BajaNomad - Pesos or Pesos

Pesos or Pesos

Osprey - 8-7-2011 at 07:37 AM

I started another thread so you could give me your flack in a direct way.

There’s nothing wrong with advice like “Here’s how I do it.” or “I think this is the best way to do it in Mexico/Baja.” but with this peso/dollar thing I think the subject needs a deeper read. From the advice I see in the thread, there seems to be a macho mind-set with some and an international financier flare in others. Maybe that’s because the guy who asked about the money thing didn’t tell us much about his trip, his travel.

Maybe if he said “I’m flying from San Diego to Cabo, meeting with a guy to discuss some real estate and then I catch the afternoon plane back” the ugliness might have flown away for me and other readers.

How about this polite question: “I’m driving 1,000 miles into a foreign country that has its own currency. I’m going to spend a few days or maybe a week or two if I like it.”

Won’t this guy need a few pesos? Allow me to tell you what might happen to him:

1. If he refuses to use coin of the country in his travels it seems to me that he does not care that he makes everybody he buys from “His Banker”. He is content to know “He is the boss, the guy with the cash and they’ll take it and love it or to hell with them.” He establishes himself as having an adversarial position with the seller – I submit that is rarely effective and not polite. Maybe he does that in the U.S. – that’s where the macho thing comes in. Does he do that at the dentist, the car wash, the mall, the market – does he hand them his left over Euros from another trip and demand they take them to the bank, accept whatever they’re worth that banking day?

2. After the meeting with the realty guy, they shake hands, the deal is done, everybody’s happy. The seller, a local ranchero invites the buyer to his rancho – on the way the gringo buyer spots an artisan’s stand with beautiful carved ironwood. You see where I’m going with this – he gets to show the seller he was not prepared to show common courtesy to a Mexican vendor in Mexico.

3. Perhaps a macho guy driving fills up his car/truck at a Pemex, pays in dollars and then thinks he’s been cheated on the change. Too late. He said “Fill it up”, the gas is in his vehicle and it’s too late to argue about the exchange. He willingly made the dealer “His Banker”. Bankers get paid. To avoid this the buyer only needs to spend a pleasant 30 minutes in the boiling sun while he has the seller write out the price of gas in pesos and dollars in liters, then in gallons, then go over the exchange rate charged by the seller on that particular Sunday (the banks are closed – he is the bank).

I guess the thing that inspired this little thought was McFez who has told us, as often as the subject has come up, that “He never uses pesos in Mexico – 35 years and counting.” Now that is macho. What could make him change his mind? Nothing? War, devaluation of the dollar, devaluation of the peso, paying $500 dollars for a $200 dollar item? Is there some special rule about San Felipe merchants only taking U.S. dollars that I don’t know about? How about the clinic there, the Pemex, the tax office.

How would McFez and other “Dollars only” travelers fare while traveling in Europe, South America? Their answer will undoubtedly be “I don’t go to those places, I always pay in dollars in Mexico – they love dollars down there.”

No matter where in Baja/Mexico you plan to travel to, for whatever time and reason, no matter how you travel, you can always find places in the U.S. to buy pesos before you leave and Mexican ATMs spit out pesos and they are everywhere there is tourism and/or commerce.

Now you may fire at will.

[Edited on 8-7-2011 by Osprey]

CP - 8-7-2011 at 07:44 AM

Thanks Osprey. I thought it, but could not put it into words as you have.

[Edited on 8-7-2011 by CP]

bajabass - 8-7-2011 at 07:52 AM

It seems that in the TJ/Ensenada area, they do prefer dollars to pesos at a lot of places. I am sure they make a little extra by being the "banker". That said, down south where I live now, I don't even think of using dollars. Then again, I don't have enough money to worry about it!!! :lol:

DENNIS - 8-7-2011 at 08:28 AM

Huge, blinking sign in front of Anthony's:

"PESOS FOR BESOS....y mucho mas."

I wonder what that means?

woody with a view - 8-7-2011 at 08:43 AM

we usually keep a couple hundred in $'s for emergencies. we stop at the atm in san q for the bulk of the money we'll need....

what's the prollem?

mcfez - 8-7-2011 at 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Osprey
I started another thread so you could give me your flack in a direct way.

There’s nothing wrong with advice like “Here’s how I do it.” or “I think this is the best way to do it in Mexico/Baja.” but with this peso/dollar thing I think the subject needs a deeper read. From the advice I see in the thread, there seems to be a macho mind-set with some and an international financier flare in others. Maybe that’s because the guy who asked about the money thing didn’t tell us much about his trip, his travel.

Maybe if he said “I’m flying from San Diego to Cabo, meeting with a guy to discuss some real estate and then I catch the afternoon plane back” the ugliness might have flown away for me and other readers.

How about this polite question: “I’m driving 1,000 miles into a foreign country that has its own currency. I’m going to spend a few days or maybe a week or two if I like it.”

Won’t this guy need a few pesos? Allow me to tell you what might happen to him:

1. If he refuses to use coin of the country in his travels it seems to me that he does not care that he makes everybody he buys from “His Banker”. He is content to know “He is the boss, the guy with the cash and they’ll take it and love it or to hell with them.” He establishes himself as having an adversarial position with the seller – I submit that is rarely effective and not polite. Maybe he does that in the U.S. – that’s where the macho thing comes in. Does he do that at the dentist, the car wash, the mall, the market – does he hand them his left over Euros from another trip and demand they take them to the bank, accept whatever they’re worth that banking day?

2. After the meeting with the realty guy, they shake hands, the deal is done, everybody’s happy. The seller, a local ranchero invites the buyer to his rancho – on the way the gringo buyer spots an artisan’s stand with beautiful carved ironwood. You see where I’m going with this – he gets to show the seller he was not prepared to show common courtesy to a Mexican vendor in Mexico.

3. Perhaps a macho guy driving fills up his car/truck at a Pemex, pays in dollars and then thinks he’s been cheated on the change. Too late. He said “Fill it up”, the gas is in his vehicle and it’s too late to argue about the exchange. He willingly made the dealer “His Banker”. Bankers get paid. To avoid this the buyer only needs to spend a pleasant 30 minutes in the boiling sun while he has the seller write out the price of gas in pesos and dollars in liters, then in gallons, then go over the exchange rate charged by the seller on that particular Sunday (the banks are closed – he is the bank).

