Forums > General > Traveling Mexico

PV Bound

Jul 2, 2002, 4:41 PM

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Urgent / After Hours Currency Exchange

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I need to know if there are any after hours currency exchange places either in Nogales, AZ or Nogales, MX. I am leaving tomorrow and would like to exchange dollars into pesos, but it has to be done a the early hours of the morning, like 3:00 a.m. or so. Otherwise, this is my question, can you pay with dollars at tolls and in gas stations?I am not going to use an ATM on the otherside of the border because, the rate being charged by my bank WELLS FARGO is 9.16 per U.S. Dollar and have already withdrawn the funds for the trip and there is barely enough money in the account to cover bills. In addition, there are several transaction fees that may further reduce the exchange rate. American Express Travel Related Services sells pesos, but at a lower rate of 9.06 per U.S. Dollar. I think that I can do better at the border as the current exchange rate is 9.97 per U.S. Dollar.If you know which place and telephone number and an address is greatly appreciated. Will be leaving tomorrow at around 4:00 to 5:00 P.M. from Pasadena, CA. Expect to be in Nogales around 1:30 a.m. MST. I am hoping to cross the border at around 3:00 a.m. or 4:00 a.m. and be in Mazatlan, Sinaloa at 6:00 or 7:00 p.m.. I will give a report on my trip when I come back on July 19, 2002.

Luz

Jul 2, 2002, 6:36 PM

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Correct me if I'm wrong

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but the ATM exchange rate in Mexico has nothing to do with Wells Fargo. All they will do is charge you the typical ATM charge (often more for international). Just like at home, they charge the same for $5 or $300. Always take close to your max to avoid charges.ATM's in Mexico give you the current rate they (the bank) are using.

Ernie Gorrie

Jul 2, 2002, 9:07 PM

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3:00 AM Crossing and Currency

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It's been almost a year since I last crossed the border at Nogales, but my recollection is that the place where you do the paperwork for vehicle importation and migracion opens at 5:00 AM. If that is the case, there's not much point in crossing the border too early.I also recall that tolls and gas stations in Sonora accepted payment in US$. By the time you get to Ciudad Obregon, banks and exchange houses may be open. For sure they'll be open by the time you get to Hermosillo.

PV Bound

Jul 2, 2002, 9:23 PM

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3:00 AM Crossing and Currency

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Thanks for the info, but I already have my importation permit and the FMT's for all my passengers, so I am ready to go.

PV Bound

Jul 2, 2002, 9:24 PM

Post #5 of 8 (653 views)

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Correct me if I'm wrong

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: but the ATM exchange rate in Mexico has nothing to do with Wells Fargo. All they will do is charge you the typical ATM charge (often more for international). Just like at home, they charge the same for $5 or $300. Always take close to your max to avoid charges.: ATM's in Mexico give you the current rate they (the bank) are using.Maybe true, but that is what Wells Fargo told me. Once I used them in MX and their exchange rate was not that good. It was better at the currency exchange places.

Jul 2, 2002, 9:38 PM

Post #6 of 8 (656 views)

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Correct me if I'm wrong

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: Maybe true, but that is what Wells Fargo told me. Once I used them in MX and their exchange rate was not that good. I'm with Luz on this one. The currency exchange would be handled by the ATM network rather than the bank itself. In the case of Wells Fargo and international transactions, this would be Cirrus, a Mastercard International subsidiary. Wells of course will happily slap you with all kinds of fees.It sounds like you talked with one of Wells Fargo's typically clueless first level customer service reps. The number you were quoted, which is even worse then their highly marked up "interquenta" rate, sounds suspiciously like the recent spot currency exchange rates you'd be offered if you went into one of Wells Fargo branches (typically only one or two in major urban areas) where you could either purchase pesos or exchange them for US dollars.Naturally, you can exchange money however you see fit....

Elliott Moore

Jul 4, 2002, 10:07 AM

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3:00 AM Crossing and Currency

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Esteban

Jul 5, 2002, 12:51 PM

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you have incorrect numbers

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It's Friday the 5th of July and at 12:49PM I took 3000 pesos out of my Wells Fargo account using my ATM card. If I factor in the $3.00 USD access fee charged by Wells Fargo I end up with a rate of 9.77 pesos to the dollar. That's still not bad. You won't get a better rate in Tucson and only the ATM machines will be open in Nogales on both sides of the fence.