BajaNomad

hiding money

gatopelon - 11-23-2009 at 09:40 AM

Anybody have any ideas on hiding money while traveling though Baja.
What atm cards work in Baja? I have an atm with PLUS and Star :?::?:

oldjack - 11-23-2009 at 10:01 AM

leave money in your home bank.... ATM's are everywhere(almost) and give the best exchange rate....check with you bank to see what ATM fees can be waived/reimbursed... my credit union charges NO fees and reimburses me for what Bancomer charges...

Taco de Baja - 11-23-2009 at 10:13 AM

Put it in several places throughout your vehicle. There usually lots of places where a few folded/rolled up bills can be sequestered away. Only keep a little in your wallet, If you ever have to pay mordida you can tell the cop, "All I have is $40, see...Please don't take it all" :saint:

Some ideas:
Tapped behind the glove box, usually can be removed with a couple of screws.
Taped under the dash someplace.
Under a floor mat.
In your shoe.
In a book.
Under the springs of the car seat.


Do I put my $ in any of these? Nope….I use other spots ;)

Udo - 11-23-2009 at 10:14 AM

Don't forget...

Baja's ATM's spit out Pesos, and the instructions are in Español.

ELINVESTIG8R - 11-23-2009 at 10:21 AM

Ay Gente de Baja Nomad.

Muchas gracias por revelar adonde escondes su dinero para saber adonde buscar cuando robo sus cosas. Tan Amable.

Gracias.

El Senor Robador!

vandenberg - 11-23-2009 at 10:33 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Taco de Baja
Put it in several places throughout your vehicle. There usually lots of places where a few folded/rolled up bills can be sequestered away. Only keep a little in your wallet, If you ever have to pay mordida you can tell the cop, "All I have is $40, see...Please don't take it all" :saint:

Some ideas:
Tapped behind the glove box, usually can be removed with a couple of screws.
Taped under the dash someplace.
Under a floor mat.
In your shoe.
In a book.
Under the springs of the car seat.


Do I put my $ in any of these? Nope….I use other spots ;)


Hey Taco,
where do you usually park ??:biggrin::biggrin:

castaway$ - 11-23-2009 at 11:01 AM

I would go back and revieiw comments from the many other threads on this subject. ATM's may be a viable option however there can be significant fees, no money dispensed and depending on where you are going NO BANKS in town. There are definitley some negative sides to using ATM's, like everything else do a little research and go into it eyes wide open so you don't spoil your trip.

Taco de Baja - 11-23-2009 at 11:01 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by vandenbergHey Taco,
where do you usually park ??:biggrin::biggrin:



In a hidden spot....:P

mtgoat666 - 11-23-2009 at 11:23 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by gatopelon
Anybody have any ideas on hiding money while traveling though Baja.


put it in your pocket?

Bajahowodd - 11-23-2009 at 11:38 AM

Handle your money the same as you do in Alvarado, CA. I always bring a certain amount in Dollars dependent upon how long my trip is. Never anything larger than $20 denomination. I always get pesos at ATMs. Maybe I'm just a creature of habit, but if I am travelling South of Ensenada, I use the ATM at the bank right by the turnoff to La Bufadora. ATM fees can be a pain, but I'm not going to go out of my way to save a couple of bucks.

Barry A. - 11-23-2009 at 11:51 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Handle your money the same as you do in Alvarado, CA. I always bring a certain amount in Dollars dependent upon how long my trip is. Never anything larger than $20 denomination. I always get pesos at ATMs. Maybe I'm just a creature of habit, but if I am travelling South of Ensenada, I use the ATM at the bank right by the turnoff to La Bufadora. ATM fees can be a pain, but I'm not going to go out of my way to save a couple of bucks.


that's exactly the way I handle it, too. But I have no ATM fees because of the policy of my local USA bank.

Barry

Bajahowodd - 11-23-2009 at 11:56 AM

Bank name, puleeez?:?:

woody with a view - 11-23-2009 at 11:59 AM

the atm's are tricky. everyone outside watching you come out of the kiosk KNOWS you got some loot!!!!!

it always makes me nervous, but i do it anyway!

