There are many options in terms of ways to get pesos for your trip, and we will go through most of them here:
1) Our first recommendation would be to use a bank ATM when you have arrived in Mexico. In Puerto Vallarta, there are over a half dozen ATMs located just outside of customs as you exit the airport.
We recommend using a bank ATM as the exchange rate you will receive will be from your own bank (not the bank owned ATM) which will ensure you will receive the best available rate (as compared to if you use cash to exchange at a currency exchange booth).
**An important note about ATM use with foreign cards**
When you use an ATM here, towards the end of the transaction, the ATM will display a screen offering a currency exchange rate which you have to manually accept or decline, we recommend DECLINING the ATM's exchange preferred exchange rate, which will allow the transaction to be completed using your home bank's exchange rate, which is always better than the ATM's offer.
It is important to remember that although you DECLINE the ATM's exchange rate offer, your money will still be dispensed and the ATM will charge it's set transaction fee as normal.
2) Our second recommendation would be exchanging your USD in your home country at your own bank before your trip. This way you will also receive the best available exchange rate, as compared to an exchange house in Mexico, and you will have pesos ready on your arrival.
3) Our third recommendation would be, if you choose to bring USD, exchanging your USD cash at an exchange window at the airport.
