Just tried to spend some money at the Penasco Ace Hardware....they are not accepting US dollars....just pesos or credit cards.....a sign of times to come???? I don't know if any of the banks are changing dollars to pesos anymore.
Sorry about the spelling in the title....sticky fingers!!!
Except for the McDonalds in Nogales AZ I have a hard time spending pesos in the US. The banks are making it difficult and expensive to deposit dollars in Mexico. I closed my dollar account for that reason and only use pesos unless I am at an American establishment but I think that may change in the future too.
You used to be able to walk in and get pesos at the federal reserve bank in Phoenix....used to be 1st Interstate(goes back a few years)...then Wellsfargo. The last time I checked, you had to give the bank an advanced notice. I don't know of any of the banks in Penasco that are willing to exchange dollars to pesos...none have the exchange rate posted in the window.... so you're stuck with using an ATM to get cash (pesos), or your credit card where it is accepted. You can use the few remaining money exchanges (Calle 13, or a new one I saw on Benito Juarez).
So is this another "shoot yourself in the foot" for Mexico/Penasco????
No fee, Penasco ATMs which dispense pesos from an Az/ US, $ credit union account, would now appear to the best bet, since credit card purchases can come with a 3% transaction charge.
Jim...I've got a credit union account....and have been getting pesos from the ATM at the bank across the street from the Pemex on Fremont and Sinaloa....still get charged a foreign exchange fee.
Hey Rosie
What the heck is going on there. Is this a Rocky Point thing or what? It sure is making things tough for a lot of us. Is this another GRINGO STAY HOME ??
If it is a Rocky Point thing posibly I need to find another place to spend my money.
I am no Rosie, but I will say that when you read that Mexicans are coming to the US to spend money on school supplies or clothes or whatever I assure you that they have to change whatever pesos they have for dollars for their USA purchases. If they have credit cards they can of course use those as well. The Mex Feds are clamping down on US dollars as a way to hit the cartels. Americans dont buy their illicit drugs using pesos, it is all in dollars. So when you have a big store like Socoada ACE in Penasco, and there is a monthly limit on dollars deposits imposed by the banks (not because of anything but anti-laundering policies) then it makes sense for them to not accept dollars anymore. All American establishments here in Penasco probably have stateside bank accounts so handling dollars is no big deal for them. But the local establishments are probably doing 100% of their banking in Mexico. After all we are in Mexico and it just makes sense.
I do not believe this is another shoot yourself in the foot move, rather another way to slow down the flow from nefarious enterprises.
When you go to JJ's take dollars, BooBar, same etc etc. When you go buy block at Blockmex or pipe at ACE or steel at Fetasa, take credit cards or the money of Mexico, pesos! Not that hard to do. There are many money exchange houses in town for that very reason! This has nothing to do with bashing Arizonans lol!
Wood Spinner said:
Hey Rosie
What the heck is going on there. Is this a Rocky Point thing or what? It sure is making things tough for a lot of us. Is this another GRINGO STAY HOME ??
If it is a Rocky Point thing posibly I need to find another place to spend my money.
It is aimed at the narco traficantes. Along with killing channel 26 on the radio and registering Tel Cel phones. Every one feels the pinch except for the narcos. Thanks for the input Russ but that is pretty common knowledge
DM looking at the comments it did not appear to be common knowledge. I just thought I would tear off a piece of my mind for a moment sorry if it offended!
dmcauley said:
It is aimed at the narco traficantes. Along with killing channel 26 on the radio and registering Tel Cel phones. Every one feels the pinch except for the narcos. Thanks for the input Russ but that is pretty common knowledge
I wrote this at the same time as Russ was posting so did not see his post first, Thanks again for your input Russ but Mexico needs to know that MOST Americans feel better spending their dollars. Me, I use pesos but will still boycott the ridiculous followers of this new trend!!!
