BajaNomad - credit cards at the pemex

credit cards at the pemex

willardguy - 7-25-2011 at 05:12 PM

been seeing card readers at the newer pemex's. any nomads using em?

DENNIS - 7-25-2011 at 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by willardguy
been seeing card readers at the newer pemex's. any nomads using em?

No, but I'm going to....right after they calibrate their pumps. :lol:

Marc - 7-25-2011 at 05:23 PM

Or when hell freezes over. :lol:

luv2fish - 7-25-2011 at 05:40 PM

I saw them when I was down a while back. The attendant had a hand held credit card reader, I thought it was for taking credit cards but he told me that it's only for commercial accounts that have made prior arrangements with pemex i.e. Coke, Pepsi etc.

karenintx - 7-25-2011 at 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by willardguy
been seeing card readers at the newer pemex's. any nomads using em?

You are talking about the hand-held machine, right? If so, yes we use them all the time here in CSL. Have being using our c/c since early 2009 without any problems...of course the hubby gets out of the car then talks & watches the attendent. We not only get the c/c receipt but ask for a factura also.

About 45 days ago we went to get propane on the Pacific side. We stopped at a new Pemex so when the hubby asked if they accept c/c he was told "si". When they used the hand-held machine it would not process the transaction. Finally a second attendent came over and said in Spanish "it only works on Mexican c/c". Thank goodness we had stopped off at the ATM earlier.

Credit Cards+Mexico+Pemex ?

MrBillM - 7-25-2011 at 07:19 PM

THAT sounds like a prescription for DISASTER to me.

Long before I ever considered using a Credit Card ANYWHERE in Baja, I heard enough Horror stories (including monumental phone charges found on returning home) to make it sound like something I NEVER wanted to do.

Adding in the multitude of Horror stories continually popping up regarding Pemex stations (which I could add to) makes the idea of using a credit card at one seem like a REALLY bad idea.

Given the fact that you're taking a chance using a C.C. or ATM at anything other than a major business in the U.S., WOW !

Caveat Emptor Mucho.

MitchMan - 7-25-2011 at 07:40 PM

I virtually never use my credit card in Baja unless it is for car rental. Always carry cash (pesos). Only use ATM card to withdraw pesos at Santander, not for purchases in Baja. I never, ever use wireless internet to access online banking.

One time in '95 when I was CFO VP for a company in Newport Beach, the company went on an executive retreat to Acapulco. Used the company credit card for everything. 6 months later, the card was hit with $7,600 USD in bogus charges for furniture in Mexico.

In my life, I try really hard not to make the same mistake twice, don't always succeed.

ElCap - 7-25-2011 at 07:41 PM

I would be wary too, but we always use our ATMs at the banks to get pesos, which give a very good exchange rate. We always print out a receipt and check when we get back home, and have never been 'screwed'. Times they are a-changin', even in Baja, and charging gas at a Pemex with a CC will work for me if and when we know it is legit.

Pescador - 7-25-2011 at 07:45 PM

If you have a Mexican bank account, it is really easy to get a debit card on the account and I use it for gas, most purchases, except for the taco stands on the street. Most of the Qualli stations have a reader and it works very well.

goldhuntress - 7-25-2011 at 08:00 PM

My boyfriend used his at the El Rosario Pemex next to Baja Cactus which, I believe, is owned by Antonio. It was a hand held and no problems. The only CC fraud I've experienced was online buying something on Amazon.com. I'm positive of that. The card had never, ever, left my house. Nigertexasholdem was the charge. It's the 21st century people. Anyone can take a credit card that has a smart phone. Credit card fraud is everywhere. I'm not sure it's worse in Mexico than anywhere else. I would be interested in the statistics as far that goes.

El Comadante Loco - 7-25-2011 at 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrBillM
THAT sounds like a prescription for DISASTER to me.

Long before I ever considered using a Credit Card ANYWHERE in Baja, I heard enough Horror stories (including monumental phone charges found on returning home) to make it sound like something I NEVER wanted to do.

Adding in the multitude of Horror stories continually popping up regarding Pemex stations (which I could add to) makes the idea of using a credit card at one seem like a REALLY bad idea.

