Keep in mind that it may be difficult to change the $500 and $1000 peso notes at small local shops. It is wise to carry small bills and change with you at all times. It is easy to get your bills cashed at larger chain stores. Most stores have their prices in pesos and occasionally in U.S. dollars. Most of the main tourist areas have exchange booths that give you a fair rate for U.S. or Canadian dollars. I like to pay in pesos since in most cases pay more when paying in dollars.
The round Mexican peso coins, 1, 2 and 5 ¢ coins have a golden/bronze center circle with a picture of the Mexican Coat of Arms (Eagle) in the middle. The outside border is silver. The larger coins can easily be mistaken for the Canadian loonie dollar. The larger peso coins are worth 1, 5, 10 and 20 pesos. The size of the peso coins reflects its hierarchy of value.
I found it easy to calculate how much I was spending by keeping a small conversion chart with me in my purse that estimates of the current value of pesos to the Canadian dollar:
50 pesos is $4 CA
100 pesos is $8 CA
250 pesos is $20 CA
500 peso is $40 CA
1000 pesos is $80 CA
The cost of a good meal at a restaurant on 5th Avenue in the tourist area of Playa Del Carmen ranges from $200 to $500 pesos. Expect to pay more if you are buying beverages. If you are budget wise, it is very possible to find a good meal not far from the main tourist area for as low as $50 to $150 pesos. There is a wide variety of choices for every traveler and every budget.
What does the Bible say about money and valuable possessions?
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." [Matthew 6:19-21]
