Doug/Vamonos - 3-7-2018 at 01:59 PM
Hi. I just received a new chip debit card from my credit union. That caused me to remember my most recent trip in December when I tried using another
chip debit card (different credit union) at a mexican bank and it would not read. Prior to that new chip card I never had a problem with that
particular credit union in Baja. No now I'm thinking I won't have a normal debit card with any of my banks on my next trip. Are you aware if mexican
banks have an issue with this? Do I insert it like a normal card? Thanks. The bank was one of the banks in front of Walmart and Home Depot in
Ensenada.
John Harper - 3-7-2018 at 02:37 PM
Did you notify your bank you were traveling into Mexico?
John
Chip Cards
bajaguy - 3-7-2018 at 03:08 PM
I have used two chip cards (local Nevada Credit Union and USAA) at all of the bank ATM's - except BBVA Bancomer - in the Wal Mart plaza, the old
Commercial (now Soriana) and COSTCO in Ensenada.....no problems. I just let the bank know I will be in Baja. Also never had a problem in Mulege last
year
Bruce R Leech - 3-7-2018 at 07:20 PM
call the 800 number on the card
Doug/Vamonos - 3-8-2018 at 06:50 AM
Thanks for the replies. The card simply would not read in the atm. It wasn't about the bank not approving my transaction. Yes, I always submit travel
notices and have regularly used both cards many, many times in Baja. This was the first time using the new chip card in Baja. That's why I asked.
micah202 - 3-8-2018 at 09:00 AM
Recently returned, carried 2 different chip debit cards, it seemed to be normal that one or the other would be turned down for some reason. I take
from this that chips are fine, but banking relationships and connectivity can vary a fair bit.
Udo - 3-8-2018 at 09:20 AM
The problem is not the chip on the card. The problem is the bank that you are dealing with.
Here are the issues I have run across in my living in Baja:
You insert your card correctly, but the card does not get read...Some banks will tell you on the screen that your bank did not approve the
transaction, but in fact the particular ATM has lost connectivity to your bank in the USA. Try later or at another ATM.
You insert the card correctly, and after a minute or so, it spits out the card and no money came out. You ask the machine for the printed receipt and
it shows no money dispensed. The particular ATM is out of cash.
Other times, the ATM will give the receipt and it shows cash given, but none came out. I know your outrage. Just call your bank in the USA and tell
them the problem. They will refund the money immediately and investigate the guilt later. It has happened to me twice.
AKgringo - 3-8-2018 at 09:20 AM
I wonder if at times the fluxation of the exchange rate is a factor in whether or not a bank will accept a card?
KurtG - 3-8-2018 at 09:22 AM
In November I used chip debit cards in Ensenada, Mulege, and Loreto with no problems.
TMW - 3-8-2018 at 10:12 AM
If the chip doesn't work try swiping it. The card has both the chip and the strip at least mine do. Some readers may not be setup yet to read the
chip.
StuckSucks - 3-8-2018 at 10:28 AM
I used my BofA chip card the length of Baja in November, zero problems.
PaulW - 3-8-2018 at 02:08 PM
We have given up on Bancomer. We tried two different cards and neither worked. Spoke the banker and asked when they plan to fix the issue and he said
nothing is planned.
In San Felipe there are at least 2 other different bank ATMs. All is well on those.
Bob and Susan - 3-8-2018 at 02:19 PM
I think udo is correct...sometimes they work sometimes they don't
my advise is to exchange cash at the border...on the way back turn it in
Hook - 3-8-2018 at 05:21 PM
Yeah, nothing like carrying all the cash you need for a few weeks/months trip down Baja.
Bob and Susan - 3-8-2018 at 05:58 PM
better than going to the bank every other day...
there is a limit on withdrawals...
plan ahead
55steve - 3-8-2018 at 06:22 PM
Used 2 different chip cards last week at HSBC in SQ with no issues at all.
[Edited on 3-9-2018 by 55steve]