BajaNomad

Pemex and Plastic

MIXXXER - 7-15-2008 at 06:35 AM

Are any of the Pemex stations along Mex 1 taking plastic now? I think the one along the hwy in Rosarito is or at least was, but are there any others??

roamingthroughbaja - 7-15-2008 at 06:44 AM

The Polanco Pemex north of El Centenario takes plastic. (Not sure how far south you want information for). It is about 20 km north of La Paz. The next one, in Chametla, does not.

If you use credit cards down here, you should check your statement on line often to make sure there are no strange charges popping up.

The catch 22 with this is that if you are writing off the gas for a Mexican business expense, you cannot pay with cash, but so few stations take plastic.

MIXXXER - 7-15-2008 at 06:48 AM

I am going to La Bocana in BCS.

Thanks

David K - 7-15-2008 at 07:13 AM

El Rosario does (a small % bank fee is added)

Pescador - 7-15-2008 at 07:23 AM

You are really much safer and better off to pay with pesos (do not use dollars)

BajaGringo - 7-15-2008 at 07:41 AM

Shopping a bit for a good exchange rate on your dollars you will always come out ahead by paying in pesos as Pescador suggests and then you know there is no miscalculating the exchange rate.

Bob and Susan - 7-15-2008 at 07:44 AM

the small fee for credit card usage could be 8%

watch out!!!

David K - 7-15-2008 at 07:50 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bob and Susan
the small fee for credit card usage could be 8%

watch out!!!


Not at El Rosario... I recall it being 3%... it is what the bank charges Antonio, he doesn't add to it. Anyway, always ask if you don't see it posted.

Baja&Back - 7-15-2008 at 09:39 AM

Visa or your bank also add a "Foreign Transaction" fee, usually 2 1/2%, and a foreign exchange rate 4% above market rate.

You're MUCH better with Pesos!

fulano - 7-15-2008 at 10:00 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Baja&Back
Visa or your bank also add a "Foreign Transaction" fee, usually 2 1/2%, and a foreign exchange rate 4% above market rate.

You're MUCH better with Pesos!


I've used both Visa and AMEX cards in Mexico for years and never had any foreign exchange transaction fees tacked on. However, I see you are in Canada so it may be a different deal with your bank up there. I usually use the plastic for large purchases as you get the "market" exchange rate when they convert to dollars. Always insist that they put the charges IN PESOS on your card, if they put it is dollars, you will get a lousy deal as the merchant is doing the conversion.

Barry A. - 7-15-2008 at 10:09 AM

Lately almost all credit cards (mastercards, anyway) have at least a 1% transaction charge for "foreign" transactions---------it is imposed by Mastercharge, not the banks. Many cards issued by banks also have an additional charge. You have to shop around to find cards that are the lowest, as is usually the case in any financial dealings.

I am not familiar with VISA, AM Express, or Discovery policies.

My Debit card has no transaction fees imposed by the issuing bank, either here or in a foreign country, but I usually run into fees from the bank/ATM I am trying to use it in.

Barry

Credit cards...

BajaCactus - 7-15-2008 at 10:54 PM

As DavidK already said (thank you David), we take American Express cards and travelers checks at BajaCactus in El Rosario... we used to also take Visa and Mastercard but at the moment we are only accepting American Express.

Safe travels.

BajaCactus
"Where the Baja is so much more than a dream..."

MIXXXER - 7-16-2008 at 06:14 AM

Thank you to all who replied very good info. As always in Mexico I pay much closer attention to my transactions when my money is concerned.

David K - 7-16-2008 at 07:53 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaCactus
As DavidK already said (thank you David), we take American Express cards and travelers checks at BajaCactus in El Rosario... we used to also take Visa and Mastercard but at the moment we are only accepting American Express.

Safe travels.

BajaCactus
"Where the Baja is so much more than a dream..."


Thank you Antonio for the update on your services... I sure am glad you are back posting on Nomad! Please check your U2U for a personal message from 'Liz' and me.