How much currency to take on AI in Mexico?

taper

Hi,

We haven’t been on an AI holiday for years but are soon jetting off to Mexico for 2 weeks at a TUI resort. I’m not expecting to spend much being AI but realise we need to take some cash. I’ve just got no idea how much? 

Is tipping normal in Mexico on resort?

I’ll be taking a card so can use that at airport etc.

is it best to pay cash for any tours we may do?

should we take a mix of pesos and usd?

Any advice would be appreciated 
thanks

Shiny_things_distract_me

Hi Taper,
I'm jealous! 
Yes, tipping is normal. You won't be treated differently for not tipping, but the locals (mostly maya people) earn so very, very little, work extraordinarily hard and are so lovely- so please tip if you can. 
We usually use the card to pay for trips. Avoid the TUI ones though- they'll usually be provided by locals with TUI adding a big cut on top.
That said, youd be missing out of you didn't leave the resort - Mexico is a treasure. If (as I suspect) you're going to the 'Riviera Maya', much of it is served by the 'colectivos'- air conditioned mini buses that run up and down the highway non stop all day everyday, every few minutes.
There are several tourist spots, Cenotes, XPLOR, Tulum Ruins. Xcaret etc- all on that highway. Skip the tours, take yourself for the cost of a few pesos. 
I wouldn't bother with USD at all. We only ever take pesos- which have the added bonus of being waterproof.
I could go on...and on..
But the best tip I can give you is to join your hotels FB group. 
Oh, and reef safe suncream 😂
Have an amazing time! 

DullGreyGuy

No point losing on the exchange rate to buy USD, they are widely accepted in tourist areas but they give you a poor exchange rate -v- what an ATM would give you to withdraw Peso on a Starling or other fee free card

Its a pity you've booked AI, food, drink, entertainment etc are all so much better in Mexico than the giant resorts and as long as you take step off the tourist track it can be really cheap, even some of the tourist trap places will seem cheap compared to the UK. 

Riviera Maya has all been built for tourists and the supporting infrastructure and so you wont get the real mexican experience even if you do venture out but its certainly more interesting outside the resorts. Travelling further afield would be highly recommended to see a bit more of the real Mexico but having paid for AI you probably wont be doing that.