How much to bring to Cancun largely depends on your travel style, but the general rule is: bring US dollars from Brazil and exchange them for Mexican pesos upon arrival in Cancun.
For a 7-day trip, the price ranges from US$500 (budget all-inclusive) to US$2.500 or more (trip with tours, shopping, and restaurants). The limit for entering Mexico is US$10.000 per person.
The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican peso (MXN), but the US dollar is widely accepted in Cancun's Hotel Zone. Avoid bringing Brazilian reais, as Mexican exchange bureaus either do not accept them or offer very poor rates.
Want to get straight to the point and start researching the best hotels in Cancun? Check out this quick selection I've put together to make your life easier.
Cancun Accommodations Rated Fantastic or Exceptional
Best All Inclusive Resorts in Cancun
5 Star Hotels in Cancun
4 star hotels in Cancun
3 Star Hotels in Cancun
Beachfront Hotels in Cancun
Hotels in Downtown Cancun
Apartments in Cancun
Quer Book tours in 12 installments without paying IOF? Take a look at this list of 5 activities best rated and recommended by Brazilians who travel to Cancun and Riviera Maya.
Transfers in Playa del Carmen
Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour
Chichen Itza and Chichi Kan Cenote Tour
Ferry to Cozumel
Xcaret Park Entrance Ticket
How much money should I take to Cancun for 7 days?
The cost largely depends on your travel style. Those staying at all-inclusive resorts spend less on daily expenses, while those who prefer to explore the region need more money for tours, restaurants, and transportation. See the estimate by category:
| Categories
|
Economic |
Intermediate |
Comfortable |
| Accommodation (7 nights) |
$350 to $500 |
$700 to $1.200 |
US$1.500 to US$3.000+ |
| Feeding (7 days) |
$150 to $250 |
$300 to $500 |
US$600 to US$1.000+ |
| Tours |
$100 to $200 |
$300 to $600 |
US$800 to US$1.500+ |
| Transport |
$50 to $100 |
$150 to $300 |
$300 to $500 |
| Shopping and extras |
$100 to $200 |
$300 to $500 |
US$500 to US$1.000+ |
| Estimated total (7 days) |
$750 to $1.250 |
$1.750 to $3.100 |
US$3.700 to US$7.000+ |
Important tip: If you stay in a all inclusive resortThis can significantly reduce expenses on food and drinks, requiring you to carry cash only for sightseeing, shopping, and tips.
How much should I bring for accommodation in Cancun?
Marriott Cancun
Hostels and budget hotels cost between US$30 and US$70 per night. Mid-range hotels range from US$100 to US$200 per night. All-inclusive resorts start at US$200 and can exceed US$500 per night for luxury options.
If your accommodation is already paid for before the trip (which is most common), you don't need to include that amount in the cash you'll be taking.
How much should I spend on food in Cancun?
Bubba Gump Restaurant in Cancun
On average, you'll spend between US$20 and US$50 per day on food in Cancun. Fast food and local taquerias cost between US$5 and US$15 per meal.
Mid-range restaurants cost between US$20 and US$40 per person. Upscale restaurants can cost US$50 to US$100 or more.
One economical strategy is to shop at supermarkets like Walmart or Chedraui as soon as you arrive, ensuring you have snacks and drinks for your room.
Know that Cancun has restaurants for every budget.From authentic taquerias to award-winning restaurants.
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How much do tours in Cancun cost?
Xcaret Park
Excursions in Cancun range from free (beaches, plazas, shopping malls) to US$200 or more (premium theme parks). See the average prices for the main excursions:
| Tour |
Average price per person |
| Chichén Itzá (full tour) |
$80 to $150 |
| Isla Mujeres (catamaran) |
$60 to $100 |
| Xcaret Park |
$120 to $200 |
| Xel-Há Park (all inclusive) |
$130 to $180 |
| Tulum Ruins |
$60 to $100 |
| Cenotes |
$30 to $80 |
| Cozumel (ferry + snorkel) |
$80 to $150 |
Tip: The best option is Book tours from BrazilThis way you pay in Brazilian reais, get installments without IOF (tax on financial transactions), and still have support from experts at your destination.
Fortunately, Cancun also offers many free attractions: the public beaches are incredible, the shopping malls have air conditioning and great facilities, and walking through the Hotel Zone is an experience in itself. Also check out... cenotes and Xcaret Park.
