How Much Cash Should I Bring?
You want to think about your cash needs in two parts: cash for tipping, and cash for spending money.
Tipping Cash
Here is a basic guideline for the way I calculate tipping cash needs:
| Service | Amount (USD) | Frequency | Total (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maid Service | $5 | 5 nights | $25 |
| Scuba Diving (2 tanks) | $5 - $10 per tank | 3 days (2 tanks/day) | $30 - $60 |
| On-Resort Restaurants | $5 per dinner | 4 meals | $20 |
| On-Resort Bars | $5 - $10 per day | 5 days | $25 - $50 |
| Transport | $5 | 2 rides | $10 |
| Total | **$110 - $135 |
This is a rough estimate, and your actual needs may vary based on your activities and preferences. I recommend bringing at least $100 in cash for tipping purposes. I usually pad a bit more to cover excursion related cash expenses.
Spending Cash
For spending money, it really depends on your personal spending habits and the activities you plan to do. There are some goods that are still a great quality and value proposition for bringing back to the US with you. Aside from souvenirs, leather goods are top notch, and you can find some great deals on tequilas and mezcals. It is famous for its silver jewelry. Nice sewing machines, too. Ultimately, you'll need to do a bit more research on what you want to buy, and how much it will cost. They also post waivers, such as for products like cocoa powder.
Depending on what you are bringing back to the US, you may be subject to import taxes and fees. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provides guidance and guidelines on what items are subject to these taxes and fees. You're likely fine with typical souvenirs and personal items, but if you plan to bring back larger quantities of goods or high-value items, you should check the CBP website for more information. Maybe skip on the Canadian potash.