ATMs in Mexico: Credit cards and fees (UK guide)

Jetting off to Mexico soon? Whether you’re sunning yourself in Cancún or exploring the majestic ruins of Chichén Itzá, you’ll need some spending money for your trip.

If cash is your preferred way of spending abroad, read on. We’ve put together an essential guide to ATMs in Mexico, to help you get Mexican pesos when you need them - without too many fees.

We’ll even show you a super convenient way to spend abroad using the Wise card, which works in 150+ countries.

Where do I find ATMs in Mexico?

You’ll find ATMs in Mexico at major airports, as well as in big cities and busy tourist areas. They tend to be located in shopping centres, central plazas, main streets and of course, outside bank buildings.

Most places that tourists visit will have at least one. However, you may want to take out some cash in advance if you’re visiting a rural or remote area, where ATMs may be hard to find.

To be extra cautious about safety, it’s recommended to only use ATMs inside bank branches or large supermarkets - rather than those on the street.

To find ATMs in Mexico, you can use these ATM locator tools from major Mexican banks:

• BBVA - ATM locator
• Banortes - ATM locator
• Citibanamex - ATM locator
• Santander - ATM locator
• Banco Inbursa - ATM locator.

What are ATMs called in Mexico?

An ATM in Mexico is generally called a cajero or cajero automático, although you may also see them called ATMs.

They look similar to the cash machines you’ll find in the UK. Just look out for the name of a bank and the ‘ATM’ or ‘Cajero’ sign.

Will my credit or debit card work in Mexico ATMs?

Most ATMs in Mexico accept a wide range of debit and credit cards. This includes Visa and Mastercard, which are the most commonly issued cards in the UK.

They may also accept Cirrus, Plus, Maestro and UnionPay, but not usually American Express, JCB or Discover.

So, you should be fine to use your UK-issued card to withdraw cash in Mexico. Just make sure you check with your bank about any potential charges.

You can search for your nearest cash machine with these global ATM locators:

• Visa ATM locator
• MasterCard ATM locator

Mexico ATM Pins

ATMs in Mexico usually ask for 4-digit PINs, which is the same as the UK. So, you can simply enter your card and PIN as normal.

Whether withdrawing cash or spending in Mexico, you should find that chip and PIN is widely accepted. Some merchants or retailers may still use the swipe system (which only works with cards featuring a magnetic stripe on the back.)

Mexico ATM max cash withdrawal limits

The maximum amount you can withdraw from a Mexican ATM will largely depend on your bank. Most UK banks set daily, weekly and/or monthly withdrawal limits, including specific limits for spending and withdrawing cash overseas.

However, the ATM itself may have maximum withdrawal limits. In Mexico, the limit tends to be around $4,000 to $11,000 MXN per transaction.¹

Let your bank know before you travel

When you travel overseas these days, it’s no longer essential to tell your bank that you’ll be spending or withdrawing cash in another country.

But just in case your transactions are accidentally flagged up as fraud, you might want to do it anyway. The last thing you want is for your card to be blocked right in the middle of your trip.

Find an international travel card

It could even be worth getting an alternative spending card, one that is specially designed for international travel.

The Wise card is the ideal travel companion, as it works in 150+ countries and lets you withdraw up to £200 a month (max. 2 withdrawals) from overseas ATMs without any fees*.

You’ll just need to check that the ATM operator doesn’t charge its own fees.

Choose to withdraw in MXN or whatever the local currency is, and your Wise card will do the currency conversion at the mid-market exchange rate for only a small conversion fee*.

This means no expensive mark-ups eating into your spending money.

What are the ATM fees in Mexico?

Now for the important question - how much will it actually cost to withdraw cash from an ATM in Mexico?

Below, we’ll look at bank and ATM fees, along with charges related to currency conversion.

Exchange rate fees at ATMs in Mexico (DCC)

When you’re using an ATM in Mexico, you’ll be asked if you want the transaction to be converted into your local currency (British pounds or GBP) or carried out in the local currency (Mexican pesos or MXN).

Always choose to withdraw in the local currency, without a currency conversion. This will mean you get a better rate, as the conversion will be done by your bank or card provider back home.

