Hi Tom, Congrats on your first trip to Cozumel. What an adventure you are going to have ! However, be prepared, you just may be planning your next trip, even before you are back to Ohio !. :amazed: RE: your questions...
You do not need Peso prior to arrival to Cozumel. USD is accepted just about everywhere that you most likely will be going. Hotels, restaurants and stores. Business are rather good about working the current exchange rate, however, sometimes you will get a 10:1 ratio. If you give USD, you will most often get Peso as change. No worries, just spend that as you go.
The first thing you need cash for is your ticket for the airport shuttle to wherever you are staying. USD or Peso is accepted. Just go to the shuttle window and tell the cashier where you are going. She tells you how much, you pay, she gives you the ticket, you go outside to the shuttle people. While I am at it, since you are a newbie, and if you are flying into CZM, you may want to check out my report: post #33 is the most updated version. ,
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/cozumel/374778-your-plane-has-landed-now-what-long-report.html . In short, be aware of the Timeshare folks who hang out in the departure lobby. They will approach you with offers to help you with your transportation. Unless you want to sit for a timeshare offer, just say firmly and kindly, "NO" and walk directly over to the shuttle ticket window. (FAR RIGHT-Diagonal direction as you pass through the sliding magic doors after Red Light/Green Light) If the person you set up transportation with does not need payment, you are most likely with a timeshare rep. Once you have your ticket from the Cashier, again, avoid anyone else in the lobby. They will still try to make some sort of deal. Just leave the Cashier booth and walk straight outside to the awaiting shuttle reps. They will help you from there.
Yes, ATM withdrawal is fine. However, use of a bank ATM is recommended. Go into town and find one there. I use the bank on the south-east corner of the Plaza square. In fact, I acquire most of my spending $$ for the trip this way.
Credit Cards: I am not a big fan of using my Credit Card in restaurants and shops. I will use MC for my hotel bill or Dive Op if I don't take enough USD or have Peso to cover the bill. Also, nice to have a CC for emergency use. Can't answer your question re: AE
How much to budget ? In general, Michael and I plan on $50.00 +/- USD per day for spending. This budget covers our meals and taxi fare. However, our spending habit for Cozumel has been well defined over the years and we have minimal needs. Light breakfasts from small local stands or bought items from the Mega or Chedraui, or, inexpensive lunch for instance at a Comida Economica like Chilangos on Avenida 10 between Calles 13 and 15 (cash only 11 ish to 4 ish- around $6 USD per meal-and a very hearty one at that). We plan our dinner out as a treat for the day. Someplace in town. ie: La Choza, Sorrisi's or....La Choza again
There are many places to choose from.
If you are diving-the extra $ you need is for tip. The standard is $5 USD per tank, per day, per person. Of course this is your option and +/- is your call.
Transportation $: If you need a taxi you can use either USD or Peso. Make sure to have small denomination and always establish how much, USD, Peso ?, PRIOR to getting in for the ride. Ask at your hotel approx how much a trip will be. Sometimes a cab driver may inflate the cost, then just say "No, this much, X amount" If that is not acceptable to the cab driver, then go on to another driver. No worries. For a Car rental - If you go this route it can be pricey once you get full insurance added, which, is HIGHLY advised. Oh, and while I am at it, please do NOT rent a scooter. I know, there are those out there who disagree, but, personally, I have seen just too many nasty accidents there.
Hope this helps you out a bit. Sorry to get a little windy
. If you have any other questions, please do ask. There are plenty of folks here to help or feel free to PM me. Although, public questions and answers are so wonderful to share and keeps the board interesting.
Have a wonderful time !! And, please post a trip report once you are settled back home ! We do enjoy reading about fellow scubadiver adventures !
Sue