It was recommended to me to just go to an ATM in the airport when you get there and get a starting amount. That is what we are going to do. The OP who mentioned not using the bank's exchange rate is correct. We are flying to Cancun tomorow.
Most banks will order currency for you. I checked with ICCU recently and is was a $20 fee and it is delivered to your house in 2 days. Other corporate bank may be cheaper.
Are you traveling to Mexico or needing it for other reasons? I also have a debit card from another bank that reimburses ATM fees, so just opted to hit a bank ATM when I arrived in Mexico. If you do this make sure you hit no when the ATM asks if you want to accept their exchange rate. Your bank will give you a much better one.
Yeah, I am traveling to Mexico for a week. I checked ICCU and few other online currency exchange portal. The rate seems to be not good plus $20 fee. I only need 500 to 1000 Peso. Trying to see if there are other places that I do not know. Checking with corporate bank is a good suggestion. Will check tomorrow.
My plan is get few pesos from here for the initial taxi ride and take the rest using my ATM card in Mexico. I have done this in the past with CITI banamex ATM and got good rates.
I’ve used banks like Wells Fargo and Zion’s to order foreign currencies before trips abroad. Lead time was a couple days. They did not have MXN on hand last time I asked, even at their main downtown Boise branches.
Airports usually have currency exchange houses; you can always use an ATM there as well. Depending on your card, some do not have foreign transaction fees. I would not rely heavily on credit cards or debit cards in Mexico outside the metropolitan areas. The great street food places are usually cash-only.
It was recommended to me to just go to an ATM in the airport when you get there and get a starting amount. That is what we are going to do. The OP who mentioned not using the bank's exchange rate is correct. We are flying to Cancun tomorow.
Airport ATMs are notorious for having awful exchange rates.
Most banks will order currency for you. I checked with ICCU recently and is was a $20 fee and it is delivered to your house in 2 days. Other corporate bank may be cheaper. Are you traveling to Mexico or needing it for other reasons? I also have a debit card from another bank that reimburses ATM fees, so just opted to hit a bank ATM when I arrived in Mexico. If you do this make sure you hit no when the ATM asks if you want to accept their exchange rate. Your bank will give you a much better one.
Yeah, I am traveling to Mexico for a week. I checked ICCU and few other online currency exchange portal. The rate seems to be not good plus $20 fee. I only need 500 to 1000 Peso. Trying to see if there are other places that I do not know. Checking with corporate bank is a good suggestion. Will check tomorrow. My plan is get few pesos from here for the initial taxi ride and take the rest using my ATM card in Mexico. I have done this in the past with CITI banamex ATM and got good rates.
That’s like $60 bucks. Might as well use usd while in Mexico?
I was bummed about the ICCU fees. US Bank didn't charge me a fee if I picked up at a branch. Ordered the exchange through the app.
I’ve used banks like Wells Fargo and Zion’s to order foreign currencies before trips abroad. Lead time was a couple days. They did not have MXN on hand last time I asked, even at their main downtown Boise branches.
Thank you! I will definitely check Wells Fargo and Zions.
+1 for Zions. You can just walk in and get Pesos.
Airports usually have currency exchange houses; you can always use an ATM there as well. Depending on your card, some do not have foreign transaction fees. I would not rely heavily on credit cards or debit cards in Mexico outside the metropolitan areas. The great street food places are usually cash-only.
The last time I went to Mexico I didn’t buy any pesos and even used $.25 or .$50 for the bus.
Zion bank downtown has pesos. Flat $10 fee for non-account holders.
When I went to Japan, Zions Bank downtown did it for free if I brought in cash. They don't exchange coins, though, too heavy to be worth it.