BajaNomad

Gas Man

Boshvideo - 7-10-2007 at 11:24 AM

Much has been said on this forum about the gas pump guys at the various Pemex stations.
As a first timer, can anyone offer advise to how to keep them honest, to avoid getting ripped off and to make the transaction a positive one?
many thanks.

woody with a view - 7-10-2007 at 11:29 AM

always get out of your vehicle BEFORE you tell the guy which fuel you want so that you can watch the display. watch that the pump is re-set to ZERO (or starts at ZERO and doesn't start pumping while the display says 100, 200 etc). ask the guy to clean your windows. pay in pesos so you get the proper rate (no math conversions in their favor).

give the guy a 10 peso "tip" and be on your way!

Boshvideo - 7-10-2007 at 11:33 AM

Thanks Woody,
Will the display show the exact peso amount?

Hook - 7-10-2007 at 11:34 AM

Get a locking gas cap. Make sure you see the pump zeroed out before letting them proceed with pumping. Stay with them the entire time.....I mean stand right THERE, dont be futzing around in the cab or the back.....STAY RIGHT THERE.

If a "malfunction" occurs with the pump, make them stop and pay for that portion before they begin pumping again.

Personally, I prefer to pay at the window when I get a chance.

Boshvideo - 7-10-2007 at 11:35 AM

So, I can pay the "pumper" or at the window?

bajabound2005 - 7-10-2007 at 11:43 AM

and don't ask them to fill it! they ALWAYS overfill trying to get to an even amt on the meter. Tell them$200 pesos or $300 pesos - whatever it takes to fill your tank. If we are close to E we get $300 pesos (16 gallon tank) and that takes 'er pretty much to the top. And I agree, don't pay in dollars; the exchange rate at Pemex (and Costco) is particularly low.

It appears that most if not all the pumps have now been replaced by new pumps that automatically reset to zero. In any case, the pumpers (9 times out of 10) will point out to you that it says zero. They automatically clean our windows, always the front, usually the front and back, and most recently ALL of them!

Bob and Susan - 7-10-2007 at 11:44 AM

forget the locking cap....
too many problems with newer cars...and...
you'll lose the key

like woody says "stand right there"
do nothing else until you're gassed

then drive around to go use the restroom

ONLY tip if you get EXTRA service
otherwise pay the amount on the pump


like hook says...
if for some reason the pump stops and you need more gas
pay for the first pump then continue
Don't combine amounts....
then NO TIP no matter what

you can pay pumper
or in some stations you must go to the window like the states

Boshvideo - 7-10-2007 at 11:46 AM

And am I correct that all transactions must be in cash?

Bob and Susan - 7-10-2007 at 11:47 AM

diesel side...fill it to the top
you NEVER want to run out of gas

not much gas from el rosario to villa jesus maria

they never wash my windows
trucks too high
well i cant say never...antonios boys wash my windows

woody with a view - 7-10-2007 at 11:58 AM

plan on carrying cash. some stations accept credit/debit cards BUT how do you know what they do with your card info after you leave? maybe they run the card again and it takes you a month to get your statement and......pay in cash.

get pesos at the BANK ATM. best exchange rates and you'll only be carrying a few hundred dollars at a time.

what else?

Here's a thought...

Dave - 7-10-2007 at 02:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Boshvideo
Much has been said on this forum about the gas pump guys at the various Pemex stations.
As a first timer, can anyone offer advise to how to keep them honest, to avoid getting ripped off and to make the transaction a positive one?
many thanks.


Fill it yourself. Go to the caja, pay and then pump. If you feel guilty about it then have them wash your windows and tip them for that.

El Jefe - 7-10-2007 at 04:12 PM

There is also the old trick of the attendant switching the 500 peso note you gave him for a 50 peso note. Then he looks at you like, hey man you only gave me 50 pesos. You get all flumoxed and give him another 500 thinking maybe I did make a mistake.

Always count the money out to the attendant as you give it to him. Then he and you know exactly what he has taken from you.

David K - 7-10-2007 at 07:17 PM

IF heading to central or south Baja:

Don't stop for 1st fuel until the Baja Cactus Pemex, El Rosario, 225 miles from the border... Open 24/7, honest pumps, and honest attendants... or you can fill it yourself. Credit cards accepted with just the bank's % added. The exchange rate is posted and is the same as the bank's if you want to use dollars.

Best of all, it it owned by a Baja Nomad!:yes::bounce:;D

bajamigo - 7-10-2007 at 07:54 PM

Call me crazy, but I don't think the gas guys are nearly as bad as some of these responses indicate. I've been fortunate enough never to have been ripped off, although I couldn't tell if the pump was 100% accurate. As a group, I think they're trustworthy enough.

Debra - 7-10-2007 at 09:33 PM

FYI, % rate at Baja Cactus is 5% using a card, which I'm more than happy to pay for the service, less cash I have to worry about. Antionio's is like an oasis for me on a long hard drive from/to Seattle, Gas, clean restrooms, friendly attendents. Thanks BajaCactus, you do it well.

BajaWarrior - 7-10-2007 at 09:55 PM

Had great service in San Quintin the yesterday.

Zero pump, she (attendant) fueled the truck, washed the windshield (she had a ladder).

$91 dollars later, I registered a full tank, did the quick math, right on the money.

However, did get nailed once in Guererro Negro, and once in Santa Rosalia, years ago.

We've never had a problem in San Felipe either.

I like the newer stations with the digital readout.

BajaBruno - 7-10-2007 at 10:55 PM

I had an interesting experience at the station north of Guerrero Negro recently. The fellow was very attentive and washed the windows, but I was tired and handed him a 500 peso note, a 100, and a 50, for a 525 peso bill. I guess my mind was still on the Loreto station, which earlier charged me right about 625 pesos for a little less fuel.

He took the money, rechecked the pump, smiled, and handed me back the 100 peso note, plus the 25 pesos in change. Nice guy. I was impressed.

Dave - 7-10-2007 at 11:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaBruno
He took the money, rechecked the pump, smiled, and handed me back the 100 peso note, plus the 25 pesos in change. Nice guy. I was impressed.



Why impressed? What made his job performance impressive?

Honesty is impressive in Baja?

Lee - 7-11-2007 at 09:06 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Dave
Quote:
Originally posted by BajaBruno
He took the money, rechecked the pump, smiled, and handed me back the 100 peso note, plus the 25 pesos in change. Nice guy. I was impressed.


Why impressed? What made his job performance impressive?


I have a locking gas cap on my RV. I don't want gas being pumped without me being there. My car has a gas lever inside I need to flip to access the gas cap outside. I flip it open as I am about to get out of the car. I, too, walk up to the pump and check the numbers (zero is ideal) and always say fill it. I don't leave the pump while gas is being pumped. I generally make small talk with the attendant. I tip whether I have the windows cleaned or not. 10 pesos. I always count out my money showing it to the attendant as I count it. I've never had a problem.

:cool:

beachbum1A - 7-11-2007 at 09:08 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by woody in ob
give the guy a 10 peso "tip" and be on your way!


Really!? A 10 peso tip just for washing your windshield? I realize Mexico is definately a country where tipping is expected for a lot of services that we don't tip for in the US-like baggers in the grocery stores, or services the US doesn't have like men in parking lots who assist you with loading your groceries or backing your vehicle out when you leave, etc.. Maybe someone could start another post with some suggestions and tips on tipping in Baja?

woody with a view - 7-11-2007 at 09:18 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by beachbum1A
Quote:
Originally posted by woody in ob
give the guy a 10 peso "tip" and be on your way!


Really!? A 10 peso tip just for washing your windshield? I realize Mexico is definately a country where tipping is expected for a lot of services that we don't tip for in the US-like baggers in the grocery stores, or services the US doesn't have like men in parking lots who assist you with loading your groceries or backing your vehicle out when you leave, etc.. Maybe someone could start another post with some suggestions and tips on tipping in Baja?


sure, why not! i usually buy 2 tankfuls on the way south and 2 on the way north. $4.... if it helps the guy be honest next time or just makes me feel good, who cares? i know the guy has never given it back and always seems to appreciate the 'gesture".

beachbum1A - 7-11-2007 at 09:54 AM

Hose A; Thanks for the Thread link-appreciated! I'm finally starting to get a better understanding of tipping here in Baja. Need to keep reading!!