If you have a bankcard, credit card or debit card, you will find ATMs at every bank, in or near many supermarkets, in shopping malls, grocery stores, and occasionally in hotel lobbies. Most ATMs are linked to Cirrus and Plus networks, and are available 24 hours a day.
Most ATMs will also accept your Visa or MasterCard (if you have a PIN number, and can withdraw money from the card). It is good to know that most ATM's in Mexico only accept 4 digit PIN numbers. If you do not have a 4 digit PIN number, you may want to modify your PIN at your local bank before traveling.
In addition to being convenient for quick withdrawals, ATMs process transactions at the wholesale banking rate. This means you will typically get a better exchange rate by using an ATM than you would if you exchanged cash or traveler's checks at a bank.
The ATM's in Puerto Vallarta display both English and Spanish, but the amount of the transaction will always be shown in Mexican Pesos. The amount you are allowed to withdraw is the amount your bank allows you per day. The withdrawal fee is whatever fee your bank charges for international or out of network usage. The bank that owns the ATM will also charge a fee. You may also be asked if you wish to make a donation to a charity the bank supports.
All the usual precautions should be observed when using an ATM such as preventing anyone from observing you entering your PIN number and be on the lookout for any unusual commands or functions that might suggest that the ATM you are using may have been modified mechanically to copy your private information. If you have any concern about the operation of an ATM, withdraw your card immediately and report your concerns to a bank employee.
More Information:
Casa de Cambio's
Credit Cards
|