Barry A. - 11-23-2009 at 11:59 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Bank name, puleeez?:?:


NORTH VALLEY BANK in Redding, CA. but I am limited to Banks displaying at least one of the following: INTERLINK, PULSE, PLUS, and STAR and that can throw a monkey wrench into things many places. :no:

Barry

[Edited on 11-23-2009 by Barry A.]

Mexicorn - 11-23-2009 at 12:00 PM

Hide it in a can of lite beer!

DENNIS - 11-23-2009 at 12:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by udowinkler
Baja's ATM's spit out Pesos, and the instructions are in Español.


Right about the Pesos, Udo although I've never seen an ATM that didn't give the instructions in English too. The government may be xenophobic but the banks arn't.

Bajahowodd - 11-23-2009 at 12:34 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by udowinkler
Baja's ATM's spit out Pesos, and the instructions are in Español.


Right about the Pesos, Udo although I've never seen an ATM that didn't give the instructions in English too. The government may be xenophobic but the banks arn't.



Actually, I've seen it both ways. It's either the bank's decision, or perhaps those ATMs that are located close to the border or in high volume tourist areas will have English. I'm guessing that in Dennis' neck of the woods, they are mostly, if not all bi-lingual. As we are so often creatures of habit, we all probably tend to use the same ATMs each time we travel. So, maybe Udo ends up where it's Spanish-only.

DENNIS - 11-23-2009 at 12:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
So, maybe Udo ends up where it's Spanish-only.


Well, I know where I don't belong. :o

ElFaro - 11-23-2009 at 02:49 PM

We use a "money belt"...however if your style is trunks and slaps then we hide money in/on the trailer and in/on the truck. Make sure you don't "forget" where you hid the $'s or else you might accidently "find" it some months or years later.

Bajahowodd - 11-23-2009 at 04:37 PM

As one gets older, that becomes a big problem. So, what do you do? Write a note to tell you where you hid the money? Where do you put the note?

All that aside, in my opinion, if folks are looking to camp in remote places, it does make sense to at least stoe some money in a safe and secret place. But, if you're going to visit and stay at well known places, the problem with cash and crime become less probable and more random. Fact is that anyone could get mugged in the Gaslight district on a Friday night.

mojo_norte - 11-23-2009 at 05:39 PM

Using ATM's is fine but always keep a reserve of cash to get you down the road . Sometimes the machines in smaller towns between Ensenada and La Paz run out of cash. The other thing that happened to a friend on an extended trip is that his PIN was somehow stolen from a compromised ATM machine and his account was cleaned out.

Hiding cash in your car- OK unless your car gets jacked:O . When camping in remote spots I sometimes stick cask in a can and bury it in case banbitos show up and take everything - including my vehicle:(

Barry A. - 11-23-2009 at 05:48 PM

"banbitos" ????? that sounds pretty scary!!! What are they? :tumble:

Barry

rts551 - 11-23-2009 at 06:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by woody in ob
the atm's are tricky. everyone outside watching you come out of the kiosk KNOWS you got some loot!!!!!

it always makes me nervous, but i do it anyway!


Oh my goodness. glad they aren't the same in the good old USA

DianaT - 11-23-2009 at 06:19 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Barry A.
"banbitos" ????? that sounds pretty scary!!! What are they? :tumble:

Barry


Surely you know that they are hiding behind every cactus along with those other guys. :biggrin:

ATMs-- not available in some areas-----none in Bahia Asuncion, Tortugas, La Bocana and I think there is also none in Abreojos---never looked for one there. Probably some other places where they do not exist.

It is important to know the limit your bank puts on withdrawls---with a simple phone call, our bank changed our limits.

We keep hearing rumors that one is coming to BA---soon. :biggrin:

[Edited on 11-24-2009 by DianaT]

Tano - 11-23-2009 at 06:55 PM

Quote:
"banbitos" ????? that sounds pretty scary!!! What are they?


Take it easy. A banbito is just hybrid spawn from a bambino and a bandit, that is, a baby outlaw. Quite harmless and amusing.

[Edited on 11-24-2009 by Tano]

Howard - 11-23-2009 at 07:28 PM

Go to E-Bay and they have inexpensive "books" that are really not books, just look like them and when you open them up they have no pages, just an empty compartment. Keep all your valuables in the "book"

Paulina - 11-23-2009 at 11:02 PM

Don't hide your $ in a bandaid box in your medicine cabinet. When my trailer was broken into years ago that was one thing that the dirt bag left out and open on my bathroom sink.