I guess the thing that inspired this little thought was McFez who has told us, as often as the subject has come up, that “He never uses pesos in Mexico – 35 years and counting.” Now that is macho. What could make him change his mind? Nothing? War, devaluation of the dollar, devaluation of the peso, paying $500 dollars for a $200 dollar item? Is there some special rule about San Felipe merchants only taking U.S. dollars that I don’t know about? How about the clinic there, the Pemex, the tax office.

How would McFez and other “Dollars only” travelers fare while traveling in Europe, South America? Their answer will undoubtedly be “I don’t go to those places, I always pay in dollars in Mexico – they love dollars down there.”

No matter where in Baja/Mexico you plan to travel to, for whatever time and reason, no matter how you travel, you can always find places in the U.S. to buy pesos before you leave and Mexican ATMs spit out pesos and they are everywhere there is tourism and/or commerce.

Now you may fire at will.

[Edited on 8-7-2011 by Osprey]

Well...this is a good retort you just did. The problem is....

I said to use USD in Mexico. I DID NOT SAY TO USE USD IN ANY OTHER COUNTRY. I would appreciated that you edit you post to get the facts correct about me.

Further to add from me. I have visited Mexico since 1973 as a once a year tourist. I have been traveling Mexico since 1982 as a seasoned "amateur explorer" multiple times per year. Cancun was barely being built from the jungle. Tulume was undiscovered by tourist. I currently own /lease investments in Mexico including the Baja. I have always taken USD and not have a issue.

It's easy to get pesos anywhere in Mexico. If one needs peso...go to the exchange, the bank...even the store! These days...ATM offers pesos. So why da hell would someone want to carry all them pesos to Mexico? To save a few bucks in the exchange rates? I suppose so. Whoopee doo.

As in the matter of using USD in Europe.....some of you know that I go there often...my mate is a German citizen. Her family lives there. Now she is a walking brain. A Doctor. She takes USD and exchanges there as needed. Most establishments in Europe do indeed take USD.

I have been to Europe, central Americans, Caribbeans.... It all depends on the exchange rates and conveniences.

Osprey....You have too many IF's and BUT's in your retort. Not all goes bad in life. Relax.

You are not the only seasoned traveler here.

[Edited on 8-7-2011 by mcfez]

Osprey - 8-7-2011 at 09:04 AM

Whoopee doo? I'm relaxed now that I have evened the playing field -- your broad brush approach to advice for travelers about how to handle money in Mexico, by your exclusive example is misplaced no matter how many times you give it.

[Edited on 8-7-2011 by Osprey]

Marc - 8-7-2011 at 09:10 AM

Well said (written) Osprey. I use coin of the realm when abroad. It's a sign of respect and necessary in most cases.
Some years ago I was in line in a bank in Hanoi waiting to change my dollars. I struck up a conversation with a Brit standing behind me who was changing his Euros to US dollars to spend there in the north. Seems the merchants craved the USD. I am no economist, so go figure. Maybe they keep the bucks under the mattress waiting for the value to go up. That could be the case in Ensenada; just hold some of the bucks while the Peso declines.
Once in Baja a buddy of mine refused to change to Pesos. He ended up with wad of $100 bills in Loreto (1990) that he could not spend. I had to lend him Pesos to get home.

[Edited on 8-7-2011 by Marc]

rhintransit - 8-7-2011 at 09:19 AM

like Osprey, I agree that it all depends on who the traveler is and why/where he's going. I'd guess that most of the live here folks use pesos fairly exclusively. tourists do what tourists do anywhere, whatever works for them.
and about loosely using the term 'in Mexico'... Baja is/has always been a separate country. it's not been my experience that dollars are readily accepted on the mainland, except perhaps in major foreign tourist resort type destinations.

toneart - 8-7-2011 at 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Huge, blinking sign in front of Anthony's:

"PESOS FOR BESOS....y mucho mas."

I wonder what that means?

Hey! My name is Anthony, but I am not the banker who is cashing in on this treasure trove. :no:

But when traveling in Mexico I am always ready with Pesos. Ya never know how it may benefit my wanton wanderings.

In my opinion, to not use the currency of the country you are in is to not wholly commit yourself to the experience of that culture. It is just one of many ways some Americans disrespect and display disdain of other cultures. "When in Rome do as The Americans do"?

However, in defense of McFez, or anyone whose Mexican experience is limited to San Felipe, it is probably not necessary to worry about such things as culture or currency.

Not a question of respect

Dave - 8-7-2011 at 09:58 AM

It might be interesting to note that up until the early 1970's the all-but-official currency in northern Baja was the United States dollar. Banks were a rare and untrusted commodity as was the federal government. By the middle of the 1970's Baja residents gradually yet reluctantly began accepting pesos...

Their loyalty being rewarded by the devaluations of 1982 and '94.

Osprey - 8-7-2011 at 10:05 AM

You make my point for me. I paid for lots of dinners, margaritas and fishing trips with 10,000 pesos notes when the peso went to 3,300 to the dollar.

Took 2,000,000 pesos down one trip and hurt no one, had the time of my life.

DENNIS - 8-7-2011 at 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave
It might be interesting to note that up until the early 1970's the all-but-official currency in northern Baja was the United States dollar. Banks were a rare and untrusted commodity as was the federal government. By the middle of the 1970's Baja residents gradually yet reluctantly began accepting pesos...

Their loyalty being rewarded by the devaluations of 1982 and '94.

94 was a devaluation? I thought it was the changing of the money from Peso to Nuevo Peso. They knocked off three zeros.
Anyway, before that time, most of the junk stores on Lopez Mateos wouldn't even accept Pesos. Dollars only.
landlords prefered to calculate rent in dollars, as illegal as that is, and every time the Peso got weaker, which was often, the landlord made more money from the rent.