Thats all fine and good DM about how Americans want to spend their dollars, they should have no problem in the places that they hang out in. I am simply saying that when you live in and do business in a foreign country you need to drop the attitude and ride the bus with everyone else. IE spend pesos. I carry equal peso to dollar amounts typically. When I go to the US I spend dollars (they wont take anything else period) when I am in Mexico I spend pesos. It just makes sense to me and does not seem to be all that complicated.
dmcauley said:
I wrote this at the same time as Russ was posting so did not see his post first, Thanks again for your input Russ but Mexico needs to know that MOST Americans feel better spending their dollars. Me, I use pesos but will still boycott the ridiculous followers of this new trend!!!
Russ, I know you are very pro PP as are a lot of us. The input I'm talking about is that it is hard to spend pesos in the US. This goes for yen , lira and other currency also. Mexico is definitely shooting itself in the foot over this and the other new changes. Mexico needs to cater more to the casual visitor than folk like ourselves whom have become comfortable with the peso. I respect your love for Mexico but the fact is that PP has become home for many undesireables and something more than making it hard for a gringo to spend dollars needs to be done. After all, PP went after the buck, now they should accept it.
DM All due respect here, I contend that the casual traveler will have no problems using their dollars at the touristy places, hotels, restaurants etc. Their experience will be hampered if they must use dollars everywhere though as this is Mexico and it is sovereign and can enact its own policies.
Penasco did not enact this rule, this is from the Federal Task force on money laundering through the federal government of Mexico. It is a countrywide mandate. Not a local smack at Americans. Smart travelers understand that when they go to a foreign country there are some adjustments to be made, this is a simple one.
Regarding PP going for the buck you kind of have to put that in perspective of the time....towers were being built by not only Mexicans but Canadians and Americans and Japanese and others....these guys and gals knew their market to dump this stuff on was primarily Americans so they had to accept US dollars. All of the companies had Stateside accounts to handle the transactions. They did it so they could sell the crap out of these projects in the shortest time possible.....those days are gone senor'.
From your argument I get the feeling that the USA should adopt a policy that merchants should accept other country currency for purchases made by travelers to enhance the experience of the foreigner. So you could go buy T-shirts in Sedona and they had to accept your lira or whatever. It makes no sense.
On a trip several years ago I was surprised (only been to Sonora and never further south at that time) when you get to Mazatlan the buck stops there. I being a semi wealthy American (at the time but no more) (I cant even afford to pay attention) (church mouse poor hombre) was maddened by the fact that I could not pay for my petrol south of Mazatlan with C notes. I was forced to comply and buy pesos. It was a good lesson for me and enhanced my travel from that point forward. That was many years ago but I never will forget the feeling that this country would not accept my "special" money and I had to use theirs...... Oh well I got over that in a hurry!
dmcauley said:
Russ, I know you are very pro PP as are a lot of us. The input I'm talking about is that it is hard to spend pesos in the US. This goes for yen , lira and other currency also. Mexico is definitely shooting itself in the foot over this and the other new changes. Mexico needs to cater more to the casual visitor than folk like ourselves whom have become comfortable with the peso. I respect your love for Mexico but the fact is that PP has become home for many undesireables and something more than making it hard for a gringo to spend dollars needs to be done. After all, PP went after the buck, now they should accept it.
Jim...I've got a credit union account....and have been getting pesos from the ATM at the bank across the street from the Pemex on Fremont and Sinaloa....still get charged a foreign exchange fee.
Some do and some don't. According to my permanent Penasco neighbor, Az State FCU is one which does not charge for pesos in Penasco when using a debit card..
The "problem" as I see it, is that now it is getting harder for Americans to get pesos in penasco.....no banks, and additional charges for using ATMs (in addition to non-bank member fees). I have no problem using either currency....if I can get the peso and can get pesos at the official rate (not the cambio exchange). I also don't "expect" merchants to take the USD.....my OP was just to let people know the situation if they went to the Ace Hardware.
From talking to a couple business people in Penasco, the banks are cracking down on the amounts of USD they can deposit in any month.