Given the fact that you're taking a chance using a C.C. or ATM at anything other than a major business in the U.S., WOW !

Caveat Emptor Mucho.

Amen, went to Hawaii last year used my credit card for purchases, tours and zip line. I was very careful with the use of my card. Well got home and the fraudulent charges started coming in from good old Hawaii, USA. I was not the only member of our party who had their credit card compromised. I it happens here as well as in other place in the world... BTW I had bogus charges come up on my card from Thailand 2 yrs ago... What a pain to get a new card each time.

credit cards

C-Urchin - 7-25-2011 at 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MitchMan
I virtually never use my credit card in Baja unless it is for car rental. Always carry cash (pesos). Only use ATM card to withdraw pesos at Santander, not for purchases in Baja. I never, ever use wireless internet to access online banking.

One time in '95 when I was CFO VP for a company in Newport Beach, the company went on an executive retreat to Acapulco. Used the company credit card for everything. 6 months later, the card was hit with $7,600 USD in bogus charges for furniture in Mexico.

In my life, I try really hard not to make the same mistake twice, don't always succeed.

Use Amex. No worries.

conquestkm - 7-26-2011 at 07:30 AM

We use our debit card at all gas,propane,and large stores all the time. Have never had a problem .

karenintx - 7-26-2011 at 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by C-Urchin

Quote:

Use Amex. No worries.

Have I ever had a fraudulent charge on my c/c...absolutely!
Have I ever had a bank reverse a fraudulent charge off of my c/c...in a heart beat!
Have I "frozen" my social security number with all three credit reporting companies...you betcha!
Will I live in fear and be afraid to enjoy the benefits/freedom my c/c gives me...not in this life time!

I have had the opportunity to travel only on three on the continents in the world all while using my Capital One c/c when I feel it is appropriate. I also use my ATM card the same way...only at banks and only after checking the slot for anything that looks like a card reader may have been inserted then I use a book, newspaper or something to cover my hand when entering my pin #. Thieves can read your card but if they do not have the pin # they can not get into your account.

I monitor my c/c online daily and call-in immediately if there is anything out of ordinary, which has only happened a few times. I for one will not live in fear something "might happen". As long as the banks are willing to back out the charges I am willing to use my c/c. One may say "but it is the consumer who really pays for the fraudulent charges as merchants will have to raise their prices." Yes, I guess that is right and the few people that do not feel comfortable using their c/c will not be able to stop this from happening by not using their c/c. We all have to live in our "comfort zones".

Back in 1970 my 8th grade History teacher said to us "one day you will not use paper money". I remember thinking "this lady is nuts!"...Today I am thinking..."that lady was a very smart person".

Enough of about me...I am off to Costco to use my c/c.

P.S. - Am/Ex is not accepted in many places, even in Baja. I have heard a many of merchants say "this is not America...we do not accept Am/Ex."

[Edited on 7-26-2011 by karenintx]

dtbushpilot - 7-26-2011 at 07:58 AM

karen x2..well said....dt

[Edited on 7-26-2011 by dtbushpilot]

karenintx - 7-26-2011 at 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dtbushpilot
karen x2..well said....dt

[Edited on 7-26-2011 by dtbushpilot]

Thanks a million...can I pay by c/c?

rob - 7-26-2011 at 09:08 AM

The thread IS about credit cards at PEMEX, but the same (hand-held) machine is used for debit cards as well.

We (Mexican businesses in general) are forced to use the card machine at Pemex because Hacienda (Mex IRS) will not accept a Pemex cash invoice as a legal expense - it was an out-of-control racket where for a nominal (or no) fee, you could simply ask for any size invoice you wanted . . . no more.

So for commercial locals, it's not a choice. That said, we have never had a problem with Pemex machines.

We HAVE been ripped off though - my Bancomer debit card was cloned at Office Max in La Paz (I know because it was a brand new/never-used card) when I idiotically let a cashier take the debit card out of my sight because the front machine "was not working".

$80K MN later we saw the activity on a bank statement and stopped the flood (now we monitor daily) - and Bancomer replaced the funds with only a little prodding.

