Mexico Debit Card Travel Advisory

Although in most countries credit and debit cards are perfectly safe and easy to use, some can be challenging as in the case of the Mexico debit card.  Before heading to Mexico, it is essential that you have a basic understanding of the type of currency and the way in which money can be obtained.  For instance, if you have an upcoming trip planned for Mexico, in addition to looking for the most affordable and safest places to stay and the best and most exciting things to do, you should also learn what you can speci

Although in most countries credit and debit cards are perfectly safe and easy to use, some can be challenging as in the case of the Mexico debit card.  Before heading to Mexico, it is essential that you have a basic understanding of the type of currency and the way in which money can be obtained.  For instance, if you have an upcoming trip planned for Mexico, in addition to looking for the most affordable and safest places to stay and the best and most exciting things to do, you should also learn what you can specific to using a Mexico debit card or credit card.[br]

For one thing, when you go to an ATM to withdrawal cash to pay for the day’s events, most often the Mexico debit card would provide cash in pesos.  For this reason, you need to know the current exchange rate prior to going.  The good news is that in Mexico, finding an ATM is easy since they are found in most grocery stores, hotel lobbies, shopping malls, etc.  However, you want to look for an ATM that displays the Cirrus, Plus, or some other international network symbol so you know the transaction would be legitimate and safe.

Most credit card companies, banks, and credit unions advise people when taking a trip out of the country to let them know ahead of time.  That means before leaving for your trip, contact the company or financial institution that issued your Mexico debit card.  The reason is that if they have no idea you are in another country and suddenly numerous transactions are being made, especially cash withdrawals, they could deactivate your Mexico debit card believing they are protecting you from fraud or theft of the card.

You will also find that taking out cash withdrawals using your Mexico debit card with an ATM is probably going to be less expensive than if you were to cash in traveler’s checks or convert cash at one of the banks in Mexico.  You may need to look around at several machines to find one or two that have the lowest fees but most are very affordable.  In addition, the typical ATM will allow you to handle transactions with your Mexico debit card in your choice of English or Spanish, which makes this much more convenient.[br]

The number one consideration when using a Mexico debit card while on your trip is to only take out money from ATMs in public areas and those connected to a bank.  Unfortunately, fraud is everywhere and several stories have surfaced regarding people that took money out of an ATM in this country but not attached to a bank only to discover the machine was bogus.  As a result, not only were the debit cards not returned but also no money was issued.

In addition, most travel advisors recommend anyone using a Mexico debit card to withdraw money from an ATM always make sure no one is behind them and even if alone, cover the number pad when entering the PIN.  Just as in the United States, dishonest people in Mexico have found ways to attach cloning or scanning equipment to an ATM that captures the person’s card number, name, and PIN.  However, by shielding the keypad, this small device would not work.

Finally, always make sure you know the limit regarding the amount of money you can withdraw at a time or within a given day.  Sometimes, if the issuing company knows a person is going out of the country, they can increase the limit, but if not, this would be vital information to help you budget.  That way, you know exactly how much money you can get from your Mexico debit card so you always stay within the available funds.