BajaNomad - san diego currency exchange....

san diego currency exchange....

surfer jim - 7-2-2007 at 11:49 AM

For most trips I never exchange currency but for my extended trip I want to use pesos...I am tired of the gas station exchange rate scams...(10 pesos = $1)...raises price of gas 10+%....

got an easy place to exchange near the border...hopefully with parking.....?

Debra - 7-2-2007 at 11:56 AM

Jim, just take the last exit, go left under the freeway, straight ahead is one, there is another one if you take a right at the Mobil station and go a block or so (it's on the left) and is easier to get back on the freeway, get into the left lane real fast when you leave then you can use the light to get out, and back on the freeway.

bajadogs - 7-2-2007 at 11:59 AM

Better yet, use an ATM in Ensenada. We use the ATM inside the Gigante supermarket.

Debra - 7-2-2007 at 12:08 PM

That will work also, but, when I go down I go for months at a time and need more than my bank's daily limit, and a ATM for me is 3 hrs. away at the least!

Hook - 7-2-2007 at 12:10 PM

ATMS, all the way.

Two weeks ago, my credit union gave me an exchange rate of 10.923. I paid a 7.5 peso charge (about .70) to withdraw 4000 pesos to the Mexican bank that owned the ATM. No charge from my credit union.

It's too easy and you dont have the worry of the walk back to your car through seedy San Ysidro.

Debra - 7-2-2007 at 12:18 PM

Hook, you must have a larger daily limit than my $500........or spend way less than I do :biggrin:

DENNIS - 7-2-2007 at 12:27 PM

There's a Costco on Broadway in Chula Vista with an exchange window that gives a better rate than any I've seen. The ATM's all over Ensenada are still a better deal.

bajalou - 7-2-2007 at 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Debra
Hook, you must have a larger daily limit than my $500........or spend way less than I do :biggrin:

4000 pesos is less than $300 USD

DENNIS - 7-2-2007 at 01:17 PM

4000 pesos converts to 371.85 buckaroos at this moment.

bajalou - 7-2-2007 at 01:29 PM

Right Dennis, I meant to say "Less than $400 USD"

Hook - 7-2-2007 at 01:51 PM

That's just the standard amount we get. We CAN get more than that.

Debra, tell me you arent driving the peninsula with sums larger than a couple days ATM withdrawals. If so, dont let the policia or the military checkpoints find it. Keep it on your person.

Part of the real attraction of ATMs is NOT having to carry large sums of cash.

BajaNomad - 7-2-2007 at 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by surfer jim
got an easy place to exchange near the border...hopefully with parking.....?

Look for the exchange places on San Ysidro Blvd EAST of I-805 that state "No Comision".

You gotta pass the Shell gas station on your right, then there are a couple of larger places on the right. The second one, with what should be ample parking, also houses a pawn shop as well.

--
Doug

[Edited on 7-2-2007 by BajaNomad]

toneart - 7-2-2007 at 04:49 PM

I usually cross the border with $U.S cash and a tank full of gas. No need to stop until Ensenada where I go into a bank, to the teller window and convert as much as I want. If you want to stop before you get to Ensenada for food, no problem using dollars. You are handling less than you would at a Pemex, and shouldn't get the cheating that the gas station attendants seem to live for.

Also, if you cross at Tecate, there aren't many places to spend your money on that windey road, unless you want to taste some wine. They are used to tourists and their dollars. :yes:

Santiago - 7-2-2007 at 05:53 PM

Agree on the Costco in Chula Vista - don't even have to be a member.

Daily ATM Limit

CaboRon - 7-2-2007 at 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Debra
Hook, you must have a larger daily limit than my $500........or spend way less than I do :biggrin:

I bank at Bancommer USA and they will set the limit at up to one thousand dollars US per day. They also issue an International Debit Card....with no charges at Bancommer MX branches..... Your bank might also up the limit for you if you eplain your circumstances. Hope this helps... CaboRon :cool:

BajaNomad - 7-2-2007 at 08:29 PM

Many upon many have commented about the Chula Vista Costco. There must be a good reason.

For the location on SY Blvd that I mentioned, here's a (very very old digital) photo I just happened across.

--
Doug

a038.jpg - 19kB

Mango - 7-2-2007 at 08:54 PM

I vote ATM as well.

It's pretty easy to find one to several in most of the medium sized to larger towns. Besides banks you can find ATM's in large grocery stores and tourist zones, etc...

You get a pretty good exchange rate and don't have to carry too much cash on you. I usually carry some USD; but, try to pay in pesos as you get a better rate and more respect from the locals.

bajalou - 7-2-2007 at 09:10 PM

Right pocket US dollars, left pocket MX pesos - pay with whatever is quoted - no exchange rate involved.

shari - 7-3-2007 at 10:00 AM

I had some US $ saved up for when we could get to a bank to get a better exchange rate...here at the general store they take the dollar at 10.70 and when I got to the bank it was only 10.60!!! So now I just change my $ at the store.

Debra - 7-3-2007 at 10:18 AM

Hook,

I have no choice (no bank in Bahia), although that may soon change (phone lines coming in. Also I was told in May by the Pemex guy that he snice I "local" he would give money back ($50USD) not much, but, good in a pinch.....and yes, I keep a close eye at check points. I keep the doors locked and only let them in one door at a time while I stand with them.

Hook - 7-3-2007 at 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
I had some US $ saved up for when we could get to a bank to get a better exchange rate...here at the general store they take the dollar at 10.70 and when I got to the bank it was only 10.60!!! So now I just change my $ at the store.

