TecateRay
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Getting Pesos in the SD area?
I've heard that you can get pesos at either Walmart or Costco in Chula Vista. Does anyone know if this is true and if they give a good rate? Would I
be better off to go to a Casa de Cambio in San Ysidro?
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woody with a view
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it's all about the same, give or take a couple pennies. do what's most convenient. don't drive 25 miles to save 3 pesos....
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DENNIS
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Yeah....Costco on Broadway, CV. There rate is good although that's a relative term. The really good thing is you get to make yet another trip to
Costco. That's worth something...I think.
Sometimes, looking for the best Tipo de Cambio is more trouble than it's worth.
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BooJumMan
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I'd look up Travelex... they have about 5-7 branches in San Diego. I usually go to the one in Carlsbad at the US Bank.
Or yeah, I go to the casa de cambio's there in San Ysidro but I dont like making U turns getting back towards the border.
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mcfez
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I used no pesos last week in Baja. All USD's. $60.00 fill ups at the service stations to eating out. Didn't seem to be a restriction anywhere that I
went.
I am just curious....
Now I just grab pesos from the local ATM machine in Mexico when I run short on the allowance the big boss gave me. No fussing around. Boom Boom. Done
deal. I dont really see a big savings when pulling out a 100 bucks there compared to a bank in the USA. Any one like to educate this primitive brain
of mine?
Old people are like the old cars, made of some tough stuff. May show a little rust, but good as gold on the inside.
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BajaBlanca
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yeah, you are right, altho' the exchange rate isnt the best at stations or restaurants (they have a different rate), it sure beats sweating it to buy
pesos if you are just coming for a smaller trip...
if you are coming for a longer trip, there are ATMs all over now. Here in La Bocana we go to Vizcaino (1.5 hour trip).... and we are thrilled we
don't have to go to santa rosalia any more (2.5 hour trip).
That bieng said, when I come by myself across the border, I love the feel of safety, ease of parking and the convenience of heading to Costco in Chula
Vista.
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wilderone
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"the best Tipo de Cambio is more trouble than it's worth"
There must be about 8 places within 2 blocks in San Ysidro - all within a fraction of a cent or the same rate. Just pick one - their competitiveness
would make them the best.
And yes, there are no restrictions to using US dollars, but the exchange rate is usually much higher everywhere, at the discretion of the retailer.
Also, more risk as to correct change and calculations. You might have $2.00 ATM fees for each transaction, bank charges for foreign currency. The
trouble to buy pesos is worth it.
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David K
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| Quote: | Originally posted by TecateRay
I've heard that you can get pesos at either Walmart or Costco in Chula Vista. Does anyone know if this is true and if they give a good rate? Would I
be better off to go to a Casa de Cambio in San Ysidro?
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Yes on Costco, last time was last May... Open at 10 am (I think)... Money exchange is a seperate teller, on the left inside, across from all the
cashiers. Current rate, no commission... good deal.
[Edited on 10-30-2010 by David K]
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Baja&Back
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There are about 3 Baja-Mex cambios around San Ysidro with the same rate as Costco. No lineups. No commision. Open 24 hours.
I think the Costco one closes for lunch and then for the day at 3:30.
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DianaT
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We get pesos at Costco in Chula Vista-----but watch the time as there is only one person and when she goes to lunch, the booth closes.
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unbob
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Re Costco in Chula Vista, must I have USD in cash to exchange?
Or, can I use my Amex/Costco card or some other credit card to obtain cash pesos?
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DENNIS
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| Quote: | Originally posted by unbob
Re Costco in Chula Vista, must I have USD in cash to exchange?
Or, can I use my Amex/Costco card or some other credit card to obtain cash pesos? |
Good question. Don't know.
Doesn't Costco have an ATM? They must.
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woody with a view
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just walk up.
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unbob
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| Quote: | Originally posted by woody with a view
just walk up. |
Huh? How does that answer my question?
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woody with a view
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i dunno. i doubt they are going to pay a comission on your CC to the CC company and then give you pesos. they'd loose money. bring cash.
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