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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9010
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
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Mood: Inquisitive
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| Quote: | Originally posted by shari
I had some US $ saved up for when we could get to a bank to get a better exchange rate...here at the general store they take the dollar at 10.70 and
when I got to the bank it was only 10.60!!! So now I just change my $ at the store. |
Yeah, when we go shopping at one of the major supermarkets, we tend to use US dollars if we have them because the exchange rate at the Gigantes, the
Calimax, etc., is usually pretty favorable. Lately it's been 10.8 or more.
Toneart, lately I NEVER cross the border with a full tank in the truck. On the contrary, I am trying to have less than a 1/4 tank because the fuel
savings are so significant now, especially for diesel.
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toneart
Ultra Nomad
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Registered: 7-23-2006
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It is interesting to note that in Cuba, the currency used is U.S.$. No need to convert. And a buck will get you a pretty good cerveza in the taverna
where Hemingway hung out or in an open-air dance floor where a 42 piece band is playing. 
Why couldn't this work in Mexico? It would make all transactions easier to negotiate without the slight of hand. It would make investing more stable.
You have your choice anyway with how to hold bank accounts; dollars or pesos. It would eliminate that Chippendale bulge in the pants, too.  
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9010
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
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| Quote: | Originally posted by toneart
It is interesting to note that in Cuba, the currency used is U.S.$. No need to convert. And a buck will get you a pretty good cerveza in the taverna
where Hemingway hung out or in an open-air dance floor where a 42 piece band is playing.
Why couldn't this work in Mexico? It would make all transactions easier to negotiate without the slight of hand. It would make investing more stable.
You have your choice anyway with how to hold bank accounts; dollars or pesos. It would eliminate that Chippendale bulge in the pants, too.
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I cant think of many places in Mexico that WONT accept dollars. It's just that the exchange rate is not necessarily that favorable.
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The Gull
Super Nomad
Posts: 2223
Registered: 8-28-2003
Location: Rancho Descanso, BCN
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Hook
ATMS, all the way.
It's too easy and you dont have the worry of the walk back to your car through seedy San Ysidro. |
The thrill is gone! No fun without the walk thru seedy SY.
The Costco in Chula Vista (I think it is still CV at that point) has an exchange window when you first walk in.
�I won\'t insult your intelligence by suggesting that you really believe what you just said.� William F. Buckley, Jr.
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The Gull
Super Nomad
Posts: 2223
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Location: Rancho Descanso, BCN
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| Quote: | Originally posted by bajalou
Right pocket US dollars, left pocket MX pesos - pay with whatever is quoted - no exchange rate involved. |
I use the opposite pockets and ask what they would be willing to accept regardless of what is posted or on the bill. The lower of the two based on
the going rate of about 10.8 today will determine which pocket gets used.
�I won\'t insult your intelligence by suggesting that you really believe what you just said.� William F. Buckley, Jr.
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toneart
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4901
Registered: 7-23-2006
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Hook
| Quote: | Originally posted by toneart
It is interesting to note that in Cuba, the currency used is U.S.$. No need to convert. And a buck will get you a pretty good cerveza in the taverna
where Hemingway hung out or in an open-air dance floor where a 42 piece band is playing.
Why couldn't this work in Mexico? It would make all transactions easier to negotiate without the slight of hand. It would make investing more stable.
You have your choice anyway with how to hold bank accounts; dollars or pesos. It would eliminate that Chippendale bulge in the pants, too.
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I cant think of many places in Mexico that WONT accept dollars. It's just that the exchange rate is not necessarily that favorable.
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I mean, do away with the Peso (and the Canadian Dollar). We are moving toward being one economic bloc anyway, with Nafta and the proposed giant
trans-national highway. Of course, I realize these decisions are made by higher up mucky mucks than I, but I think it will happen. In the case of
Cuba, it is just a matter of convenience. Politics don't stand in the way.
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surfer jim
Super Nomad
Posts: 1891
Registered: 8-29-2003
Location: high desert
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Just remembered that I will be stopping at the border (TJ) for tourist card....isn't there a bank right there also.?.....
Will be there about 10 am Monday....too busy then?
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Hook
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9010
Registered: 3-13-2004
Location: Sonora
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There is a bank there, Jim, but I'm not so sure it's "full-service" enough to deal with a large exchange. Dont recall seeing it advertised there.
