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Cozumel Cruise Tours
Money & Currency

Cozumel Money Guide

US dollars, pesos, ATMs, tipping customs, credit cards, and average prices. Everything you need to know about money in Cozumel.

USD Accepted

US dollars work everywhere in tourist areas, but pesos get you 10-15% better value.

Cards Welcome

Visa/Mastercard accepted at most shops and restaurants. Use a no-FTF card for best rates.

Tip in Pesos

$5-10 per person for tour guides. 15-20% at restaurants. Always carry cash for tips.

ATMs & Exchange Tips

Use bank ATMs (Santander, BBVA, Banorte) for the best exchange rate. They are near all 3 cruise piers.

Withdraw pesos, not dollars. When the ATM asks "convert to your home currency?" always say NO (this is called DCC and costs you 5-10% extra).

Use a debit card with no international ATM fees (Charles Schwab, some credit unions) to avoid the $3-5 surcharge.

Avoid standalone ATMs in convenience stores or unmarked locations. They charge high fees and may have skimmers.

Do NOT exchange money at airport kiosks or cruise ship currency desks. Rates are 20-30% worse than ATMs.

Average Prices in Cozumel (2026)

Beer at a beach bar$3-5 USD / 50-80 MXN
Lunch at a local restaurant$8-15 USD / 140-260 MXN
Lunch in tourist zone$15-30 USD / 260-520 MXN
Street tacos (3-4)$3-5 USD / 50-80 MXN
Bottled water$1-2 USD / 15-30 MXN
Taxi to downtown$5-7 USD / 85-120 MXN
Souvenir t-shirt$10-20 USD / 170-340 MXN
Snorkeling tour$50-75 USD
Private jeep tour$69-89 USD per person
Chankanaab Park entry$25 USD

Cozumel Tipping Guide

Tour Guides

$5-10 per person (half-day), $10-20 (full day)

Our guides depend on tips as a significant part of their income

Restaurant Servers

15-20% of the bill

Check if propina/tip is already added to the bill

Taxi Drivers

Round up to nearest $5

Tipping not expected, but appreciated

Bar Staff

10-15% or 20 MXN per round

Cash tips preferred over adding to card

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use US dollars in Cozumel?+
Yes, US dollars are widely accepted in Cozumel's tourist areas, including shops, restaurants, tour operators, and taxis near the cruise port. However, you will usually get a worse exchange rate when paying in dollars (typically 10-15% less than the bank rate). For the best value, pay with pesos or a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card.
Should I exchange money before going to Cozumel?+
No. Airport and cruise terminal exchange rates are typically terrible, with 20-30% markups. The best options are: (1) Use ATMs in Cozumel to withdraw pesos at the bank rate, (2) Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees, or (3) Bring US dollars and accept a slightly worse exchange rate at local shops.
Where are ATMs in Cozumel near the cruise port?+
There are ATMs near all three cruise piers. Punta Langosta pier has ATMs inside the terminal and along the waterfront (Av. Rafael Melgar). International Pier (TMM) has ATMs in the shopping village. Puerta Maya has ATMs inside the port complex. Look for bank-affiliated ATMs (Santander, BBVA, Banorte) as they have the best rates and lowest fees. Avoid standalone ATMs in convenience stores.
How much should I tip in Cozumel?+
Tour guides: $5-10 USD per person for a half-day tour, $10-20 for a full day. Restaurant servers: 15-20% (check if propina is already included). Taxi drivers: Tipping is not expected but rounding up is appreciated. Bar staff: 10-15% or 20 pesos per round. Hotel housekeeping: 50-100 pesos per day. Tip in pesos when possible because it is worth more to the recipient.
Do restaurants in Cozumel accept credit cards?+
Most restaurants in the tourist zone accept Visa and Mastercard. Some smaller, local restaurants and taco stands are cash-only. American Express is less widely accepted. Always carry some cash (pesos preferred) as a backup. Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees to get the best exchange rate automatically.
How much does a taxi cost in Cozumel?+
Taxis in Cozumel use fixed rates (no meters). From the cruise port to downtown: $5-7 USD. From the port to Chankanaab Park: $10-12. To the east coast beaches: $20-30. To the airport: $15-20. Rates are per taxi (not per person) for up to 4 passengers. Always confirm the price before getting in. Taxis at the cruise port charge a premium, so walk 2 blocks to the main road for lower rates.
What is the exchange rate for Mexican pesos?+
As of 2026, the exchange rate is approximately 17-18 Mexican pesos per 1 US dollar. Rates fluctuate daily. ATMs give the closest to the real bank rate. When vendors quote prices in dollars, they typically use a rate of 15-16 pesos per dollar, meaning you effectively pay 10-15% more than if you paid in pesos.
How much money should I bring to Cozumel for a port day?+
For a cruise port day with a pre-booked tour: $50-100 USD in cash for tips, drinks, and small purchases. For a self-guided day with lunch and shopping: $100-200 USD. For a shopping-focused day: $200-500+ depending on your plans. Pre-book tours online (we accept credit cards) and bring cash mainly for tips and small vendors.

More Trip Planning Guides

Passport & Documents

What ID you need for Cozumel, FMM forms, and cruise-specific rules.

What to Bring

Packing list for every tour type: snorkeling, jeeps, beach days.

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