Ok, not an emergency but an emergency

[rodneyccar]

Well, I need some advice from locals........
We came here with minimal U.S. currency and were planning on using ATMs for pesos. We got here ant the damn ATMs keep,rejecting my requests. There are funds in the bank,(talking to the banks at who knows how much per min.) results in "we Dont know why the withdrawls aren't working" crap. We can
purchase with the cards, tried and done......but how/where can we get to a bank (brick and mortar) that will take from our card and give pesos?

P.s. staying at gran Porto real.............

Any help out there?

Thanks in advance.........

[beam-eye]

Originally Posted by rodneyccar

Well, I need some advice from locals........
We came here with minimal U.S. currency and were planning on using ATMs for pesos. We got here ant the damn ATMs keep,rejecting my requests. There are funds in the bank,(talking to the banks at who knows how much per min.) results in "we Dont know why the withdrawls aren't working" crap. We can
purchase with the cards, tried and done......but how/where can we get to a bank (brick and mortar) that will take from our card and give pesos?

P.s. staying at gran Porto real.............

Any help out there?

Thanks in advance.........

Ask the international desk at your bank for the name of its correspondent bank in Mexico (for Bank of America, it's Santander Bank), and try their ATMs - and try every ATM you see, sometimes they're just picky and one won't work but the other right next to it will. Suerte.

[rodneyccar]

Thanks beam......tried a shitload of ATMs . Even 3 marked with the "cirrus" logo. ( not that that means much here). We do know a couple that is coming here on Saturday from OKC. They will bring me cash from our bank. But I like to "survive" and learn to adapt.
Any more info will be met with pure love.......

[wolfpf]

Before I went to Mexico the first time I was told to make sure my PIN # was only 4 digits. Don't know why, but it's what my bank told me

[Sue]

Call your bank. It is possible to do so from here. Make sure they haven't placed a hold on your account due to "unusual activity."

[rodneyccar]

Originally Posted by wolfpf

Before I went to Mexico the first time I was told to make sure my PIN # was only 4 digits. Don't know why, but it's what my bank told me

Wolf.... Only 4 digits.

Originally Posted by Sue

Call your bank. It is possible to do so from here. Make sure they haven't placed a hold on your account due to "unusual activity."

Sue....called them and they conferred with VISA. Funds available, no holds, they know we are here, don't know why it isn't working. Might be grounds for changing institutions.

At least we are working on a " plan B".

[rodneyccar]

P.S. my playa family rocks!

[beam-eye]

If you have friends coming from OKC, could they please mule me four burgers from Johnnies (mayonnaise and BBQ sauce - it's number 6 on the menu, I think)? It's a once-a-year treat! Here's how: get 4 burgers, freeze in wrappers and aluminum foil; day of flight put all four in a large zip-lok bag (use two bags, one inside the other); place between folds of clothes. No problem, they stay frizz the whole way. PM me when they arrive, I'll come pick em up and pay! Thanks! A real life-saver! But don't worry if they can't do it - it's just a dream anyhow. And good luck with the ATM do-si-do.

[ranchhand1024]

Plans B and C always a good idea when travelling.

[Mindbender]

Some banks require you to inform them securely online if you're going on holiday and plan to use your ATM card there - for your security. This is done by UK banks for example. I can't speak for US banks.

Typically they'll ask the country destination and the dates you'll be there.

So, if your bank uses this system it's probably too late to do it online as you're already there and they'll be a limit as to how late you can inform them. Therefore, you'll need to call them, answer security questions, and be able to gain access to funds the next day.

[MM]

Hi do you have an ATM card with a chip? A number of Mexican atm machines now will not allow you to withdraw unless you have a card with a chip on it. I have done a little research and many US banks have not changed over to the chip technology on their cards. My US bank has not. I live here in Playa and a month ago this happened to me. I tried my US atm card in Banamex, and a few other banks and could not get any $. I tried Bank Norte on the corner of Juarez and the highway and at that time they would allow withdrawals with non chip cards. I know the problem was chip vs non chip because my bank knows I live here and I know what I have for funds. Also, I was with a Mexican who had atm cards with chips and he had no problem getting cash out of the same machines that denied me cash.

[Rissask]

Originally Posted by MM

Hi do you have an ATM card with a chip? A number of Mexican atm machines now will not allow you to withdraw unless you have a card with a chip on it. I have done a little research and many US banks have not changed over to the chip technology on their cards. My US bank has not. I live here in Playa and a month ago this happened to me. I tried my US atm card in Banamex, and a few other banks and could not get any $. I tried Bank Norte on the corner of Juarez and the highway and at that time they would allow withdrawals with non chip cards. I know the problem was chip vs non chip because my bank knows I live here and I know what I have for funds. Also, I was with a Mexican who had atm cards with chips and he had no problem getting cash out of the same machines that denied me cash.

I don't think this is accurate information.

Nor is the 'you need a 4 digit PIN'. Longer PINs will work in Mexican ATMs too.

[Michael]

Originally Posted by Rissask

Nor is the 'you need a 4 digit PIN'. Longer PINs will work in Mexican ATMs too.

This is just old information. It was the case but it is not currently.

Originally Posted by Rissask

I don't think this is accurate information.

Why do you say that? You are not in Mexico. Lyn is. She warned me after this happened to her. My US bank (like most) has not switched to cards with chips, yet the banks in Mexico have made the change. My Banamex card without a chip no longer works anywhere.

[rodneyccar]

Bender......bank was informed of dates.

All others........after email & verbal conversations, it was found that there was a "glitch" in the system from my bank/VISA/Mexican banking system. tried the ATM this am and all is well today. got more $$$ than needed just in case it happens again while we are here. but will add this experience to the travel info vault and WILL NOT LET IT HAPPEN AGAIN.

Technology, ain't it a bitch!

[MChance]

If Margaritza (sp?) is still working at the Gran Porto Real, please say hi to her for us!! (she works as a server around the pool and beach bar area)