Warning RE: Max's Cafe ATM

G

GringoZona

Guest
Just got back from Penasco last night, going through my bank statement online, trying to figure out what kind of conversion rates I was scoring from my Visa debit purchases, and WHOA!!! The new(ish?) ATM in Max's Cafe will actually give you USD$, real greenbacks, but for a $60 withdrawal I was charged $71! (Not to mention the extra $2 added on for checking my balance by mistake.) Just thought I would warn all. If you REALLY need actual US currency, Max's is the only place I know of outside of a bank, but you're going to pay a pretty penny.

(And yes, I wasn't really paying attention to the extra fee warnings, as I was in a hurry and figured they wouldn't top much above $3...Whoops!)
 
Stuart

Stuart

Aye carumba!!!
Staff member
Same goes for the US - Normally, you can expect a $3 fee from a bank outside your network, but if you use one of those "convenience" ATMs at Circle Ks, casinos, bars, etc., watch out for the fees! You can actually get double-whammied on those things - a fee from the ATM itself and a fee from your own bank!!

If you do need money while there, you're still better off going and using a bank ATM. There's many of them around Penasco now. You will get pesos, but you will get the actual exchange rate in most cases when your bank processes the transaction. You may also get a foreign transaction fee assessed by your bank. I still try to plan ahead and always take enough cash for the weekend. Problem is, I need to take a bunch!

[begin old timer rant] I liked the days when I could go to Rocky Point for a weekend with a $100 cash and still cross back over the border with change in my pocket! I'm lucky to do that with $500 these days!! [/end old timer rant]

Then there's that whole thing about not wanting a bunch of pesos in your pocket to go home with because you can't use them until next trip. Where you can buy anything in Mexico with dollars, try to buy anything in the U.S. with a peso and they'll just look at you and laugh!
 
rockyptjoe

rockyptjoe

Guest
Stuart said:
Same goes for the US - Normally, you can expect a $3 fee from a bank outside your network, but if you use one of those "convenience" ATMs at Circle Ks, casinos, bars, etc., watch out for the fees! You can actually get double-whammied on those things - a fee from the ATM itself and a fee from your own bank!!

If you do need money while there, you're still better off going and using a bank ATM. There's many of them around Penasco now. You will get pesos, but you will get the actual exchange rate in most cases when your bank processes the transaction. You may also get a foreign transaction fee assessed by your bank. I still try to plan ahead and always take enough cash for the weekend. Problem is, I need to take a bunch!

[begin old timer rant] I liked the days when I could go to Rocky Point for a weekend with a $100 cash and still cross back over the border with change in my pocket! I'm lucky to do that with $500 these days!! [/end old timer rant]

Then there's that whole thing about not wanting a bunch of pesos in your pocket to go home with because you can't use them until next trip. Where you can buy anything in Mexico with dollars, try to buy anything in the U.S. with a peso and they'll just look at you and laugh!
Click to expand...
Hey Stuart....the ATM the bank on the corner across from the Pemex station on Fremont(same side of the street as Reggies) at the intersection that goes to your favorite hotel and Capones, dispenses either US $$ or pesos.
 
Stuart

Stuart

Aye carumba!!!
Staff member
rockyptjoe said:
Hey Stuart....the ATM the bank on the corner across from the Pemex station on Fremont(same side of the street as Reggies) at the intersection that goes to your favorite hotel and Capones, dispenses either US $$ or pesos.
Click to expand...
I knew there was one there, but didn't know that. Good future info! Shows how often I use an ATM in Mexico! I do occasionally charge my boat gas at the Pemex. Funny... the whole time I'm filling up I keep hearing this "glug-glug" sound draining my bank account! I can tell you, from experience, that the Pemex pumps shut off at 999.99 pesos and must be reset to continue. And, I have had to have it reset three times! Ka-ching!

:fish: = expensive!
 
Ladyjeeper

Ladyjeeper

Sonoran Goddess
Staff member
I remember going to PP for the weekend with 50 bucks in the 70's. I had my shack in Choya and a Triumph Spitfire. The shack had a gravity shower and septic toilet with a big tambo of water on the roof and propane stove and fridge. Oh what fun...........
 
Ladyjeeper

Ladyjeeper

Sonoran Goddess
Staff member
I will be going to Puerto Lobos after I retire in October. I've always wanted to see it........
 
A

azbeachboy

Guest
I can remember going down for a four day weekend with just tent rent and gas money. I had fun showing my friends, the next morning how much money I made at the bars...
 
Mexico Joe

Mexico Joe

Cholla Bay 4 Life
FYI to all, if you are interested. I have BBVA Compass here in the states and they are an international bank, which happens to operate in Mexico. So not only do I get the proper exchange rate I dont get charged any kind of service fee. I dont know if its worth it or not but you could easily open an account just for RP visits. Might be a hassle, I dont know. There are a few BBVA Compass atms in RP and one outside of the guard shack at Las Palomas. Ive also heard they are a sister corp to BanaMex, however I cant confirm this.
 
B

beachgirl

Guest
The bank RPJoe is referring to is Banorte I believe. It's the bank I always use because it does give both currencies (I use both depending on where I'm shopping, eating, etc.) and it has convenient parking. These are the transactions I did a couple of weeks ago: withdrew $200.00 USD, debited $205.73 from acct. + $2.06 fee..........withdrew $1500.00 pesos, debited $119.18 +$1.19 fee. The only cash I generally take with me is a bunch of ones and fives for any prospective beach vendor buys!! I also use my debit card whenever possible, as many places except them now.
 
PintoPoint

PintoPoint

Guest
Ladyjeeper said:
I remember going to PP for the weekend with 50 bucks in the 70's. I had my shack in Choya and a Triumph Spitfire. The shack had a gravity shower and septic toilet with a big tambo of water on the roof and propane stove and fridge. Oh what fun...........
Click to expand...
Ladyjeeper, That's how we do it now except for the 50 bucks. For the first two years I didn,t even have electricity. I love the simple life in Cholla.

Rick
 
Ladyjeeper

Ladyjeeper

Sonoran Goddess
Staff member
I never had electricity the whole time I was there, 75-83. I love the simple life in my 27 foot trailer now! :) Lights AND air conditioning!!!!!
 
T

Terry C

Guest
Joe, You might be able to link your Compass account with Bancomer since they are one of the same. Would be interesting to find out.
 
Stuart

Stuart

Aye carumba!!!
Staff member
I bank at Compass. When I first noticed that BBVA had appeared in Rocky Point, I inquired at the bank if I could transparently bank there as well as in the US. The answer is no -- completely different operations and a violation of international banking law. Oh well, at least I asked.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top