Forums > Areas > Jalisco's Lake Chapala Region

twelveoaks

Feb 8, 2012, 8:21 AM

Post #1 of 8 (2766 views)

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now we could use a bit of info on credit cards !

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First, we would like to thank all of our Mexconnect friends for the help on banking. We don't know how we could have gotten such great advice else where.

Now on to our next and hopefully last question !

We will not be moving any of our furniture as the cost to move is greater than the cost to replace. We are hoping we can use U.S. credit cards for this.

We have some knowledge of Elektra for electronics as well as Best Buy and WalMart. As far as bedding we are looking at Dormimundo and have no clue as to furniture itself.

Could you please let us know if the afore mentioned stores in Guadalajara accept credit cards ? We could not find this out on line.

Also, any info on where to buy furniture would be greatly appreciated and if they accept credit cards. We are interested in contemporary furniture not rustica or equipale.

Thanks again for all of the help !

Fred & Donna

chinagringo

Feb 8, 2012, 9:12 AM

Post #2 of 8 (2751 views)

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Re: [twelveoaks] now we could use a bit of info on credit cards !

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Given that you state you are interested in contemporary furniture, you are in luck since many Mexicans like the same look for their homes. You will find numerous large furniture stores in Guadalajara for a more typical NOB type shopping experience and probably plenty of stores willing to take a credit card often with an add-on fee for using the card. For a more varied shopping experience, I would suggest Tonalá as I think you might find a greater variety of styles. It will be hit or miss on just which stores accept cards but we have noticed more and more stores accepting them as of recent. Another option would be to make the drive from Lake Chapala out the highway to Ocotlán:
http://maps.google.com/...l=us&t=m&z=9
Both sides of that highway is lined with furniture stores and factories with showrooms. Because most show contemporary in their windows, we have never stopped since it is a style we were not particularly interested in.

A word of warning on any style furniture in Mexico: make sure to sit in/on to evaluate the future comfort. IMO, the market is often more interested in looks with less emphasis on comfort.
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

esperanza

Feb 8, 2012, 10:17 AM

Post #3 of 8 (2731 views)

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Re: [twelveoaks] now we could use a bit of info on credit cards !

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If you are in Guadalajara and drive south on Av. López Mateos, you will find quite a few furniture stores, including Placencia. Placencia's quality is better than some others. http://mueblesplacencia.com/...tendencias-2012.html

In addition to Placencia (and pretty much next door), there is a store called Tutto Pelle--a national chain--where you will find only leather furniture. All of Placencia's furniture and most of Tutto Pelle's is quite modern--the style here is called minimalista. Chinagringo is correct: be certain to sit on any piece you are considering purchasing. http://www.tuttopelle.com.mx/

If you like rattan, check at http://www.mueblesrattan.com/ini/rm.htm.

For bedding, I have always recommended Wendy's mattresses. Ekar de Gas in Guadalajara sells them. The mattresses are superb, both the mattress and the box spring live up to their reputation and their guarantee. Again, be sure to lie down on any mattress you are considering. You'll find a lot of variation in what's comfortable, but Wendy's mattresses, made in Guadalajara, are extraordinary for comfort and quality. There are more mattress models than those listed on the website. http://www.wendy.com.mx/....php?page=Consumidor

About credit cards: if you are using a foreign credit card (i.e., not a Mexican card), the store where you are shopping will add another 3 or so percent to the purchase price of whatever you buy. In addition, your credit card company will also add from 1 to 3% as a foreign credit card transaction fee. They may also add another fee for the exchange of pesos to dollars. You could easily be looking at an additional 5 to 6% added to the purchase price. Just FYI.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

Zardoz

Feb 8, 2012, 10:45 AM

Post #4 of 8 (2717 views)

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Re: [twelveoaks] now we could use a bit of info on credit cards !

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All credit cards are not equal. Some charge 1,2, or 3 %. Some charge zero% FTF but watch the exchange rate so they don't make it up another way.
Credit Unions and some banks if you check can offer much better deals than others. My credit union charges no foreign transaction fee and gives a
fair exchange rate. I believe Capital One has or use to have 0% FTF. Mexican credit cards are very different than US/Europe/Canadian cards. For
example tried to get a PVR box from Telecable and they would not take a US credit card period. Now for us to get a Mexican card can be hard until
you have been here a while and have a financial relationship with a bank or whatever. I think full timers down here should have two US cards (one
for backup) and one mexican card. It is not the only time my US credit cards have been refused in Mexico outside a normal touristy type transaction.
I couldn't rent a car once but could of with a mexican card. We move so much money around down here it is best to really study this stuff. You can
waste much money from fees, service charges, and the big one converting dollars to pesos or pesos to dollars. If you don't look out here someone
has there hand in your pocket both figurativly and literally down here. :-)

Z

stevebrtx

Feb 8, 2012, 11:37 AM

Post #5 of 8 (2705 views)

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Re: [twelveoaks] now we could use a bit of info on credit cards !

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Best Buy MX is a last resort, the prices are totally out of sight. There are Radio Shacks and many others, even Office Depot which are more reasonable - mind you, this IS MX, so they're not "cheap", but more reasonable.
http://www.chapalaweather.net

Axixic

Feb 8, 2012, 12:22 PM

Post #6 of 8 (2685 views)

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Re: [esperanza] now we could use a bit of info on credit cards !

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Thanks for posting these links Esperanza.

johninajijic

Feb 9, 2012, 7:41 AM

Post #7 of 8 (2612 views)

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Re: [twelveoaks] now we could use a bit of info on credit cards !

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Check out the furniture in Mexico VERY CAREFULLY. It is not built like American made furniture. Plascencia furniture which many people rave about, most of it is total crap. I'm happy I brought my furniture with me because Plascencia cannot compare in quality. The reason I brought my furniture is because I was forewarned by friends who lived here for four years before we moved here.

They do have some good leather furniture here, but the average stuff is in Plascencia, although Plascencia does carry a Canadian brand manufacturer is PALLISER. Ask them for that. I broght Palliser leather sofas with me. Couldn't be better. In the US they think so much of their furniture qualkity that they give a lifetime warranty on frames and a 5 year warranty on leather. Here you will get less of a warranty.

If you like high quality leather furniture, go to Tutopelli Furniture on Lopez Mateos Sur.

Axixic

Feb 9, 2012, 7:50 AM

Post #8 of 8 (2607 views)

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Re: [johninajijic] now we could use a bit of info on credit cards !

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The website:

http://www.tuttopelle.com.mx/

(This post was edited by Rolly on Feb 9, 2012, 9:00 AM)