Wadda World. :lol:

J.P. - 8-7-2011 at 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Marc
Well said (written) Osprey. I use coin of the realm when abroad. It's a sign of respect and necessary in most cases.
Some years ago I was in line in a bank in Hanoi waiting to change my dollars. I struck up a conversation with a Brit standing behind me who was changing his Euros to US dollars to spend there in the north. Seems the merchants craved the USD. I am no economist, so go figure. Maybe they keep the bucks under the mattress waiting for the value to go up. That could be the case in Ensenada; just hold some of the bucks while the Peso declines.
Once in Baja a buddy of mine refused to change to Pesos. He ended up with wad of $100 bills in Loreto (1990) that he could not spend. I had to lend him Pesos to get home.

[Edited on 8-7-2011 by Marc]

Making the local Merchant your Banker. Give me a break most places you shop if you give them a bill thats 5%or bigger over the purchase amount they have to run down the street to get change. when they open for buisness in the morning they dont have enough money in the till to make change on the 1st.transaction of the Day

Yeah...

Dave - 8-7-2011 at 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Osprey
Took 2,000,000 pesos down one trip and hurt no one, had the time of my life.

I'll bet those folks on the receiving end were happy as clams. After having watched their savings disappear and the economy go to s**t, why wouldn't they? :rolleyes:

Those on the giving end of a devaluation always have a fun time.

Whoopee!

DENNIS - 8-7-2011 at 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by J.P.
Making the local Merchant your Banker. Give me a break most places you shop if you give them a bill thats 5%or bigger over the purchase amount they have to run down the street to get change. when they open for buisness in the morning they dont have enough money in the till to make change on the 1st.transaction of the Day

WalMart here still operates like that....all day. They don't seem to trust the cashier with enough money in the till to keep the line moving.
That place is a picture of inefficiency.....and surly personell at the checkstand.

Osprey - 8-7-2011 at 10:34 AM

Dave, no whoopee doo, just whoopee?

Man, you gotta run for congress, be a lawyer, you'll take either side and boil anybody who disagrees. Give it up.

Dennis, you do a lot better with the late night joint quips.

J.P. try the little tackle shop at Elephant's Breath Arkansas on a bad Wednesday at first light. You have better things to do.

J.P. - 8-7-2011 at 10:34 AM

Years ago wehn we used to go to the mainland shopping it was a blast IF you gave a merchant his asking price he was insulted. The Banter that went along with the transaction was a social art that the people expected and enjoyed.I have never noticed much of the practice today :yes:

bajamigo - 8-7-2011 at 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

WalMart here still operates like that....all day. They don't seem to trust the cashier with enough money in the till to keep the line moving.

You are not kidding. There always seems to be a fire drill around the cash register whenever I present a 200-peso note.

I wonder if management simply doesn't trust its employees to be around a pile of cash. At Costco, it seems that after every fifth customer, the line is stopped and the pneumatic tubes are stuffed.

Sure is a different experience from the big NOB stores.

J.P. - 8-7-2011 at 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Osprey[

J.P. try the little tackle shop at Elephant's Breath Arkansas on a bad Wednesday at first light. You have better things to do.

Elephants Breath Arkansas???? I always thought the only reason for Arkansas to exist is so the people from Missouri would have soneone to look down on. :lol:

Osprey - 8-7-2011 at 10:49 AM

JP, salute to you, pal, goodfellowship still lives in those with a sense of humor for every occassion. Thanks.

mcfez - 8-7-2011 at 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Osprey
Whoopee doo? I'm relaxed now that I have evened the playing field -- your broad brush approach to advice for travelers about how to handle money in Mexico, by your exclusive example is misplaced no matter how many times you give it.

[Edited on 8-7-2011 by Osprey]

So what we have here is Osprey demanding that it's his way or the highway? :lol:

Okay okay....I'll let you have the last word, Messiah of Money matters...cause we all believe your word is absolute and finale.......there must be no other way to travel in other countries other than your way. :lol:

I got 35 years of traveling experience....my way works too.

Dont try to be such a Money Messiah of Baja...and other parts of the world.

I just cant imagine anyone entering Baja with zero USD's. Gee....folks from San Diego....going to TJ for dinner...will stop by and get peso's beforehand? Give it a break! :lol:

Level the playing field? I didnt know there was a pis sing match going on here with you. Care to drag this over to Off Topics?

[Edited on 8-7-2011 by mcfez]

Osprey - 8-7-2011 at 11:22 AM

What is Off Topic and why would I want to go there? It's not my way or the highway, I'm just trying to balance out your macho approach to money and Mexico.

You don't want to do the dozens with me until you capture another 130,000 English words, have em' right handy. McFez, how could you make your point if you don't have the words? Whoopee doo doesn't make it on or off topic, at the bar or in the courtroom.

mcfez - 8-7-2011 at 11:23 AM

One example of the many reasons you can take USD. You should a learn little about the true laws of Mexico before running your motor mouth.

'......Pesos, being the national currency of Mexico, will be accepted absolutely anywhere. US dollars will be accepted throughout the Cancun Hotel Zone........

Geeze......it's flexible.

I can set a hundred examples.

[Edited on 8-7-2011 by mcfez]

Doesn't make it anywheres

Dave - 8-7-2011 at 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Osprey
Whoopee doo doesn't make it on or off topic, at the bar or in the courtroom.

It's either whoopty-do or whoop-dee-doo

Whoopee-do is gay.

Osprey - 8-7-2011 at 11:34 AM

Dave, I didn't want to lay it on. I like McFez. He'd make a nice pet but I bet you anything he sheds like crazy.

DENNIS - 8-7-2011 at 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Osprey
Dennis, you do a lot better with the late night joint quips.

Just happy that my eyes are still open after dark, Jorge. :biggrin:

mcfez - 8-7-2011 at 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Osprey
What is Off Topic and why would I want to go there? It's not my way or the highway, I'm just trying to balance out your macho approach to money and Mexico.

Originally posted by Osprey
Whoopee doo? I'm relaxed now that I have evened the playing-- your broad brush approach to advice for travelers about how to handle money in Mexico, by your exclusive example is misplaced no matter how many times you give it.