We too belong to a credit union and use the same ATM in PP that Joe does. This is how it works for us.........we know which places prefer dollars and which places prefer pesos (these of course are places that we frequent). We take enough cash to cover the "dollar" places (and vendors and for tips and what not) and we use the ATM to get pesos for the rest. Yes, we're charged a very small fee at the ATM.............we do not care. We also use the debit card at times at places that except them, which is many. And again, we're charged a small fee...........and again, we do not care. We are in a foreign country and we just go with the flow to make things as easy going as possible...................
the fact of the matter is that around the world most countries will take the currency of the neighboring countries along the border town/cities, drive to the interior of such countries a bit more, even 10 miles and they will not take any other currency than their own, just a handful of countries will take dollars, we should consider ourselves lucky that Puerto Penasco has been taking dollars all these years but like everything it also has and end and it is starting now and I do not think that will stop tourism, people that travels understand that!! it's always been that way all over the world!!
the fact of the matter is that around the world most countries will take the currency of the neighboring countries along the border town/cities, drive to the interior of such countries a bit more, even 10 miles and they will not take any other currency than their own, just a handful of countries will take dollars, we should consider ourselves lucky that Puerto Penasco has been taking dollars all these years but like everything it also has and end and it is starting now and I do not think that will stop tourism, people that travels understand that!! it's always been that way all over the world!!
Most foreign countries have an official currency exchange right at the port of entry/airports....which makes it convenient. Many of us that travel to Penasco frequently are able to manage the situation....we know where to go....and like Beachgirl said, she is willing to pay the small fee.
But the more difficult the traveling situation is made, particularly with the events involving Mexico/Penasco (swine flu hysteria, violence...real or otherwise, etc.) the more it will impact tourism in Penasco.....just another "nail in the coffin".......IMHO.
Joe, you hit on the real issue here. Taking dollars from customers has recently become more problematic for Penasco business owners because depositing dollars into their accounts is more restricted. I was in a meeting with two major business owners and they were lamenting the fact that now they cannot afford to accomodate people wanting to pay in dollars unless they short people on the rate of exchange. Of course then customers complain about being "gouged". Bottom line, it's cheaper and easier for them to just take pesos. DMCauley, I hope you'll rethink your boycott of businesses that are simply doing what they can to get by during these hard times.
We too belong to a credit union and use the same ATM in PP that Joe does. This is how it works for us.........we know which places prefer dollars and which places prefer pesos (these of course are places that we frequent). We take enough cash to cover the "dollar" places (and vendors and for tips and what not) and we use the ATM to get pesos for the rest. Yes, we're charged a very small fee at the ATM.............we do not care. We also use the debit card at times at places that except them, which is many. And again, we're charged a small fee...........and again, we do not care. We are in a foreign country and we just go with the flow to make things as easy going as possible...................
Hey beachgirl...the next time we're both down in Penasco at the same time, I'll give you USD...why don't you exchange them to pesos?...."since the fee is very small":rofl::moon:
All joking aside, I don't mind paying the fee the Mexican bank charges me for the transaction....and it is small....but it just galls me when my bank or credit union charges me a foreign transaction fee.....we are in the electronic age.....there are no "paper transactions" where someone has to actually "touch" the transaction.....but I'm also pissed at the banks charging you "fees" for you to access your own money...when they are paying out "piddles" in terms of interest for you to keep your money there!!!! I could also get into a whole rant on airline fees......are they going to start charging for the air you breathe on the plane...by the breath?? and pretty soon it will be cheaper and easier for you to FedEx your luggage when you travel!!!!!:stir:
Joe, you hit on the real issue here. Taking dollars from customers has recently become more problematic for Penasco business owners because depositing dollars into their accounts is more restricted. I was in a meeting with two major business owners and they were lamenting the fact that now they cannot afford to accomodate people wanting to pay in dollars unless they short people on the rate of exchange. Of course then customers complain about being "gouged". Bottom line, it's cheaper and easier for them to just take pesos. DMCauley, I hope you'll rethink your boycott of businesses that are simply doing what they can to get by during these hard times.
Thank you Rosy for confirming what I was hearing this weekend from a couple business owners.......
