Buy Mexican pesos online

Lots of hotels, restaurants and businesses in Mexico will allow you to use your bank card while you are abroad. Electronic payments are the norm in most tourist areas. However, some smaller shops, street food stalls or markets might only accept cash, so it is best to make sure you have some Mexican pesos on you.

ATMs are known as 'Cajeros' in Mexico. You can usually use your bank card to withdraw money, but be aware you may well be charged a higher fee for cash withdrawals abroad than if you pre-booked your travel money.

One of the reasons Mexico is so popular as a holiday destination is that prices are quite reasonable compared with the UK. You can expect to pay around:

• $19 MXN for a soft drink
• $50 MXN for a coffee
• $600 MXN for a mid-range meal for two

Prices in tourist areas might be a little steeper than you'd find in the local districts of bigger cities like Mexico City.

Check our currency converter to see the latest exchange rates for Mexican pesos.

Because Mexico is popular with visitors from the US, businesses in some tourist areas like Cancun or Tulum may accept US dollars as well as Mexican Pesos. Where this is the case, you might see two different prices listed for things like drinks or food.

It's relatively easy to visit Mexico as a tourist. UK citizens can use the 'visa on arrival scheme'. On entering the country, your passport will be stamped with the number of days you're allowed to stay. This is usually up to 180, although it might be less so make sure to check. You'll also need to make sure your passport is valid for at least the duration of your stay, and for at least six months from the date you enter Mexico to be eligible for this scheme.

If you're planning to work in Mexico, you will need to apply for a visa. You can do this by contacting the Mexican Embassy.

You should always research the most up to date visa guidelines before planning a trip.

Like many places, tipping in Mexico is quite standard. You can expect to tip around 15-20% for great service in restaurants and cafes. Tipping your taxi driver is up to you. If you've had a good ride, it's normal to round up the taxi fare or add on a few pesos to show your appreciation.

Check the Mexican exchange rate and order Mexican Pesos online.

Most people in Mexico speak Spanish as the official language of the country. It's a remnant from the country's colonial past, when Spanish rule was established around the 16th Century.

The indigenous languages of Mexico do still exist, but aren't as widely spoke as Spanish. The government recognises 68 of these indigenous languages as being of equal importance to Spanish. The most common are Nahuatl and Yucatec Maya.

Don't worry if you're not fluent in either Spanish or Nahuatl though - many people in the main tourist destinations like Tulum, Cancun and Mexico City will also speak some English.

Mexico has a 'hurricane season' so it's a good idea to always check with the government foreign office for the latest travel advice in case your trip is disrupted. The hurricane season is usually between June and November.

While Mexico is a well-trodden tourist destination, the government advice is always to stay alert. There is a risk of street crime, as well as more serious clashes and organised crime.

It's worth checking the details of your travel insurance policy to make sure you're covered in case anything goes wrong before or during your trip.

You can also visit the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for the latest government travel advice for Mexico.

The weather across Mexico can vary a lot. While it's generally warm most of the year round, the hot and dry season runs from November to April. May to October will still offer plenty of sunshine, but tends to be wetter with heavy rainstorms.

Check the latest exchange rate for Mexican Pesos and order your travel money online through our travel money hub.