San Ysidro Tourist Trap Tips by lmkluque

Changing Your Money!

All along San Ysidro Boulevard you will see Money Houses. Usually the rates of buying and selling Mexican pesos are predominately posted, but the "trap" comes in the fact that it is not necessary to change U.S. dollars with Mexican pesos. Every business in Tijuana's tourist areas will accept U.S. dollars and give change back in that currency. It is rare, but some shops will accept other currencies, but I wouldn't count on that being the case.

If you only have money from your country--not the U.S.A.--it might be a good idea to change at one of these Casas de Cambio.

Unique Suggestions: If you must change your money before entering Tijuana get the best selling rate for the peso. Then when you return find the best buying rate for the dollar--Not necessarily at the same place.

Fun Alternatives: It's not necessary to search around for a bank that will change your money, these Casas de Combio have been regulated since 1988 (that is why so many has closed since then.) so they are safe enough to do business with. Another truth is that the U.S. dollar is accepted by most businesses in Tijuana.