On the matter of gouging...that's why I originally went to exchanging some dollars to pesos....the gouging the Pemex stations used to do...giving you 10 pesos to the dollar, when the official rate was anywhere between 11 and 12!!! For those who may ask...why didn't you use your credit/debit card???? Half the time, the dial up system they were using for the card transactions was down!!!!
the fact of the matter is that around the world most countries will take the currency of the neighboring countries along the border town/cities, drive to the interior of such countries a bit more, even 10 miles and they will not take any other currency than their own, just a handful of countries will take dollars, we should consider ourselves lucky that Puerto Penasco has been taking dollars all these years but like everything it also has and end and it is starting now and I do not think that will stop tourism, people that travels understand that!! it's always been that way all over the world!!
Inka not to start anything but I just returned from Central America and every one in town was dealing in American Dollars. The only time I used any local currency was when I had to go to the bank and make a withdrawl of a large sum in order to pay for 20 dives in cash. I actually had to request local currency at one point just to be able to bring some home.
if you are going down from Tucson, Arizona Stamp and Coin on Speedway is way better than Wells fargo (long slow process at only one branch) The rate at Az Stamp is 11.90 today
if you are going down from Tucson, Arizona Stamp and Coin on Speedway is way better than Wells fargo (long slow process at only one branch) The rate at Az Stamp is 11.90 today
Might as well do the exchange at the cambio on Calle 13....oh, that's right Jerry, you don't spend much time in Penasco!!!!:stir::jerry:
Well except for gas and supplies I usually go to Caborca.I do like my place(built much of both places myself and will soon be doing a few small modernist places and construction management for fellow lovers of small,smart houses. Who needs a El McMansion when you have 20 miles of isolated beaches,great infrastructure,easy going neighbors,good title,honest owners,amazing dunes /animal life,miles of orange groves,asparagus,melons and grapes,great local people and no crime......As the coastal highway keeps heading South i think you'll find many Tucsonans bypassing RP and headed toward us,Puerto Lobos and Puerto Libertad in the coming years
There is plenty of "natural" mexico around the Penasco area....
Jerry...when is the last time you were actually in Penasco??????????????????????????????????[/QUOTE]
Well except for gas and supplies I usually go to Caborca.I do like my place(built much of both places myself and will soon be doing a few small modernist places and construction management for fellow lovers of small,smart houses. Who needs a El McMansion when you have 20 miles of isolated beaches,great infrastructure,easy going neighbors,good title,honest owners,amazing dunes /animal life,miles of orange groves,asparagus,melons and grapes,great local people and no crime......As the coastal highway keeps heading South i think you'll find many Tucsonans bypassing RP and headed toward us,Puerto Lobos and Puerto Libertad in the coming years
There is plenty of "natural" mexico around the Penasco area....
Jerry...when is the last time you were actually in Penasco??????????????????????????????????
[/QUOTE]
Jerry...didn't you just recently report the robbery of your friend in Caborca at gunpoint???? Granted, I would expect much less in terms of break-ins in your gated community....it is far enough from the types of individuals I would expect that from, and with limited access to it, from the last time I was there........
So why do you frequent this Forum...why not start your own??? SantoTomasTalk.net??????:notme::stir:
Hey Joe, as Baja trader gets ready to cross over to the other side he has offered a small tip to make others lives at the Beach in Mexico easier (a great tip on keeping bait on a hook)
I'm thinking what my one small tip would be (just one per person) and I wondered what yours would be..please don't let it be the water balloons full of oil to thrown at armed narcos on the road from sonota!
Inka not to start anything but I just returned from Central America and every one in town was dealing in American Dollars. The only time I used any local currency was when I had to go to the bank and make a withdrawl of a large sum in order to pay for 20 dives in cash. I actually had to request local currency at one point just to be able to bring some home.
AZ ROB, I think you missed it, that is why I said in my original post "just a handful of countries will take dollars" as is the case with Central and South American countries where the laundring of monies is not a problem and UAE, just to name a few.
