Need cash when I land, best place in Mexico? Airport or places in the city?
I always avoid airport exchange booths and ATMs if I can. In Mexico City I waited till I got to the Roma Norte area and used a Santander ATM attached to a branch. Got a better rate. Airport machines are convenient but you pay for that convenience. If your card works internationally and you’re not landing super late, it’s worth holding off till you reach the city.
I actually prefer withdrawing a small amount at the airport just to be safe. In Guadalajara, I used a BBVA ATM near the exit and the fee was reasonable. I like having at least 1000 pesos in my pocket before leaving the terminal. You never know if you’ll face a taxi driver who insists on cash or if the next ATM in town is down. Then later, I use a bank branch ATM to withdraw more if needed.
I arrived in Cancún and skipped the airport exchange counters completely. The lines were long, and the fees were high. Took a card-based taxi to the city and withdrew cash from a Scotiabank near my hostel and then also used Banorte. Much smoother and cheaper. Unless you absolutely need pesos right away, it’s smarter to wait until you're in town where there’s more choice and better rates.
When I landed in Mexico City, I used a Citibank ATM right outside baggage claim. Rates weren’t amazing (I think i accidentally accepted conversion) but I only took out enough to cover transport and a few essentials. Once I got into the city, I found a Banregio ATM and withdrew a larger amount at a better rate. Airport exchange counters are a strict no-no, even worse rates than ATMs so I wouldn’t depend on them for your full trip cash.