Pop-up vendor store in Guadalajara, Mexico - will my card reader work?

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Topic summary

A Texas-based vendor is preparing for a convention in Guadalajara, Mexico and needs to accept card payments at their booth.

Key Issue:
Shopify POS card readers only work in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, and Australia—not Mexico. The device will not function at the convention.

Currency Considerations:
Mexican regulations typically require transactions to be processed in Mexican Pesos (MXN) rather than USD when using local card networks.

Alternative Payment Solutions:

  • Local processors: Square, Clip, Mercado Pago, or Zettle (may require Mexican business entity or local bank account)
  • PayPal QR codes: Quick setup option for contactless payments
  • Manual card entry: Through Shopify’s manual payment option (not ideal for high-volume convention sales)
  • Traditional methods: Cash and SPEI bank transfers remain popular in Mexico

Recommended Approach:
For immediate needs, PayPal QR codes combined with cash payments offer the simplest solution. For ongoing international vending, registering with a local payment processor beforehand is advisable.

Summarized with AI on November 1. AI used: claude-sonnet-4-5-20250929.
1

I am going to be vending at a dealer’s table in a convention in Guadalajara, Mexico. As a company with nexus in Texas, United States, I was wondering if my Shopify POS card reader would function over there, whether I must keep the transactions in USD or not. As long as I can accept payments it should be good. If not, what options do I have to accept card payments?

2

Hi @supykun

That sounds like an exciting opportunity to showcase your products in Guadalajara. Let’s break this down so you’re fully prepared.

Will your Shopify POS card reader work in Mexico?

Unfortunately, Shopify’s POS card readers are only supported in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, and Australia. Since Mexico isn’t on that list, your Shopify card reader will not work at your convention booth.

Can you keep transactions in USD?

Even if you could use the reader, local regulations and banks in Mexico generally require businesses to process transactions in Mexican Pesos (MXN) when using local card networks. So, keeping everything in USD may not be a viable option for card transactions.

What are your alternatives for accepting payments?

Since Shopify POS won’t work there, here’s what you can do instead:

  1. Use a Local Payment Processor: Services like Square, Clip, Mercado Pago, or Zettle work in Mexico and allow you to accept card payments on-site. You’ll likely need a Mexican business entity or local bank account for some of these.

  2. Accept Manual Card Payments: If you have a Shopify store, you could use Shopify’s manual payment option to enter customer card details manually at checkout. But keep in mind this isn’t ideal for fast-paced sales at a convention.

  3. Use PayPal QR Codes: If you have a PayPal Business account, you can generate QR codes for quick transactions. Many Mexican shoppers are familiar with PayPal, so this could be a simple solution.

  4. Cash & Bank Transfers: Many customers in Mexico use SPEI bank transfers and cash as payment options. Having change ready can help smooth out sales.

What’s the best option?

If you’re looking for a quick and easy setup, PayPal QR codes and cash payments will work without too much hassle. If you want a long-term solution for international vending, consider signing up for a local payment processor like Clip or Mercado Pago ahead of time.

If you need extra help, just let me know asap. Thanks
Daisy.