BajaNomad

CALEXICO, MEXICALI MONEY EXCHANGE QUESTION

Udo - 12-16-2011 at 07:44 PM

My wife and I will be crossing to Mexicali in a few hours and would like to know where is the most favorable place to exchange U.S. $ for Mexican Pesos.
This is my first crossing in this area in 7 years, therefore I'm no longer familiar with exchange houses in the area.
I know there is a Walmart nearby, but perhaps some of the exchange houses nearer the border give a better exchange rate.
I'm open for suggestions!

David K - 12-16-2011 at 07:58 PM

Have a great time Udo! Please post anytime you can... We will be south of San Felipe for New Years, and beyond if I make some more money!

There are several Casas de Cambios along the main road to the border... Not sure which is best.

[Edited on 12-18-2011 by David K]

bacquito - 12-17-2011 at 10:59 AM

Look around for the best deal.

Sweetwater - 12-17-2011 at 11:37 AM

I understood the best deal to get pesos is to hit the ATM at any Walmart? And that keeps you from walking around with a bunch of US dollars as well.....................

Credit cards charge a bit more of a fee and Debit cards give the best result.....or am I incorrect............?

ATM's

bajaguy - 12-17-2011 at 11:46 AM

Best rates I believe are at the ATM's, even with the fees charged.

Phil S - 12-17-2011 at 01:30 PM

If you haven't crossed yet, look for a Well Fargo Bank, and ask for the person who handles the peso's in their bank. (That is providing that Wells Fargo is open on Saturdays or not. I get my peso's at W.F. in the Phoenix area before heading to Mexicali.

sancho - 12-17-2011 at 01:55 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Sweetwater
I understood the best deal to get pesos is to hit the ATM at any Walmart?




At the risk of sounding ignorant, are you refering to
a Mex Walmart or a US Walmart? to get pesos

Sweetwater - 12-17-2011 at 02:06 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by sancho
Quote:
Originally posted by Sweetwater
I understood the best deal to get pesos is to hit the ATM at any Walmart?




At the risk of sounding ignorant, are you refering to
a Mex Walmart or a US Walmart? to get pesos


At the risk of sounding like I know.....I've never tried to get pesos from a US Walmart.....and actually, I've used the ATM's at one of the Bancos....I think mostly Banco Mexico....but a group of us used the Walmart ATM in La Paz several times.

mcfez - 12-17-2011 at 06:29 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Phil S
If you haven't crossed yet, look for a Well Fargo Bank, and ask for the person who handles the peso's in their bank. (That is providing that Wells Fargo is open on Saturdays or not. I get my peso's at W.F. in the Phoenix area before heading to Mexicali.


Yes

woody with a view - 12-17-2011 at 06:34 PM

really? W.F. sells pesos? i gotta check it out.

mcfez - 12-18-2011 at 07:03 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by woody with a view
really? W.F. sells pesos? i gotta check it out.


I got pesos from WF at their Capital Mall location here in Sacramento :-) Some banks will even order out of state currency for you...if you are a member of their bank.

captkw - 12-18-2011 at 07:08 AM

mornig mcfeez,,hey what was the rate WF gave ya???:cool:

mcfez - 12-18-2011 at 08:46 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by captkw
mornig mcfeez,,hey what was the rate WF gave ya???:cool:


Good morning to u too...it's freezing here in Sac.

Last time I was at WF was about two years ago...cant tell you their current rates. However....you can call the Bank manager and he/she will quote over the phone...if you are a client at WF.

Bajafun777 - 12-18-2011 at 09:17 AM

There are two that we use, the first one is one the same side as the McDonalds just a block before. The next one is the one at the customs discount store just before the light which you are getting into lanes for entering Mexico. This one you can go into the store if you still need something like booze or cigarettes (Yuk) before crossing into Mexico. The exchange booth is attached outside of the building you cannot miss it. Note all of the exchange booths are on Imperial Avenue which takes you into the old Mexico international border crossing in Calexico. We also do not stop at any exchange booths if they are charging commission, which is gimmick as they show bigger exchange rate then take it all back in the commission charge. Take Care & Travel Safe--"No Hurry, No Worry, Just FUN" bajafun777

tunaeater - 12-19-2011 at 04:35 PM

I purchased pesos today just across the border 13.7 for $1
Just look around for the best rate