Only Pesos in Mexico now

There is a big thread over on RCCL about Mexico only accepting Pesos now due to there new law instead of American dollars. I am surprised that it isn't being talked about ove here on Carnival.

perhaps because it is a non-issue for cruisers?

There is a big thread over on RCCL about Mexico only accepting Pesos now due to there new law instead of American dollars. I am surprised that it isn't being talked about ove here on Carnival.

What new law? It's hard for me to believe, since it's such a cruise mecca and a lot of folks won't change their $$. Personally, I do bring Pesos, but nobody else in my group had them. I was in Mexico in May:)

I find this very hard to believe. I live right on the border and haven't heard anything about this. With all the problems they are having and the decline in tourism, I don't think Mexico could afford to do this. IMHO

Just got back Thursday from stops in Playa, Progresso, and Cozumel, used US Dollars in all 3 ports without a problem, got a few pesos in change, but used them for tips,

Dave n Willie

Sep 2010 - B2B on the Elation

Mar 2010 - Celebrity Century

Oct 2009 - Carnival Holiday

Feb 2009 - Carnival Fantasy

Jun 2004 - Majesty of the Seas

I remember reading a thread (can't find it now) about a new law that passed in Mexico a few months ago about vendors giving back change in pesos if given dollars. I believe it had something to do with mexican money laundering practices and the gov't trying to stop it. Maybe that is what the OP is talking about.

It was discussed at some length in several threads.

The bottom line is that the law is designed to prevent money laundering and the typical tourist area are exempt.

I contacted folks I know in Cozumel and it's business as usual there...

:)

Balderdash!

This is part of an article on the changes:

New Mexican Law on Accepting US Dollars

Starting September 14, 2010 the use of cash American Dollars to make purchases in Mexico will not be as free as it has been in the past.

Many repeat guests to Mexico who have become accustomed to using American Dollars CASH in Mexico as though they were effectively in the United States will notice the difference. Other payment methods such as Credit Cards of all types and all issuing banks, Travelers Check’s, Mexican Pesos and non American Dollars foreign currencies in cash (ex Euros or Canadian Dollars) are not affected in any way by this new law.

1. Hotels and Exchange Booths will only be able to change a maximum of $1,500 USD CASH per person per month into Mexican Pesos. Previously there was no limit.
   
2. Businesses will only be able to accept a maximum of $100 USD CASH per transaction - but the number of transactions per customer is not restricted.
   
3. Certain businesses may not be able to, or may choose not to accept American Dollars CASH for any purchase at all (this may include shops etc)
   

Vacationers should never carry large amounts of American Dollars cash with them to Mexico, but instead they should consider either using a Credit Card, taking Mexican Pesos cash, taking Travelers Check’s (of any currency) or withdrawing money locally in Mexican Pesos.

We contacted the Mexican Consulate in San Antonio and they said Dollars will still be accepted from tourist.

We got back a week ago and pesos were not required, we used USD in Cozumel, and Costa Maya.

There is a big thread over on RCCL about Mexico only accepting Pesos now due to there new law instead of American dollars. I am surprised that it isn't being talked about ove here on Carnival.

They happily took our American dollars in Cozumel week before last - and when DH asked for pesos in change, one of the vendors had to go into her own purse to get some - all she had in the cash register was American money!

Sarge nailed it. "Non-issue."

I told my 7 year old son we were getting Pesos,knowing we dont need to,but fun for him.

Should I exchange in the states or is better to do down there.I am pretty savy,so not worried about getting ripped off.

What new law? It's hard for me to believe, since it's such a cruise mecca and a lot of folks won't change their $$. Personally, I do bring Pesos, but nobody else in my group had them. I was in Mexico in May:)

Where would I change my money at? a lot of places do take dollars but I know the ruins didn't and my husband and I were so thirsty. The smallest bill we had was a ten and they were happy to take that and give us there change. But we declined. Next summer I want to bring there money for those kind of situations. Where would I do this. And what is a recominded amount. Just want some for small things like sodas ice cream in small stores..

My bank here in Texas has pesos ... more than 50% now in Dallas are Hispanic, 51% of the school children.

I wouldnt think they would be that hard to get, but I dont know where you live.

I can't believe they recommend using your credit card in Mexico. I won't use my card unless its an emergency, especially in Mexico.

My Parents sailed on I want to say the Fascination several years ago to Cozumel. I worked at the time for a credit card company (part of a major financial institution) and told my Mom to call her company and let them know they would be outside the US and the dates. They bought jewelery in one of Carnival's pre approved locations in Cozumel and the guy behind the counter after swiping their card the first time said he had to void the charge and re swipe it.

A week after they came back they received a call from their card company and there were over $10,000 (US) worth of charges from a Howard Johnson's in Mexico City and some other restaurants. :eek::eek::eek::eek::eek: (I asked what kind of a HOJO was it to get $10K worth of charges in a short time, did they book an entire floor of the hotel?) Needless to say they had to have new cards reissued, filled out an affidavit stating which charges were fraudulent, their bill was messed up for months because at the time the fraudulent charges remain part of your balance but you don't get assessed any interest on them until the investigation is completed.

So now when we cruise and when my parents cruised after that they brought cash with, and you take only so much off the ship. I have my cards in case of an emergency but that's it. (That's just my opinion)

Cool just one more reason to not travel to mexico.

it was on this thread and i doubled checked with carnival. as others have said, they still take american $$

There is a big thread over on RCCL about Mexico only accepting Pesos now due to there new law instead of American dollars. I am surprised that it isn't being talked about ove here on Carnival.

This was discussed here 3 to 6 months ago. They WILL take dollars.

I was on a cruise in July to Mexican port they took american money just fine, plus I was at a boarder town two weeks ago to buy medicine and they took american money. Julie G.

Where would I change my money at? a lot of places do take dollars but I know the ruins didn't and my husband and I were so thirsty. The smallest bill we had was a ten and they were happy to take that and give us there change. But we declined. Next summer I want to bring there money for those kind of situations. Where would I do this. And what is a recominded amount. Just want some for small things like sodas ice cream in small stores..

I always get Pesos from my bank, Wells Fargo. Their exchange rate might not be tops, but its more convenient then trying to find a bank or ATM in Mexico. I usually try to gestimate what I'll be doing, in order to have the amount that I need.

I was wondering because the new law says any transaction over $100. Our excurions will be over that. Since the law just went into effect on the 14th of this month we will have to wait and see from those that come back after that.

My DH & I were in downtown Cancun. He had to use the bathroom. Got into this huge turn-style that you must go through to get to the bathroom. Well....he got stuck in it. They wanted peso's. From laughing so hard to see him stuck in it; I was unable to go back down the stairs to get peso's.. he had to climb over a 8 foot turn style to get out. Thought I was going to pee my pants.

Cathy

How well are Peso's accepted in Pittsburgh? Buffalo? Memphis? Fargo?

I don't know, but I wouldn't be surprised if they are accepted in Brownsville. or El Peso,,,Oops El Paso.