BajaNomad

Good place to change money?

Marmeon - 2-16-2006 at 08:43 PM

Can someone suggest a place to change money in TJ or Ensenada that is convenient to the highway?I'll be just passing through, so I'll just be getting off and on again. Thanks.:bounce:

Bajaboy - 2-16-2006 at 09:01 PM

Why not just get money at an ATM? We usually stop at the ATM directly across from the Mexican flag in Ensenada (at the harbor).

Zac

mcgyver - 2-17-2006 at 03:34 AM

I agree, go with with the ATM, they have become reliable except maybe on the big weekends in smaller towns.
My bank and many others's exchange rate is based on the money market and I get the best exchange rate of a 24 hours period of midnight to midnight, sometimes good, sometimes so-so but always better than cambios on the street.:light:

bajabound2005 - 2-17-2006 at 07:47 AM

Caution on ATM fees! Bank of America charges two fees - an "international transaction fee" which is a percentage of whatever you withdraw AND and non-B of A ATM fee, which is $3. Why not just use your American $$$? Most folks give you a better than market exchange rate (like 11 pesos to the dollar) and are happy to have your US dollars.

We usually stop at...

Mexray - 2-17-2006 at 11:28 AM

...the small Bancomex Branch in the parking lot of the Giganti Super Market on the corner of Gral. Agustin Sangines/Reforma...on the way out of town.

You get the posted 'bank rate', which is usually close to your best deal...and you don't have to pay any commission as you would on your ATM. They have an ATM there also, if you get a good a good deal with your particular bank, commission wise.

It's convenient to pick up a few items at the Giganti, too. Some of their Tequilas are priced 'right'...and you can get oven fresh Boleos and tortillas, as well as other tasty goodies...they have a full range of baked goods!

There are a couple of older 'gents' in the parking lot that look after you vehicle, and guide you safely out of your parking spot when you leave...we tip him a 10NP coin for his services.

turtleandtoad - 2-17-2006 at 12:06 PM

Mexray,
I've always wondered how much to tip the "whistle guys", now I know. Thanks.

My first run-in with them, I didn't know what they were there for and just ignored them. I guess my lack of spanish saved me from hearing some serious cussing.:lol:

Thats something the Church's really should include in their guide.

fandango - 2-17-2006 at 03:18 PM

another good place to use an ATM is in Maneadero. easy to use, english or spanish. first bank on the right. call your US bank before you travel and confirm what the fees are for foreign ATM use. easy parking, just like the gigante, as mexray says.

bajalou - 2-17-2006 at 06:29 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajabound2005
Why not just use your American $$$? Most folks give you a better than market exchange rate (like 11 pesos to the dollar) and are happy to have your US dollars.


Don't know where you find those folks, that give 11 to one, where I go they have rates posted at 10.25 of 10.35. The ones without rates posted usually are 10 to one in this part of the country.

mcgyver - 2-17-2006 at 06:58 PM

I agree with Baja Lou & Hose A., 10 to 1 is all they want to give you around here and the other places I travel in Baja Norte.
I would not use a bank that charged me to use an ATM, my bank reimburses all ATM fees charged by any machine I use and pays 1/2% for using a debit card, which I do not do in Mexico.

cathart - 2-17-2006 at 07:31 PM

I have a B of A account, and use an ATM in Rosarito that is owned by Scotia Bank. I think Scotia Bank and B of A are affiliated, so I never see an additional charge for using the ATM on my account.

mcgyver - 2-18-2006 at 05:11 AM

HSBC Bank is putting in ATM machines all over Baja. They are a world wide bank, you can bank by internet, they have branches in all the major Baja Norte cities and I am sure Baja Sur too. An account with them either in the USA or Mexico would cover you.
Banamex's branch bank in San Felipe will be opening soon to compete with Bancomer, they could not handle the weekend take! ( Literary). All these banks have USA partners.

Hook - 2-18-2006 at 09:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajabound2005
Caution on ATM fees! Bank of America charges two fees - an "international transaction fee" which is a percentage of whatever you withdraw AND and non-B of A ATM fee, which is $3. Why not just use your American $$$? Most folks give you a better than market exchange rate (like 11 pesos to the dollar) and are happy to have your US dollars.


Sounds pretty typical of B of A. That's why I stopped using them 30 years ago. Nickel and dime you to death.....

My credit union gives the going rate at the time of the transaction. No other fees.

Bob H - 2-19-2006 at 10:02 AM

We stop at the Calimax grocery store south of Ensenada on the way to Maneadero - plenty of parking and the ATM is just inside the store door. I think Hook or Elgataloco turned me on to this location. It's great.
Bob H

mcgyver - 2-19-2006 at 03:51 PM

Well as of Friday the offical bank rate was 10.38 to 1, Local grocery was posted at 10.20 to 1, street enchange remained 10 to 1 in San Felipe. It can get better if you know a business man needing dollars to buy supplys in the states, I hear that in the bars its 8 to 1.:lol:

Hook - 2-20-2006 at 07:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by mcgyver
HSBC Bank is putting in ATM machines all over Baja. They are a world wide bank, you can bank by internet, they have branches in all the major Baja Norte cities and I am sure Baja Sur too. An account with them either in the USA or Mexico would cover you.
Banamex's branch bank in San Felipe will be opening soon to compete with Bancomer, they could not handle the weekend take! ( Literary). All these banks have USA partners.


Didn't HSBC buy out all the Bitals? I remember the Bitals charging a pretty steep fee for use of the ATM. Is HSBC different?

Tucker - 2-20-2006 at 08:05 PM

ATM fees are set by your bank. I live off my ATM card and haven't paid a fee in several years. I use HSBC regularly.

capn.sharky - 2-22-2006 at 05:25 PM

In a pinch, ask the attendent at the Pemex station if he would like to change dollars. They should give you the posted amount. Cost you a little, but, oh so fast. They make a little on it, but not enough to keep me from doing it.

bajalou - 2-22-2006 at 07:07 PM

Today the Pemex (old Rodriguez one) exchange buying fuel 10 to 1. I mentioned the "Jefe was a poquito bandito" for that exchange and the attendant said "Momento" went over to another and returned with 13 pesos change from $30 on 300 peso purchase. Still very close to 10 to 1.

Bruce R Leech - 2-22-2006 at 07:48 PM

why try and spend US money in Mexico. if a store is giving you 10 to 1 that means that they would rather you use Pesos. it is an inconvenience for them to go to the bank and change your money for you. so you pay for it.

marv sherrill - 2-23-2006 at 05:52 PM

Costco in Chula Vista - easy best rates - no charge