Yeah, when we go shopping at one of the major supermarkets, we tend to use US dollars if we have them because the exchange rate at the Gigantes, the Calimax, etc., is usually pretty favorable. Lately it's been 10.8 or more.

Toneart, lately I NEVER cross the border with a full tank in the truck. On the contrary, I am trying to have less than a 1/4 tank because the fuel savings are so significant now, especially for diesel.

toneart - 7-3-2007 at 10:22 AM

It is interesting to note that in Cuba, the currency used is U.S.$. No need to convert. And a buck will get you a pretty good cerveza in the taverna where Hemingway hung out or in an open-air dance floor where a 42 piece band is playing.

Why couldn't this work in Mexico? It would make all transactions easier to negotiate without the slight of hand. It would make investing more stable. You have your choice anyway with how to hold bank accounts; dollars or pesos. It would eliminate that Chippendale bulge in the pants, too. :?:

Hook - 7-3-2007 at 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by toneart
It is interesting to note that in Cuba, the currency used is U.S.$. No need to convert. And a buck will get you a pretty good cerveza in the taverna where Hemingway hung out or in an open-air dance floor where a 42 piece band is playing.

I cant think of many places in Mexico that WONT accept dollars. It's just that the exchange rate is not necessarily that favorable.

The Gull - 7-3-2007 at 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook
ATMS, all the way.

It's too easy and you dont have the worry of the walk back to your car through seedy San Ysidro.

The thrill is gone! No fun without the walk thru seedy SY.

The Costco in Chula Vista (I think it is still CV at that point) has an exchange window when you first walk in.

The Gull - 7-3-2007 at 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajalou
Right pocket US dollars, left pocket MX pesos - pay with whatever is quoted - no exchange rate involved.

I use the opposite pockets and ask what they would be willing to accept regardless of what is posted or on the bill. The lower of the two based on the going rate of about 10.8 today will determine which pocket gets used.

toneart - 7-3-2007 at 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook

Quote:

I cant think of many places in Mexico that WONT accept dollars. It's just that the exchange rate is not necessarily that favorable.

I mean, do away with the Peso (and the Canadian Dollar). We are moving toward being one economic bloc anyway, with Nafta and the proposed giant trans-national highway. Of course, I realize these decisions are made by higher up mucky mucks than I, but I think it will happen. In the case of Cuba, it is just a matter of convenience. Politics don't stand in the way.

surfer jim - 7-5-2007 at 08:16 AM

Just remembered that I will be stopping at the border (TJ) for tourist card....isn't there a bank right there also.?.....

Will be there about 10 am Monday....too busy then?

Hook - 7-5-2007 at 09:26 AM

There is a bank there, Jim, but I'm not so sure it's "full-service" enough to deal with a large exchange. Dont recall seeing it advertised there. Besides, doing an actual exchange at banks is sometimes not the best exchange rate. And sometimes they have specific hours when they will conduct that type of transaction.

Bottom line......give it a try. If they are giving 10.8 or better (including any fee for doing it) and are willing, exchange some.

10am shouldnt be that crowded on a Monday.

toneart - 7-5-2007 at 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook

Quote:

I don't use diesel. The full tank of US gas is to get me to Ensenada. I have read that the price of Pemex gas is higher around the border than it is further down. Is this true? Also, I want to get through border with minimum of hassle and get further down in a hurry. I want to be this guy rolling down the mountain to Ensenada>>>>>>>>>>> :tumble:

bajalou - 7-5-2007 at 09:56 AM

Yes gasoline is higher within 20K of the border than farther down. Diesel is the same price everywhere. (from Pemex)

TONEART

The Gull - 7-5-2007 at 10:40 AM

The first gas station that does not overcharge near the border is at Primo Tapia (Cantamar). Offramp off the toll road 10 miles south of Playas de Rosarito.

Added advantage is that 100 yards south of that Pemex are the best fish tacos on the coast at Mariscos la Alegria.

Two reasons to stop.

surfer jim - 7-5-2007 at 10:51 AM

liking costco more...may need to get ice there also....

805gregg - 7-7-2007 at 09:29 AM

I've heard of people that use ATM's and come home to find extra withdrawls, no thanks I got to the bank and wait in line, I find it entertaining.

woody with a view - 7-7-2007 at 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 805gregg
I've heard of people that use ATM's and come home to find extra withdrawls, no thanks I got to the bank and wait in line, I find it entertaining.

everyone "hears" the stories. anyone experience the stories?

Elena La Loca - 7-7-2007 at 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by surfer jim
liking costco more...may need to get ice there also....

Be advised that not all Costco locations carry ice. I've seen it at Victorville & Vegas locations but none here in San Diego area. They do carry ice makers though and if you've got a sufficient inverter in your vehicle you can make up to 35 lbs of ice a day. They're really inexpensive ($150ish in the warehouses, a bit more through Costco.com & you have your first load of ice in 12 minutes and every 9 minutes thereafter another load drops into the bucket. We love ours. Might behoove you to give a call to Costco (800) PRI-COST or 800-774-2678 and ask which locations carry ice and/or the icemaker. If you're going the cooler route, I'd go with soulpatch's recommendation of stopping at the ice house or, better yet, look into getting a FridgeFreeze We haven't bought ice in who knows how long.

Roberto - 7-7-2007 at 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Elena La Loca
better yet, look into getting a FridgeFreeze We haven't bought ice in who knows how long.

Not even to accompany the (occasional) adult beverage? :biggrin:

surfer jim - 7-7-2007 at 10:57 PM

Thanks...I am up in VICTORVILLE...and they need all the ice they can get here..... :lol: