Best Place To Get $400 Us Converted To Pesos?

[Jayfarmlaw]

i waited too long and my none of my local banks can't get pesos in before we leave. I've used the search function and it seems like Mega, Cambio, and Santander Bank all will exchange dollars for pesos. Looks like current rate I'd 16+ to 1. Our first stop will be at Mega after dropping our equipment off. Does Mega have a special booth for dollar conversions, or do you have to go through the line? We're staying at Casa Mexicana, is there a bank close that will do the exchange for a reasonable fee?

Thanks in advance for your response.

Jay

 

[ScubaD1veDiv@]

We were there in January and did not have success using Mega. I purchased items with US dollars and the cashier would only give me change back in US dollars. I did not have that problem converting dollars to pesos at Mega when I was there the month previous. Not sure if the 18:1 and volatile exchange rate played a role in January. We had to go to the bank to exchange.

 

[JohnN]

i waited too long and my none of my local banks can't get pesos in before we leave. I've used the search function and it seems like Mega, Cambio, and Santander Bank all will exchange dollars for pesos. Looks like current rate I'd 16+ to 1. Our first stop will be at Mega after dropping our equipment off. Does Mega have a special booth for dollar conversions, or do you have to go through the line? We're staying at Casa Mexicana, is there a bank close that will do the exchange for a reasonable fee?

Thanks in advance for your response.

Jay

Take your bank card to the Mega, IIRC HSBC only charges 33 pesos for the transaction. That machine will do 7000 pesos, so I think that should cover you. And FWIW, current exchange is 17.5 / 1

 

[mediumone]

Leave your USD in your bank. Use the ATM's in Mega or an ATM in a bank foyer. My fees for using the ATM on the mainland ranged from 31.32 pesos at the airport (T-3). on the high side, to a low of 25.52 pesos at a Santander ATM. In each case, my credit union charged me $1.00

I received the market exchange rate for the day (within a few cents/pesos), as shown here; XE Currency Converter - Live Rates

You can also withdraw more than the default maximum shown on the screen - just enter the amount that you'd like to withdraw. Of course there is a maximum amount that you can withdraw, but I think it's a function of the maximum of your bank, not the ATM.

 

[Divin' Ivan]

Exchange what cash you'll need here in the U.S.. You'll pay way less commission. Then use your credit/debit card when you can for the best rate in Mexico. Avoid exchanging your money in Mexico as the commission is higher and the exchange rate less favorable.

 

[mediumone]

Exchange what cash you'll need here in the U.S.. You'll pay way less commission. Then use your credit/debit card when you can for the best rate in Mexico. Avoid exchanging your money in Mexico as the commission is higher and the exchange rate less favorable.

No. Use an ATM to withdraw pesos for the best rate;.

 

[Jayfarmlaw]

Well crap....I don't have an atm card. I'll try the banks. Thanks everyone for the responses. I'll buy you a beer at The Thirsty Cougar, should be there 16, 17, 18, and 19 ar about 2 for my post dive beer. sorry, tax man, I'm going diving!

Jay

 

[ggunn]

Exchange what cash you'll need here in the U.S.. You'll pay way less commission. Then use your credit/debit card when you can for the best rate in Mexico. Avoid exchanging your money in Mexico as the commission is higher and the exchange rate less favorable.

Don't use your credit card to get cash. Cash advances are usually (at least with mine) subject to much higher charges from your own bank than ATM transactions.

 

[diverokc]

Go to Elektra . Turn at margaritaville and go one block back. They have a bank in the back. You need your passport. You will see lots of locals out front.

 

[Christi]

For those recommending Mega, that is inaccurate. Mega will NOT exchange dollars. In fact, they will not accept more than 10% of your purchase price in dollars and your change will be in pesos. They caught on to that game quite some time ago - more than a year ago.

Either go to one of the banks with your passport, one of the change houses back on 30th or take money from a BANK AFFILIATED ATM - do NOT use the free standing "Cashola" or "US DOLLARS" machines - they are privately owned and not regulated. You will have a very unpleasant surprise when you get home if using a non bank affiliated ATM. Our banks here are Banamex, Santander, Bancomer, Banorte, Scotia Bank, HSBC, CI Banco, and as someone else mentoned, there is a "bank" inside Elektra.