🇲🇽 Best Places to Get Mexican Pesos in the USA [2024] (2024)

If you have a trip to Mexico planned, you’ll need to work out the best way to get Mexican pesos to pay for things while you’re there. While carrying MXN cash is a popular option, you might find using a travel card is cheaper and more convenient - and more secure than carrying a lot of cash too.

When it comes to getting Mexican pesos for your trip, you’ve got several different options, including taking cash in USD to exchange, converting to MXN online before you travel or at the airport, or picking up a travel money card for convenient spending and cash withdrawals in Mexican pesos on arrival in Mexico.

Each option has its own features, fees, pros and cons. Which is best for you will depend a lot on your personal preferences - this guide will help you pick the right one based on convenience, cost, availability and more.

What is the cheapest way to buy Mexican pesos in the US?

The cheapest way to buy Mexican pesos in the US is usually online. You’ll have a couple of options, depending on what suits your needs:

• Choose a specialist provider which has multi-currency accounts to support international spending - like Wise or Revolut
• Use an online money exchange service, and collect your foreign cash or have it delivered to you - in this case, you may pay an exchange rate markup, which is an extra fee

Your other alternatives include getting your cash at your bank, or at the airport. Banks may not have any conversion fee advertised, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the service is actually free. The costs are often simply added into the exchange rate used for conversion, which can make them harder to spot.

Of course, you also have the option to buy Mexican pesos at the airport. However, this can be very expensive compared to buying your Mexican pesos online before you head off, simply because airport exchange services know you have no other options until you get to your destination. That can mean high commission fees and very poor foreign exchange rates.

How to get Mexican pesos in the US

There are a few different ways to get Mexican pesos in the US, so you can pick the method that suits you best. Each service will have its own process, so whichever way you choose, you’ll want to check directly with the provider you choose to make sure you know exactly what’s required to get your MXN conveniently and without unnecessary delays.

Usually if you plan to get foreign currency cash through a bank or a specialist travel money service, you’ll need to visit a branch or agent location, and take along your USD in cash, or a card to pay for your Mexican pesos. Assuming the bank or currency exchange office you visit has enough MXN in stock, you’ll be able to take away your travel money instantly.

However, picking up your Mexican pesos in person is not necessarily the most convenient choice. In many cases, you’ll also have the option to arrange your MXN online, which means you can get everything organised without needing to take extra time out of your day to go to the bank.

How to buy Mexican pesos online

Often buying foreign currency online is more convenient than visiting a branch in person. One great option is to sign up for a multi-currency account with a linked card which lets you manage your account digitally and make cash withdrawals.

Specialist non-bank providers like Wise and Revolut both offer convenient ways to hold, exchange and spend in a broad selection of foreign currencies, with easy to manage accounts you can access from your phone.

To buy Mexican pesos online with a specialist provider that offers multi-currency accounts or travel cards, you’ll usually need to:

• Head to the provider’s website or download their app
• Hit Sign Up, add your personal details and create a password
• Get verified by uploading images of your ID documents - you might also need a proof of address
• Add some money to your account in USD, for spending later

Depending on the provider you pick, you can order a linked international debit card to spend while you’re away, or you can convert to the currency you need to make online payments. Some providers can issue you a virtual card instantly for online spending, and once you have your physical card you can withdraw cash as you travel for convenience.

If you’re keen to have travel money in your pocket before you leave the US, you can also choose to order cash in Mexican pesos online and either collect it or have it delivered to your home address. That can be a convenient option, and gives you the reassurance that you’ll have access to MXN even before you travel.

To buy Mexican pesos for cash spending with an online money exchange service, you’ll usually need to:

• Visit the provider’s website, and place an order for your currency
• Decide if you want to have your money delivered, or collect your cash at an agent location
• Make payment for your foreign currency in USD
• When you collect your cash, or when it’s delivered you’ll need to show a valid ID document

How to buy Mexican pesos FAQs

Is it cheaper to buy Mexican pesos in the US or in Mexico?

Whether it’s cheaper to buy Mexican pesos at home or once you arrive in Mexico depends a lot on the exchange rates you’re able to find online or in physical exchange stores locally. As an alternative, travel money cards from providers like Wise and Revolut give the convenience of using a card with the flexibility of being able to withdraw cash at an ATM in Mexico with good exchange rates and low fees, making them a great choice for many travelers.

Should I get Mexican pesos before going to Mexico?

Getting your travel money in advance means you’ll save time once you’re on your trip, but you’ll need to shop around to get a good deal. Take a look at options like Wise and Revolut which offer convenient and flexible digital accounts you can use to hold and spend in Mexican pesos conveniently.

What is the best way to get Mexican pesos for travel?

There’s no single best way to get your Mexican pesos for your trip. Compare a few services using the handy Exiap tools, including physical exchange locations and convenient digital alternatives, like Wise and Revolut, to find the best option for your needs.

How long does it take to get Mexican pesos?

If you’re ordering cash in Mexican pesos you may be able to collect it instantly or on the same day, depending on the provider you pick. Home delivery of currency usually takes a few days. Getting a travel money card from a service like Wise or Revolut allows you to add USD instantly, and then spend or make withdrawals in cash in MXN as soon as you arrive, so you can access Mexican pesos right away.

How to get the best exchange rate for Mexican pesos?

You’ll need to shop around to get the best exchange rate for Mexican pesos, including physical locations and banks, and digital and online services like Wise and Revolut. The good news is that Exiap has lots of handy comparison tools to let you see live exchange rates, fees and more. Use these to kickstart your research and get the best deal for your specific needs.