[Edited on 8-7-2011 by Osprey]

Oh...Okay!
You are getting your words all twisted up :-)

Sounds to me you came in for a attack on my viewpoint...now that I have evened the playing--and then tried to tone it down with such words as I'm just trying to balance out

Stick to your cool story telling s.... you have been posting here at the BN. They are really good. Honestly. But to post retorts that has nasty insults...expect the same back to you.

And you dont know what the Off Topics are. Oh..okay! If you wish to continue this little Drama Queen stuff of yours here....I'm game. I do however prefer to take it to the O.T.

[Edited on 8-7-2011 by mcfez]

Dear Dave

mcfez - 8-7-2011 at 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Osprey
Dave, I didn't want to lay it on. I like McFez. He'd make a nice pet but I bet you anything he sheds like crazy.

Dear Dave
Osprey is very right...I do indeed shed a lot! I am however cleaner than Osprey.....you know...with all the slime dripping off of him. He make a very poor pet. Not good to even keep around

[Edited on 8-7-2011 by mcfez]

Udo - 8-7-2011 at 11:54 AM

The sea-life must not be biting again, George. Therefore you have time on your hands to write (whatever the topic may be, fiction or non-fiction).

In my world travels, I ALWAYS exchanged my US Dollars for whatever currency was for the appropriate country.

When I travel in Baja, or the mainland, I feel it is the polite thing to do as respect to the Mexican way of economy. Over the last 5 trips to Baja, the local exchange rate for whatever merchandise I purchased, varied a lot, and especially from Pemex to Pemex.
I exchange my USD on the US side (usually very close to the current published exchange rate.
If nothing else, at least exchange enough USD so you can properly pay the Pemex attendant without feeling that you got screwed somehow (they do have some sneaky ways of extracting extra $ from you that you did not realize until a few KM down the road. You pay in Pesos, all is square.)
Im my instance, when I come down for a couple of weeks in December, I plan on exchanging about $2,000.00 US to Pesos. If I have some left over, I'll use them in my future trips.
George, you did a worthwhile presentation of proper courtesy when in a foreign country.

KEEP IT UP, BUDDY!

[Edited on 8-7-2011 by Udo]

Osprey - 8-7-2011 at 12:00 PM

Udo, thanks pal but you're too late. McFez slimed me. Ack, I'm undone. Covered with slime. What a horrible way to lose what could have been a great debate. Well played slime merchant!

mcfez - 8-7-2011 at 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Osprey
Udo, thanks pal but you're too late. McFez slimed me. Ack, I'm undone. Covered with slime. What a horrible way to lose what could have been a great debate. Well played slime merchant!

Whats the matter Osprey....you come on today in attempts to over ride my viewpoints with discrediting vocabulary towards me. You call me names. You started this garbage. Need I really have to highlight all of this crapola that you typed?

Again...I gave my insights as to using the peso. Many did.... yet you decided to single out my view points with degrading remarks. Gee..I wonder why you decided to do this attack? You need to just stop all the name calling and insinuations, save it for the O.T. Go ahead Drama Queen.....continue.

seattletimes.nwsource.com
Originally published Saturday, November 13, 2010 at 7:00 PM

Hotels, restaurants, stores and other merchants in Baja California still gladly accept U.S. dollars," said Juan Tintos Funcke, state secretary of tourism for Baja California.

"Dollar bills are as welcome as pesos and credit cards across Baja California, everywhere a tourist would spend money," he said in a statement.

So in the end...there are many opinions here that conflict. Yours included.

[Edited on 8-7-2011 by mcfez]

Cypress - 8-7-2011 at 12:21 PM

:lol:

Osprey - 8-7-2011 at 01:14 PM

McIrish, don't try to make up to me now. Slime is slime. Boy, you guys must play rough over there in Way Off Topic. Whew!

mcfez - 8-7-2011 at 01:41 PM

Birdie...
Using degrading statements and diversions ...will not allow you to control the conversation.

Messiah of Monetary concerns...didn't hold up much here, eh? You just remember that there are indeed other viewpoints here... other than your one sided thick skull concepts.

Fact is...this isnt really about the pesos, right? Why dont you just tells us all here whats really on you mind?

[Edited on 8-7-2011 by mcfez]

baja1943 - 8-7-2011 at 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
Birdie...
Using degrading statements and diversions ...will not allow you to control the conversation.

Messiah of Monetary concerns...didn't hold up much here, eh? You just remember that there are indeed other viewpoints here... other than your one sided thick skull concepts.

Fact is...this isnt really about the pesos, right? Why dont you just tells us all here whats really on you mind?

[Edited on 8-7-2011 by mcfez]

Your a open book. Chapter IV in Mcfez WORLD "time to play martyr"

Woooosh - 8-7-2011 at 02:02 PM

My two cents:

What you would call "banker", I would call "delivering service" in many situations. Merchants are required by law to post the daily Dollar exchange rates so this is no unwelcome imposition on the part of the merchants.

There are many places that have always converted the peso at 10:1 and they happily take the extra 15-20% when you pay in dollars. Even at 11:1 they make some extra money. Indeed Mexican like the art of the deal- the bargaining. They also adore playing exchange house with the few dollars they get. It keeps them busy in the long wait between customers.

I think the case would be made better about merchants preferring your dollars to credit cards. Having said all that, I do business in pesos unless the merchant specifically prefers dollars.

jmho

DENNIS - 8-7-2011 at 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh
There are many places that have always converted the peso at 10:1 and they happily take the extra 15-20% when you pay in dollars. Even at 11:1 they make some extra money. Indeed Mexican like the art of the deal- the bargaining. They also adore playing exchange house with the few dollars they get. It keeps them busy in the long wait between customers.

Yeah...but they have to spend them too at which time they take a beating. Not all small businesses use banks.

Let's face it....the bloom is off the buck and Mexican businesses would probably rather not deal with them anymore.

Now.......if the Peso starts to sink like a rock against the dollar, that may change.

May a Mere Female Chime In Here?

Gypsy Jan - 8-7-2011 at 03:30 PM

We pay in pesos and ask for change in pesos, especially at the places that mostly have American visitors and usually only have dollars.

I have literally seen the person responsible for making our change go to the back of the store/restaurant and have the help turn out their pockets in order to accommodate our request.