Jerry...didn't you just recently report the robbery of your friend in Caborca at gunpoint???? Granted, I would expect much less in terms of break-ins in your gated community....it is far enough from the types of individuals I would expect that from, and with limited access to it, from the last time I was there........
So why do you frequent this Forum...why not start your own??? SantoTomasTalk.net??????:notme::stir:[/QUOTE]
Hey Joe, as Baja trader gets ready to cross over to the other side he has offered a small tip to make others lives at the Beach in Mexico easier (a great tip on keeping bait on a hook)
I'm thinking what my one small tip would be (just one per person) and I wondered what yours would be..please don't let it be the water balloons full of oil to thrown at armed narcos on the road from sonota!
Jerry...I think I accomplished that already...just by starting this particular thread....made visitors aware that they couldn't use USD at the Penasco Ace Hardware.....I'm sure that was considerably more than some people have done on here....:stir:
Oh...oh...oh...I have another one......Never get into a discussion with Jerry about politics!!!:aagh::aagh:
BTW Jerry...have you ever had a semi spew some leaking diesel on your windshield...particularly at night????? Try seeing thru that mess, or even having your windshield washer clean it off.....
Seriously i'm thinking what my one tip gained from a life filled of ups and downs I'd have to offer to Mexican beach visitors,,,,
DMCAULEY could give one on boats or blended families.Stewart fishing maybe,Roberto on living the greatest middle age life change of all time, Rosy maybe some type of business thing (since i have no idea what she does for fun,Kenny (won't be able to stop at one),AZ maybe some bead thing on and on....
rockyptjoe said:
Jerry...I think I accomplished that already...just by starting this particular thread....made visitors aware that they couldn't use USD at the Penasco Ace Hardware.....I'm sure that was considerably more than some people have done on here....:stir:
Oh...oh...oh...I have another one......Never get into a discussion with Jerry about politics!!!:aagh::aagh:
BTW Jerry...have you ever had a semi spew some leaking diesel on your windshield...particularly at night????? Try seeing thru that mess, or even having your windshield washer clean it off.....
...Rosy maybe some type of business thing (since i have no idea what she does for fun....
What I do for fun?? Well I...hmm...I think I would like to...sometimes I think I could...well, maybe I should...aw hell, what's fun? Guess you're right, Jerry. My tips will have to be business related.
When I had my little boat, about 3 times a week I would go out by myself with music and a book to read. I'd go out to the deep and just drift. I've always wanted to jetski here and haven't gotten around to it.
Let's change the subject...I sound pitiful.
What I do for fun?? Well I...hmm...I think I would like to...sometimes I think I could...well, maybe I should...aw hell, what's fun? Guess you're right, Jerry. My tips will have to be business related.
When I had my little boat, about 3 times a week I would go out by myself with music and a book to read. I'd go out to the deep and just drift. I've always wanted to jetski here and haven't gotten around to it.
Let's change the subject...I sound pitiful.
ok next time i see one on ebay I'm buying you a little turquoise row boat!!!!!..ok let'a have a new list of the best 10 books of all time for a girl to read in a row boat on the Sea of Cortez!
Wow Joe! Who peed in your Wheaties this morning? But, I have had diesel fuel spewed all over me on the interstate and it is no fun! Especially if you have the top down!
Now, for some serious boat or beach reading for the girls, ANYTHING by Harold Robbins! If you're gonna make me pick, my favorite is The Dream Merchants. Carpetbaggers is a close second. And, my other favorite authors are Danielle Steele, Barbara Taylor Bradford, Nora Roberts and Fern Michaels. Trashy novels at their best! I just love fluff! LOL!
Wow Joe! Who peed in your Wheaties this morning? But, I have had diesel fuel spewed all over me on the interstate and it is no fun! Especially if you have the top down!
Now, for some serious boat or beach reading for the girls, ANYTHING by Harold Robbins! If you're gonna make me pick, my favorite is The Dream Merchants. Carpetbaggers is a close second. And, my other favorite authors are Danielle Steele, Barbara Taylor Bradford, Nora Roberts and Fern Michaels. Trashy novels at their best! I just love fluff! LOL!
