BajaNomad - Pesos for Dollars?

Pesos for Dollars?

socalrat - 12-13-2010 at 10:26 PM

Should I be looking to exchange dollars for pesos somewhere in El Centro or Brawley? Or just wait to pull pesos out of the ATM in San Felipe?

thanks in advance,
gb3

DENNIS - 12-13-2010 at 10:32 PM

Whichever is more convenient unless you need a massive amount of Pesos. Then it would probably pay to do the math.

Don't sweat the small stuff.

BajaGringo - 12-13-2010 at 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Whichever is more convenient unless you need a massive amount of Pesos. Then it would probably pay to do the math.

Don't sweat the small stuff.

Ain't that the truth. I had to talk some sense into a friend awhile back who spent almost an hour driving around San Ysidro to find the best exchange rate. After I explained to him that he spent more in gas driving around than the difference in pesos he would get for his $300USD we shared a good laugh together.

It reminds me of someone else I know who will drive all the way across town so they can use a coupon for a three dollar item...

socalrat - 12-13-2010 at 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Whichever is more convenient unless you need a massive amount of Pesos. Then it would probably pay to do the math.

Don't sweat the small stuff.

Probably need about $400 for the 20 days we will be down there. I'll make sure to fuel up in Calexico and then get pesos in San Felipe somewhere, I guess.

tunaeater - 12-14-2010 at 12:55 AM

I would exchange in Calexico. Many casa de cambios if going through downtown. A little better rate then SF

BajaWarrior - 12-14-2010 at 05:47 AM

If your crossing early it may be hard to find an open casa de cambio in Mexicali but there is one in San Felipe just past the arches on the right brightly lit that has a good exchange rate and will be open when you get there.

b1 - 12-14-2010 at 06:25 AM

Just for my future travel info, where can I exchange dollars for pesos in either/both El Centro or Brawley? thanks, b1

mcfez - 12-14-2010 at 07:05 AM

If you want to save a buck...just order one less fish taco!

Going to Mexico for 25+ years @ both the Mexican Rivera side and Baja.....I have never used pesos. Your USD's should be $400.00 in 1, 5 and 10's. Small bills are easy for the merchants to deal with Baja.

I laugh at some folks that run all over the map looking for the "best" money exchange. By the time you peeed your gas away and travel time doing it....you could had been sitting at that sidewalk taco stand ordering that "one less" Taco!

Ya...fill up in Calixico. The gas is a wee cheaper on the USA side than in town Mexicali ...at times...and less confusing to deal with. You'll get to San Felipe on a third -half of tank

Haven't you left yet? :-)

DENNIS - 12-14-2010 at 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
If you want to save a buck...just order one less fish taco!

What more do they need to know??? :lol:

bajalou - 12-14-2010 at 08:09 AM

I live in San Felipe and I was low on pesos yesterday, planning on buying gas etc, so went to the Bancomer ATM at Sundance to load up.

I got 5000 pesos on my US debit card. Bancomer said there would be a charge - 25 pesos or so and I said OK and got my money. Checked my bank account when I got home and the debit to my account was $403.32. My bank will charge me $5 for using a non-owned ATM - San Felipe or San Diego, doesn't matter.

After putting it all together my rate of exchange was 12.24 to 1. The Cambio by Dr Abasolo's office showed offering 11.70. A much better deal at the ATM. - About 25 bucks difference.

DENNIS - 12-14-2010 at 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajalou
After putting it all together my rate of exchange was 12.24 to 1. The Cambio by Dr Abasolo's office showed offering 11.70. A much better deal at the ATM. - About 25 bucks difference.

Lou....that Cambio is way out of line. Their normal Tipo de Cambio is around 2% below the bank rate which yesterday was 12.37...I believe. [I don't keep close track of these things and they are constantly changing]
Anyway....at that rate, the Cambio should have been offering 12.12, or there-abouts. Not 11.70.

bajalou - 12-14-2010 at 08:54 AM

I agree Dennis, but that's what they're showing here.

Edit for spelling--

[Edited on 12-14-2010 by bajalou]

DENNIS - 12-14-2010 at 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajalou
I agree Dennis, but that's what they're showing here.

