TLBaja79
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What rate will a Bank ATM give me?
I was under the impression that a banks ATM will give me something very close to the 'trading' rate?
Headed to Loreto, what will the bank give me?
Is it better to change $$ at the border at a cambio?
What is the best way to get as close as possible when changing a few hundred (or a thousand+) dollars for a 10 day trip?
I usually like to get a big sum at a time and not use cc too often
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BajaBlanca
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Loreto has ATMs, be sure to bring down at least 2 different bankcards and let your bank know that you will be south of the border or they will put a
HOLD on it.
There is no way to know exactly what the exchange rate will be, but it usually isn't too far off the trading rate. The ATM bank and your bank include
some charges, so that must be taken into consideration as well.
The Costco in Chula Vista will exchange your money.
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bajaguy
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Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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The "rate" you will get is subject to the rate your card issuer (VISA or MasterCard) sets....add to that your home bank transaction fees (to include
foreign transaction fees) and the fees the bank ATM you withdraw from in Mexico
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AKgringo
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My Baja trips probably differ from yours, I tend to travel on the cheap, with a lot of car camping. Security is more of a concern than saving a
little cash on the exchange rate.
Even when I have the top on my little SUV, it is pretty easy to get into, so I don't travel with a lot of cash. I have credit cards for the
occasional hotel stay or other large or unexpected expenses. I use a debit card with a limit I set at $300 for frequent withdrawals, making sure that
I don't wait until I am out of cash before looking for an ATM or bank.
Worrying about the best exchange rate while trying to enjoy Baja, is like stressing out about the actual size of a liter of gasoline when you need
some!
If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much space!
"Could do better if he tried!" Report card comments from most of my grade school teachers. Sadly, still true!
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KurtG
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Banamex gave me 20.4 about 30 minutes ago in Guerrero Negro. XE says 20.6 right now so I'm happy.
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TLBaja79
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Perfect, thx
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TLBaja79
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At the Bank ATM in Loreto
I got about 20.1 when the trading rate was 20.75
And then a couple bucks for fees and whatnot.
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rhintransit
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Remember Loreto is a one bank, Banamex, town. Currently that bank limits ATM withdrawals to 2000 pesos. Of course you can do multiple withdrawals,
but the card use change will eat into your exchange rate.
reality\'s never been of much use out here...
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Mula
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Use a Schwab card and get your bank fees refunded.
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TLBaja79
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I was able to withdraw 8,000 pesos at a time at the Loreto Bank ATM
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KurtG
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Quote: Originally posted by rhintransit | Remember Loreto is a one bank, Banamex, town. Currently that bank limits ATM withdrawals to 2000 pesos. Of course you can do multiple withdrawals,
but the card use change will eat into your exchange rate. |
Thought it was Bancomer not Banamex in Loreto.
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ncampion
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Was this today? That's great, it has been limiting ATM withdrawals to $2000 per transaction, I used to be able to get $10,000.
Living Large in Loreto. Off-grid and happy.
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rhintransit
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Quote: Originally posted by KurtG | Quote: Originally posted by rhintransit | Remember Loreto is a one bank, Banamex, town. Currently that bank limits ATM withdrawals to 2000 pesos. Of course you can do multiple withdrawals,
but the card use change will eat into your exchange rate. |
Thought it was Bancomer not Banamex in Loreto. |
Oops, thanks.
reality\'s never been of much use out here...
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TLBaja79
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Last week
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kiterkip
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20.28 pesos per USD using a Charles Schwabb ATM card for $3000 pesos yesterday.
I never carry larger quantities of pesos... no point when cash is so readily available everywhere.
I only use ATM machine at actual bank facilities.... no "kiosk" style machine. Card skimming.
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Martyman
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If you are driving...the third toll booth near Ensenada has an ATM. In and out!
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Doug/Vamonos
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I always check my withdrawals online when I return and I believe I get as close to the bank rate as possible with the exception of a couple bucks for
south of border transaction fee. I'm ok with that. I bank with a credit union. What I have done the last couple trips is withdraw the equivalent of
$500 US (currently about 10,000 pesos) and then call my bank on my cellphone and ask them to withdraw $500 US more (in pesos again). That way I double
the amount I can get. I haven't tried yet but I bet I could call them again and repeat the whole process for more withdrawals until they get tired of
me!
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