ATMs in Holbox: Exact Locations (2023)

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Looking for the ATMs in Holbox in 2023? You’re in the right place! If you didn’t know already, cash is still king in Mexico, especially on Isla Holbox. It’s rare you’ll find somewhere that takes card, especially in bars and restaurants.

Always have cash on you when you’re walking around the island, or visit one of these ATMs in Holbox if you’re stuck!

Firstly, it’s important to know that there are ATMs in Holbox. The internet may say there aren’t, but there are a few. How reliable they are is another story!

So, where are the ATMs in Holbox, and how much can you rely on them? Let’s begin!

ATMs in Holbox: A Summary

In summary, it is best to withdraw cash for Holbox before arriving. There are few ATMs on Holbox, and they regularly run out of money or are broken.

However, if you do need to withdraw cash in Holbox, it is possible. There are a number of ATMs on Holbox that you can use. Bear in mind most of the cash points on Isla Holbox only dispense US dollars, and charge for withdrawals.

The best ATM to withdraw money from on Holbox is the CI Banco (bank). It is a large, white building on the main road from the square to the ferry port. This is the only ATM in Holbox that dispenses Mexican pesos.

There are a few other ATMs dotted around (exact locations below) but they aren’t reliable, and will only dispense US dollars. You can use US dollars on Holbox, but the conversion rate in shops isn’t great.

There are a few money exchange stores if you would prefer to change up a large bulk of the money from dollars to pesos.

Exact Locations of ATMs in Holbox

CI BANCO

Dispenses Mexican pesos. Always go to this ATM before withdrawing US dollars, unless you want to pay a higher exchange rate.

You can use international cards at this ATM in Holbox. I recommend visiting early in the morning, before they run out of money from everyone using them in the evening!

Exact location: Calle Tiburón Ballena 6, Predio 3 Zona 2, 77310 Holbox, Q.R., Mexico

LA COMBI BAR

There are 2 ATMs located right next to La Combi, which is a live music and sports bar in Holbox. These are usually in-service but only dispense in US dollars. They often run out of money by the end of the day. Get there early!

Exact location: Calle Tiburón Ballena, Centro, 77310 Holbox, Q.R., Mexico

At the time of writing this in 2023, these were the only in-service ATMs on Holbox.

The ATMs are next to La Combi, opposite this purple/blue shop. They are just off the main square, towards the beach.

How much cash do I need in Isla Holbox?

Holbox isn’t cheap (just like the rest of Mexico!) so you will need to work out a budget beforehand if you are going to withdraw cash first.

Ensure your accommodation is pre-booked, and if you need to pay on arrival for this, make sure you have the correct amount of money withdrawn to avoid credit card fees.

Most hostels and hotels will allow you to pay with card on arrival, but you’ll need to pay a 5-10% fee on top.

Average Isla Holbox prices (Accommodation, food and activities)

On average, you will need the following amounts per day per person.

Accommodation

• Shared dorm: £30-60 per night, depending on the time of year
• Private room: £50-80
• Airbnb: £65+ per night

Food and drink

• Breakfast (with coffee): £10-15
• Lunch (with a drink): £10-15
• Dinner (with a non-alcoholic drink): £18-25
• Street food: £5-6

Activities

• Swimming with whale sharks: £150+
• Three Island Tour: £25-30
• Bike hire: £5-6 an hour
• Golf cart hire: £50 per 4 hours

Can I pay with card in Holbox?

In some places, you can pay with a card in Holbox. For example, La Combi Holbox is a popular bar and live music venue, and they take cards, as well as Clandestino Coffee Shop. However, these are more modern venues with the ability and budget to take card (but you’ll usually have to pay 5% on top of the bill to cover it).

Most places in Holbox do not accept cards. You will need to pay in cash in most venues, for activities and primarily for street food. No street food vendors will accept card.

Can I pay with US dollars in Holbox?

Yes, you can pay with US dollars in Holbox. However, the conversion rate is awful, and you will end up paying way more than if you just used Mexican pesos.