Jerry with his continual taking of a thread off topic.....:jerry::hairout:
....but actually Chari, I'm in a decent mood.....finally home from work...decided to cut the back yard grass tomorrow.....getting read to barbecue a nice steak.....we're still waiting for your tales from CO and some pics.....
I typed a big long 2 page tale of my vacation and when I went to submit it, it went to the black hole. Argh! I will type 3 posts when I can, of my vacation. I am still recovering. I have altitude sickness and have been wiped out since I came home. I will try to do it tomorrow. I tell ya, gettin' old ain't for sissies!
ok next time i see one on ebay I'm buying you a little turquoise row boat!!!!!..ok let'a have a new list of the best 10 books of all time for a girl to read in a row boat on the Sea of Cortez!
The last time I used the ATM there, August 7th, I withdrew 900.00 pesos...............the total charge debited to my card was $73.86. When I did the conversion, it came out to 938.923 pesos. This was done at today's rate, which is a little higher than it was on that particular day. I do not have a problem paying with pesos anywhere.
I should have stated that .73 cents was a Visa international fee. I do not have a problem with this for the following reason: last month, someone got a hold of my debit card number and used it online. Thanks to the people at Visa, a red flag went up and long story short, saved me from having to deal with a huge problem. The funny thing about this is that the charge was only $34.26..........they red flagged it because it was to a company that is based in London, England. It was very "out of the ordinary" for our account......thus, the red flag. They tried to charge again on the card, but by that time, it had already been blocked. The few cents that they charge me is well worth it.
The last time I used the ATM there, August 7th, I withdrew 900.00 pesos...............the total charge debited to my card was $73.86. When I did the conversion, it came out to 938.923 pesos. This was done at today's rate, which is a little higher than it was on that particular day. I do not have a problem paying with pesos anywhere.
Over the 4th of July weekend, when I used my CU card there, it cost me somewhere around $4.30 for a withdrawal of 1100 pesos, or about 4.6%. This was all the fees, including the Mexican BANK ATM fee (I think it's 7 pesos??). I believe they were giving 12.15 pesos to the dollar. I was trying to go back thru my bank credit card statements to find the fees...but I guess I stopped using it some time ago because of the larger fees.
Rosy, I don't really boycott anyone in PP. I carry sufficient dollars and pesos to cover all my expenses. I don't like the manner in which Mexico going after the narcos by causing so many inconveniences to the common folk and to the tourists. First the radio tower, then telephones and now this.
They all know where the narcos are, as most of the population do, but are too scared or maybe involved to do anything about it. Brings to mind the days of the Mafia here when all the politicians were paid off.
I love Mexico, but unlike Russ, I do not put on blinders and compare other US cities to PP. The facts are the facts and we should all be privy to them w/o the sugar coating. You do a great job at this Rosy, keep up the good work.
Didn't go there this past visit, but over the 4th of July weekend, they were.
AZ ROB said:
I was there last weekend and they did accept my dollars but would only give change in Peso's
rockyptjoe said:
Over the 4th of July weekend, when I used my CU card there, it cost me somewhere around $4.30 for a withdrawal of 1100 pesos, or about 4.6%. This was all the fees, including the Mexican BANK ATM fee (I think it's 7 pesos??). I believe they were giving 12.15 pesos to the dollar. I was trying to go back thru my bank credit card statements to find the fees...but I guess I stopped using it some time ago because of the larger fees.
beachgirl said:
I should have stated that .73 cents was a Visa international fee. I do not have a problem with this for the following reason: last month, someone got a hold of my debit card number and used it online. Thanks to the people at Visa, a red flag went up and long story short, saved me from having to deal with a huge problem. The funny thing about this is that the charge was only $34.26..........they red flagged it because it was to a company that is based in London, England. It was very "out of the ordinary" for our account......thus, the red flag. They tried to charge again on the card, but by that time, it had already been blocked. The few cents that they charge me is well worth it.
beachgirl said:
The last time I used the ATM there, August 7th, I withdrew 900.00 pesos...............the total charge debited to my card was $73.86. When I did the conversion, it came out to 938.923 pesos. This was done at today's rate, which is a little higher than it was on that particular day. I do not have a problem paying with pesos anywhere.
