BajaNomad

getting pesos & tourist cards together

ArvadaGeorge - 12-6-2009 at 09:24 AM

We need to buy peso for a 2 week trip –why not buy them at the bank when you pay for your tourist card? We could cross at either Mexicali crossings, Algodones or San Luis. Anyone have any thoughts on this idea or border suggestions .Are the exchange rates the same at the banks?
We are riding Motorcycles from Yuma/El Centro thru San Felipe south to Mulege.
Most of these places don’t have ATM’s and the ones that do have limits on how much money you can withdraw per day

David K - 12-6-2009 at 09:35 AM

The 24 hour teller at Tijuana is only for accepting the fee for tourist cards and would not do any money exchange... However, that teller is next door to a bank that will... only the bank isn't open 24/7.

Last big trip we exchanged at the Costco in Chula Vista... great deal... naturally, during Costco hours.

BajaWarrior - 12-6-2009 at 09:48 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
The 24 hour teller at Tijuana is only for accepting the fee for tourist cards and would not do any money exchange... However, that teller is next door to a bank that will... only the bank isn't open 24/7.

Last big trip we exchanged at the Costco in Chula Vista... great deal... naturally, during Costco hours.


She takes her lunch break from 3:00- 3:30 p.m.

We cross at Mexicali quite often and get pesos a few miles in after crossing, we have a place or two that is on the right and an easy pull over. Could be an issue if your crossing early. However, there is a money exchange place in San Felipe just east of the arches on the main drag and the exchange rate was the same as Mexicali.

ArvadaGeorge - 12-6-2009 at 03:58 PM

Which mexicali crossing?

Udo - 12-6-2009 at 04:26 PM

I thought there was only one Mexicali crossing.

BajaWarrior - 12-6-2009 at 06:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by ArvadaGeorge
Which mexicali crossing?


I like the east crossing, take Highway 7 South (Orchard Rd.) off of Highway 8 which is about 7 miles east of El Centro. Takes you directly to the border with a Jack in the Box and large gas station with Diesel and clean restrooms.

Arvada George, we'll be there from Dec. 18 through Jan 3rd. We are one mile north of Nuevo Mazatlan and just south of BajaRob's place by about 40 casas.

[Edited on 12-7-2009 by BajaWarrior]

BajaWarrior - 12-6-2009 at 06:39 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by udowinkler
I thought there was only one Mexicali crossing.


The east crossing was constucted about 10 years ago, it is about 7 miles to the east of the original crossing.