Molly Ayala
If you're planning a trip to Mexico, it's important to understand the country's electrical infrastructure to ensure your devices can be used safely and conveniently. Mexico's electrical currency is primarily supplied by the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) in the form of alternating current voltage, with a standard voltage of 127V and a frequency of 60Hz. The country uses two types of power outlets and plugs: Type A, which has two flat parallel pins, and Type B, which has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin. These are similar to the plug types used in the United States and Canada, so travellers from North America won't need a travel adapter for their devices. However, those travelling from other parts of the world may need a universal travel adapter or a voltage converter to ensure their devices can be safely used with Mexico's electrical system.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plug Types | Type A, Type B |
| Type A Plug | Two flat pins |
| Type B Plug | Two flat pins and a grounding pin |
| Standard Voltage | 127V |
| Frequency | 60Hz |
| Single-phase Voltage | 120 volts phase-neutral, 240 volts phase-phase |
| Three-phase Voltage | 127 volts phase-neutral, 220 volts phase-phase |
| Direct Current Voltage | N/A |
| Alternating Current Voltage | Supplied by the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) |
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What You'll Learn
The Mexican Peso
When travelling to Mexico, it is advisable to have Mexican currency, especially when travelling domestically. While US dollars are sometimes accepted in tourist areas, using Mexican pesos will often give you the best value for your money. Carrying small denominations of pesos is recommended, as larger notes can be difficult to use. Bank cards (credit or debit) are accepted in major cities, tourist areas, and high-end establishments, but cash payment is by far the most common and convenient way to pay in Mexico.
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Tipping in Mexico
The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN), represented by the “$” sign. One peso is divided into 100 centavos, much like cents in the US dollar. While US dollars are sometimes accepted in tourist areas, it’s always advisable to use Mexican Pesos to get the best value for your money.
When dining out in Mexico, it is customary to leave a tip equal to 10% to 20% of the total cost of the bill. A service charge may sometimes be included automatically, particularly if you're part of a large group, but this is not usually the case, so double-check the bill. In smaller, more casual eateries, tipping is not obligatory, but it’s appreciated.
When drinking at a bar, it is appropriate to tip 20 pesos per drink, or the equivalent to $1 USD. It is not customary to tip taxi drivers, unless they assist you with your luggage, in which case 10 pesos per suitcase is a good rule of thumb. Gas station attendants are not usually tipped unless they provide some extra service such as cleaning your windshield, in which case 5 to 10 pesos is sufficient. If they also check the oil or the air in your tires, you should tip more.
Depending on the hotel class and quality of service received, you should tip the housekeeping staff from 35 to 50 pesos per night. If your room is particularly messy, tip more. It's best to tip on a daily basis and not on the last day of your stay, as it may not be the same person who cleans your room every day.
In Mexico, your tour guide will likely expect a tip at the end of the tour, especially for a multi-day experience. For a day-tour, or one that only lasts a few hours, it is appropriate to tip your guide 10% to 20% of the total cost of the tour. If you have a driver in addition to a tour guide, you should tip them 40 pesos per day. It is customary to tip spa service providers 15% to 20% of the cost of the spa treatment.
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Exchanging money
The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso, denoted by the $ symbol and the code MXN. One peso is divided into 100 centavos, similar to cents in the US dollar. While US dollars are sometimes accepted in tourist areas, it's advisable to use Mexican pesos to get the best value for your money and avoid unfavourable exchange rates.
When exchanging money, it's important to know where to get the best rates. Avoid exchanging currency at airports, hotels, or tourist areas, as these places often charge higher fees. Instead, opt for banks or reputable exchange offices in major tourist areas, such as foreign exchange offices or "casas de cambio", for better rates. You can also use services like Wise, which allow you to load funds in your home currency and convert them to Mexican pesos at the real-time exchange rate, without foreign transaction fees.
