How to budget for one week in Mexico

Budget $100–$150 USD per day for a comfortable week in Mexico, covering mid-range accommodation, local meals, and regional transport. This amount accounts for daily excursions and occasional cocktails while avoiding excessive luxury or extreme shoestring travel.

1. Calculate your fixed daily costs. Set aside $40 for a clean, boutique-style hostel or mid-range hotel room, and $35 for food and drinks. These are your baseline survival costs for most Mexican cities.
2. Allocate for ground transport. Budget $10 per day for ride-shares (Uber or Didi) and local buses. If you plan to move between cities via ADO bus, add a one-time flat fee of $30–$50 for those tickets.
3. Set an activity buffer. Plan for $25 per day for tours, museum entries, or entry fees to cenotes/ruins. Most cultural sites cost between $5 and $15 to enter.
4. Account for banking fees. Assume a $5 flat fee every time you withdraw cash from a non-bank ATM. Use bank-affiliated ATMs (like BBVA or Santander) to avoid higher surcharges.

Should I bring USD or Pesos?

Bring a debit card to withdraw Pesos at local bank ATMs. Paying in USD is possible in tourist zones but you will get a terrible exchange rate.

Is it cheaper to pay for everything on a credit card?

While credit cards are widely accepted in cities, you must carry cash for street food, markets, and small tips. Budget for at least 30% of your total spend to be in cash.