It is just a matter of respecting the sovereign currency and the government that issues it.

DENNIS - 8-7-2011 at 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gypsy Jan
It is just a matter of respecting the sovereign currency and the government that issues it.

All due respect, Jan, this issue is as old as tortillas and I never did think it had the gravity of a moral issue.
I said earlier, money is money. If the merchant didn't want dollars, they would tell you...."No Stinkin' Dollars." I've never heard that although I have heard, "No Stinkin' Pesos."

Why is this such a big deal? It will all seek it's own level without our having to bow to a flag or apologize.

Good job

Dave - 8-7-2011 at 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gypsy Jan
We pay in pesos and ask for change in pesos, especially at the places that mostly have American visitors and usually only have dollars.

I have literally seen the person responsible for making our change go to the back of the store/restaurant and have the help turn out their pockets in order to accommodate our request.

It is just a matter of respecting the sovereign currency and the government that issues it.

Civics 101

Respecting currency at the expense of inconveniencing the owner and the help.

That'll learn 'em.

Bajahowodd - 8-7-2011 at 04:02 PM

For what it's worth, I believe that the posts on this thread actually deal with several issues, some that overlap, and some that don't.

I recall, back in the day, way back in the day, how interesting it was to see merchants, mostly restaurants, that male staff serving the public, always having a woman at the cash register to do the money thing.

A wild guess on my part is that given the long standing extreme poverty in Mexico, the folks they hired to work in theor businesses couldn't be trusted to deal with money.

There has been substantial change since then, but ...

On the other topic that interests me, thre have been a few posts about using the sovereign currency of your host nation. I agree.

Just seems to me that Mexico has not recovered from that calamitous devaluation. Just maybe Mexico should, in some form, outlaw the use of foreign currencies at point of sale.

After all, I don't expect to be able to use dollars at a gift shop in Berlin.

DENNIS - 8-7-2011 at 04:07 PM

You can spend Pesos in the US border cities in businesses that see the value of a sale as paramount to some nebulous American Pride issue. Should we be up in arms for this treasonous act of disrespect?

DaliDali - 8-7-2011 at 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Huge, blinking sign in front of Anthony's:

"PESOS FOR BESOS....y mucho mas."

I wonder what that means?

Raw, unadulterated sex....trust me.

DENNIS - 8-7-2011 at 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DaliDali
Raw, unadulterated sex....trust me.

Ohhh....you've been there, eh.
Trip report and photos please.

Hyperbole?

Bajahowodd - 8-7-2011 at 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
You can spend Pesos in the US border cities in businesses that see the value of a sale as paramount to some nebulous American Pride issue. Should we be up in arms for this treasonous act of disrespect?

Apples and oranges. Try pulling out some pesos to pay for your meal at El Torito in Ventura and see if that will work.

Just because a relatively small number of merchants adjacent to the border accepts pesos, is vastly different from with widespread acceptance of the dollar hundreds of miles SOB in places such as Cabo, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta.

I get the idea that it is good for tourism. But at the end of the day, what does it say about national pride?

I still believe that the massive devaluation of the peso is the root cause of this.

Maybe now that S&P lowered the US rating, there may be some re-thinking. Even though, and I have no crystal ball as to Monday's markets, I truly believe that what S&P did was far less about the US deficit and far more about what our legislators did as a bunch of monkeys with a football that really deflated worldwide confidence in the ability of the US to be THE world leader.

Eli - 8-7-2011 at 04:30 PM

As a small business, ( I mean really small), I will take the money anyway it comes. I prefer pesos, it is Mexico, my life is in pesos, but really, lets face it, most of my income comes from people bringing $$ down from the U.S.

The last few years I have exchanged at 11 x1, when I went up to 12x1, by the time I exchanged it had slipped to below 11, I lost a little. Oh well, sometimes you win, sometimes you loose.
Most people have already exchanged their dollars and pay me in pesos. They know that they will get a better rate at the bank. When I am offered DLLs., Sometimes in my mind, but never verbally I get Hoytey totey about the few people who get testy about the exchange rate when spending their DLLs. instead of pesos. I mean after all we are in Mexico, if I was to take pesos to a Restaurant or a store in the States, they would think I was nuts if I tried to pay in pesos.
I was a little flabbergasted the last time I was in TJ and I needed a quarter to open the door at a gas station bathroom, and I didn't have any, I mean, I thought I was still in Mexico.
Or I get peeved a little that the restaurant next door has it's menu in dollars, and I have to wait at the cash register while they calculate it back to pesos, it seems so unfair, am I loosing on the deal? (I think she switched the menu back to pesos). Then I remember where my income comes from and how lucky I am that I can afford to even eat there. This year the money is a little tight, I bet I brown bag it a lot more this season, but hey, I am not starving, a little discipline won't hurt me, I have no complaints.
Like I said, I am just glad for the money to be moving, it can come anyway it wants, especially when it comes my way.
As my dear ol Dad use to always tell me, "Pick Your Battles", this is not one of mine.

[

[Edited on 8-7-2011 by Eli]

UnoMas - 8-7-2011 at 04:32 PM

I always exchange my dollars for peso's as I don't like doing the hokey pokey with the merchant I am dealing with, the pemex in Jesus Maria broke me of the habit of using dollars when he stuck me good there and had no option.
That said on the East Cape many merchants, restaurants, vendors and most all contractors and real estate quote in dollars so that makes me the bank I guess as I pay in peso's, but at least I give them the going exchange rate. :lol:

As Dennis said money is money and I bet they like making it in what ever form you decide to use. :biggrin:

Gypsy Jan - 8-7-2011 at 04:43 PM

Sarah,

Well said; and in fact, better than I did.

GJ

Quote:

Originally posted by Eli
As a small business, ( I mean really small), I will take the money anyway it comes. I prefer pesos, it is Mexico, my life is in pesos, but really, lets face it, most of my income comes from people bringing $$ down from the U.S.

