12-29-2010
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#1 (permalink) |
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lost on fifth
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 11
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Last min vacation, money dilemma
I booked a vacation for my girlfriend and I on the 23rd of December. Departing the 30th for a week at the Sunset princess. After reading a lot on the forum about money, i wanted to get pesos, seems to be easier since its Mexican currency. Problem, banks opened today from Christmas holidays, and i need 2 business days to order to get enough pesos. since i leave tomorrow, that puts me in a spot..... What do you experienced travelers suggest? Should i stick with my CDN, use travelers cheques, or USD? i was able to clean out my local RBC for 1300 pesos, now i have a massive wad of mostly 20's in my pocket... good for tips i suppose.
Suggestions? (ahh, traveling virgins.... they will learn with time  )
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12-29-2010
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#3 (permalink) | |
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aņejo
 Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: The Gem State
Posts: 16,176
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12-29-2010
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#4 (permalink) |
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aņejo
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 7,558
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We got a better exchange in mexico than we did at our bank..
 We used the money exchange windows in playa when we wanted Peso's, many things you can use USD.. We took cash and put it in our in-room safe as soon as we arrived and just took out what we needed as we went along..I was kinda leary about using a CC .. |
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12-29-2010
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#5 (permalink) |
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lost on fifth
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 11
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For some reason i never thought of just going to the ATM in playa and taking out what i need. Bank charges me $5.00 every time i use it international apparently, but i can live with that. I'm in mexico for goodness sake, whats $5.00 lol....
Bank machines dispense 100 and 200's? |
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12-29-2010
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#6 (permalink) | |
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aņejo
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: The Gem State
Posts: 16,176
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Have you checked with your bank to see if they partner with some banks in Mexico so you do not get charged a fee? It's not guaranteed what an ATm will dispense. |
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12-29-2010
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#7 (permalink) |
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lost on fifth
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 11
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Yes i called and made sure my client card will be accepted at Playa Del Carmen ATM's. I vaguely remember him saying something about the main bank that has most of the ATM's there is compatible with RBC. Something about the Plus logo on the back of my card. Makes it good for international use.
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12-29-2010
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#9 (permalink) |
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Travel Insurance Tester
 Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: The Joisey Shore
Posts: 17,465
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Honestly, don't bother with traveler's checks, many places don't take them anymore. I was in Mega in Nov. and in the check out line, the people behind me had one and they refused to take it. At an AI hotel front desk, they'll take it, but at a much less than desirable exchange rate. Just say no to traveler's checks, you're better off exchanging cash.
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12-29-2010
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#13 (permalink) |
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aņejo
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Northern BC
Posts: 1,908
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I am a RBC customer and I use the ATM at the Scotiabanks... there is one on 5th across from the bus station and also on 10th and Constituyentes. i have never paid the $5 fee, I think because I have an all-inclusive account??
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12-29-2010
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#14 (permalink) |
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life=playa
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Winnipeg, Canada
Posts: 888
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you have enough pesos to get you started........we always use the Scotia Bank on 10th and Constituentes....take the max out {3000 pesos, I think} and then if you get the $5.00 charge it is only every few days or so when you extract cash again.......have fun!
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12-29-2010
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#15 (permalink) |
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beachaholic
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Regina Saskatchewan
Posts: 456
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We withdrew at the Scotiabank. Sometimes we got $500 peso bills but we would take them into the inside of the bank immediately and change them for smaller bills. No problem. Remember do not wear your hat and sunglasses inside the bank. They have reminder signs up.
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