Oh well....they arn't getting rich changing money anyway. Anyone with a sizeable transaction would be doing that at a bank.

I might guess that a lower Tipo de Cambio would indicate poor business in their other fields of finance. Who knows?

tunaeater - 12-14-2010 at 09:42 PM

I like changing the money just to make it easier on them and me. Especially dealing with local markets, street vendores etc.

Bajafun777 - 12-15-2010 at 01:43 AM

Trying to find a cambio in Brawley or El Centro is like trying to find a hundred dollar bill you dropped on the downtown street in Mexicali the day before. Stop in Calexico and exchange you dollars for pesos, as all of them along the way are pretty close in value. Since I live in Brawley, I can tell you your not going to find one there and El Centro use to have one but it went out of business. I have also exchanged in Mexicali before and gained a little but not much, so again Calexico would be your best bet. Take Care & Travel Safe bajafun777 "No Hurry, No Worry, Just FUN"

mcfez - 12-15-2010 at 09:17 AM

The are two exchanges in Calexico, on your right, a 1/2 mile before entering Mexico. Easy parking for tows

David K - 12-15-2010 at 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
If you want to save a buck...just order one less fish taco!

Going to Mexico for 25+ years @ both the Mexican Rivera side and Baja.....I have never used pesos. Your USD's should be $400.00 in 1, 5 and 10's. Small bills are easy for the merchants to deal with Baja.

I laugh at some folks that run all over the map looking for the "best" money exchange. By the time you peeed your gas away and travel time doing it....you could had been sitting at that sidewalk taco stand ordering that "one less" Taco!

Ya...fill up in Calixico. The gas is a wee cheaper on the USA side than in town Mexicali ...at times...and less confusing to deal with. You'll get to San Felipe on a third -half of tank

Haven't you left yet? :-)

It is a vacation.. and if you are going to get stressed by wondering if the exchange rate is going to rip you for $5 isn't going to help you to relax in Baja.

I am with McFez on this... the entire peninsula of Baja California is dollar friendly. The locals use dollars as much as pesos, I see them in stores all the time using dollars. We have only bothered getting pesos on our longer trips into Baja Sur, and get them at the Costco in Chula Vista (Broadway, north of Palomar, off I-5)... I know that isn't an option for you this trip... unless Costco in El Centro has peso exchange inside?

$400 dollars is worth $4,800 pesos at 12:1 and $4,960 at 12.40:1.

The difference is 160 pesos or $13 dollars of your $400 (not considering any fees from the exchange or bank). You have to decide how much that is worth looking for the best exchange rate or if the ATM swallows your card in Mexico.

As you drive towards the border in Calexico... there are exchange houses (Casas de Cambio) along the street on your right. If they are open and advertise a good rate, then stop... If not, do not sweat it and have a great time in Baja with your dollars.

David K - 12-15-2010 at 10:37 AM

Sure... as I said on trips into Baja Sur, we get pesos. By 'dollar-friendly' I meant that you can use dollars everywhere, but the exchange rate is going to be up to the merchant.

When you use dollars, you are giving the merchant a tip however... because of his exchange rate being lower than the banks.

If you live part time in Mexico (not a tourist), then sure you would use the local money. In Baja Norte, I usually see locals with dollars at stores, gas stations, etc... and in Baja Norte it is a dual currency region... Perhaps that will change as the dollar continues to become more worthless?

Trueheart - 12-15-2010 at 11:11 AM

The pesos for dollars discussion ... I remember (not that many years ago so I still can) when I was newer to travelling in Baja and would concern myself more with the rate of exchange. Most of my Baja friends told me not to sweat it, and they were right. I can't say that I have ever found a business establishment in Baja that would not take USD, but in rare instances they would take advantage in "their conversion". That does bug me at times, depending of course on the amount of advantage they are attempting. I have found that having a blend of pesos and USD works best for me. I do the same thing McFez suggests, and carry small denomination USD ... 1,5,10. If you have some smaller USD, you can always come very close to "exact" payment with your own conversion, for those merchants not so bent on theirs. Many actually prefer the USD.

As to "where" to get the pesos if you want some, there are lots of choices and the ones mentioned here are all good depending on your travel route and time. Gringo makes a good point ... don't drive all over the place to "git r dun" ... you'll end up losing on gas + time. Like some have said, don't sweat it too much.