The last few years I have exchanged at 11 x1, when I went up to 12x1, by the time I exchanged it had slipped to below 11, I lost a little. Oh well, sometimes you win, sometimes you loose.
Most people have already exchanged their dollars and pay me in pesos. They know that they will get a better rate at the bank. When I am offered DLLs., Sometimes in my mind, but never verbally I get Hoytey totey about the few people who get testy about the exchange rate when spending their DLLs. instead of pesos. I mean after all we are in Mexico, if I was to take pesos to a Restaurant or a store in the States, they would think I was nuts if I tried to pay in pesos.
I was a little flabbergasted the last time I was in TJ and I needed a quarter to open the door at a gas station bathroom, and I didn't have any, I mean, I thought I was still in Mexico.
Or I get peeved a little that the restaurant next door has it's menu in dollars, and I have to wait at the cash register while they calculate it back to pesos, it seems so unfair, am I loosing on the deal? (I think she switched the menu back to pesos). Then I remember where my income comes from and how lucky I am that I can afford to even eat there. This year the money is a little tight, I bet I brown bag it a lot more this season, but hey, I am not starving, a little discipline won't hurt me, I have no complaints.
But like I said, I am just glad for the money to be moving, it can come anyway it wants, especially when it comes my way.
As my dear ol Dad use to always tell me, "Pick Your Battles", this is not one of mine.

[Edited on 8-7-2011 by Eli]

DENNIS - 8-7-2011 at 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
I still believe that the massive devaluation of the peso is the root cause of this.

All they did was deregulate the Peso. It was stuck on 8 cents forever so they put it on the open market and let the world tell them what it was worth. It was either that or never see foreign investment.

Eli - 8-7-2011 at 05:03 PM

Thanks Jan, I love spreading the wealth, as it come in, it goes out.

Yesterday, I was at the little organic market, the vendor didn't have change for my $50 peso note, I was spending $25 pesos on apples, his neighbor kindly changed the $50 pesos for him.
Than I turned to his neighbour and bought some macadamia wafers & a tiny apple pie with the $25 pesos in change I had from my apple purchases. And then we all laughed as I commented when I handed the change he had given the apple vendor back to him that "El dinero no mas da vueltas", (the money just goes around).

*On edit, thanks for the correction Bajatripper!

[Edited on 8-8-2011 by Eli]

"El dinero no mas das vueltas", (the money just goes around)

Gypsy Jan - 8-7-2011 at 05:17 PM

That goes into my list of treasured Spanish language quotations.

Thank you,

GJ

[Edited on 8-8-2011 by Gypsy Jan]

maspacifico - 8-7-2011 at 05:23 PM

A tourist, visiting a tourist destination should have no problem using dollars. Most of the restaurants in Cabo, San Jose, Los Barilles, Loreto, Ensenada, Tijuana, San Felipe, etc. will have their menus in English and Spanish, with the prices in dollars or pesos. If that's where you are going, use whatever you want.
If you live here, or are going off the beaten path, you would be slightly daft (I have some English neighbors!) to pay with dollars and go through converting the amount you are paying with people that don't know how to convert, or what the exchange rate is. If they give you a price in pesos that's what you should use. Easier for you and easier for them. ATM's are everywhere and give a good rate.
Side note....just got back from a week in the US, used my credit card and got the number stolen. They counterfeited the card and tried to use it at Target and Office Depot...both tries were denied by Chase and now we've got to get new cards. ATM's in Mexico...use the ones at the banks! Not sure what to tell you about the US...that place is broken.

Last two times my card # was stolen, was in Mexico -- go figure.

beercan - 8-7-2011 at 07:34 PM

As a tourist, I first used dollars. Since I retired and live in Baja for 8 months of the year, I have a Bancomer account and use pesos for all purchases .

Quote:

Side note....just got back from a week in the US, used my credit card and got the number stolen. They counterfeited the card and tried to use it at Target and Office Depot...both tries were denied by Chase and now we've got to get new cards. ATM's in Mexico...use the ones at the banks! Not sure what to tell you about the US...that place is broken.

Eli - 8-8-2011 at 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajatripper

Quote:

Originally posted by Gypsy Jan
That goes into my list of treasured Spanish language quotations.

Thank you,

GJ

[Edited on 8-8-2011 by Gypsy Jan]

I wouldn't usually mention such a minor mistake, but given that Jan wants to add it to her Spanish language quotations, then it seems that accuracy overides "the usual."

That should be "el dinero nomas da vueltas." My apologies to Eli if this seems nitpicky.

Thanks Tripper, I was hoping if I had goofed (yet again), someone would step in and KINDLY correct me as you did. As I am so completly none intellectual, I learn my Spainsh, much as a parrot learns to speak, by immitation, and same as with a parrot, some funny things occur when I repeat what I think I hear.

Pescador - 8-8-2011 at 06:32 AM

I think that Osprey hit the nail directly on the head and it never ceases to amaze me that the diversity of opinion on this subject is so widely spread. Of course business people adapt to accepting dollars because so many people have required them to over the years. That, in fact, does not make it any more correct but simply speaks to the widespread usage. Because I do not live in those northern towns that are so widely influenced by the tourist "invasion", I can only reflect on what happens in the small villages further south. Here, it is sometimes accepted by small businesses to accept dollars but it is almost always done with a certain amount of feeling of disdain. Larger businesses like Pemex have an exchange rate posted but the attendants also complain that it causes them extra work when they have to check out at the end of the shift. Medium sized businesses with banking accounts really get nailed since they have to pay a tax on their deposits of dollars, which adds an extra expense to their bottom line. Finally, the poor fisherman or laborer has a real problem because he usually does not have a bank account so he ends up having to make a trip to the bank, waits in line for a long time, and has to exchange the dollars for pesos.
So, yes, it gets done, but it sure seems to me to be an unecessary burden to place on the people you do business with.

Bajatripper - 8-8-2011 at 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Eli
Thanks Tripper, I was hoping if I had goofed (yet again), someone would step in and KINDLY correct me as you did. As I am so completly none intellectual, I learn my Spainsh, much as a parrot learns to speak, by immitation, and same as with a parrot, some funny things occur when I repeat what I think I hear.

We all make mistakes, Eli. Few are as gracious as you when they are pointed out. Hope things are nice in cool in your part of Mexico. We're "enjoying" that hot, humid mugginess that I'd flee from if I had the cash.