I used to stash my wedding ring in a bandaid box, but after that wake up call I don't anymore.

We use the ATMs and sometimes feel sketchy walking out of the booth knowing that everyone knows what we're walking out with.

When driving Dern and I each carry a small sum, then I stash the re$t in my two "high pockets". Someone is going to have to get upclose and personal to find it there.

Someone gave us a Tecate beer can/money holder. It looks very real. Our luck we'd have a thirsty burglar and he'd choose the right can.

P<*)))>{

Packoderm - 11-23-2009 at 11:57 PM

If you get robbed, they'll likely keep looking until money is found. With me, they'll find a cache of traveler's checks right in my wallet as a decoy. They are not my primary source of legal tender, and I may not cash them until I get home, but I definitely feel better with them. To the robbers, "To whose name do I write these out to?"

Skipjack Joe - 11-24-2009 at 12:01 AM

I've used this when traveling in South America without being robbed. Even kept my passport in it. Baja is much safer.

The only dollars we bring down are in small denominations for tips and that sort of thing. ATM's are the way to go. Make sure your bank knows you've left the country or they will most likely freeze your account thinking it's stolen.

moneybelt.jpg - 38kB

redhilltown - 11-24-2009 at 12:21 AM

I often use a money belt type pouch but it hangs around my neck and under my shirt. Used it in Europe for a few months once upon a time doing the Eurail thang and I just liked feeling it against me knowing it was there as opposed to a money belt. I keep my passport, insurance papers, tourist card etc there and some money...also some money in my actual wallet for "donations" to the local police plus some hidden in my truck somewhere. The truly bad guys will find all of it I assume but for day in and day out travel, works for me.

garynmx - 11-24-2009 at 02:56 AM

I keep it in my underwear. They would never want to see me nude.

BajaRae - 11-24-2009 at 05:51 AM

Never go to the banks, can't stand them, to many people and takes up precious time. Just stash the $ it is easy to find a clever spot.

vandenberg - 11-24-2009 at 08:05 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
I've used this when traveling in South America without being robbed. Even kept my passport in it. Baja is much safer.

The only dollars we bring down are in small denominations for tips and that sort of thing. ATM's are the way to go. Make sure your bank knows you've left the country or they will most likely freeze your account thinking it's stolen.


Used that kind traveling in Europe and northern Africa. Also one that goes around the leg, just below the knee (velcro). Have to wear slacks of course. Trouble is, to get to them, you have to find a bathroom somewhere, which in some countries is a chore in itself.

DENNIS - 11-24-2009 at 08:20 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Paulina
Someone gave us a Tecate beer can/money holder. It looks very real. Our luck we'd have a thirsty burglar and he'd choose the right can.

P<*)))>{


Should have been a Corona can. Nobody would ever touch it.

Sunman - 11-24-2009 at 08:26 AM

I've got a Barbasol one but you get the picture...

http://www.stashcans.com/homestuff.htm

rts551 - 11-24-2009 at 08:31 AM

Just wondering. How many of you have actually been robbed.in my 50+ years of going south, it has never hapened to me.

maybe I just look poor:spingrin:

DianaT - 11-24-2009 at 08:50 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
Just wondering. How many of you have actually been robbed.in my 50+ years of going south, it has never hapened to me.

maybe I just look poor:spingrin:


Well, there was that one Pemex station gas attendant, one immigration official, and ......

And no, you do not look poor, you look like a nice person. :biggrin:


[Edited on 11-24-2009 by DianaT]

Bajajorge - 11-24-2009 at 08:55 AM

ATM machines are all over the place. I try to use the ones in bank lobbys. Who knows what scams are rigged into gas station/quick stop store ATMs. (No, I'm not overly paranoid, I've been bit twice) Let your bank know you'll be in Mexico. Some banks block ATM useage in Mexico as a security measure. If they know you're there they won't block your transactions.

