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mtgoat666
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Posts: 17294
Registered: 9-16-2006
Location: San Diego
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Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  | Who carries $1500 cash, when credit cards, and other means of payment are available? That seems fishy to me. And someone carries a briefcase with
money in it???
IDK, just seems like an odd story.
John |
Typically I only use cash when traveling in baja. I dont trust many vendors (especially gas stations) with credit card, many vendors dont take CC,
and I dont use my ATM card in baja, as sometimes it wont work, or remote locations just dont have ATMs.
Pretty normal to take several thousand dollars...
The reason I avoid using CC, is that when fraud does occur it is a pain in the @ss to get new CC number and change all my accounts that bill to that
CC.
I avoid using my ATM card as I have a had a few times where it just did not work -- probably because i infrequently try to use it in mexico so bank
just says no dice.
Woke!
“...ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” “My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America
will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”
Prefered gender pronoun: the royal we
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David K
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Posts: 64479
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Gotta agree with the goat, here!
The ATM can swallow your card... then what do you do? Only have used a card rarely, at places I trust, like at Baja Cactus Pemex, El Rosario.
Although, unlike the goat, I am not a 1%'er, and have never taken close to $1,000 or more on a Baja trip! Maybe in the future, since he is opposed to
cheap fuel for the people, the cost of gasoline may force me to bring more cash?!!
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Bajaboy
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Posts: 4375
Registered: 10-9-2003
Location: Bahia Asuncion, BCS, Mexico
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| Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666 | | Quote: Originally posted by John Harper | Who carries $1500 cash, when credit cards, and other means of payment are available? That seems fishy to me. And someone carries a briefcase with
money in it???
IDK, just seems like an odd story.
John |
Typically I only use cash when traveling in baja. I dont trust many vendors (especially gas stations) with credit card, many vendors dont take CC,
and I dont use my ATM card in baja, as sometimes it wont work, or remote locations just dont have ATMs.
Pretty normal to take several thousand dollars...
The reason I avoid using CC, is that when fraud does occur it is a pain in the @ss to get new CC number and change all my accounts that bill to that
CC.
I avoid using my ATM card as I have a had a few times where it just did not work -- probably because i infrequently try to use it in mexico so bank
just says no dice. |
Of course you don't trust vendors in Mexico Most places do take credit card and
it's a very safe way to handle a transaction. I've only had issues with my credit card north of the border. We always have an emergency atm card as
well as an emergency credit card. And certain banks are pretty reliable while others are not. I'm happy to share some of the ones we prefer.
As for atms/banks, sure they some times run out of money or are out of service. We like to carry a small amount of pesos ($2000 if we're out of our
village) but normally will use our credit card when possible. Why not collect the points, right? And there are no transaction fees like there are
using an atm.
There is absolutely no reason to carry large amounts of money!
[Edited on 10-6-2021 by Bajaboy]
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Don Pisto
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Location: El Pescador
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chalk it up to different strokes, my Schwab card has never been used for anything other than withdrawing dough from Santander.....Cash, its everywhere
you want to be 
there's only two things in life but I forget what they are........
John Hiatt
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JZ
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9227
Registered: 10-3-2003
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| Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666 |
Typically I only use cash when traveling in baja. I dont trust many vendors (especially gas stations) with credit card, many vendors dont take CC,
and I dont use my ATM card in baja, as sometimes it wont work, or remote locations just dont have ATMs.
Pretty normal to take several thousand dollars...
The reason I avoid using CC, is that when fraud does occur it is a pain in the @ss to get new CC number and change all my accounts that bill to that
CC.
I avoid using my ATM card as I have a had a few times where it just did not work -- probably because i infrequently try to use it in mexico so bank
just says no dice. |
Too much paranoia here. Have used a CC every where available in MX for 20 years without problem. Save your cash for where it is required.
For debit cards, you go to your bank's app and setup a travel plan. Takes 30 seconds. Save debit cards to pull cash out of ATMs. Use CC for
everything else.
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mtgoat666
Select Nomad
Posts: 17294
Registered: 9-16-2006
Location: San Diego
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Mood: Hot n spicy
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| Quote: Originally posted by Bajaboy | | Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666 | | Quote: Originally posted by John Harper | Who carries $1500 cash, when credit cards, and other means of payment are available? That seems fishy to me. And someone carries a briefcase with
money in it???
IDK, just seems like an odd story.
John |
Typically I only use cash when traveling in baja. I dont trust many vendors (especially gas stations) with credit card, many vendors dont take CC,
and I dont use my ATM card in baja, as sometimes it wont work, or remote locations just dont have ATMs.
Pretty normal to take several thousand dollars...
The reason I avoid using CC, is that when fraud does occur it is a pain in the @ss to get new CC number and change all my accounts that bill to that
CC.
I avoid using my ATM card as I have a had a few times where it just did not work -- probably because i infrequently try to use it in mexico so bank
just says no dice. |
Of course you don't trust vendors in Mexico Most places do take credit card and
it's a very safe way to handle a transaction. I've only had issues with my credit card north of the border. We always have an emergency atm card as
well as an emergency credit card. And certain banks are pretty reliable while others are not. I'm happy to share some of the ones we prefer.