Katiejay99 - 8-8-2011 at 07:21 AM

I'm not sure if this is country-wide, but here in the Todos Santos area, you can only change dollars into pesos at the bank if you are a tourist. Merchants or account holders must deposit all dollars into their bank account and the bank takes a "commission" against those dollars. If a local Mexican wants to just change, say $20 into pesos, they cannot do it. I'm not sure about the exchange booths because we don't have any here. Because of this, many small businesses and local workers will not accept dollars. I heard that the Mexican Government made this rule to stop money laundering and drug money - not sure if this is true or not.

Eli - 8-8-2011 at 07:35 AM

Quote:

Hope things are nice in cool in your part of Mexico. We're "enjoying" that hot, humid mugginess that I'd flee from if I had the cash.

Aren't You going North soon? Or did plans change? I can't imagine traveling North of the boarder, it is so dang expensive and complicated up there.
Here in Coatepec, after paying my rent, I live pretty well on $1,500 pesos a week, for sure I could spend more, and I guess if I didn't eat so rich, I could cut my expenses a bit more if I had to, glad that I don't.
The weather has been beautiful, at hottest, I would guess mid 80's. There have been some magnificent rains this year. People say it is drier this season, but coming from Baja, well, I am overwhelmed with the consistencey of rainy nights, flash rains in the afternoons, waking up to rain in the morning. Today, the sun is shinning and I even got to see a bit of a sunrise coming up over the hills. I miss home and the family, but not the heat.
Oh que, wandered a bit from the theme of this thread, jeje. To bring it back to perspective, I can't imagine anyone would think of using DLLs. to buy in this town, we are way to far from Gringolandia here. If You leave Baja and travel mainland Mexico, your life is much simplified using pesos, otherwise Banks everywhere will exchange, but they make you work for it a bit. Or Casas de Cambios in the big cities are pretty easy, less work than the bank, but usually a few centavos less on the DLLs.

Eli - 8-8-2011 at 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Katiejay99
I'm not sure if this is country-wide, but here in the Todos Santos area, you can only change dollars into pesos at the bank if you are a tourist. Merchants or account holders must deposit all dollars into their bank account and the bank takes a "commission" against those dollars. If a local Mexican wants to just change, say $20 into pesos, they cannot do it. I'm not sure about the exchange booths because we don't have any here. Because of this, many small businesses and local workers will not accept dollars. I heard that the Mexican Government made this rule to stop money laundering and drug money - not sure if this is true or not.

To a certain degree this is true in my case. I have to work thru a few hoops to move the few DLLs. I receive, (But I will gladly do it

). Both the restaurant next door and the grocery store will take DLLs, the restaurant at the exchange in the moment and the store pretty much at the same 11 x 1 that I receive, so I use them there. I have used them to pay money orders at the bank, than the DLLs. are "credited to the receiver's account and I don't have to deposit them. Because I am an old timer in L.B. and have an account with Bancomer, "they help me out" in this way.
Oddly enough, in the past the restaurant next door happily received DLLs. as they pay the importer who provides their U.S. ingredients with DLLs., I don't know if that is still true.
Anyway, like I said before as a very small business, I will happily take the $ anyway I can get it, and I have yet to meet any business in LB. including the guy who sells juice on the street who would not smile graciously to get paid either currency.

J.P. - 8-8-2011 at 08:14 AM

I havent read one post on this issue that mentions the new law that is supposed to prevent money laundring where as it is difficult for a buisness to deposit a excessive amount of DOLLARS :no:

Woooosh - 8-8-2011 at 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by J.P.
I havent read one post on this issue that mentions the new law that is supposed to prevent money laundring where as it is difficult for a buisness to deposit a excessive amount of DOLLARS :no:

The authorities pretty much gave up on it for now. Bigger fish. Once the mention of drivers needing pesos to pay for the toll road came up- the whole idea was quietly killed killed as being anti-tourism. There is a sign at Home Depot that says you are limited to $200USD per transaction. You can get around it by making multiple transactions. The real Big Fish problem is the tourists area itself is the money-laundering hub, apparently by the big-name hotels. They are depositing money in banks like they have 100% occupancy when the reality is occupancy is around 50%. There is too much money going through the hotel accounts and this has led to a huge investigation in the TJ to Rosarito corridor with charges and prosecutions of some big names coming soon. This is tied to the Rosarito land title problems in some way too. Stay tuned.

[Edited on 8-8-2011 by Woooosh]

wessongroup - 8-8-2011 at 09:43 AM

And if anyone has the finger on the pulse of this land issue... it would be Woooosh and 53... and they appear to be spot on...

BajaGringo - 8-8-2011 at 09:53 AM

I use (mostly) pesos down here. It makes things a lot more simple and as Udo wisely noted probably your best guarantee of a fair shake at Pemex. That is, unless we're measuring true liters of course...

:lol:

DianaT - 8-8-2011 at 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
I use (mostly) pesos down here. It makes things a lot more simple and as Udo wisely noted probably your best guarantee of a fair shake at Pemex. That is, unless we're measuring true liters of course...

:lol:

There may just be different ways to measure a liter, maybe? :biggrin:

We also find using pesos a lot easier.

Then again we went to Puerto Penasco, (Arizonia's beach) a few years ago and the lady at the taco stand refused to take our pesos----we reminded her that we were in Mexico, but dollars is what she wanted. Liked that place MANY, MANY years ago.

Having some dollars seems to be a good idea. Several years ago when we were entering Nicaragua on a bus, we had to pay the entrance fee in dollars. They would not accept their own currency----it was fun to watch a couple of British citizens scramble to try and exchange for some dollars and they were very offended that they would not accept British currency.

Also, in Bahia Asuncion there is one store who has all of their small appliances priced in dollars---but they do accept pesos.

DENNIS - 8-8-2011 at 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DianaT
There may just be different ways to measure a liter, maybe?

More ways than you could imagine.

mcfez - 8-8-2011 at 10:57 AM

This topic was started by Osprey.....and it was deluded with such degrading remarks about McFez (me) ...."macho mind-set, capture another 130,000 English words, He'd make a nice pet...."