But, if you are new to the Baja travel experience, it might take a few times for you to get comfortable. Hard to get around some of the initial butterflies, but it will happen. Enjoy your trip.

David K - 12-15-2010 at 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Trueheart
The pesos for dollars discussion ... I remember (not that many years ago so I still can) when I was newer to travelling in Baja and would concern myself more with the rate of exchange. Most of my Baja friends told me not to sweat it, and they were right. I can't say that I have ever found a business establishment in Baja that would not take USD, but in rare instances they would take advantage in "their conversion". That does bug me at times, depending of course on the amount of advantage they are attempting. I have found that having a blend of pesos and USD works best for me. I do the same thing McFez suggests, and carry small denomination USD ... 1,5,10. If you have some smaller USD, you can always come very close to "exact" payment with your own conversion, for those merchants not so bent on theirs. Many actually prefer the USD.

As to "where" to get the pesos if you want some, there are lots of choices and the ones mentioned here are all good depending on your travel route and time. Gringo makes a good point ... don't drive all over the place to "git r dun" ... you'll end up losing on gas + time. Like some have said, don't sweat it too much.

But, if you are new to the Baja travel experience, it might take a few times for you to get comfortable. Hard to get around some of the initial butterflies, but it will happen. Enjoy your trip.

Excellent! :light:

DENNIS - 12-15-2010 at 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Trueheart
but in rare instances they would take advantage in "their conversion". .

In some cases, I would agree that the exchange is lopsided. At least it is until you look at the whole picture.
Dollars arn't the coin of the realm and arn't so treasured as they once were. They're a problem for a business owner.
I've often seen the crazy rate posted....10 x 1 etc. and for years have had the feeling the store was saying, "we don't want your dollars. We don't want to deal with the morphing exchange rate. Our purveyors don't want them either. Why is it too much to ask that guests here use our money?"

We and our dollars are highly overrated by us. Just buy Pesos. This obsession is enough to ruin a good trip.

.

[Edited on 12-15-2010 by DENNIS]

dtbushpilot - 12-15-2010 at 11:41 AM

$400 for 20 days? $20 a day?.....sounds like a wild party time to me :lol:

DENNIS - 12-15-2010 at 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dtbushpilot
$400 for 20 days? $20 a day?.....sounds like a wild party time to me :lol:

Back in the 60s, we could go to Mazatlán for six months with 200 bucks.
But, you're right. 400 bucks would be a little tight. Might work if you gave up eating, drinking, and sleeping with a roof over your head.

motoged - 12-15-2010 at 01:01 PM

I think it is more respectful and appropriate to use the currency of the country you are in rather than expect them to accept your currency....no matter how close to the border you are :light:

It is a bit arrogant to expect the US $ to rule over the currency of any other country....any time I have tried to use Canadian currency even a few miles south of the 49th, I get a "no-go" (except maybe at a large mall).

I am sure the exchange happens for a variety of reasons...

Why would a person not want to use pesos in Mexico? Too lazy to go to the bank or casa de cambio? Afraid you will get ripped off?

C'mon you guys....it's a big world out there and you are not the centre of that universe... :saint:

DENNIS - 12-15-2010 at 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by motoged
I think it is more respectful and appropriate to use the currency of the country you are in rather than expect them to accept your currency....no matter how close to the border you are :light:

On the other hand and a long time ago, I recall some of the tourist shops on First Street here in Ensenada wouldn't take Pesos and landlords insisted on Dollars from their US tenants. The Peso was falling in value at a steady rate so when it dropped, it was an automatic increase in revenue for the owner.

Those days are gone but not forgotten along with a lot of other things.

Bajahowodd - 12-15-2010 at 02:52 PM

In the days of the "old peso". After they lopped of some zeros, and a period of pain, things changed.

DENNIS - 12-15-2010 at 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
In the days of the "old peso". After they lopped of some zeros, and a period of pain, things changed.

Actually, the most dynamic period of change came after they threw the Peso into the open money market after being frozen it .08 US cents forever.
The world had a harsh message for Mexico as to the wide-spread opinion of the Peso's worth. It had to be done to invite foreign investment.

sanquintinsince73 - 12-15-2010 at 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dtbushpilot
$400 for 20 days? $20 a day?.....sounds like a wild party time to me :lol:

Maybe they're going to work for the Peace Corps. Who knows, lets pass the hat around and give them a proper send-off.

