Mexico – Time zones, money & electricity

Mexico – Time zones, money & electricity

Mexico – Time zones, money & electricity

By 3 min read562 words

What time should you make calls home without ripping your loved ones out of their sleep at three in the morning? And when it comes to your travel budget – what currency will you take with you? What do you need to know about the exchange of money? Can you pay with US dollars or euros in Mexico? Is there anything in particular that you should know when paying with a credit card in Mexico? And can you quickly plug your smartphone into next socket when the battery is empty?

Mexico Time Zones

Mexico has four time zones:

  • UTC-8 in Baja California
  • UTC-7 in Baja California Sur, Chihuahua, Nayarit, Sinaloa and Sonora
  • UTC-6 in the capital and the other states, with the exception of
  • UTC-5 in Quintana Roo (this is where Cancún and Playa de Carmen are located)

Local Currency in Mexico

Mexican Peso

1 Peso = 100 Centavos

The current exchange rates for the Mexican peso can be found on the internet. (Currency Calculator)

Money Exchange in Mexico

In the touristic regions of Mexico, many providers accept major credit cards. There is a wide network of exchange offices and bank offices in these regions. Attention, you need to bring your passport for money exchange in Mexico!

In Mexico City und Cancun, the exchange of euros is no problem. In less developed areas, the US dollar might find better acceptance.

Some banks do not exchange foreign banknotes. Traveler’s checks , exchange offices or ATMs might be a good alternative. However, the latter can sometimes be empty, and the bank card should be unlocked for your destination country by your home bank. Before you rely on the ATM in a foreign country, also ask your home bank for the fee they will charge for each payout.

Banks are usually open Monday-Friday from 9:00-16:00.

Payments in foreign currency

Many Mexican providers also accept payments from tourists in US dollars or euros. This seems quite nice at first glance, but it is to be assumed that the offered exchange rate is too low and usually no change is available. So if you do not have the intention of leaving the full change as a tip, you should better consider bringing some mexican pesos with you.

Payments with credit cards

Recently, in Mexico it has been common in some establishments – especially in restaurants – to accept credit card payments only if the card holder shows his passport. For this purpose, only the original passport and no copy is accepted. This approach is often announced by a small note in a rather inconspicuous corner of the location. If you do not want to walk around in Mexico with your passport all the time – which is not recommended – then you should rather rely on cash payments.

Even in the very well developed touristic regions many restaurants and bars do not accept credit cards. You should better take enough cash with you.

Mexican electricity outlets

In Mexico, the voltage in use is 110 V, 60 Hz. If your country is using a different electricity system, you might need an adapter with a flat plug, like they are used also for the United States.

Are you serious with your plans for a trip to Mexico? Then you might want to read about Health in your vacation.

#magicblueplanet #mexico #mexicotravel #visitmexico

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