Know your consumer rights in Mexico: No, a business cannot refuse your torn bills

I have lived in Mexico for 15 years and have found that the refusal to accept torn bills at businesses is common, with OXXO being the main offender. It wasn't until this week's report from Mexico's consumer protection agency about the usage of torn and stained bills that I learned the practice of refusing bills is illegal.

The Bank of Mexico (Banxico) has said that torn and scratched bills do not lose their value and that therefore we can pay with them in any establishment.

But, it is very likely that you . . .