Exchanging Money In Huatulco

Huatulco Currency Exchange

Huatulco is not like the Americanized areas in Mexico, such as Playa del Carmen and Cancun. This is still an area free of fast food chains and Starbucks. In turn, you won’t find a currency exchange booth on every other corner either. Major banks will be able to assist with your currency needs, one of which is Scotiabank (in Santa Cruz), another is Bital Bank in La Crucecita. There are also American Express offices in downtown La Crucecita and in a couple of local resorts.

However, one of the easiest ways to deal with cash for traveling in Huatulco is to use local bank machines (at credible banks). You can pull money out in Pesos, which will be converted from your home currency using the going exchange rate. Although there is a small fee charged for the international debit transaction, it makes life easy while traveling.

I would suggest avoiding the use of private bank machines as I’ve had fraudulent experiences in the past where no money was dispensed from the machine but my account was debited for the transaction anyway. Although the money can be retrieved by your home bank, it takes about 8-10 weeks to do so.

Another way to deal with money exchange is to deal with it before you leave for Mexico. Typically local currency exchange businesses offer very competitive rates and will give you the best bang for your buck.

You can also use traveler’s checks, which can be cashed at resorts or banks. Some local tourism-based businesses may accept them as well, but I would not suggest depending on that. Currency for traveler’s checks should be USD.

Credit cards are also accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops.

NOTES FOR CANADIAN TRAVELERS:
Debit cards with 6 digit pins should be changed to 4 digits if you wish to use your card in Mexico.

WHICH CURRENCY SHOULD YOU TAKE WITH YOU?
Huatulco is definitely a region where you need Pesos versus US Dollars. I know in other areas of Mexico, travelers often stick to using the almighty Greenback, but you will likely not do well on local exchange using USD in Huatulco.

A great site for current exchange rates is:
http://www.xe.com/