How much should I bring for transportation and shopping in Cancun?
La Isla Shopping Mall in Cancun
For transportation, the public bus (R-1 and R-2) costs only 15 Mexican pesos (less than US$1). Taxis are expensive: a ride in the Hotel Zone can cost from US$10 to US$30. Car rental is around US$25 to US$50 per day.
To shopping in cancunSet aside between US$200 and US$500 if you want to bring back souvenirs, perfumes, clothes, and shoes. The La Isla and Kukulcan Plaza shopping malls have international brands at competitive prices.
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Which currency should I take to Cancun: US dollars or Mexican pesos?
Bring US dollars from Brazil and exchange them for Mexican pesos when you arrive in Cancun. This is the most advantageous strategy for Brazilians. The reason is simple: the dollar has a better exchange rate in Brazil, and you can easily find exchange bureaus in Cancun to exchange them for pesos when needed.
Don't bring any reais! Mexican exchange bureaus rarely accept Brazilian currency, and when they do, the exchange rate is terrible.
Where can I exchange US dollars for Mexican pesos in Cancun?
The best currency exchange offices are located in the Hotel Zone and downtown Cancun. Avoid exchanging money at the airport, as the rate is usually 10% to 15% worse. Exchange money little by little, as needed, so you avoid having leftover pesos at the end of your trip.
When should you use US dollars and when should you use Mexican pesos?
The dollar is accepted in most tourist establishments in the Hotel Zone: hotels, restaurants, shops, and tours. However, the Mexican peso is mandatory in some places:
- Public transport (R-1 and R-2 buses)
- Taxis
- Ticket offices at archaeological sites such as Tulum, Chichén Itzá e Cobá
- Small businesses and local markets
- Tips (gratuities)
Tip: Avoid paying in dollars at local establishments, as the exchange rate is usually unfavorable. Use dollars only in places that price in US dollars.
Can I withdraw Mexican pesos from ATMs?
Yes, and this is a great option to supplement cash. ATMs are everywhere: shopping malls, hotels, airports, and banks. You can withdraw Mexican pesos directly using international cards like Wise, Nomad, or C6 Bank.
Withdrawing money from ATMs is safer than carrying large amounts of cash. A good strategy is to carry some cash in dollars and withdraw money as needed.
What is the limit on the amount of money allowed to enter Mexico?
You can enter Mexico with up to US$10.000 (or the equivalent in other currencies) without having to declare it. Above that amount, it is mandatory to declare it at customs.
Assistance for Brazilians in Cancun and Riviera Maya
If you want an unforgettable experience without worrying about the details, you can count on the assistance of our partner, Cancuners.
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be warmly greeted by the staff who will be ready to escort you to your hotel. Furthermore, they will be available for any eventuality that may arise, be it a medical emergency, a missed connection, or any other unexpected situation.
The tours I took with Cancuners were incredible, with impeccable organization and completely reliable. They exceeded all expectations compared to booking through other websites or even locally in Cancun.
If you would like more information, just click this link now to be directed to the company website.
If you want more information about Cancun and Riviera Maya, leave your comment here or write directly on Mexico Guide Instagram.
FAQ
The dollar is more widely accepted in Cancun, but paying in Mexican pesos is usually cheaper for everyday expenses.
100 reais is equivalent to approximately 350–380 Mexican pesos, depending on the exchange rate.
Bring US dollars or an international credit card and use Mexican pesos for local expenses.
In 2026, the best strategy remains dollars + an international credit card, converting or withdrawing pesos when necessary.
On average, US$300 to US$500 per person, considering basic expenses outside the hotel.
R$1 is worth around 3,5 to 3,8 Mexican pesos.
US$100 is worth approximately 1.650 to 1.750 Mexican pesos.
10 reais is equivalent to approximately 35 to 38 Mexican pesos.
No, the real is not widely accepted and is not valued in Mexico.
You can pay with credit card, debit card, US dollars, or Mexican pesos.
1.000 Mexican pesos is equivalent to approximately R$260 to R$290.
International credit cards with zero or reduced fees, such as Wise, Nomad, or Visa/Mastercard.
100 reais are worth approximately 350 to 380 Mexican pesos.
10.000 Mexican pesos is equivalent to approximately R$2.600 to R$2.900.
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