I want to take cash to Mexico what’s the safest way?

May 2021 2 117 Report

I want to take cash to Mexico what’s the safest way?

I’m going to Mexico around June and I am gonna take a couple thousand dollars with me, I’m not going to put the money in the atm or cards because I want to exchange the money in the Mexico airport there I get the pesos, I will probably take two wallets in my pocket and dress to blend in and not attract attention, I’ve traveled alone once but traveled to Mexico by plane around 20 times I know how everything works, but what’s the safest to take the cash,

Travel / Air Travel

potatochip

Verified answer

Money belt is the best way. Since you are going to Mexico and in June, it is not as though you can put the money in an inside pocket of a thick jacket. Last time I went to China, I had to carry over $10,000 but since I was flying in December, I put the money in the inside pockets of my thick coat.

I agree with the previous poster that the airport is not a good place to exchange money. You don't get a favorable rate. The banks are better.

OC1999

First don't exchange it at the airport. Those currency counters traditionally give the WORST exchange rates. In this case you would are actually often better off just going to an ATM in Mexico.

If you want to avoid the ATM's then generally your best option it to exchange it at your bank BEFORE you go. As for where to keep it. Use your regular wallet/purse to keep a couple hundred dollar equivalent in Pesos. The rest is best to use something like a Money Belt. If you are staying in a higher class hotel that has In-Room Safes, this may also be an option.

Also, in today's "world" where everything is pretty much Electronic especially if you are in a major tourist destination, perhaps you should think exactly why do you want to keep that much cash and if it is really necessary.