Money & Payments
Where to Exchange Dollars at the Border: Exchange Houses, Banks and Cards
By the deGaritas Online editorial team · Updated Friday, October 30, 2026 · 1 min read
In short: Compare the buy and sell rates at several exchange houses; the ones next to the border crossing are usually the most expensive. For payments, a card with no foreign transaction fees usually gives you a better rate.
Buy and sell: what you need to know
Exchange houses (casas de cambio) show two prices:
- Buy: what they pay you for each dollar you sell them.
- Sell: what they charge you for each dollar you buy from them.
The difference between the two is their profit. Compare both with today's reference exchange rate.
Where to exchange
- Exchange houses in town: those a few blocks from the border crossing usually offer a better rate than those right at the line.
- Banks: safe, but sometimes with a worse rate and short hours.
- ATMs: useful, but check the ATM fee and your bank's fee.
- Cards with no foreign transaction fees: for card payments they usually give the rate closest to the reference rate.
What to avoid
- Exchanging money with street vendors in the border crossing line.
- Agreeing to let a merchant or ATM charge you "in your currency" (dynamic currency conversion): it is almost always more expensive.
- Counting your money away from the window: count it right there.
Documents
For large amounts you will be asked for official ID, and in some cases proof of address. There are limits on exchanging cash dollars in Mexico; ask beforehand.
Use the currency converter to calculate how much you will receive after the exchange house's fee.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to exchange dollars in Tijuana?
Compare several exchange houses. Those farther from the line usually offer a better rate than those next to the border crossing.
Is it better to pay by card or in cash on the other side?
With a card that has no foreign transaction fees, paying by card usually works out better than exchanging cash.
What documents do I need to exchange dollars?
Official ID; for large amounts they may also ask for proof of address.
Check the line before you leave
This guide is for information only and does not replace official information from CBP, the US Department of State, Mexico's National Immigration Institute (INM) or Mexico's customs agency (ANAM). Requirements and fees may change.