Besides, doing an actual exchange at banks is sometimes not the best exchange rate. And sometimes they have specific hours when they will conduct that
type of transaction.
Bottom line......give it a try. If they are giving 10.8 or better (including any fee for doing it) and are willing, exchange some.
10am shouldnt be that crowded on a Monday.
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toneart
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4901
Registered: 7-23-2006
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Hook
| Quote: | Originally posted by shari
I had some US $ saved up for when we could get to a bank to get a better exchange rate...here at the general store they take the dollar at 10.70 and
when I got to the bank it was only 10.60!!! So now I just change my $ at the store. |
Yeah, when we go shopping at one of the major supermarkets, we tend to use US dollars if we have them because the exchange rate at the Gigantes, the
Calimax, etc., is usually pretty favorable. Lately it's been 10.8 or more.
Toneart, lately I NEVER cross the border with a full tank in the truck. On the contrary, I am trying to have less than a 1/4 tank because the fuel
savings are so significant now, especially for diesel. |
I don't use diesel. The full tank of US gas is to get me to Ensenada. I have read that the price of Pemex gas is higher around the border than it is
further down. Is this true? Also, I want to get through border with minimum of hassle and get further down in a hurry. I want to be this guy rolling
down the mountain to Ensenada>>>>>>>>>>>
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bajalou
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4459
Registered: 3-11-2004
Location: South of the broder
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Yes gasoline is higher within 20K of the border than farther down. Diesel is the same price everywhere. (from Pemex)
No Bad Days
\"Never argue with an idiot. People watching may not be able to tell the difference\"
\"The trouble with doing nothing is - how do I know when I\'m done?\"
Nomad Baja Interactive map
And in the San Felipe area - check out Valle Chico area |
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The Gull
Super Nomad
Posts: 2223
Registered: 8-28-2003
Location: Rancho Descanso, BCN
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TONEART
The first gas station that does not overcharge near the border is at Primo Tapia (Cantamar). Offramp off the toll road 10 miles south of Playas de
Rosarito.
Added advantage is that 100 yards south of that Pemex are the best fish tacos on the coast at Mariscos la Alegria.
Two reasons to stop.
�I won\'t insult your intelligence by suggesting that you really believe what you just said.� William F. Buckley, Jr.
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surfer jim
Super Nomad
Posts: 1891
Registered: 8-29-2003
Location: high desert
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liking costco more...may need to get ice there also....
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805gregg
Super Nomad
Posts: 1344
Registered: 5-21-2006
Location: Ojai, Ca
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I've heard of people that use ATM's and come home to find extra withdrawls, no thanks I got to the bank and wait in line, I find it entertaining.
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15939
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
Member Is Offline
Mood: Everchangin'
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| Quote: | Originally posted by 805gregg
I've heard of people that use ATM's and come home to find extra withdrawls, no thanks I got to the bank and wait in line, I find it entertaining.
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everyone "hears" the stories. anyone experience the stories?
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Elena La Loca
Nomad
Posts: 143
Registered: 8-31-2003
Location: Oceanside, CA
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| Quote: | Originally posted by surfer jim
liking costco more...may need to get ice there also.... |
Be advised that not all Costco locations carry ice. I've seen it at Victorville & Vegas locations but none here in San Diego area. They do carry
ice makers though and if you've got a sufficient inverter in your vehicle you can make up to 35 lbs of ice a day. They're really inexpensive ($150ish
in the warehouses, a bit more through Costco.com & you have your first load of ice in 12 minutes and every 9 minutes thereafter another load drops into the bucket. We love ours.
Might behoove you to give a call to Costco (800) PRI-COST or 800-774-2678 and ask which locations carry ice and/or the icemaker. If you're going the
cooler route, I'd go with soulpatch's recommendation of stopping at the ice house or, better yet, look into getting a FridgeFreeze We haven't bought ice in who knows how long.
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Roberto
Banned
Posts: 2162
Registered: 9-5-2003
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Elena La Loca
better yet, look into getting a FridgeFreeze We haven't bought ice in who knows how long. |
Not even to accompany the (occasional) adult beverage? 
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surfer jim
Super Nomad
Posts: 1891
Registered: 8-29-2003
Location: high desert
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Thanks...I am up in VICTORVILLE...and they need all the ice they can get here.....
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