ATMs and cash in Sayulita: where we take money out, and the button to say no to
Use an ATM inside a bank, restaurant or shop when you can. Street ATMs are a bit riskier but usually fine. The ones we use are at Kapital bank, Don Pedro's and Public House. When the ATM offers to convert your withdrawal into your home currency, always decline, because your own bank's rate is a better deal. Then pay in pesos: many places take cards with a small surcharge, some take only cash, and US dollars get a poor rate. At the busiest times of year, bring the pesos you'll need, because the ATMs in town can run out of cash.
Getting cash in Sayulita is easy. There are ATMs all over town. A couple of small habits make it safer and save you money every time you use one.
Where is the safest ATM in Sayulita?
The safest ATMs are the ones inside: in a bank, a restaurant or a shop, where there are people around and nobody is waiting behind you on the street.
Street ATMs are a little riskier. They're usually still fine, but if you have the choice, step inside.
The ATMs we use
These are the ones our family uses. All three are indoors, in places that are open and busy.
| ATM | Where to find it |
|---|---|
| Kapital bank | In the same building as Sayulita Fit, the gym on the road into town. Map |
| Don Pedro's | A restaurant on the beach, at our end of town. Map |
| Public House | A pub and restaurant on the main square. The ATM is at the back at street level, past the bar. Map |
Do ATMs in Sayulita run out of cash?
Yes, at the busiest times of year. In peak season, like New Year and Semana Santa (Easter week), every ATM in town can run out of cash, and sometimes days go by before they're refilled.
If you're coming at a busy time, bring as many pesos with you as you think you'll need.
Always decline the ATM's currency conversion
This is the tip that saves the most money.
When you take out pesos with a card from home, many ATMs offer to convert the amount into your own currency, so you "know exactly what you'll pay". It sounds helpful. It isn't. That conversion is how the ATM makes extra money, and its rate is worse than your bank's.
Always choose decline, or without conversion. Your withdrawal still comes out in pesos, and your own bank does the exchange at its rate, which is always a better deal.
Cash or card in Sayulita?
Bring both. A lot of restaurants take credit cards, but usually with a surcharge of about 5%. Some places take cash only, so it's good to have pesos on you.
Most places will also take US dollars in cash, but at an exchange rate that doesn't favour you. It's always better to pay in the local currency, which here means pesos.
Quick ATM checklist
- Pick an ATM inside a bank, restaurant or shop.
- Take out pesos.
- Decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Put your cash and card away before you walk out.
If you're carrying a fair amount, keep a little separate in your pocket and leave the rest in the safe. There's more on that in Is Sayulita safe?.
Last checked by our team on 30 October 2026. Things change in a small town, so if something here is out of date, tell us on WhatsApp.