Just spent 300.00 at Los Pinos hardware and lumber store, I would have used pesos but the exchange rate was better there than at the bank at 12.00 to 1 dollar today.
Rosy, I don't really boycott anyone in PP. I carry sufficient dollars and pesos to cover all my expenses. I don't like the manner in which Mexico going after the narcos by causing so many inconveniences to the common folk and to the tourists. First the radio tower, then telephones and now this.
They all know where the narcos are, as most of the population do, but are too scared or maybe involved to do anything about it. Brings to mind the days of the Mafia here when all the politicians were paid off.
I love Mexico, but unlike Russ, I do not put on blinders and compare other US cities to PP. The facts are the facts and we should all be privy to them w/o the sugar coating. You do a great job at this Rosy, keep up the good work.
Thanks, DM. I get my share of people complaining. Some because I say too much, others because I don't say enough. I try to stick to what I know and leave the speculation out of it. I wish I had more contributing writers and more paying advertizers, but truly appreciate my loyal following. Our readership numbers are through the roof, and that says something.
how come you can go into a bank branch in Zih or Puerto Vallarta and change dollars to pesos but in penasco the same bank will no longer change money. When i asked the branch manager in Penasco when they first stopped doing this he told me it was because the banks in PP lost a lost on currency transactions on the last dollar/pesos runup so they quit changing money. Silly me--i always thought that was a basic function of banks--and if they should make money at it.
DM is so correct: "Every one feels the pinch except for the narcos." The Mexican governmant's answer to the narco problem is as effective as putting water in your radiator when you run out of gas. When in a foreign country, deal in the currency of that country.
Was in Penasco one week ago. Friday night, the Policia Estatal Investigadora (PEI), had a roadblock/checkpoint on Benito Juarez, just south of Pollo Lucas. There were about ten PEI pickup trucks lined up in the middle of the street, each with all emergency lights flashing. Quite a light show, which could be observed for quite a distance from both directions. Conveniently, there was a side street bypass above and below the "road block". As we were heading north, cars both in front of us, and from behind us, turned off the boulevard, using side streets to bypass the "road block". How convenient! Like the police really want to catch the "bad guys". Interfere with cartel business, and you and your family will be executed. This is what is hanging over the heads of the police. This is why you don't see any police on Highway 8 at night, and why PEI vehicles only travel in carravans.
DM - Can you explain your reference to the "radio tower"? I noticed a communications facility built on the west side of highway 8, south of Sonoyta. It seemed strange to me because it was so close to the highway, had its own diesel power plant, had very little in the way of antennas on the tower, and had no government SCT identification. It is not like other microwave communication relay facilities, that are usually built on a hill, have a tower supporting many antennas, and are tied into the electrical grid. What's up with this? Anyone else notice?
Wow, no idea how that happened. I had a chart of fuctuations (snicker) of the peso over the past 5 years I was trying to send along. Sort of mirrored the oil price fuctuations too. Lo Siento mucho.
We will see 14 before we see 10 again. Watch the US stock market. When it takes a tumble the peso gets weaker as well. I wonder if these two economies are connected? (snicker) The world market is unstable at best, I think we will see another "correction" in US stocks and the value of the dollar will fall against other currencies making the peso a strong buy. I am still using pesos that I bought last year at over 14.5 to one dollar for my groceries. What a deal!
We have a piece of property in Mexico City that we bought in 2007 - we budgeted paying it off in the Spring of 2010. When we started paying it was 10:1, but as soon as the US economy and the peso went sour, we were able to pay it off early in the Summer of 2009.
Now we're thinking about starting to build on that land and are looking to get the most pesos from every stinking dollar we spend. 14:1 would be awesome and I could get all my "extras" in the house that I want.
120 days