As for atms/banks, sure they some times run out of money or are out of service. We like to carry a small amount of pesos ($2000 if we're out of our
village) but normally will use our credit card when possible. Why not collect the points, right? And there are no transaction fees like there are
using an atm.
There is absolutely no reason to carry large amounts of money!
[Edited on 10-6-2021 by Bajaboy] |
I got no worries carrying cash.
I have been annoyed with fake CC charges in mexico, and had atm card rejected.
Pretty easy to carry cash on road tripping vacation…
Re card points, i care about the cost more than points.
in usa i do often ask small biz for cash discount on larger transactions,… often get it.
I can get 2% cash back with CC, or pay 2 or 3 % less cash, and vendor avoids CC fees and keeps cash off books. Win win!
Woke!
“...ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” “My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America
will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”
Prefered gender pronoun: the royal we
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Bajaboy
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4375
Registered: 10-9-2003
Location: Bahia Asuncion, BCS, Mexico
Member Is Offline
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| Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666 | | Quote: Originally posted by Bajaboy | | Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666 | | Quote: Originally posted by John Harper | Who carries $1500 cash, when credit cards, and other means of payment are available? That seems fishy to me. And someone carries a briefcase with
money in it???
IDK, just seems like an odd story.
John |
Typically I only use cash when traveling in baja. I dont trust many vendors (especially gas stations) with credit card, many vendors dont take CC,
and I dont use my ATM card in baja, as sometimes it wont work, or remote locations just dont have ATMs.
Pretty normal to take several thousand dollars...
The reason I avoid using CC, is that when fraud does occur it is a pain in the @ss to get new CC number and change all my accounts that bill to that
CC.
I avoid using my ATM card as I have a had a few times where it just did not work -- probably because i infrequently try to use it in mexico so bank
just says no dice. |
Of course you don't trust vendors in Mexico Most places do take credit card and
it's a very safe way to handle a transaction. I've only had issues with my credit card north of the border. We always have an emergency atm card as
well as an emergency credit card. And certain banks are pretty reliable while others are not. I'm happy to share some of the ones we prefer.
As for atms/banks, sure they some times run out of money or are out of service. We like to carry a small amount of pesos ($2000 if we're out of our
village) but normally will use our credit card when possible. Why not collect the points, right? And there are no transaction fees like there are
using an atm.
There is absolutely no reason to carry large amounts of money!
[Edited on 10-6-2021 by Bajaboy] |
I got no worries carrying cash.
I have been annoyed with fake CC charges in mexico, and had atm card rejected.
Pretty easy to carry cash on road tripping vacation…
Re card points, i care about the cost more than points.
in usa i do often ask small biz for cash discount on larger transactions,… often get it.
I can get 2% cash back with CC, or pay 2 or 3 % less cash, and vendor avoids CC fees and keeps cash off books. Win win!
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You ask for a discount
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AKgringo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5807
Registered: 9-20-2014
Location: Anchorage, AK (no mas!)
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Even my dentist in La Paz is happy to take a credit card for the work she does. Why not....it saves her from having to store cash, or make a trip to
the bank.
If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much space!
"Could do better if he tried!" Report card comments from most of my grade school teachers. Sadly, still true!
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esemjay1956
Newbie
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Registered: 4-24-2020
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Funny how a topic morphs into something else...I was the original poster... So in addition to the one experience copied from facebook, my good friend
just passed through about a week ago. They emptied all her cabinents in her small motorhome and hassesed her for quite a while. I personally have had
problems with these guys and only these guys at this checkpoint more than once. I am headed to Loreto in a couple weeks and I'm not looking forward to
dealing with these guys.
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John Harper
Super Nomad
Posts: 2289
Registered: 3-9-2017
Location: SoCal
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| Quote: Originally posted by JZ | | Quote: Originally posted by John Harper | Who carries $1500 cash, when credit cards, and other means of payment are available? That seems fishy to me. And someone carries a briefcase with
money in it???
IDK, just seems like an odd story.
John |
What are you talking about? I wouldn't recommend anyone travel Baja with less cash.
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Not everyone is a big shot like you who travels with motorcycles, wives, kids, dogs, monster trucks and drones. Most the time I travel solo, have
several credit cards with big limits, and my ATM card. Never had need for that much cake. Brought cash for a couple nights at MSR a couple years
ago, pre-pandemic.
John
[Edited on 10-7-2021 by John Harper]
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SFandH
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Posts: 6925
Registered: 8-5-2011
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One time I gave a ride to one of the soldiers at the San Ignacio checkpoint back to his base, south of Santa Rosalia.
Maybe stop there to make a report?