ATMs are another convenient option for exchanging money in Mexico. They are commonly found in major cities and tourist areas, and you can use your bank card to withdraw Mexican pesos directly. However, be mindful of any foreign transaction or ATM fees that may apply, and consider notifying your bank about your travel plans beforehand to avoid any disruptions.
Additionally, it's wise to carry smaller denominations of Mexican currency, as larger notes like 500 and 1000-peso bills can be challenging to use. Credit and debit cards are accepted in major cities, tourist areas, and high-end establishments, but they are rarely accepted elsewhere. When using your card, pay attention to the exchange rate applied and any associated fees, which can range from 3% to 7% per transaction.
Lastly, it's worth noting that tipping is a common practice in Mexico, and it's customary to tip between 10% and 15% in sit-down restaurants, with the option to go up to 20% for exceptional service. In hotels, staff such as bellhops and housekeeping often receive small tips of around 20 to 50 pesos. While US dollars may be accepted as tips in tourist areas, it's usually preferred to tip in pesos to avoid conversion issues and unfavourable exchange rates.
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Using cards in Mexico
Mexico's electrical current is 127V at a frequency of 60Hz. You will need a power plug adapter for sockets.
Mexico is primarily a cash country, so it is a good idea to carry some Mexican pesos with you. However, credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas. Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted, but American Express is also accepted in some places.
It is important to note that some smaller businesses, such as corner stores and street vendors, may not accept card payments, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. Additionally, credit cards may not be accepted on buses, most taxis, or tour guides, so be sure to carry cash for these situations as well.
If you need to withdraw cash, it is recommended to use ATMs located in closed buildings, such as banks or supermarkets, as they are considered more secure. ATMs in tourist areas, such as cruise ports, hotels, and street ATMs, often charge high fees for withdrawals.
When using your card in Mexico, be aware of potential currency conversion fees, which can be around 3% per transaction. Some cards designed for international use may not charge these fees, so it is worth checking with your card provider before your trip.
Overall, it is a good idea to have a mix of cash and card options when travelling to Mexico, ensuring that you have a convenient and secure way to pay for your purchases and expenses.
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The history of the Peso
The Mexican peso is the official currency of Mexico, with the currency code MXN and the symbol $. The term ""peso" comes from the Spanish word for "weight", as the original Spanish coins were large and heavy.
The peso was first introduced in 1863, replacing the old Spanish colonial real. The Mexican peso is subdivided into 100 centavos, represented by "¢". In 1863, the first issue of coins was made in centavos, worth one-hundredth of the peso. This was followed in 1866 by coins denominated "one peso". The peso was originally the name of the eight-real coins issued in Mexico by Spain, widely used throughout the Spanish colonies in the Americas. In 1785, the Spanish government set the value of the peso to be equal to the Spanish dollar, which was the currency used in the USA until 1857.
After Mexico gained independence in 1821, the new government continued the Spanish monetary system of 16 silver reales to 1 gold escudo, with the peso of 8 reales being the largest silver coin. The Mexican peso remained one of the more stable currencies in Latin America throughout most of the 20th century. However, after the oil crisis in the late 1970s, Mexico defaulted on its external debt in 1982, causing severe capital flight, inflation, and devaluation.
In the early 1990s, Mexico experienced rampant inflation, which led to the birth of the Nuevo Peso (MXN). Three zeros were cut off the currency, turning 1,000 pesos into 1 peso. This was an important move to regain economic stability, and the Nuevo Peso is now simply called the peso. In 1996, the modifier "nuevo" was dropped from the name, and new coins and banknotes were issued.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you will need a power adapter for Mexico. The power sockets in Mexico are of type A and B.
The standard voltage in Mexico is 127V at a frequency of 60Hz.
Plug type A has two flat parallel pins, while plug type B has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin.
If your appliance is not dual voltage rated, you will need a voltage converter or transformer to allow the appliance to work safely. However, many modern devices such as laptops, smartphones, and camera chargers are designed to be compatible with different voltage standards.
