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dfinn
Newbie
Posts: 10
Registered: 10-24-2016
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American Visa credit cards accepted at Pemex stations?
Just checking in on this. I'm trying to decide how much cash I need to take with me for a week and a half trip in Baja. Gas will be our biggest
expense. I've read a few things that say that American credit cards are not accepted at Pemex stations but everything I've read is at least 4 years
old. Is this still the case?
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willardguy
Elite Nomad
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they're accepted at all the pemex stations I frequent in rosarito......but I'd rather hit the bank ATM and use peso's 
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Howard
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Mood: I'd rather regret the things I've done than regret the things I haven't done.
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Most of the bigger stations accept credit cards.
I absolutely would not count on using the cards and bring the amount of cash you think you would need in case the ones you go to do not accept your
plastic.
Much easier and safer, bring cash and convert them to pesos.
Make sure you fill up at the Pemex in El Rosario before crossing that long stretch of highway. I am 99% sure they take cards but there is always the
chance of some problem that they would only accept money.
On edit: Make sure you call your credit card company and tell them you will be going to Mexico. There is still a chance that your card might be
rejected, so remember, cash is king!
[Edited on 10-24-2016 by Howard]
We don't stop playing because we grow old;
we grow old because we stop playing
George Bernard Shaw
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DENNIS
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Visa is accepted everywhere credit cards are. HomeDepot....Costco....gas stations... etc.
Using a card at a gas station? Well...I just haven't reached that point yet. Seems they just haven't reached my level of acceptability since they
still know how to get fifty liters of gas in a forty liter tank.
Bring cash....use ATMs....plan ahead.
"YOU CAN'T LITTER ALUMINUM"
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David K
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Bring cash.
Some Pemex take cards, but may add the % bank fee.
Bring cash.
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bajatrailrider
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Mood: Happy
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Agree with David I have had some gas stations take my visa,some not. I try to use cash all the time.
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dfinn
Newbie
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10-4, thanks. I was hoping to travel with as little cash as possible but I'll make sure to have enough to cover all expenses.
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rts551
Elite Nomad
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The newer stations have card readers. The problem is that there is not always a network connection to the USA. I always have backup cash in case.
My credit card gives the international exchange rate and no fees.
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shari
Select Nomad
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Mood: there is no reality except the one contained within us "Herman Hesse"
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Many gas stations only take Mexican cards!!!! Always bring twice as much cash as you think you will need!
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BornFisher
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I used my card at a station between Rosarito and Ensenada. Two days later there was a $400 charge at a Chula Vista Safeway!!! Must have been quite a
party!!! My bank paid me back.
"When you catch a fish, you open the door of happiness."
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Sandlefoot
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Quote: Originally posted by dfinn  | | 10-4, thanks. I was hoping to travel with as little cash as possible but I'll make sure to have enough to cover all expenses. |
There is really no reason no to bring the cash necessary for your trip. Common sense dictates that you may bring all you want, just don't put it all
in the same pocket. My wife carries some, there is some in the large suit case, (not the small one cuz it is to easy to carry off!) and there is some
stuck where I will probably forget where I put it, but I always find it later!
Relax and have a great, memorable trip!!
" Don't find fault, find a remedy; anyone can complain." Henry Ford
If you are not living on the edge...you are taking up to much space!
Just because it may not be a good idea does not mean it will not be fun!!!
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mtgoat666
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Mood: Hot n spicy
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If I use my 2% cash back visa card, it helps offset the 5% theft via dishonest pumps!
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dfinn
Newbie
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Roughly what is the current cost of gas?
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BooJumMan
Senior Nomad
Posts: 897
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Location: San Diego
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About 13 pesos/liter says my buddy from Mexicali.
In that pre-Google Earth and social media epoch, The Code was adhered to. It was based on a simple verity: if a locale had been transformational for
you, and you had put the hard yards in to get there and to learn it, to know it, why in god�s name would you broadcast the news, thus ruining the
future experience not only for yourself, but for future adventurers?
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David K
Honored Nomad
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Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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If you wanted to know in equivalent American terms, roughly $3/gallon for 87 octane.
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dfinn
Newbie
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Registered: 10-24-2016
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Glad I asked, I had heard or read somewhere that it's about $1 cheaper than US prices. Maybe that is $1 less than California prices.
Thanks everyone, you've all been super helpful.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64857
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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See my trip report and follow up from last month... the border zone stations are matched closer to Southern California prices (around $2.50 then) but
the rest of Mexico (Baja) was $2.97/ gal. Now, that was based on 17.80 pesos per dollar which was what we paid for our trip pesos. See posts by
BajaCactus who (often) posts the new prices at the start of each month when Pemex makes a price change.
Gas in SoCal today was $2.39 (Costco San Marcos) up to $3 something at the freeway offramp stations. $2.55-$2.65 at Arco, I think.
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Fernweh
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I am using my US Visa card for years now in Baja, gas stations and all, without any problems. Capital One does not charge a foreign currency exchange
fee, and their daily rates are pretty good.
I do really like the online card readers at the pump, however most the time, a different card reader is needed for the US cards. Sometimes the
attendant are just lazy to look for that one - it's easier to say "only Mexican credit cards" and get your cash. However, some gas stations do not
have internet service (yet), and can't take credits cards at all. I was surprised to see the San Ignacio station now, accepting cards (US) as well.
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Lee
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3508
Registered: 10-2-2006
Location: High in the Colorado Rockies
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| Quote: Originally posted by dfinn | Glad I asked, I had heard or read somewhere that it's about $1 cheaper than US prices. Maybe that is $1 less than California prices.
Thanks everyone, you've all been super helpful. |
Not sure where in California you're referring. San Clemente is $2.65. San Felipe casino, North of Albuerque, $1.95.
I'll NEVER use a cc in Baja for gas.
US Marines: providing enemies of America an opportunity to die for their country since 1775.
What I say before any important decision.
F*ck it.
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Udo
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What is disconcerting, however, is when you hand your card to the attendant and he(she) walks away with it to the cashier's office. That is when you
get the feeling deep in the pit of your stomach.
Never-ever, use credit cards to pay for your gas.
| Quote: Originally posted by Fernweh | I am using my US Visa card for years now in Baja, gas stations and all, without any problems. Capital One does not charge a foreign currency exchange
fee, and their daily rates are pretty good.
I do really like the online card readers at the pump, however most the time, a different card reader is needed for the US cards. Sometimes the
attendant are just lazy to look for that one - it's easier to say "only Mexican credit cards" and get your cash. However, some gas stations do not
have internet service (yet), and can't take credits cards at all. I was surprised to see the San Ignacio station now, accepting cards (US) as well.
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Udo
Youth is wasted on the young!
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