Bob H - 7-26-2011 at 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by willardguy
been seeing card readers at the newer pemex's. any nomads using em?

"the" Pemex in "the" Baja?
:lol:

karenintx - 7-26-2011 at 09:35 AM

Rob,
In CSL anyone can use their c/c @ Pemex...not just Mexican businesses. It seems to be the new or recently update Pemex that have the hand-held c/c machines. We continue to use our c/c at the other Pemex that do not have the new hand-held machines and the hubby still monitors the attendents.

Didn't mean to hijack the thread...just reacting to some of the nay-saying. Lo siento.

DENNIS - 7-26-2011 at 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by karenintx
P.S. - Am/Ex is not accepted in many places, even in Baja. I have heard a many of merchants say "this is not America...we do not accept Am/Ex."

Always nice to get a geography lesson from someone whose sense of nationalism deprives him of his will to learn.

https://www.americanexpress.com/mexico/

karenintx - 7-26-2011 at 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by karenintx
P.S. - Am/Ex is not accepted in many places, even in Baja. I have heard a many of merchants say "this is not America...we do not accept Am/Ex."

Always nice to get a geography lesson from someone whose sense of nationalism deprives him of his will to learn.

https://www.americanexpress.com/mexico/

Hey Caesar don't shoot the messenger. Maybe it should be the Mexican business owner you need to advise of AM/EX Mexico. I am will aware of them but prefer not to use them...but thanks anyway.

DENNIS - 7-26-2011 at 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by karenintx
Hey Caesar don't shoot the messenger. Maybe it should be the Mexican business owner you need to advise of AM/EX Mexico. I am will aware of them but prefer not to use them...but thanks anyway.

I wasn't talking to or about you. Jeeeezo...take some Mydol.

MitchMan - 7-26-2011 at 01:53 PM

I agree that living in fear is no way to live, but having to check your credit card balance daily sounds like a ramification of fear to me.

Use ATM debit card to get pesos out of a USA bank account that carries a modest cash balance at all times (and demanding not to have overdraft coverage) and have enough pesos (efectivo) on hand to pay for your needs for two to three days at a time is hardly any trouble or risk at all. Constantly distributing your credit card to new parties throughout a foreign country to make purchases, now, that is risky. Also, checking your credit card balance and accessing your USA checking account via online banking while using wireless access to the internet, now that's also risky.

It has been known for years that more and more merchants are declining to accept Am Exp CC because of the massive fee that Amex charges the merchant.

karenintx - 7-26-2011 at 02:27 PM

Oh sorry Dennis, I was going by that you "quoted" my post. My mistake...I guess.

Mitch, a great protection is a "VPN" which we use anytime we are online. Having to travel for 25 years in the airline business makes you quickly learn the best way to protect yourself but nothing is 100%. We all have our comfort zones. You are right about the massive fees Am/Ex charges. Even our Plamtium Card friends have finally accepted the fact and switch over to Capital One.

Now back to the posting of using c/c @ Pemex....

MitchMan - 7-26-2011 at 04:08 PM

Thanks for the tip on VPN. Have to research it. It would be great if it is sufficient security

Bajahowodd - 7-26-2011 at 04:20 PM

I'm guessing that the long view on Amex is that they have traditionally charged a higher transaction fee than have Visa and Mastercard. Throughout the US one may encounter numerous merchants who will accept Visa and MC, but not Amex.

So, I highly doubt that there are any political implications about merchants in Mexico refusing to accept Amex. It's simply about profit.

That said, as this was a thread that began talking about Pemex stations and credit cards, my experience has been that even those that do, really try to discourage their use, simply because, given their slim profit margin on gas, they really don't want to relinquish a portion of that profit to a credit card company. Remember that these folks are franchisees.

On that same note, although it has been several years since, I do recall attempting to use plastic at Antonio's Pemex in El Rosario, and being told that their would be a 5% surcharge if I used the card.

I can live with that, where for the majority of my gas purchases, I'll use cash, but feel comforted that if I run short of cash, I can use plastic, if necessary.