Wise
Best for: holding multiple currencies, paying bills, getting an ATM card. Free Mexican peso wallet, real exchange rate, low fees. Two free ATM withdrawals per month, then small fees.
Schwab Debit
Best for: US travelers. Refunds ALL ATM fees worldwide. No foreign transaction fees. Open a Schwab brokerage account to qualify (free).
Revolut
Best for: European travelers. Free monthly ATM allowance. Crypto, currency exchange, virtual cards. App-first.
Avoid
- Standard high-street debit cards with foreign transaction fees
- Cards with currency conversion at the terminal (DCC) — always pay in pesos
- Travelex / cash exchanges — terrible rates