[Edited on 10-7-2021 by SFandH]
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watizname
Senior Nomad
Posts: 769
Registered: 8-7-2009
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Been coming down to Baja for 30 some years. Never had a problem at a check point. Back in the old days my wife would pass out Victoria Secrets
Catalogues and tootsi-roll pops. BUT this last Tues- Oct 5, at San Ignacio, the boys unzipped every zipper on every suitcase, looked in every
compartment in the truck cab, went thru the backpacks, my wife's purse, and looked at the labels on all the medications in our suitcases. I'm 74 and
had open heart surgery 12 years ago so I do carry quite a few medications, and my wife has back problems so she has hers. I actually showed the
little darling my surgery scar to make a point about the meds. Worst inspection in over 30 years. Absolutely ridiculous. Said they were looking for
drugas and armas. Stay right next to them. They told us to step away and we refused. Didn't loose anything this time because we wouldn't let them
alone. Say what you want doubters, but it IS happening.
I yam what I yam and that\'s all what I yam.
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SFandH
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6925
Registered: 8-5-2011
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| Quote: Originally posted by watizname | | Been coming down to Baja for 30 some years. Never had a problem at a check point. Back in the old days my wife would pass out Victoria Secrets
Catalogues and tootsi-roll pops. BUT this last Tues- Oct 5, at San Ignacio, the boys unzipped every zipper on every suitcase, looked in every
compartment in the truck cab, went thru the backpacks, my wife's purse, and looked at the labels on all the medications in our suitcases. I'm 74 and
had open heart surgery 12 years ago so I do carry quite a few medications, and my wife has back problems so she has hers. I actually showed the
little darling my surgery scar to make a point about the meds. Worst inspection in over 30 years. Absolutely ridiculous. Said they were looking for
drugas and armas. Stay right next to them. They told us to step away and we refused. Didn't loose anything this time because we wouldn't let them
alone. Say what you want doubters, but it IS happening. |
Chit, I'm going through there next week with a car full of stuff. Was your wife carrying her purse? Did they open a wallet?
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pacificobob
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I always get them engaged in conversation. "Where are you from? " how long in the army?" My wife watches the cab while watch them in the bed of the
truck. [Or trailer]
Zero problems since the '60s. They are aware of the scrutiny we are directing their way.
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Don Pisto
Super Nomad
Posts: 1232
Registered: 8-1-2018
Location: El Pescador
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Mood: weary like everyone else
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get the app....it can't hurt
https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/milan/index.php/avisos/82-app-d...
there's only two things in life but I forget what they are........
John Hiatt
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Russ
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Location: Punta Chivato
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I went thru SI on Wednesday without much hassle but talking with other recent arrivals some were really checked out to being pulled over and unloaded.
One had his coffee opened and checked. Only complaints were about San Ignacio...
Bahia Concepcion where life starts...given a chance!
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BajaBlanca
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This is really unacceptable. Something should be done.
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esemjay1956
Newbie
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Registered: 4-24-2020
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san ignacio checkpoint
Glad to see someone else had a problem. And yes I called the number last June on my way north, nothing has changed. This is a big deal for folks
headed through for the first time especially, these guys can be very intimidating. I have a hard time believing the Commandante south of Santa
Rosalia is not aware of the situation.
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mtgoat666
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Posts: 17294
Registered: 9-16-2006
Location: San Diego
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| Quote: Originally posted by esemjay1956 | | Glad to see someone else had a problem. And yes I called the number last June on my way north, nothing has changed. This is a big deal for folks
headed through for the first time especially, these guys can be very intimidating. I have a hard time believing the Commandante south of Santa
Rosalia is not aware of the situation. |
The fact that this has been going on for years tells you all you need to know. Military is rotten to the core. Just like most police are rotten to
the core.
Military and police are in bed with cartels. Military and police are also practicing armed robbery of citizens.
Stealing at inspection points while carrying guns is armed robbery.
Fleecing motorists with fake traffic charges while carrying guns is armed robbery.
No one in military cares if toursists complain to jefes. The jefes are ALL corrupt, and the mexican citizens are accepting of their government.
Nothing will change until Mexicans stand up and demand more of their government.
[Edited on 10-9-2021 by mtgoat666]
Woke!
“...ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” “My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America
will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”
Prefered gender pronoun: the royal we
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surfhat
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Registered: 6-4-2012
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Not this particular problematic check point, but when I drove down in early March, two of the military check points on the 1 thoroughly searched my
car and bags, and I mean thoroughly.
This was the first time in decades, lucky me?, that my stuff was gone through to that extent. Sometimes in the past it had been a rudimentary look
over. Not that time.
It could have been because I was traveling alone without the usual group of friends I usually take to share my love of Baja with.
I did try watch him as closely as possible while the military person rifled thoroughly through my belongings. One guy stood by me while the other
searched.
Have at it. The only meds I carried were some blood pressure and prostate bottles. Yep, that comes with the years. Sure beats the alternative.
It was a bit disturbing how deeply they looked into all my stuff. They did not miss a thing.
In the past, they casually looked around. Not last March.
I know they have their reasons, but it did feel excessive at the time.
I always thank them for keeping the roads safe and they seem to appreciate the sentiment.
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