Guide for US Tourists
Visiting San Carlos is easy, but money and payment methods work a bit differently than in the United States. Here's a short and practical guide to help you avoid unnecessary expenses and know exactly what works best.
1. What to Use for Payments? (Pesos, Dollars, or Card)
✔ Best Option: Mexican Pesos (MXN)
- You get the best price at restaurants, shops, and activities
- Avoid bad exchange rates or extra charges
- Generally accepted everywhere
✔ Also Works: Credit/Debit Cards
- Widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and tourist businesses
- Usually has better exchange rates than cash dollars
- Watch out: some places may charge 5%-7% extra for card payments
✘ Least Recommended: Cash Dollars
- While some places accept them, they usually give you a low exchange rate
- You end up paying more for the same thing
- Keep them only as backup
2. How to Avoid Overpaying
When paying with a card, many businesses will ask:
"Charge in USD or MXN?"
✔ Always choose: MXN (Pesos)
This way your own bank does the conversion with a better exchange rate.
✘ Never choose: USD
The business chooses the exchange rate. This can cost you between 5% and 12% more.
Recommended phrase:
"Please charge me in pesos."
3. ATMs: The Best Way to Get Pesos
If you need pesos, the best option is to use a local ATM.
ATM Tips:
- Use ATMs inside banks (Banorte, BBVA, Santander)
- If the ATM offers to "convert" your withdrawal to dollars → decline it
- Your US bank will do the conversion with a better rate
- Check if your bank charges foreign ATM fees
4. When to Use Cash vs. Card
General Rule in San Carlos:
Use your card whenever possible and reserve your cash in pesos for merchants that won't accept cards, such as open-air markets and street vendors.
Carry cash pesos for:
- Open-air markets and street vendors
- Tips
- Taxis or local transportation
- Small family-owned shops that don't have card terminals
- Beach vendors
5. Do They Charge Extra for Card Payments?
Some restaurants or tourist businesses may add an additional charge (usually 5%-7%) for card payments.
Recommendation: Ask first
"Is there any charge for paying with a card?"
6. Quick Summary: What's Best?
| Situation |
Best Option |
| Restaurants, shops, activities |
Pesos (MXN) |
| Hotels, large tours |
Card (charged in pesos) |
| Tips, taxis, markets |
Cash pesos |
| Cash dollars |
Use only as backup |
7. Quick Tips Before Traveling
- Notify your bank that you'll be traveling to Mexico
- Check if your card has foreign transaction fees
- Bring a mix of pesos + card for greater convenience
- Keep small bills (50, 100, 200 peso notes) for easier transactions
8. What's the Cheapest Way for US Tourists?
Based on all the information above, here's the most cost-effective strategy:
Before You Leave the US:
- Get some pesos from your US bank - Have cash on hand for immediate needs upon arrival (transportation, tips, vendors that don't accept cards)
- Small amounts are fine - you don't need to exchange a lot
Once in San Carlos:
- Use ATMs in Mexico for most of your cash needs - You'll get better exchange rates, especially if you have a card with low or no foreign transaction fees
- Use bank ATMs (Banorte, BBVA, Santander) - avoid independent kiosks
What to Avoid:
- Airport exchange kiosks - Only use if absolutely necessary for immediate needs (transportation, tips)
- They typically have the worst exchange rates
Bottom Line
The smartest and most economical way to pay in San Carlos is:
👉 Get a small amount of pesos before you leave (for immediate needs)
👉 Use Mexican ATMs for most cash withdrawals (best rates)
👉 Use your card whenever possible (always charged in MXN)
👉 Reserve cash for markets, street vendors, and places without card terminals
With these recommendations, you'll avoid surprise charges and make the most of your visit.
Guide for Mexican Tourists
If you're visiting San Carlos from anywhere in Mexico, the payment topic is much simpler. Here's what you need to know:
✔ 1. Everything is Paid in Pesos (MXN)
No need to worry about exchange rates or conversions. Cash and cards work the same as in any city in the country.
✔ 2. Cash or Card?
Cash (MXN)
- Very useful in small businesses, stalls, markets, and areas where cards aren't accepted
- Carrying small bills (50, 100, 200) makes change easier
- Essential for beach vendors and local services
Card
- Accepted at most restaurants and hotels
- Some places may charge an extra fee for card payments (5%-7%), especially in tourist areas
- Always ask if there's a surcharge
✔ 3. ATMs
There are several banks in San Carlos and Guaymas: BBVA, Banorte, Santander, etc.
- If you use a different bank than yours, check the withdrawal fee
- Avoid independent ATMs (generic "ATM" machines) due to higher fees
✔ 4. Money-Saving Tips
- Ask beforehand if there's an extra charge for paying with a card
- Carry enough cash for activities, beach vendors, or businesses without card terminals
- Small bills are your friend - they make transactions smoother