A Crucial Rule for Everyday Spending in Mexico: Carry Small Bills Joseph Sorrentino - Mexico News Daily
go to original November 5, 2021

Don't even think about it (Miguel Ángel Gómez Cabrera)

Mexican money is, of course, the peso. It comes in different colors — blue, pink, yellow and a couple of others I can’t quite describe — so it’s visually interesting. But what’s even more interesting is the game that’s played with this money.

Cajeros (ATMs) in Mexico disgorge bills that are of large denomination, mainly 500-peso notes (US $25). If you withdraw, say, 3,000 pesos, you’ll almost certainly get six 500-peso notes.

It´s very frustrating when this happens because it’s nearly impossible to spend these, especially in smaller pueblos, although I’ve found it challenging in Mexico City as well. So I’ve learned that when I make a withdrawal, I make sure to tack 400 pesos on to the amount I actually want.

This means that if I need 3,000 pesos, I’ll withdraw 3,400, or if I need 6,500 pesos, I’ll take out 6,900; you get the idea.

That way, I’m sure to get at least two 200-peso notes, and if the stars are properly aligned, a 200 peso-note and two 100-peso notes. These I can spend. When I get two 100-peso notes, I feel like I’ve hit the lottery.

So it takes a little bit of planning when withdrawing money. Then it takes even more planning to spend it.

Follow these basic suggestions and you’ll have plenty of change.

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Related: New 20-Peso Bill Commemorates Mexico’s Independence (Mexico News Daily)