BajaNomad

Bank Accounts

henshaw - 5-31-2010 at 06:56 AM

I'm flying down to Los Barriles in a week or so and need to open an account at one of the local banks. What doucments do I need to have with me to make it happen on one visit to the bank?

bajajudy - 5-31-2010 at 06:59 AM

The only bank in Los Barriles is Banamex. check on their website.

[Edited on 5-31-2010 by bajajudy]

Judy, there are two banks.

bajadave1 - 5-31-2010 at 07:03 AM

Banamex and Bancomer....................

pepino - 5-31-2010 at 07:27 AM

An FM3 or FM2 is probably required to open a Mexican bank account.

Bill Collector - 5-31-2010 at 08:08 AM

When we opened our Bank account with Bancomer in Los Barriles we needed a copy of our CFE bill. Plus a copy of your US Passport and FM3 or FM2. Very easy to do, you can make an appointment, then you wont have to wait around for hours.

DianaT - 5-31-2010 at 08:49 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bill Collector
When we opened our Bank account with Bancomer in Los Barriles we needed a copy of our CFE bill. Plus a copy of your US Passport and FM3 or FM2. Very easy to do, you can make an appointment, then you wont have to wait around for hours.


Good information. Don't want to hijack, but can you answer another question, please. Do you ever wire money from your Bancomer Account to an account in the US and if so, what is the cost?

Also, we have heard that the Bancomer's are somewhat independent, so would one be able to wire money from a different branch?

Thanks

rob - 5-31-2010 at 08:59 AM

DianaT - about $30US to my bank in California - if you need more, I can go and look in the file.

You can wire from any branch - I have done it from three different branches in La Paz.

shari - 5-31-2010 at 08:59 AM

Some Bancomers allow you to open a bank account with just an FMM...so as stated above...CFE bill or letter stating your address from the Delegado, visa copies, passport copy and some money to deposit...easy...do get them to set up your internet banking when you open the account.

DianaT - 5-31-2010 at 09:02 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by rob
DianaT - about $30US to my bank in California - if you need more, I can go and look in the file.

You can wire from any branch - I have done it from three different branches in La Paz.


Thanks, that is mainly what we needed to know.

:yes:

bajajudy - 5-31-2010 at 09:42 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajadave1
Banamex and Bancomer....................


OOPS

toneart - 5-31-2010 at 09:57 AM

When I opened an account with Bancomer in Santa Rosalia five years ago, they required names and contact #s of three Mexican Nationals too, as personal references. They also would not accept, even for deposit and hold, a Bank of America Cashier's check for $10,000 until I insisted the manager call his boss in La Paz to get an OK. They did allow the deposit and held it until cleared.

I have long ago cancelled that account and will not open one in Mulege either. (It didn't exist when I opened the account in Santa Rosalia.)

Why would anyone want to have a Mexican Bank account? It is not worth the red tape and hassle, long lines to see a manager to get OKs for every little thing before you can even get into the teller's long line. It can take an incredibly long time to get in and out.

And now they are not even taking U.S. Dollars. There is no attempt at giving good service whatsoever.

One time, in Santa Rosalia, I returned to convert some U.S. Dollars that I had gotten earlier at that branch, into pesos. (I had both a Dollar and a Peso account.) The teller marked a One Hundred Dollar Bill with a marker and told me it was counterfeit, and refused to cash it. I got the manager and showed him my receipt that verified I had gotten the Dollars there. For sure I drew the attention of everyone who was in the bank. I think the teller was trying to quietly steal my Hundred for himself. Well, I made some noise so the manager looked at it and okeyed it.
:mad:

Bill Collector - 5-31-2010 at 11:05 AM

With Bancomer in Los Barriles its been easy exchanging dollars for peso. We put dollars into our bank account, go out side to their ATM. With a Bancomer ATM card we can pull out peso, it's been really easy. Never long lines, maybe one person in line.

irenemm - 5-31-2010 at 11:50 AM

Bank Tellers in Mexico go to a Bank Teller School. They learn to be very rude and not helpful. In the 30 years since I have been in the Mexican banking system all the teller have passed with a 10 the grading system is numerical too. Other wise they would get an A+ for rudeness and unfriendly service.
Maybe 1 or 2 have failed and been nice to deal with. But they don't work at the banks any longer
Just our experiences. I am a gringa and my husband born Mexican he says the same thing.
OH I think if they smile they are fired too.

toneart - 5-31-2010 at 11:50 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by morgaine7
Quote:
Originally posted by toneart
Why would anyone want to have a Mexican Bank account?

1. Local checks for large amounts are accepted by contractors, notarios, insurance companies, appliance stores, etc. (at least in La Paz).
2. ATM card use is free in the bank's ATMs. Debit use is also free.
3. If your card gets lost or stolen, it's quick and easy to replace. Getting a replacement US bank card if you're in Mexico is a huge PITA.
4. You can set up utilities to be auto-paid.
5. You can have your US social security check direct-deposited with a good exchange rate and no fee.

For those of us who live here full time, a local bank account is convenient, useful, and definitely worthwhile. I use checks very seldom and rarely go to the bank, but I use my Bancomer ATM/Debit card regularly for cash and purchases.

Kate


Thank you for this response, Kate. If it is convenient for you, then why not?

For me, it is as I stated: not necessary and was a PITA. I have since been able to access cash without charge at two different sources in Mulege: Santender ATM and Bank of America Safe Send. I am usually there for 4 or 5 months and have no need for the other services that you enjoy. :D

shari - 5-31-2010 at 11:54 AM

Our bank tellers at bancomer in vizcaino are awesome and Dulce the executive who opens accounts is simply marvelous...things are changing in the banking world.

Santiago - 5-31-2010 at 12:17 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by shari
Our bank tellers at bancomer in vizcaino are awesome and Dulce the executive who opens accounts is simply marvelous...things are changing in the banking world.

I have experienced this same thing at this branch; once when traveling from Asuncion I was asked by a loony lady to deposit some money for her and when I got to the window, the amount of cash was different than what the person had written on the deposit slip. No problem, the bank officer called up the account owner and got a verbal that the slip was wrong and everything was cool. And everyone smiled and seemed interested in giving good service. My one and only bank experience for Buffalo Springfield.

DianaT - 5-31-2010 at 12:59 PM

OK, unless I missed it, I still don't know how much it costs to wire money from say Bancomer or Banamex to a US bank account?

Thanks

henshaw - 6-1-2010 at 07:48 AM

Thanks for the feedback guys, it has opened my eyes but I think I sorta have a grip in it now. Oh yeah, regarding the rudeness of the bank employees, I got a snout full on my first attempt to open an account and walked out, I'll give it another try.