Doug/Vamonos
Nomad
Posts: 417
Registered: 6-19-2006
Location: Bahia de los Angeles
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Problems with Chip Debit Cards?
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.
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John Harper
Super Nomad
Posts: 2289
Registered: 3-9-2017
Location: SoCal
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Did you notify your bank you were traveling into Mexico?
John
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
Member Is Offline
Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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Chip Cards
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
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Bruce R Leech
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6796
Registered: 9-20-2004
Location: Ensenada formerly Mulege
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Mood: A lot cooler than Mulege
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call the 800 number on the card
Bruce R Leech
Ensenada
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Doug/Vamonos
Nomad
Posts: 417
Registered: 6-19-2006
Location: Bahia de los Angeles
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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.
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micah202
Super Nomad
Posts: 1615
Registered: 1-19-2011
Location: vancouver,BC
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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.
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Udo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6346
Registered: 4-26-2008
Location: Black Hills, SD/Ensenada/San Felipe
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Mood: TEQUILA!
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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.
Udo
Youth is wasted on the young!
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AKgringo
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6030
Registered: 9-20-2014
Location: Anchorage, AK (no mas!)
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Mood: Retireded
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I wonder if at times the fluxation of the exchange rate is a factor in whether or not a bank will accept a card?
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
Super Nomad
Posts: 1205
Registered: 1-27-2004
Location: California Central Coast
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Mood: Press On Regardless!!
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In November I used chip debit cards in Ensenada, Mulege, and Loreto with no problems.
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TMW
Select Nomad
Posts: 10659
Registered: 9-1-2003
Location: Bakersfield, CA
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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.
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StuckSucks
Super Nomad
Posts: 2325
Registered: 10-17-2013
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I used my BofA chip card the length of Baja in November, zero problems.
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PaulW
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3075
Registered: 5-21-2013
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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.
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8813
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
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Mood: Full Time Residents
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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
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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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Yeah, nothing like carrying all the cash you need for a few weeks/months trip down Baja.
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8813
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
Member Is Offline
Mood: Full Time Residents
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better than going to the bank every other day...
there is a limit on withdrawals...
plan ahead
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55steve
Senior Nomad
Posts: 857
Registered: 4-24-2006
Location: Warner Springs, CA
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Used 2 different chip cards last week at HSBC in SQ with no issues at all.
[Edited on 3-9-2018 by 55steve]
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