Barry A. - 11-24-2009 at 09:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajajorge
ATM machines are all over the place. I try to use the ones in bank lobbys. Who knows what scams are rigged into gas station/quick stop store ATMs. (No, I'm not overly paranoid, I've been bit twice) Let your bank know you'll be in Mexico. Some banks block ATM useage in Mexico as a security measure. If they know you're there they won't block your transactions.


Excellent points, and I entirely agree. I always do all you say here and have had no problems (yet) and have paid no fees.

Barry

mulegemichael - 11-24-2009 at 09:38 AM

i bought a nice leather belt with a hidden zip up compartment on the backside that i can squeeze 20 one hundred dollar bills into...it SO does not look like a money belt...got it from cabelas....somebody's gonna have to have a gun stuck up my nose before i take that belt off

vandenberg - 11-24-2009 at 10:28 AM

Wish I had money to hide.:biggrin:

20 years in Baja, never had a problem. Took a trip to the mainland and got rolled in Guanajuato just after coming from a bank ATM. 700 bucks worth.:mad::mad:

DianaT - 11-24-2009 at 10:36 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by vandenberg

Took a trip to the mainland and got rolled in Guanajuato just after coming from a bank ATM. 700 bucks worth.:mad::mad:


OUCH--

and in one of my favorite cities---hope to spend a couple months in that area next year, but will be careful.

We have used money belts over the years, but sometimes I think it is more a matter of luck---all the thieves know about the money belts---

But, for petty thieves, including some officials, we always keep a certain amount of quick cash in a pocket---

An extra ATM card??

Fred-o - 11-24-2009 at 11:02 AM

I have two ATM cards in case the machine "eats" the "primary". It takes two accounts however, which isn't all bad anyway. I suppose if S.O. is with you they will have a card also. ATM's, the only way to travel, but heed all mentioned warnings.

Hiding money

bonanzapilot - 11-24-2009 at 11:29 AM

Thieves in Mexico are already too wise in the various places that Gringos might hide money. While parked at the Serenidad hotel, my Bonanza was broken into, and all of my paperwork, plane registrations, airworthiness certificates, etc. were removed from holders, rifled through... looking for that hidden Gringo cash! They ruined my door locks, walked on the side of the wing that should not be walked on..stold
tools, flashlights, survival gear, and gasoline. They were looking for cash, none there. Footprints on the plane and the ground were Vibram soles...same kind the soldiers wear protecting the aircraft. I was always suspicious. Don't hide any cash, and don't carry more than you can afford to lose.
ATM's today solve lots of problems.

roundtuit - 11-24-2009 at 11:33 AM

One problem with cash is many banks won;t cash dollars to pesos. In Mulege you neeg a bank account, you deposit and then withdraw.
I know of some women buying tampons, throwing the cotton away and
5- $ 20s per tube than rewrap and rebox:lol::lol::lol:

vandenberg - 11-24-2009 at 11:43 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by roundtuit

I know of some women buying tampons, throwing the cotton away and
5- $ 20s per tube than rewrap and rebox:lol::lol::lol:



So maybe that's were that stained twenty has been ?:no::no::lol:

Bajahowodd - 11-24-2009 at 11:45 AM

Quote:
ATMs-- not available in some areas-----none in Bahia Asuncion, Tortugas, La Bocana and I think there is also none in Abreojos---never looked for one there. Probably some other places where they do not exist.

It is important to know the limit your bank puts on withdrawls---with a simple phone call, our bank changed our limits.

We keep hearing rumors that one is coming to BA---soon. :biggrin:

[Edited on 11-24-2009 by DianaT]



For you guys in Asuncion, it would be nice. But, it's always going to be an expense and logistics thing. Your nearest bank is out on the main highway in Vizcaino. And that one hasn't been there very long. Aside from that one, the nearest is in GN. And doesn't GN have aomewhere around 10,000 people along with a major international business? San Ignacio has neither a bank or ATM. Highly unlikely that any bank will install a standalone ATM in semi-rural Baja. It would be a clear target for thieves. So, I'm guessing that until Asuncion becomes populated enough to support a bank, you're going to have to hike on out to the main drag.
:(:(

Skipjack Joe - 11-24-2009 at 11:59 AM

Left these under the mattress - NO PROBLEM !!!

money.jpg - 42kB

Pompano - 11-24-2009 at 12:50 PM

These are excerpts from interviews with seasoned crooks about the best places to hide money:

The best place to hide money...is in the bank.

