If you’re staring at a currency converter trying to figure out if your vacation just got cheaper or if that beach house in Sayulita is suddenly out of reach, you aren't alone. Money is weird. One day you’re a king in Cancun, and the next, you’re double-checking the price of a taco.
Today, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the US Dollar is worth approximately 17.84 Mexican Pesos.
Honestly, the "Super Peso" is still a thing, and it’s being surprisingly stubborn. While we saw the dollar struggle to break past the 20-peso mark late last year, the start of 2026 has been all about the peso flexing its muscles. Just today, following some pretty standard U.S. inflation data, the dollar dipped again, losing about 0.5% of its value against the MXN in a single session.
What’s Actually Happening with the Exchange Rate?
Markets don't just move because they feel like it. There’s a tug-of-war happening between the U.S. Federal Reserve and Mexico’s central bank, Banxico.
Right now, Mexico is keeping interest rates high—around 7.0%. Compare that to the U.S. benchmark rate, which is sitting closer to 3.75%. That gap is massive. Investors love it. They basically move their money into Mexican assets to chase those higher returns, which keeps demand for the peso high.
But it’s not all sunshine.
The Mexican economy is actually kind of sluggish. GDP growth for 2025 was a measly 0.3%. Some experts, like those at Scotiabank, are even gloomier, predicting only 0.6% growth for the rest of this year. You’d think a weak economy would mean a weak currency, but the high interest rates are acting like a structural support beam holding the whole thing up.
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How Much is Dollar Worth in Mexico Today for Travelers and Expats?
If you're physically in Mexico right now, the number on the screen (17.84) isn't the number you'll get at a booth.
Cash is king in the markets, but it's expensive to buy. If you walk into a Casa de Cambio in Mexico City or Puerto Vallarta today, expect to see a rate closer to 17.20 or 17.40. The "spread"—the difference between the market rate and what they give you—is how those shops make their rent.
Real-World Costs Right Now
Inflation in Mexico ended 2025 around 3.69%. That’s not terrible, but "core" inflation (the stuff that doesn't jump around, like processed food and services) is still stuck above 4.3%.
What does that look like on the ground?
- A mid-range dinner for two: Expect to pay about 800 to 1,200 MXN. At today's rate, that's roughly $45 to $67 USD.
- A local beer (Cerveza): In a neighborhood cantina, maybe 45 MXN ($2.52 USD). In a tourist zone? Probably 80 MXN ($4.48 USD).
- Uber across town: Usually ranges from 120 to 250 MXN ($6.70 to $14 USD) depending on the city and traffic.
Prices have definitely climbed. If you haven't been to Mexico since 2022, you're going to feel "sticker shock." Back then, the dollar was closer to 20 or 21 pesos, and local prices hadn't been hit by the recent inflation spikes.
Why the Peso Might Weaken Soon
Most big banks aren't betting on the "Super Peso" lasting forever.
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A recent Citi survey of 35 different financial institutions showed a median forecast that the peso will weaken to 19.00 by the end of 2026. Some, like Banca Mifel, think it could even hit 20.30.
Why the pessimism?
- Rate Cuts: Banxico is expected to lower interest rates to 6.5% by December. When those rates drop, the "incentive" for investors to hold pesos starts to evaporate.
- Trade Uncertainty: There’s a lot of chatter about U.S. tariffs and trade policy shifts. Since Mexico is the U.S.'s largest trading partner, any hiccup in the border flow makes the peso nervous.
- Remittances: Interestingly, the amount of money being sent back to Mexico from workers in the U.S. has dipped slightly (down about 5.1%). Less dollar inflow can sometimes take the wind out of the peso's sails.
Making the Most of the Current Exchange Rate
If you’re holding dollars, you’re in a "wait and see" period.
The rate is currently hovering near its 2025 lows. From a technical standpoint, analysts like Julian Pineda point out that if the dollar stays below 17.89, it might continue to slide toward 17.60. That's great if you're a Mexican business buying U.S. equipment, but it's a bummer if you're a tourist.
Best Ways to Exchange Your Money
Don't use the airport kiosks. Just don't. They are notorious for offering rates that are 10-15% worse than the actual market value.
Instead, use an ATM. Your bank will usually give you the "interbank" rate—which is that 17.84 figure we talked about—plus a small fee.
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Pro Tip: When the ATM asks if you want to "Accept the Conversion," always hit DECLINE.
This sounds counterintuitive, but it’s a total lifesaver. When you decline their conversion, you're telling the Mexican bank, "No, let my home bank do the math." Your home bank almost always gives a better deal than the ATM's predatory exchange rate.
Planning Your Move or Trip
If you’re planning a big purchase, like a wedding or a long-term rental, you might want to lock in your rates now if you think the peso will keep getting stronger. But if you believe the banks—who say the peso will hit 19.00 later this year—you might be better off waiting.
It’s a gamble.
Currency markets are notoriously volatile. One tweet about trade or one surprise inflation report can shift the rate by 2% in an afternoon.
Actionable Steps for Today
- Check the "Mid-Market" Rate: Before you head out, check a site like XE or Reuters to know the true base rate.
- Use Credit Cards for Big Purchases: Cards like Visa and Mastercard use very competitive rates, often better than any physical exchange office.
- Watch the February 5th Meeting: Banxico will meet then to decide on interest rates. If they cut rates more than expected, the dollar will likely jump up against the peso.
- Carry Small Peso Denominations: Even with the "Super Peso," many small vendors can't make change for a 500-peso bill. Keep 20s, 50s, and 100s handy.
The reality of how much is dollar worth in Mexico today is that the peso is currently winning the fight. While it makes the country a bit more expensive for American visitors than it was a few years ago, Mexico remains a massive value compared to Europe or the U.S. coast. Just keep an eye on those interest rate decisions—they’re the real engine behind the numbers you see on your screen.