Forums > Areas > Jalisco's Lake Chapala Region

pat

Aug 27, 2003, 2:29 PM

Post #1 of 7 (275 views)

Shortcut

Need quick advice

Can't Post | Private Reply

My wife and I are flying into GDL next Wednesday, and taking the cab to Ajijic. Two questions:

1. should be change money at the airport, or pay the cab driver in USD?
2. how much should we tip the driver for the trip to Ajijic?

Thanks,

Pat

esperanza

Aug 27, 2003, 2:41 PM

Post #2 of 7 (267 views)

Shortcut

Re: [pat] Need quick advice

Can't Post | Private Reply

If you're arriving during the day, change some money at the money-changing place in the GDL airport. You can change more in Ajijic, or take money out of the ATM (it comes out of the machine in pesos but is deducted from your account in the currency you use at home). The exchange rate is favorable both at the airport and at either option in Ajijic.

Tip the taxi 10-15%. Don't forget to tip the guy who takes care of your baggage at the airport~I usually tip 10 pesos per bag or more if they are especially heavy.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

(This post was edited by esperanza on Aug 27, 2003, 2:42 PM)

Uncle Donnie

Aug 27, 2003, 2:43 PM

Post #3 of 7 (265 views)

Shortcut

Re: [pat] Need quick advice

Can't Post |

You'll buy a "ticket" at a booth inside the airport and just present it to any driver waiting by the curb. The price is fixed, according to your destination. It's been a while but I think it's about the peso equivalent of U.S. $20 or $25.

Tips for drivers aren't mandatory but I usually give up a bit if the driver helps with luggage. 20 pesos or so will be generous.

Change a few bucks at your hometown airport before you come down. And carry a ballpoint pen onto the plane. You'll need it.

Have a smooth flight and a wonderful visit.

Shameless self-promotion:
http://www.headformexico.com

pat

Aug 27, 2003, 2:54 PM

Post #4 of 7 (261 views)

Shortcut

Re: [Uncle Donnie] Need quick advice

Can't Post | Private Reply

Esperanza and UD

Thanks for very good advice. that's what I like about this forum. Great advice and good people.

Pat

FeelinGroovy

Aug 27, 2003, 3:01 PM

Post #5 of 7 (259 views)

Shortcut

Re: [pat] Need quick advice

Can't Post | Private Reply

You can also pay with USD at the taxi ticket booth and choose pesos for your change. This is an easy way to get pesos that will hold you over till you get to a convenient ATM Lakeside. When I was there in July it was $28 from GDL to Ajijic. They may have charged a little more because it was 5:30am, I don't know.
Libby

(This post was edited by Libby on Aug 27, 2003, 3:22 PM)

Georgia

Aug 27, 2003, 3:54 PM

Post #6 of 7 (245 views)

Shortcut

Re: [pat] Need quick advice

Can't Post | Private Reply

At the airport, as you exit international arrivals, turn right and there's an ATM machine about 25 paces away. Very convenient. Good exchange rate, you can usually change up to your bank's ATM limit.

pat

Aug 27, 2003, 6:08 PM

Post #7 of 7 (224 views)

Shortcut

Re: [pat] three more questions

Can't Post | Private Reply

My wife and I need to stay in close contact with our stateside offices while we are in Ajijic.

1. Will our Alltel cell phones work in roam mode while there?

2. If not, what is the easiest/cheapest way to stay in phone contact while there?

3. Is the cyber cafe a reasonable way to stay in email contact?

Thanks again,

Pat