Mayan Riviera and Cozumel money

In a couple of weeks we're off to the Mayan Palace, Riviera Maya and the Coral Princess, Cozumel. We're beginning to wonder about things that we probably should have researched long ago
Is it safe to use credit cards in these areas of Mexico? We'll be diving and eating in restaurants often. I'd hate to carry enough cash to pay for all that
Do either of these resorts have an in-room safe? My confirmations don't say that they do.

Judy,
Yes the Mayan Palace has safes in the room. I take less cash everytime I travel to Mexico. I use my credit cards almost everywhere takes them anymore. I know some people have had trouble with using their credit cards because of fraud, just watch your statements. There are also ATM machines at all the banks and even at the Mayan Palace I think. I would think all the dive shops take credit cards. And there is still the good old travelers checks. when I was in Cabo in Sept. 2005 I had 200.00 in cash taken right out of my purse at a timeshare presentation, that really taught me a lesson on carrying cash with me. Besides I need the FF miles from my credit cards so I am a little freaky about using them. I don't care if the cost is 2.00 if they take the credit card I use it.

Using credit cards in Mexico

We stayed at the Mayan Palace Riviera Maya about six weeks ago. In Playa del Carmen, we went to at least one restaurant and several stores that didn't accept credit cards. During this trip and during our last trip to Puerto Vallarta, I noticed that some businesses that accepted credit cards in the past no longer do. In addition to cash for these businesses, I bring a lot of one dollar bills for tipping (e.g. bellboys). Whenever possible, however, we use credit cards in Mexico and haven't experienced credit card fraud. Before leaving, I notify the credit card companies so that our charges aren't rejected, and, when we receive our statements, I carefully review them. If you're planning on using credit cards in Mexico, don't bring a Discover card; few businesses, if any, accept it.

We use credit cards and debit cards when in Mexico. Generally we get a better exchange rate using either of these than with US dollars at a currency exchange or at restaurants.

There is an ATM in the lobby of the Mayan Palace. We used the Banamex machine in downtown Play Del Carmen.

Our credit card company charges a foreign currency exchange fee but our bank did not. You might want to check with yours.

We do check our online bank and credit card accounts quite regularly to make sure everything is posted corrrectly.

We always take a lot of $1 bills to use for tips. They are very welcome in Mexico.

I have used credit cards as much as possible and have not had a problem. Be carful to properly dispose of your receipts, in Mexico your whole credit card # shows up on the the sales receipt.
Also, when using ATM's in Mexico; even though the display says $50, it is 50 pesos. My wife & I paid a $7 atm fee to withdraw 50 pesos thinking we were getting $50.

Re: Mayan Riviera money

Many smaller stores and restaurants do not take credit cards. Everyone takes USD. Many ATMs available to get pesos. We used cc wherever they were accepted and probably spent less than 200 USD cash.