interbank networks like Cirrus or Plus ATM consortiums. You’ll find these on major highways downtown as well as on random street corners; however, be wary of stand-alone private machines, which could potentially be scams more easily than those situated at larger establishments in the city center.

This photo was taken by Jimmy Chan and is available on Pexels at https://www.pexels.com/photo/round-silver-colored-coin-on-brown-printer-paper-1235972/.

Can You Use Euros In Cozumel, Mexico?

Cozumel is a popular destination for travelers from the United States, often bringing their US Dollars with them. However, if you aren’t familiar with Cozumel currency, paying for goods and services on the island can prove challenging.
Thankfully, most businesses in Cozumel – from food stands and restaurants to beach clubs and taxi cabs – display their prices and signage in pesos, making it easy for you to locate them. Furthermore, most places post conversion rates right on their signs or price tags, so there’s no need to worry if your bill ends up being higher than expected.
Another advantage of using pesos in Cozumel is their stable exchange rate compared to other currencies. This is because Mexico’s government controls the peso’s exchange rate, meaning it fluctuates according to market fluctuations. That explains why some places tend to be slightly pricier than others, even if they offer similar services.
Before leaving home, it’s wise to check the exchange rate and bring some foreign cash with you. Having extra pesos on hand could come in handy during emergencies like power outages or currency devaluations.
Be prepared for any unexpected charges on your credit card when booking accommodations in Cozumel. Many hotels and resorts charge an additional 3% fee over and above their standard fee when using cards, so it’s wise to notify your bank or card service beforehand so they don’t freeze your cards or block transactions accidentally.
One of the best ways to avoid these fees is by withdrawing money directly from an ATM. Major bank-owned machines tend to be reliable, and you’ll often get a better exchange rate than from unaffiliated street corner ATMs.
Cash can also be beneficial when visiting more remote parts of the island. Thanks to advances in internet and mobile coverage, more beach clubs and restaurants are accepting payment by card; however, some still won’t. So it’s wise to always have some spare cash in your wallet just in case unexpected charges crop up.

This photo was taken by Dmitry Demidov and is available on Pexels at https://www.pexels.com/photo/silver-round-coins-on-banknote-3793689/.

Can You Use Canadian Dollars In Cozumel, Mexico?

The Canadian dollar, officially known as the CAD, is one of the most common currencies used in Cozumel. It serves as a benchmark currency, meaning most central banks around the world maintain Canadian dollars as their primary reserve currency.
The Canadian dollar’s value is determined by global commodity prices and monetary policy. While exchange rates between CAD and other currencies fluctuate daily, they generally remain relatively stable over long-term periods.
For the current value of your Canadian dollars, Wise (formerly Transferwise) offers a simple tool. This calculator uses the Bank of Canada’s official exchange rate and will show how much your currency is worth today. Unfortunately, this tool cannot provide an exact indication as it doesn’t take into account any fees.
You can check the Canadian dollar’s value on the bank website, which displays how much your money is worth in USD. By knowing this amount, you can calculate how much money you need to spend while in Cozumel.
Most stores in Cozumel will display the current exchange rate they use, so be sure to look for it when making purchases. They often also post an up-to-the-minute exchange rate on their website.
Aside from the Canadian dollar (CAD), Cozumel also accepts several other currencies. Popular ones include the Mexican peso, United States dollar, and euro.
The peso is often used for smaller purchases, while the dollar and euro are more common for larger ones. To find the right currency for your trip, you can use either a traveler’s check or a multi-currency debit card; these will enable you to make purchases in both currencies without incurring any foreign transaction fees.
One popular way to determine the value of your Canadian dollars is by checking the Bank of Canada’s online currency converter. This provides real-time views of exchange rates, making it straightforward to determine your currency’s current worth in Canadian dollars.

This photo was taken by cottonbro studio and is available on Pexels at https://www.pexels.com/photo/gold-and-silver-round-coins-3943721/.