Which ATMs to use, what fees to expect, where to change dollars, when you need cash, how to open a Mexican account, and what to tip.
Guanajuato runs on pesos and, in many places, on cash. Cards work in hotels, supermarkets and mid-range restaurants; they do not work at market stalls, most taxis, small fondas or many family shops. Plan on carrying 500 to 1,000 pesos in small notes.
ATMs: what to use and what to avoid
- Use bank-branded machines inside or beside a branch — BBVA, Banorte, Santander, Banregio, HSBC, Scotiabank. They are safer and their fees are disclosed.
- Avoid standalone machines in shops and bars, and especially Euronet-branded units. Their per-withdrawal fees are the highest and their exchange rate is poor.
- Typical bank ATM fee: 30 to 60 MXN per withdrawal, plus whatever your home bank charges.
- Always choose "without conversion" / decline the machine's exchange rate. Let your own bank do the conversion — the machine's rate is usually 3 to 8 percent worse.
- Withdrawal caps are commonly 5,000 to 9,000 MXN per transaction, so fewer, larger withdrawals cost less in fees.
- Withdraw during the day, in a branch lobby where possible. Around the Jardín de la Unión, Plaza de la Paz and the bus station there are bank machines within a short walk.
Changing dollars and euros
Casas de cambio in the centre change US dollars readily; euros and Canadian dollars at worse rates. Bring clean, untorn bills — damaged notes are refused. Banks change currency for account holders mostly, and their queues are long. In practice, withdrawing pesos from a bank ATM usually beats changing cash.
Cards, and where they fail
- Contactless is widely accepted in hotels, supermarkets, pharmacies, chain shops and restaurants in the centre.
- Cash-only, in practice: market stalls and fondas, street food, most taxis, buses (5 to 12 MXN, exact change appreciated), small guesthouses, parking attendants, tips.
- Some small businesses add 3 to 5 percent for card payment; they should tell you first.
- Tell your bank you are travelling. Mexican card declines on foreign cards are common and usually a fraud block, not a balance problem.
- Check today's rate before you spend — the currency converter on this site is on the homepage.
Tipping, the local norms
- Restaurants: 10 to 15 percent, 15 for good service. Service is rarely included; check for "propina incluida".
- Bars: round up, or 10 percent on a tab.
- Hotel housekeeping: 30 to 50 MXN per night.
- Bellhop or luggage: 20 to 50 MXN.
- Grocery baggers (mostly older adults or teens, unpaid): 5 to 10 MXN.
- Petrol attendants: 10 to 20 MXN — stations are full-service here.
- Parking watchers ("viene-viene"): 10 to 20 MXN.
- Taxis: not expected; round up.
- Guides: 100 to 200 MXN per person for a half-day walking tour.
Opening a Mexican bank account
You will normally need: residency card (temporary or permanent), CURP, proof of address in your name or a signed letter plus a utility bill, and an initial deposit. Tourist status is almost never enough. BBVA, Banorte and Santander all have branches in Guanajuato Capital and León. Expect an appointment, a wait, and paperwork in Spanish — bring a Spanish-speaking friend if your Spanish is early-stage.
For sending money in, resident-friendly options are a Mexican account fed by a low-cost transfer service, or a multi-currency card while you wait for residency.
Scams and small print to know
- Dynamic currency conversion at terminals and ATMs: always pay in pesos, not your home currency.
- Card skimming is the main risk with standalone ATMs; use branch machines and cover the keypad.
- Broken card terminal, cash needed instead — a common improvisation, not necessarily a scam, but withdraw your own cash rather than handing over a card elsewhere.
- Count change at markets; small-note shortages are real, and vendors genuinely may not have change for a 500.
Related reading
- Living in Guanajuato as an American
- Guanajuato on a budget vs. luxury
- Street food guide: what things cost
- Is Guanajuato safe?
Frequently asked questions
Should I use pesos or dollars in Guanajuato?
Pesos. Dollars are accepted in very few places and always at a poor rate. Withdraw pesos from a bank ATM or change cash at a casa de cambio in the centre.
What are ATM fees in Guanajuato?
Bank-branded ATMs typically charge 30 to 60 pesos per withdrawal, plus your home bank's fees. Standalone machines in shops and bars charge considerably more and give worse rates.
Should I accept the ATM's exchange rate?
No. Decline conversion and choose to be charged in pesos, so your own bank converts. The machine's rate is usually 3 to 8 percent worse.
Is Guanajuato cash or card?
Both, depending on where. Hotels, supermarkets, pharmacies and centre restaurants take cards; market stalls, street food, taxis, buses and small guesthouses are cash only.
How much should I tip in Guanajuato?
10 to 15 percent in restaurants, 30 to 50 pesos per night for housekeeping, 5 to 10 pesos for grocery baggers, 10 to 20 pesos for petrol attendants and parking watchers.
Can a foreigner open a bank account in Guanajuato?
Yes, with a temporary or permanent residency card, CURP, proof of address and an initial deposit. Tourist status is generally not accepted.
