Spanish Lesson - Show Me the Money, Honey

"Show Me the Money, Honey"
One of the issues we see often with our Guests, especially with "first timers" is learning how the money works in Mexico. Fairly simple, but a bit of explaining would be helpful.
Many folks use the easy rule of 10:1 ratio.

$5 (cinco) pesos = .50 cents
$10 (diez) pesos = $1 USD
$20 (vente) pesos = $2 USD
$50 (cinquenta) pesos = $5 USD
$100 (cien) pesos = $10 USD
$200 (doscientos) pesos = $20 USD
$500 (quinientos) pesos = $50 USD
$1000 (mil) pesos = $100 USD


It is advisable to use your ATM card when in Mexico. It is not a good idea to bring a load of US cash to Mexico, then exchange it here. The exchange windows, called Casa de Cambio, can conveniently change your dollars or travelers checks into pesos. The ATMs are everywhere and easy to use and will give you the very best exchange rate for each day. You may take a maximum of $300 USD daily. Remember with the exception of the grocery store and restaurants, most prices are expected to be negotiated. You can pay the taxi or private driver in US dollars if need be. So haggle, haggle and then haggle some more.
Additional Phrases!
How much will you charge for this? Cuanto Cuesta?
I would like to offer you ________? Te ofresco_________?
What do you charge to drive me to the Malecon? Cuanto me cobra por llevarme al malecon?
Can you guarantee shipping back to the US? Me puede asegurar que sera enviado a Estados Unidos?
How is this food prepared? Como esta preparada la comida?
May I buy you a drink? Puedo invitarte un trago?
Where is the bathroom? Donde esta el Baño?
Please take me to the Malecon? Por favor lleveme al malecon
What time do you have?Que hora es?
Breakfast MealDesayuno
Lunch Meal Comida
Dinner Meal Cena
Enjoy your meal!Provecho
Mmmmmmm Getting hungry yet??