David K - 12-15-2010 at 03:24 PM

Camping? All you need is to buy gas if you bring all your own food and stay out of campgrounds.

motoged - 12-15-2010 at 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Camping? All you need is to buy gas if you bring all your own food and stay out of campgrounds.

David,
I understand how to go "on the cheap", and try to watch my $$$ too, but I also thought you loved Baja and wanted to support it and its people.....

I didn't realize you brought ALL your own groceries down when you promoted eating fish tacos in Baja :wow:

mtgoat666 - 12-15-2010 at 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Camping? All you need is to buy gas if you bring all your own food and stay out of campgrounds.

and if you fast you won't have to bring food :lol:

DENNIS - 12-15-2010 at 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666
and if you fast you won't have to bring food :lol:

And, if you go 20 days without a shower, they wouldn't dare throw you in Secondary on the way back. :no:

David K - 12-15-2010 at 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by motoged

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Camping? All you need is to buy gas if you bring all your own food and stay out of campgrounds.

What are you talking about, 'eh?

I was explaing to those who questioned socalrat's only bringing $400 with him, how it was possible... It had nothing to do with my habits. There were times in the past when we camped no where near civilization so taco stands for dinner were not an option.

[Edited on 12-16-2010 by David K]

mcfez - 12-15-2010 at 06:38 PM

We pack in food. Stuff that we like and cant find in Baja. Like Cheetos! Every bag brand of chips in Mexico has freakin Chile in the mix! I hate Chile powder.

But then again....we buy hellalot at the market in town.

$400.00 for twenty days? I thank the Gods that I aint going there with them. On day 13....somewhere in the deep desert...campfire blasting....they be looking at MY prime leg for their dinner!

Gas $ 120 two tanks full. $280.00 for groceries and camp wood. I suppose it can be done but the meals would have to be really bottom of the line stuff. No chips, steak, whatever. That all spells *****bored foods**** at meal time!

$800.00 is what they really need.

[Edited on 12-16-2010 by mcfez]

Marc - 12-15-2010 at 10:44 PM

I've been using the "coin of the realm" for years. The farther south one goes the less you get in exchange. I have been budgeting $200 USD a day (in pesos) and I take another $1,000 USD for backup. This is a road trip budget since most of the time I don't know if I am camping or hoteling. If the wife comes along I take more. She doesn't camp.

sanquintinsince73 - 12-15-2010 at 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Marc
I've been using the "coin of the realm" for years. The farther south one goes the less you get in exchange. I have been budgeting $200 USD a day (in pesos) and I take another $1,000 USD for backup. This is a road trip budget since most of the time I don't know if I am camping or hoteling. If the wife comes along I take more. She doesn't camp.

Shhhhhhh!!!!! You never know who may be lurking.

motoged - 12-16-2010 at 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
What are you talking about, 'eh?......I was explaing to those who questioned socalrat's only bringing $400 with him,..... taco stands for dinner were not an option. [Edited on 12-16-2010 by David K]

Hey, like, take off , eh!! :biggrin:

David, Like , don't be a hoser, eh!

Yep , sometimes ya have to pack the cooler...

What, no taco stands at Shell Island....?? Sounds like a retirement project opportunity... :light:

Cash only....pesos and US $$$ will be accepted....Canadians 1/2 price :lol:

roadhog - 12-21-2010 at 09:48 PM

BOA ( Bank of America) associates with Santander. Search Google for Santander Baja ATM locations - BOA may have a site - there's a list for all Baja ATMS - try Baja ATM - or ATM worldwide. Enter the GPS coordinates into your GPS unit. Deposit an adequate amount in the debit account. The Santander ATM then miraculously spits mega pesos in various denominations. I used the La Paz Sears and Rowbuck parking lot ATM cross the street.
Cheapskate ? NAH, pay Pemex an even amount say 10 pesos over minimum from the first stop onward. Hasta luego....

krafty - 12-21-2010 at 09:56 PM

so the 200 2000 peso notes I have been saving for a rainy day are no good? :lol:

shoot, and to think today could have been that day!

