In Mexico, merchants and businesses are no longer allowed to change U.S. dollars for pesos, but they will tell you the location of the nearest currency exchange office. If you have U.S. dollars, there are some places where you can exchange them for Mexican pesos, for example:
Currency exchange offices: You will usually find a currency exchange counter at international airports throughout Mexico; these can be identified by the “Exchange” sign. You will have to show your passport in order to be able to exchange money. The exchange rate is usual shown as “buy” or “purchase”, which shows how many pesos you will receive for each dollar.
Banks: Not all banks provide the service of exchanging pesos and dollars, and some require you to have an account with them. Ask someone at your hotel to tell you about the location of the nearest bank where tourists can exchange their currency. You will also need a valid U.S. passport to make the exchange.
Automated Teller Machine: One of the most convenient ways to buy pesos is by using an ATM. You will often receive better exchange rates, even though you have to pay a service fee, as with most ATMs outside your bank network. Please do not accept any help from people who are not bank employees.
Credit card: If you have a credit card, you will find that it provides one of the best exchange rates. Although you will not receive pesos directly, your monthly balance usually shows the exchange rate you received on purchases made with the credit card.
Reference Costs in Leon
Overview of the cost of living in Mexico
Description
Avg.
Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$4.10 USD
$2.73-$5.47
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Three-course Restaurant
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$13673.01 USD
$9297.81-$15313.77
Basic for 915 sq ft Apartment (Electricity, Heating, Water, Garbage)
$40.29 USD
$21.88-$71.52
1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)
$0.09 USD
$0.05-$0.16
Internet (10 Mbps, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$21.65 USD
$16.41-$27.35
Fitness Club Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$34.25 USD
$21.88-$54.69
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$11.61 USD
$5.47-$16.95
Cinema, International Release 1 Seat
$3.55 USD
$2.73-$4.38
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$38.53 USD
$27.35-$46.49
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, Sears, ...)
$34.43 USD
$21.88-$46.49
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$62.36 USD
$49.22-$82.04
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$53.69 USD
$38.28-$82.04
Apartment (1 bedroom) City Centre
$250.50 USD
$136.73-$437.54
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$167.68 USD
$82.04-$273.46
Apartment (3 bedrooms) City Centre
$538.78 USD
$273.46-$875.07
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$362.50 USD
$218.77-$546.92
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment City Centre
$77.08 USD
$40.65-$127.03
Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$57.29 USD
$35.57-$91.46
Consumer Prices in Mexico are 54.72% lower than in United States
Consumer Prices Including Rent in Mexico are 61.53% lower than in USA
Rent Prices in Mexico are 75.65% lower than in United States
Restaurant Prices in Mexico are 59.43% lower than in United States
Groceries Prices in Mexico are 57.58% lower than in United States