All professional robbers or burglars will eventually find your hidden money...or destroy your house looking for it. ...and your plane or car.

Leave a small, but believable, amount of decoy money that is readily found in the normal places. Saves the mess of the burglars looking further and finding the main stash.

I find it best to use my trip atm card and keep aware of my surroundings.

If you MUST carry lots of cash..keep it on your person...or maybe in a skid-mark pair of shorts! ;)



[Edited on 11-24-2009 by Pompano]

MitchMan - 11-24-2009 at 01:06 PM

Carry a credit card with a low maximum outstanding balance limit to be used in emergencies only and for car rental if necessary. Carry one ATM card corresponding to one and only one checking account, put a minimal amount that you will need for one or two weeks of ATM withdrawals when traveling. Have other non-ATM account(s) at the bank where you have your ATM account and put the rest of the money that you will need on your trip in a non-ATM account. Then, when your ATM checking account runs low, use internet online banking access to transfer more money from the non-ATM account to the ATM account.

Carry only the cash that you will need between ATM withdrawals. Carry some USD just in case you run out of Pesos between ATM withdrawals. Use an undergarment concealed money pouch to carry your ID and larger bills of cash. This is to defend against pick pockets and money falling out of pockets.

If you get rolled or held up, they will only get the minimal amount of cash your are carrying based on following the policy outline above. Not that big a loss if you do the above. Happens only very rarely anyway, and consider it an incidental cost to traveling. I worry more about losing money that may fall out of my pocket or not paying attention and getting short changed while paying for stuff.

Santiago - 11-24-2009 at 01:08 PM

Pomp and others: I am curious on how a transaction for a boat or something of similar value between, say, $5k - $10K would work for someone like me who lives in California but the item is in Baja. For example, if I had bought Pomp's boat, how exactly would this work? I would feel a little funny driving down with $8000 cash, you know?

Pompano - 11-24-2009 at 01:12 PM

Santiago..wiring money to an account is always an option.

DENNIS - 11-24-2009 at 02:26 PM

I've been hiding my money at Sharky's for years.

Bajahowodd - 11-24-2009 at 02:38 PM

Liquid assets, I guess.:biggrin:

gatopelon - 11-28-2009 at 11:43 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
Just wondering. How many of you have actually been robbed.in my 50+ years of going south, it has never hapened to me.

maybe I just look poor:spingrin:


I never have been robbed in my 30 years of travel to Beautiful Mexico either. Never ever had any problems! But I haven't driven down since 1980. In those days the trips were ALL ABOUT SURFING. That was a lot of time away from your truck spent in the water, always trouble some keys and all. I used to keep all my doe in my wax pocket. Had wet money the whole trip. Lot's of changes since then. Made many flights lot's of rental cars and never enough time.
The last fly in trip ATM's were still far and few between.
I own a stash book, beer can. I'm buying one of those receiver hitch lock ups. Still sounds like Travels Checks are the best bet along with a ATM.

Hiding money - from yourself!

SunnyDay - 11-28-2009 at 02:25 PM

Just don't do what I've done. Forget where you hid it. Or, keep changing places and lose track and have to search for it in a mild panic. Worse? Junked totaled old camper van after a fairly minor accident (up here) and in the middle of the night, weeks later, woke up remembering a good sum of emergency money hidden under floor mats/carpet put there long ago back in the 5x a year Baja travel days. Ouch.

woody with a view - 11-28-2009 at 03:10 PM

keester, anyone!:light::light::light::light:

leave the travelers cheques at home. i like mitchmans idea.

Corky1 - 11-28-2009 at 05:24 PM

Pompano,
is this what you are talking about?????

http://corky1.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/Motorcycles/Fw-Luggage...

Motorcycle riders PM me for more info!!!

Corky:lol::lol:

[Edited on 11-29-2009 by Corky1]

gatopelon - 11-30-2009 at 09:13 AM

Thanks Corky1, Now those are some cool skives! Those skives and some of those DOO DROPS will work!
I found out years back when flying out and going though customs I figure out the agents wouldn't stick their hands into my bag if I had some ugly looking skives laying near the top of my bag. The idea than was to get though customs quicker..... It worked everytime!