With the recent amount of visitors at the Caribbean we feel the necessity to improve services that facilitate their holidays. And with the services there is also the need to have the information updated and provide the best tips for them. This is really helpful information for travelers soon to arrive to Riviera Maya who are looking for the best places to get the best exchange rate for their currency. As a touristic destination one of the most common services are the money exchange stands (which are everywhere) but we will let you know a few tricks to make the most amount of money out of your country´s currency.
Yes, most of the people know by now that the area is surrounded by ATM´s, generic or not but they are pretty much in every corner. Now, there is something you should keep in mind when using the ones that are not attached to a local bank; their fees are often the most expensive. We recommend you to try the ATM´s attached to a local bank, their fees are less expensive and they are also the most safety to pull off money of your credit cards.
Local Banks
The Local Banks are one of the top options to exchange your money, the only inconvenience is that they are not always open. They usually open from 9:00am until 4:00pm but you will find them in every town; Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. The local banks you can find are; Bancomer, HSBC, Santander, Banamex, Banorte and Scotia Bank. Another great option is Banco Azteca or Elektra Store. It is located on Juarez Avenue and 30th Avenue in Playa del Carmen. Most of the locals take advantage of their great exchange rates and is also helpful to send money to USA and Canada. The store is open daily but you can send or exchange your money until 8:00pm.
Money Exchange Stands
The street stands where you can exchange your money are in every corner, 5th Avenue is the main location. But you will not find the best exchange rates where most of the tourists walk. I recommend you the stands on Juarez Avenue in Playa del Carmen and by the ADO in Tulum or in Tulum pueblo. There are also money exchange places in Tulum beach road but the rates might not be as good. In most cases you won´t need to pay in pesos as everybody take American dollars and credit cards at the stores. So we recommend you to exchange your money at once or twice, during the day and in town.
Grocery Stores
While shopping for groceries you can also exchange your money or take out some cash from your credit card. This service is available at every grocery store. When paying for the groceries the cashier usually asks if you want to take out cash. This is a practical way to have money exchanged without having to visit a bank or an ATM. Their exchange rates are usually as good as the local banks. The stores we recommend are:
- Chedraui in Puerto Morelos
- Chedraui in Playa del Carmen
- Chedraui in Puerto Aventuras
- Soriana on 30th Avenue in Playa del Carmen
- Walmart on 30th Avenue in Playa del Carmen
- La Mega on 30th Avenue, next to Walmart in Playa del Carmen
- Chedraui on the main Avenue in Tulum
For more great tips on how to make the best out of your holidays in Riviera Maya, don´t forget to contact us at: concierge@locogringo.com or call us: (984) 196 1049