If you choose to be charged in British pounds instead, the ATM will make up an exchange rate using something called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC). This rate will almost certainly be unfavourable, and can make the transaction expensive for you.

So the bottom line is - always press ‘no’ when asked about currency conversion.

Home bank ATM fees

Some UK banks charge fees for foreign transactions, including cash withdrawals. So always check before your holiday, either by reading the terms and conditions for your account or contacting your bank directly.

Mexico bank ATM fees

Pretty much all Mexican ATMs charge fees, and these vary depending on the bank or operator.

You can expect to pay anywhere between $20 to $109 MXN (around £0.93 to £5 GBP) per withdrawal.¹

Can I get free cash withdrawals in Mexico?

It’s really hard to find an ATM in Mexico offering fee-free withdrawals, as there’s nearly always a fee.

One thing to try is to find out if your home bank has branches in Mexico, or a partnership with local banks.

If they do, then you might be able to use ATMs for cheap or free cash withdrawals during your stay.

Tips for avoiding ATM fees in Mexico

Always choose to be charged in the local currency

Some ATMs may offer you a ‘service’ of being charged in your local currency (i.e. GBP). While you may feel relieved to see the figures in terms you’re more familiar with, it’s always best to decline this option.

Being charged in the local currency helps you avoid hidden ATM rip-offs by giving you the best possible exchange rate.

Choosing to see the transaction shown in British pounds gives the ATM permission to give you an arbitrary (generally much more unfavourable) exchange rate for your withdrawal.

Check out the latest currency conversion below:

Check whether your home bank has partner banks in Mexico

If your UK bank has an overseas ATM network or partners with banks in Mexico, you may be able to benefit from low or no fees on ATM withdrawals. It’s always worth asking before you travel.

Use bank ATMs where possible

Not only is it safer to use ATMs at bank branches, but you’re also less likely to get ripped off on fees. Some ATMs on the street or operated by smaller vendors may charge you excessive fees.

Choose the right fee-free card

Some UK banks don’t charge ATM and foreign transaction fees. If you travel frequently, it may be worth switching banks so you can benefit from a fee-free card.

Another important tip - never use a credit card to make ATM withdrawals. Paying with a credit card is usually a lot more expensive than using a debit card, as fees are charged for cash transactions.

Plus, interest will likely start accruing right away, so you won’t benefit from your usual interest-free period.

Spend and withdraw worldwide with the Wise card

If you travel regularly, the Wise card is the perfect way to spend and withdraw cash worldwide.

It’s a dedicated travel card, letting you spend like a local in 150+ countries worldwide. It automatically converts your pounds to the local currency at the mid-market exchange ratewhenever you spend.

And when you need cash, you can use it to withdraw up to £200 a month (max. 2 withdrawals) fee-free. You’ll just need to check whether the ATM operator charges its own fees.

Your Wise card awaits 💳

Wise only ever charges small, transparent fees for currency conversion, and it’s fee-free if you already have the currency in your Wise account*.

Sign up for a Wise account online and you can get your own Wise card for a one-time fee of just £7. With a Wise account you can send, spend and convert money like a local in 160+ countries and in 40+ currencies.

Sign up for a Wise account 🌍

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ATMs in Mexico FAQs

Which bank has no ATMs fees in Mexico?

Unfortunately, there aren’t really any banks in Mexico that don’t charge fees for ATM withdrawals, not unless you’re an existing customer with an account (and even then fees may apply).

The only exception is if your bank has partnered with a local bank to offer discounted or free withdrawals - so check with your bank before you travel.

Should I bring cash or card to Mexico?

While card use is on the rise in Mexico, cash is still king for many transactions. So it’s worth taking a mix of cash and card with you. You’ll need cash for things like taxis, tips, tourist attraction tickets and smaller purchases.

What is the daily ATM withdrawal limit in Mexico?

The ATM withdrawal limit in Mexico is around $4,000 to $11,000 MXN per transaction¹, although it also depends on your own bank's card limits.

Are there ATMs in Cancun Airport?

Yes, there are a number of ATMs in Cancun Airport, so you can withdraw cash on arrival if you need to.

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<;small>Sources used:

1. ATM Fee Saver - Cash and ATMs in Mexico: All info you need for ATMs, fees, limits, exchange, cards

Sources last checked on date: 14-Jun-2024