Forums > Areas > North Pacific Region

Alison Cunningham

Jun 20, 2005, 5:15 PM

Post #1 of 7 (1423 views)

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Changing currency

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Hi All,
Just wondering ... when I come to Maz on Oct 11th, should I change my $$ into pesos at my bank, at the Seattle Airport, at the hotel? Should I get large denominations or small. Which would be the most convenient? Bills? Some coins?
Thanks,
Alison.

Marlene / Moderator

Jun 20, 2005, 6:43 PM

Post #2 of 7 (1417 views)

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Re: [Alison Cunningham] Changing currency

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If you are used to using an ATM card plan to use it here as well. There is an ATM machine in the airport to get you started. There is another just up the block from the La Siesta and Belmar Hotels. Remember that when you ask for $ it will now be in pesos, something which confuses some newcomers at first. They are thinking that they will get $100.00 US worth of pesos when you push 100.00 and when in reality you will receive $100.00 pesos which won't get you into Mazatlan in a taxi. You might want to consider bringing a spare ATM card just in case, and also letting your bank know you will be in Mexico, especially if you plan to use a credit card here.

Alison Cunningham

Jun 20, 2005, 6:52 PM

Post #3 of 7 (1413 views)

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Re: [Alison Cunningham] Changing currency

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Thanks for the info and the advice Marlene. Will make sure I bring my atm card with me and inform the bank and the credit card company about my presence in Mexico.
Any rain yet?
Alison

ncferret

Jun 21, 2005, 6:06 AM

Post #4 of 7 (1397 views)

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Re: [Alison Cunningham] Changing currency

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Everything you want to know about banking in Mazatlan is at this link:

http://www.maztravel.com/kwiki/index.cgi?Banking

There will be a 7.5 peso fee (70 cents) each time you use the ATM, plus whatever your bank charges. A small problem with many of the ATM's is that you only get large bills ($200 or $500 peso notes). These can be hard to cash for small items as many stores don't keep change for even this size bill.

Rain? A few small showers. No flooding as yet :)

(This post was edited by ncferret on Jun 21, 2005, 6:07 AM)

MazDee

Jun 23, 2005, 10:40 PM

Post #5 of 7 (1351 views)

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Re: [ncferret] Changing currency

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My bank (California Commerce) does free transactions at ATMs. The account is called Amisted and I think you have to be 55, maybe it's ony 50, to get one. They are owned by Banamex, which is owned by Citibank, as I understand it. When I have needed special services I have gone to Banamex for help, and got it. Anyway, I like it, and their good customer service, toll free to LA. I cannot imagine living here without an ATM at hand to get my pesos when I need them.

MazDee

Jun 23, 2005, 10:55 PM

Post #6 of 7 (1350 views)

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Re: [MazDee] Changing currency

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Alison, be sure to ask YOUR bank if they have an affiliate here! It could save you a little bit. I seem to remember you have a B of A ccount. Someone here has posted the affiliates which don't charge ATM fees. Search, or ask your bank.

ncferret

Jun 24, 2005, 12:41 AM

Post #7 of 7 (1344 views)

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Re: [MazDee] Changing currency

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The list of banks that MAY not charge ATMS fees is listed in the link posted above and again here:

http://www.maztravel.com/kwiki/index.cgi?Banking

This changes from time to time. Also, ETrade will reimburse for ATM fees at any bank ATM.