How to Exchange Money in Mexico: Guide for Rincón de Guayabitos

Planning a trip to Rincón de Guayabitos in Riviera Nayarit? This guide covers how to exchange money in Mexico, access pesos in the area, and what you need to know about managing cash during your visit.

About Rincón de Guayabitos

Rincón de Guayabitos encompasses several communities along Jaltemba Bay, including:

• Guayabitos - The main beach town with restaurants, shops, and services
• La Peñita de Jaltemba - Larger town with supermarkets, banks, and local markets
• Los Ayalas - Quieter beach community
• Altavista - Peaceful hillside village about 20 minutes inland, known for ancient petroglyphs
• Chacala - Small beach village

Cash is Essential in Rincón de Guayabitos

The official currency in Mexico is Mexican Pesos (MXN). While Guayabitos and La Peñita have more services than smaller villages, cash is still the primary way to pay for most things.

Current US Dollar to Peso Exchange Rate: As of early 2026, approximately 1 US dollar to peso equals 17 pesos. The $ to mex peso rate fluctuates daily based on market conditions. Check a conversion calculator dollar to peso before your trip for the most current rate.

What to expect in the area:

• Guayabitos and La Peñita: Banks, ATMs, restaurants, supermarkets, and stores that accept credit cards
• Smaller communities (Los Ayalas, Chacala, Altavista): Limited or no ATMs, mostly cash-only
• Beach vendors, local markets, small shops: Cash-only throughout the region

How Much Cash to Bring

Minimum recommended: 2,000- 5,000 pesos on arrival

This covers your airport taxi from Puerto Vallarta (about 1 hour to Rincón de Guayabitos, roughly 1,400-2,000 pesos from the official airport taxi stand, less if you book a private transfer ahead) plus basics for your first day.

Best Way to Exchange Money for Pesos

Before You Arrive

Exchange at home: Many travelers find this is the best way to exchange money for pesos. Exchange currency at your bank or a money exchange service before departure. This ensures you can pay your taxi and have cash for your first day without needing to find an ATM immediately.

Airport ATMs: Puerto Vallarta International Airport has several ATMs where you can withdraw pesos upon arrival. Airport ATM fees vary widely by bank, from about 25 pesos (Santander) up to 90+ pesos (BBVA, HSBC). If using airport ATMs, withdraw enough to cover your taxi and first few days.

ATMs in La Peñita & Guayabitos (Mexican Money Transfer to Pesos)

La Peñita de Jaltemba and Guayabitos have multiple bank ATMs. When you use a Mexican ATM with a foreign card, three fees typically apply:

1. Mexican Bank ATM Fee (as of February 2026):

• BBVA/Bancomer: 90+ pesos, the highest of the traditional banks
• Coppel La Penita: approximately 29 pesos (see note below)
• Banco Azteca La Penita: approximately 25-30 pesos (newly remodeled)
• Santander Bucerias: approximately 30-35 pesos
• Banamex Bucerias: approximately 30-46 pesos
• BanBajío Bucerias: approximately 23 pesos
• Banorte: approximately 64 pesos
• HSBC: 80+ pesos

2. Currency Conversion (Mexico and US Money Currency): When asked if you want the ATM to convert to your home currency, decline. The ATM's conversion rate is worse than your bank's international rate. Always choose to be charged in pesos for the best exchange rate.

3. Your Bank's International Fee: This varies by bank and account type, from $0 to $20+ USD per transaction. Check with your bank before traveling to understand total costs.

Note on Coppel: While Coppel's ATM fee appears low, Coppel is not recognized as a traditional bank by international banking boards. This can trigger additional non-bank ATM fees from your home bank. Some travelers report total costs of $25-30 USD per withdrawal despite the low Mexican fee.

ATM Best Practices:

• Use ATMs inside bank branches during business hours
• Withdraw larger amounts to reduce the number of transactions and associated fees
• Always decline dynamic currency conversion for better rates

High Season (January-March): ATMs in La Peñita and Guayabitos can run out of cash during peak season. Don't wait until you're out of pesos to make an ATM run.

Money Transfer Apps (Mexican Money Transfer to Pesos)

Remitly and Wise allow you to send money to yourself and pick up pesos at locations in La Peñita and Guayabitos. These apps can offer competitive rates for converting dollars to pesos.

Remitly:

• Download the app before traveling
• Send money to yourself (your name must match your passport exactly)
• Pick up at Farmacia Guadalajara, Banco Azteca, or Oxxo in La Peñita/Guayabitos
• Bring your passport and transaction number to collect cash
• First transfer typically costs $3.99 USD with promotional rates
• Note: Coppel locations have software issues with US passport holders

Wise (launched in Mexico January 2025):

• Mid-market exchange rate with no markup
• Transparent fees
• Transfers go to Mexican bank accounts or your Wise card, not cash pickup (use Remitly if you need to pick up cash)
• Optional Wise debit card for ATM withdrawals
• Note: since October 2025 Wise has paused sending money out of Mexican pesos; sending dollars into pesos still works

Both apps have monthly and per-transaction limits. Pickup locations may have limited cash availability during high season.

Credit Cards in Rincón de Guayabitos

Guayabitos and La Peñita: Larger stores, supermarkets, and many restaurants accept credit cards. Smaller shops, beach vendors, and local markets are cash-only.

Smaller communities (Los Ayalas, Chacala, Altavista): These areas operate primarily or entirely on cash with limited or no ATM access or with extra credit card fees.

Plan accordingly based on where you're staying and bring sufficient pesos.

Cash Needs by Location

Staying in Guayabitos or La Peñita: You'll have easy access to ATMs and banking services. Many restaurants and stores accept credit cards.

Staying in Los Ayalas or Chacala: Limited ATM access. Bring more cash or plan trips to La Peñita for ATMs.

Staying in Altavista: This quiet hillside village about 20 minutes from the beach has no ATMs, banks, or credit card acceptance. Everything is cash-only. The village has four small stores (abarrotes), two depositos, one tortilleria, and occasional food vendors. You'll need to visit La Peñita or Guayabitos for all banking services.

What to Bring

• At least 2,000 - 5,000 pesos in cash on arrival
• 2-3 different debit/credit cards as backup
• Passport (required for money transfer pickups)
• Notify your bank you'll be using cards in Mexico

Rincón de Guayabitos is generally safe. Use basic common sense when carrying cash.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use US dollars in Guayabitos?

Some tourist-facing restaurants and shops take dollars, but at a poor rate. Pesos are the practical currency everywhere, and markets, beach vendors, and the smaller villages are pesos-only.

Are there ATMs in Guayabitos and La Peñita?

Yes, both towns have bank ATMs (see the list above). The smaller communities around the bay, including Altavista and Chacala, have none, so plan your withdrawals around a La Peñita or Guayabitos run.

How much cash should I have when I land?

2,000 to 5,000 pesos covers the airport taxi and your first days. The Puerto Vallarta airport arrivals area has several bank ATMs if you land without pesos.

Should I let the ATM convert to dollars?

No. Always choose to be charged in pesos. The ATM's "convert for you" option uses a worse rate than your own bank's.

Disclaimer: Exchange rates, fees, and banking policies change frequently. This information is current as of February 2026. Use a current conversion calculator dollar to peso to verify rates before traveling. Taxi rates from Puerto Vallarta Airport vary based on service and negotiation.

Have money exchange tips that helped during your visit to Rincón de Guayabitos? Share them in the comments below.

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