El Centro Costco

BajaVida - 1-2-2014 at 08:39 PM

I called the store today and it does not have a currency exchange.

Anyone know about the Mexicai Costco and if it has a money exchange?

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Islandbuilder - 1-2-2014 at 09:22 PM

I usually make as many pre-paid reservations as possible; rental car (if we're flying down), hotels, insurance etc. Then plan on using the credit card for large purchases (if any) and save cash for buying fuel, food and incidentals. There are certainly places where a credit card is useless.
Ged's point is sound ( as a looney, at least), it is respectful to use the currency of the land, especially in a small taco place where having a hand full of dollars may pose a problem.
I like using pesos when getting fuel, it helps me feel more confident that I'm not paying way more for gas than I should be.
That's not a reflection on the gas station guys, it's a reflection on my inability to do that much math in my head on the fly.

David K - 1-2-2014 at 10:54 PM

Hi Baja Vida... are you and the gang heading south to La Gringa again? I miss seeing you and also 'thebajarunner' posting here! I hope you guys have had lots of work up in the valley!

MitchMan - 1-3-2014 at 10:45 AM

Understanding the “real and actual” affect of finance is something that escapes most all people most all of the time. It is actually complicated, and that which is unknowingly misunderstood is also an “unknown”. More often than not, it is the “unknown” that will hurt you in the long run.

If you simply use USD, most all Mexican establishments that take your USD will give you really bad exchange rates. Annualized, that calculates to 1,000% to 3,000% exchange rate “interest expense” cost!

Not a big deal on a cost of funds loss for small amounts of money, say a 4 day trip once a year that cost you $600 USD total. But if you are spending a lot more time in Baja that that, say a month or more per year and you are spending more than several thousands of USD per year, it is irrational and hurting you to not to maximize your exchange rate, whether you “notice” it or not.

If you use USD only in Baja, you most likely do not have visibility of the cost of money you are actually incurring. It is sort of like getting short-changed by the cashier every time you pay cash for something at a store. How often would you stand for that?

Some people have a great deal of money, most do not. If you have a bunch of money and it is too much trouble to “penny pinch” over exchange rates, great. That’s a good thing for the economy as wealth through commerce will therefore tend to redistribute from the wealthier to the less wealthy and I am all for that.

chuckie - 1-3-2014 at 11:31 AM

WOW! Much ado about nothing AGAIN!

durrelllrobert - 1-3-2014 at 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Whichever is more convenient unless you need a massive amount of Pesos. Then it would probably pay to do the math.

Don't sweat the small stuff.

Ron, good to see you are back.

Location DOES matter

durrelllrobert - 1-3-2014 at 06:20 PM

Using the HSBC ATMs at different locations I found that the each one charges a different transaction fee for using their machine. Today in Ensenada the ATM fee at Commercial Mexicana (pelican store where the average transaction is probably 5,000 pesos) was charging 20.98 pesos and the one at the Calimax in Maneadero (a poorer area where the average transaction is probably 50 pesos) was charging 29.00 pesos.

I know, don't sweat the small stuff but that 8 peso difference goes to a big bank, not the merchant, and when there are hundreds of transactions a day it adds up to about $100 USD difference.

David K - 1-3-2014 at 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by durrelllrobert

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Whichever is more convenient unless you need a massive amount of Pesos. Then it would probably pay to do the math.

Don't sweat the small stuff.

Ron, good to see you are back.

Ron's post is over 3 years old... Baja Vida bumped up an old thread with his new question.

sorry for causing trouble by bringing up old news

BajaVida - 1-3-2014 at 08:22 PM

we mainly use pesos for gas and road meals
thanks for the info

BornFisher - 1-4-2014 at 10:45 AM

I went to San Felipe Thursday. Stopped in Calexico at the first place on the right across from a bad Chinese restaurant. First place I saw, got 12.6. Drove down the street and saw 12.8. Drove to San Felipe and saw 12.9. I got ripped off in Calexico and crumby food too!!!
Also saw a gas station north of San Felipe doing 12.9.
So my advice is take your dollars to San Felipe!!!

chuckie - 1-5-2014 at 01:39 AM

I guess thats called having fun in Baja?