Three host countries, three currencies. Across the tournament you'll likely use US Dollars (USD), Mexican Pesos (MXN), and Canadian Dollars (CAD). This guide covers exchange rates, where to actually get good rates, card vs cash strategy, tipping norms, and a few traps to avoid.
The three currencies — quick reference
Getting the best exchange rate
The cheapest place to convert your money is usually the ATM at your destination, using a debit card that doesn't charge foreign-transaction fees. The interbank rate is the best rate you can get. Avoid:
- Airport exchange booths — 8–15% above mid-market rate. Bad deal everywhere.
- "No fee" exchange counters in tourist areas — the no-fee is real but the rate is poor by 5–10%.
- Buying foreign cash at home before flying — your bank's rate is usually 4–8% worse than the destination ATM. Take just $50–100 for arrival peace of mind.
Better tools:
- Wise (formerly TransferWise) — multi-currency account + debit card. Mid-market exchange, tiny fee. Best overall for international travelers. wise.com
- Revolut — similar; depends on your country's availability. Free tier sufficient for travel.
- Your existing credit card if it has no foreign-transaction fee (most premium cards do; check your card's terms).
- For US visitors: Charles Schwab debit card reimburses ATM fees worldwide. Best US bank for travelers.
Cards vs cash — by country
| Country | Card acceptance | Tap-to-pay | Cash useful for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | ~95% of merchants | Universal | Tipping, food trucks, street vendors |
| 🇲🇽 Mexico | ~70% in cities, less in markets | Common in chains, rare in small shops | Markets, taxis (Uber takes card), street tacos, tips |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | ~98% of merchants | Universal — Apple/Google Pay too | Almost nothing; even buskers have Interac |
Tipping etiquette
Tipping norms differ dramatically. Getting this wrong embarrasses you in the US and overpays in Mexico.
Tax & service charges to watch for
USA: Sales tax (5–10% depending on state) is NOT included in displayed prices. A $20 meal becomes $22 + tip. Some restaurants in NYC, LA, and San Francisco add automatic 18–20% service charges for parties of 6+ — check your bill before tipping again.
Mexico: Price labels include the 16% IVA (VAT). What you see is what you pay. Some restaurants add a 10–15% "propina sugerida" (suggested tip) at the bottom — you can decline and tip in cash.
Canada: Federal GST (5%) + provincial sales tax (varies, often 8–10%) added at checkout. So a CAD $20 meal is closer to CAD $23 + tip. Card terminals show tax separately before prompting tip.
ATM tips
- Use ATMs inside major bank branches (Bank of America, Chase, BBVA, Santander, RBC, TD) — lower skimming risk than standalone machines in tourist areas.
- If you see a "Convert to your home currency" option (Dynamic Currency Conversion), always decline. The bank's rate is 4–8% worse than letting your home card convert.
- Mexico ATM withdrawal limits typically $5,000–$10,000 MXN ($270–$540 USD). Plan around this for cash-heavy days.
- Inform your bank of travel dates before flying — sudden foreign ATM use can trigger a fraud freeze.
Daily cash to carry
- USA: $30–50 in small bills ($1, $5) — for tips, parking attendants, food trucks. Most everything else on card.
- Mexico: 500–1,000 MXN ($28–56 USD) per day — taquerías, markets, taxis, propinas.
- Canada: CAD $20 for emergencies; you'll rarely need cash.
Exchange rates fluctuate. Check current rates at xe.com or in the Wise/Revolut apps before any large transaction.