Money and duty free for Mexico
Currency and Money
Currency information
Mexican Peso (MXN; symbol $) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of $1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are in denominations of $20, 10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 centavos.
Credit cards
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Mexico, particularly in cities, tourist areas, hotels, restaurants and larger shops. Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted, while American Express is accepted in some higher-end establishments. Contactless payments are increasingly common in urban areas.
ATM
ATMs are widely available in cities, towns and tourist destinations, making it easy to withdraw local currency. Machines are commonly found in banks, shopping centres, airports and convenience stores.
Banking hours
Mon to Fri, 09:00 to 16:00.
Currency restrictions
There are no strict limits on the amount of foreign currency that may be brought into or taken out of Mexico. However, amounts exceeding US$10,000 (or equivalent) must be declared on arrival and departure.
Mexico duty free
Overview
Travellers, aged 18 and over, entering Mexico may bring in:
• Up to 10 packs of cigarettes or 25 cigars or 200g of tobacco.
• 3L of spirits and 6L of wine.
• Other goods with a total value of up to US$500 (if arriving by air or sea) or US$300 (if arriving by land).
Duty-free allowances are subject to change, sometimes at short notice due to policy updates or external factors. Information is correct at the time of writing; travellers should verify current allowances with official customs authorities before departure. We accept no liability for any inconvenience or loss arising from changes to these regulations.
Banned Imports
Banned imports include narcotics and illegal drugs, unlicensed firearms and ammunition, explosives, counterfeit goods and pirated products, and goods that may pose a risk to public health or safety. Mexico also prohibits the import of electronic cigarettes, vaping devices and related products. Certain food products, plants and animal products may be restricted or require permits.
This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult official Mexican customs guidance for the most up-to-date information.
Banned Exports
Banned exports include narcotics, protected wildlife and products derived from endangered species, archaeological artefacts and cultural heritage items without authorisation, and certain regulated goods.
This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult official Mexican customs guidance for the most up-to-date information.
