Comments on: The Trouble with Travelers Checks

By: George

George — Sat, 18 Jun 2016 18:46:34 +0000

In reply to Billy Bob. Unfortunately, effective August 15, 2016, the Bank of America will sever its relationship with Santander. We'll be hit with all sorts of use fees afterwards. Ugh!

By: James

James — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 17:25:50 +0000

In reply to Patricia Wolf.

It’s inaccurate to say “so many ATMs are bad” and that when using ATMs in Mexico “your info is stolen and your account emptied”.

I have been using ATMs in Mexico regularly since the late 1990’s and have never once had a problem. ATM “card skimming” scams happen world-wide, although Mexican banks have installed modern ATMs which thwart those types of fraudsters. While I’m sure scams do happen, they are not common, and in my experience of using ATMs in Mexico I’ve found them as practical and safe as using them in other countries. They have effectively replaced the use of Traveler’s Checks.

By: Patricia Wolf

Patricia Wolf — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 16:55:35 +0000

Problem with using ATMs is that you info is often stolen and your account emptied. So many are bad that I just bring cash to Mexico and exchange it to pesos. I loved using there older way to keep my money safe. I dread using any ATM there.

By: Maggy

Maggy — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 15:35:50 +0000

I often use dollars/cash at SAMs or Walmart…but they do now cash $100 bills…even for purchases that total $100… Or more….Bring a lot of $50 s instead

By: Billy Bob

Billy Bob — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 00:00:54 +0000

I use ATM and while it is true Santander does not charge a fee, Bank of America charges a foreign transaction fee. But it is still the best way to go.

By: Stan

Stan — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 22:22:45 +0000

I might add that I try to use ATM’s in Mexico that allow you to hold the card as you insert/swipe it, as opposed to those the grab the card and retract it internally until the transaction is complete. More than once, I have heard of cards not being returned, and I have somehow also left with my cash and receipt but the card (which was slow to emerge) left behind somehow…

By: BJ

BJ — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 17:09:12 +0000

I also urge the use of ATM Debit cards and a TIP before leaving the US go to your bank and have them increase the amount you can withdraw at one time. My bank increased my ATM card limit to $1000/day.
Some may think this is unsafe but it is my contention that frequent use of an atm in Mexico is unsafe.

By: Wayne

Wayne — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 21:46:00 +0000

I travel to Mexico several time a year. I never carry cash. I use ATMs. My bank stateside is Bank Of America. They have an agreement with Banco Santander. I make withdrawals from Santander ATMs with no extra fees. Plus, I get the most current exchange rate.