sfmacaws
Mar 10, 2004, 11:56 AM
Post #2 of 10
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Re: [Coppertino] Reasonable Amount to Carry
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I would take $100 to $150 US dollars and put them away somewhere as an emergency fund. Make sure the bills are no larger than a $20 and have no rips or tears on them, torn money is very difficult to impossible to use here. Once you cross the border, go to an ATM and use your debit card to get pesos. You'll get a good exchange rate though BofA may add a service charge, some banks do now. There are ATM's everywhere, just take out enough money for your expenses when you need it. I usually get $3000 pesos at a time as some banks have limits on how much they will dispense.
Don't bring travelers checks as they are difficult to cash and usually get you a bad exchange rate. Also forget money orders. If necessary, you can always exchange US currency at a money changer or at a bank. But I've rarely had to use my US slush fund, I still keep one just in case. It's also convenient to bring US stamps if you may want to mail something in the states, usually you can get someone who is flying back to take your envelopes and mail them at the airport for you. It's a little harder since 9/11 but I usually leave the envelope open and show them the contents before sealing it.
If you are only here for 3 months, you don't need a Mexican bank account and you can't get one anyway on a tourist visa. You can do most transactions at your US bank online. Just set up your online banking before you leave the US and make sure you understand how to do it. Also set up any recurring bills for payment online, it is the simplest way.
Have fun,
Jonna - Mérida, Yucatán
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