The best idea is to take enough cash with you to the Holbox. This avoids having to pay in US dollars, as most of the ATMs are US dollars only. If you forget to take cash, go to the CI Bank located near the ferry port. This is the only ATM in Holbox that dispenses Mexican pesos.

Where to stay on Isla Holbox as a backpacker

If you’re visiting Isla Holbox for the first time, it’s important to know that the island is walkable, and all of the main attractions are close together. That means wherever you stay, you’ll be able to get to the bars, restaurants and beach within walking distance.

There are no cars on Isla Holbox, but you can rent bikes and golf caddies by the hour if you’d like to visit the beaches a little further out of the main town. But even these are walkable if you don’t mind walking for 45-60 minutes at a time.

If you’re a backpacker visiting Isla Holbox, I recommend staying in one of the following.

• Che Hostel: is the most well-known backpacker hostel on the island. Che is perfect if you’re travelling solo and want to socialise and party. It’s around a 5-10 minute walk from the beach, bars and restaurants.
• Tribu Hostel: One of the closest hostels to the beach (under a 25-second walk!) and only 2 minutes from the main bars and restaurants.
• Hostal Holbox: If you’re on a tight budget, I recommend Hostal Holbox. It’s cheaper than Che and Tribu, but is still close to the beach, has a fun atmosphere and is social for solo backpackers.

Is Holbox worth visiting?

Yes! Holbox is a special place in Mexico, and should be on every backpacker’s route. There’s a lot to do, although it’s perfect for a few days of calm, cocktails and Mexican street food.

Expect turquoise crystal clear water and white sandy beaches with tall palm trees and blue skies. If you’ve just been to Tulum or Cancun, you’ll appreciate the quieter, less-developed Mexican island with no cars or built-up resorts.

Is Holbox cash only?

Most restaurants, bars and shops in Holbox are cash only, but the island is changing. More and more places are accepting cards, but it is still a predominantly cash island. Ensure you have enough cash on you for the duration of your trip, as the ATMs on Isla Holbox are unreliable and often run out of money.

ATMs in Isla Holbox also give out US Dollars, which you will then need to exchange (or pay a really bad conversion rate for in shops or restaurants). Bring enough cash with you to cover your trip to Isla Holbox. The only ATM on the island that gives Mexican pesos is the CI Banco, on the road towards the ferry dock.

Best backpacker travel insurance for Mexico

If you’re visiting Mexico as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it is so important to have travel insurance. And if you ended up on a post that’s called ‘epic party tips’, you know (just as well as I do) that you definitely need travel insurance.

Personally, I recommend SafetyWing. As a digital nomad and world traveller myself, I can confirm it is the best travel insurance out there. And one of the cheapest – they have deals that start at just $42 USD per month.

I know, I know, you’re thinking ‘but I can’t afford that!’. I was the same! It’s tough to fork out $42 a month on something ‘you might not need’. But what if something DOES happen? That extra Mezcal shot results in you falling down the stairs, or you eat something dodgy from a street food van.

If you need medical help at any point whilst in Mexico, you need travel insurance.

With SafetyWing, you’re covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpacker’s price!)

Don’t even think twice about getting travel insurance for Mexico. Trust me, I have heard enough horror stories about backpackers who haven’t had insurance and have ended up in a lot of debt. Don’t be that person!

If you’ve been putting the job off because it takes a lot of time and effort to research the best travel insurance companies, I understand. That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you. Sign up for SafetyWing, and the job is done!

ATMs in Holbox: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about ATMs in Holbox. Hopefully, this helps you to plan your epic backpacking trip around Mexico!

When you’re planning a trip to Mexico, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!

If you haven’t come across my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m currently backpacking Mexico with my boyfriend (read more here!), whilst creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!

Keep an eye out for more Mexico content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!

As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!

Happy travelling 🙂

Jennie x

Other Mexico posts:

• How To Get To Holbox From Cancun: Backpacker Guide 2023
• How To Get From Cancun Airport To Chiquila (+ Isla Holbox) 2023
• How To Get From Cancun to Tulum: Backpacker Guide (2023)