It is now possible for visitors to access ATM's. Bancomer ATM's are now in the Cirrus and PLUS systems, and even offer Spanish/English language menus. Some machines will dispense pesos or dollars. Money is often exchanged at casas de cambio (exchange houses) that are open longer hours and offer quicker service. Although dollars are widely accepted in resort areas (and often preferred), we recommend using pesos during your stay. Note that the worst exchange rates are often at hotels, the best at exchange houses. Expect a slightly lower rate for travelers checks. Exchange fees are generally not charged. Credit cards are widely accepted, with Visa and MasterCard being the cards of choice. American Express is also widely accepted. When checking into hotels, clients are often asked for a credit card for incidental charges, and asked to sign a blank charge slip. This is a common practice and should not be viewed with suspicion.

Capitalizing on the Dollar's Increased Value

• Whenever possible, eat, dine and shop where the Mexican Nationals do.
  Exchange your dollars for pesos in Mexico, rather than through a U.S./Canadian currency exchange company. Rates can be significantly higher in Mexico than abroad.
  
• Use pesos rather than dollars for transactions in Mexico. In general, restaurants, shops and taxis will exchange your dollars at a rate lower than what is paid by local casas de cambio, by exchanging dollars for pesos, and then shopping with pesos, you will maximize your savings.
  
• Use credit cards whenever possible. There are two reasons for this: first, your purchase will be converted into dollars at an exchange rate more favorable than what you will likely earn by changing dollars into pesos at your hotel for example; second, credit card charges are often converted into dollars several days after the purchase is made. Assuming the peso continues to "slide" against the dollar, your credit card purchase may be converted to dollars at a rate higher than what you would have paid the day the transaction was made.