For the last 15 plus posts by others here....the responses have been non aggressive....meaningful. I agree with some...others not.

There is and always will be...other opinions. No need to come on board with a gun-ho topic flaming other members that you disagree with. To set the record clearly....never once since I have been here...have I ever flamed Osprey. Perhaps he needs to stop acting like ....this is Off Topics. .....just stick with his opinions without the degrading stuff. I responded back rightfully, with a aggressive attitude.

On the post below.....I never said NOT to use ATM or credit cards. I said simply...I take USD instead of pesos. How one gets his thinking that I pay for my hotel / restaurants strictly with cash from the below statement makes me wonder(?)
___________________________________________________
posted on 8-5-2011 at 05:52 PM Edit Post Reply With Quote Report Post to Administrator

I have never used pesos in Mexico (25+ years). USD is accepted darn near everywhere. I do however...take the bulk of my cash....in 5 and 10's. Some smaller merchants has a issue with breaking a USD 20 bill

Do indeed know the exchange rate.

_________________________________________________

* Hotels and Exchange Booths, and Local Banks will only be able to change a maximum of $1,500 USD CASH per person per month into Mexican Pesos. Previously there was no limit.

* Businesses (including restaurants, shops, and Destination Management Companies) will only be able to accept a maximum of $100 USD CASH per transaction - but the number of transactions per customer is not restricted. Certain businesses may not be able to, or may choose not to accept American Dollars for any purchase at all (this may include shops, etc), however still accepting Mexican Pesos.

Let's stop the flaming.

Osprey - 8-8-2011 at 11:46 AM

Toneart tried to veer me toward the truth: Was I asking the wrong guy to tone down his “Dollars or nothing” example to the world? Is San Felipe culturally just north of Mexicali? I was railing against McFez as though he lived in Chicago but traveled to Baja/Mexico without considering his long time cross border perspective.

No matter – McFez, now that you tallied up the responses: yes, no, yes, no you must have found a whole library of in betweens explaining (Thank God) how Nomads feel about the cultural, economic, facility of money in Mexico. Pescador is soooo right. Nomads are a wealth of information about many things and time and time again reveal just how complex things can be for today’s expats, vacationers, sportsmen and others.

To the point: after you read all those responses, did they sink in? Did they make a tiny dent in your helmet? Will you now admit that there are lots of reasons to accommodate sellers with pesos, stop the wholesale personal admonishments about “25 + years USD”?

That’s what this has been about – not about you and me, about me trying to get one hard head to maybe pick up a few pesos for the guy selling strawberries door to door where you visit (and eat).

And enough with the U2Us. I thought that was for the trolls.

Bajatripper - 8-8-2011 at 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by DaliDali
Raw, unadulterated sex....trust me.

Ohhh....you've been there, eh.
Trip report and photos please.

Given to how this place gets mentioned on the Nomad board, I'm guessing Anthony's is not the place to go with too many drinks clouding one's judgement--unless you're looking to take a ride on the wild side, as that old song said.

DaliDali, you bit hard. Or can we REALLY trust you on this? :lol:

a tiny dent in your helmet

mcfez - 8-8-2011 at 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Osprey
Toneart tried to veer me toward the truth: Was I asking the wrong guy to tone down his “Dollars or nothing” example to the world? Is San Felipe culturally just north of Mexicali? I was railing against McFez as though he lived in Chicago but traveled to Baja/Mexico without considering his long time cross border perspective.

No matter – McFez, now that you tallied up the responses: yes, no, yes, no you must have found a whole library of in between explaining (Thank God) how Nomads feel about the cultural, economic, facility of money in Mexico. Pescador is soooo right. Nomads are a wealth of information about many things and time and time again reveal just how complex things can be for today’s expats, vacationers, sportsmen and others.

To the point: after you read all those responses, did they sink in? Did they make a tiny dent in your helmet? Will you now admit that there are lots of reasons to accommodate sellers with pesos, stop the wholesale personal admonishments about “25 + years USD”?

That’s what this has been about – not about you and me, about me trying to get one hard head to maybe pick up a few pesos for the guy selling strawberries door to door where you visit (and eat).

And enough with the U2Us. I thought that was for the trolls.

I guess you have a need to flame. Okay. Flame away.
I advise you to wear a helmet...that dent in your skull looks serious.

I stand by my words 100%. From the Mexican Consultant's office to most travel web sites, to some here at this topic......they ALL say the acceptance of USD is okay...at a limited amount . You are NOT the Guru of Baja Monetary rules.

You told me to learn the other 130, 000 English words so..I assume..I can communicate with you. Why bother when you cant (or I strongly suspect wont) comprehend my original response. It's clear as day. Fact is..I re-posted it above a hour ago. Yet you want to continue making an point. The point of yours is countered by other opinions here ...and from the Mexican Consultant's office to most travel web sites. I said that twice now so maybe that dented brain in your dented skull can adsorb this clear information. Go ahead..retort more...I will just paste once again what OTHERS have said here...and official Government Agencies have posted. Argue with them...not me :light:

Oh..."wholesale personal admonishments about “25 + years USD".
You have a issue with my travels? You think I am bragging? Are you? Well...gee wheeze...there are 1000's of topics here at the BN concerning travels, homes, toys.....from the memberships here :-) Bragging? Are you not the one that comes here with great stories you have wrote? Many indeed. Are you doing this because you are indirectly bragging about your skills at creative writing? I think not...you are just sharing great stories...and I do not come on and accuse you of your ."wholesale personal admonishments about this and that" as you did with me.

Get real dude...

Now why dont you just stop the flaming, and we go each other ways here. Let's keep this clean of the junk...that's for O.T. I wont say another word ....if you dont. For the benefit of the others here.

[Edited on 8-8-2011 by mcfez]

Bajatripper - 8-8-2011 at 01:43 PM

Quote:

Aren't You going North soon? Or did plans change?

Yes, Eli, we will soon be heading up to Wahington. I look foward to the coolness of Whidbey Island, if only for a few days. I love La Paz, but sure do miss the Pacific Northwest summers--even (or, especially) when it rains.