Going to Cabo, carry cash or use card?

[thestrangebrew1]

It's been years since I've been out of the Country and we're leaving to Cabo Sunday. A few friends said not to use card because in their experience, they've both had to file fraud when they returned to the US after their trip for unauthorized charges. I hate carrying around tons of cash on me, I'd probably be stressed out carrying cash in Mexico. What do you guys recommend?

Also, I heard that if I got hurt somehow in Mexico, my insurance wouldn't cover anything unless I got some sort of international coverage. Is this true?

 

[AznAnarchy99]

Credit card is fine. Keep 500-1000 pesos on hand for small purchases.

 

[purbeast0]

When I pretty much go anywhere on vacation I just get $300 out of the ATM before I go and use credit card at all possible places, and I'll carry like $40 or $60 on me at all times. I've never really had a problem and typically come back with about $200 in cash. Most places now a days take CC.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

Thanks for the quick replies. I'll have a combo of both cash and CC on me then. How about the medical ins.? I guess I'll give them a call and see what they say.


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[Humpy]

Just assume the credit card will be compromised and bring two. Pesos are more convenient but ATM machines aren't much safer.

I use a combination of both, but usually find a legit looking ATM and stop by once a day or so.

 

[purbeast0]

As for the insurance question, when I was in Barbados with a group of people almost 10 years back, we got back from the clubs drunk as shit and decided to keep the party going in the pool. Well one of the people was racing someone in a swim race and he doesn't open his eyes under water, and he ended up splitting his head open on the edge where the side vent drain things meet the edge of the pool. He ended up going to a clinic there where he had to pay out of his pocket, but he said when he got home he was reimbursed for some of it. I believe it ended up being like going out of network for him.

But definitely call your insurance to find out their exact policy.

 

[Schfifty Five]

It's been years since I've been out of the Country and we're leaving to Cabo Sunday. A few friends said not to use card because in their experience, they've both had to file fraud when they returned to the US after their trip for unauthorized charges. I hate carrying around tons of cash on me, I'd probably be stressed out carrying cash in Mexico. What do you guys recommend?

Also, I heard that if I got hurt somehow in Mexico, my insurance wouldn't cover anything unless I got some sort of international coverage. Is this true?

I'd say bring both cash and CC.

For CC, make sure you don't have any foreign transaction fees. Most cards that you pay an annual premium do not charge the 3% foreign transaction fee, but just double check.

As far as insurance, just call your insurance provider and double check with them.

 

[feralkid]

Pesos as you need them from ATM at a Bank (not convenience stores, etc.unless you don't mind the inflated fees)

C.C. for larger amounts at Hotels, Airlines etc.

Simple.

 

[Scarpozzi]

It's Mexico. No need to convert your money there....spend USD and they'll give you change in pesos. Just get a currency app for your phone....it's like 18 pesos to the dollar right now. You can figure, for $10 will get you 185 pesos....

If you buy any souvenirs, just remember that most of the junk they sell is made in China and they bought for pennies on the peso....

 

[Darwin333]

Credit card will work for most stuff, bring cash for the hookers and blow. Although some hookers do take CC these days I hear.

 

[feralkid]

It's Mexico. No need to convert your money there....spend USD and they'll give you change in pesos. Just get a currency app for your phone....it's like 18 pesos to the dollar right now. You can figure, for $10 will get you 185 pesos....

If you buy any souvenirs, just remember that most of the junk they sell is made in China and they bought for pennies on the peso....

Bad idea; unless you enjoy getting hosed on the exchange rate.

 

[AznAnarchy99]

Bad idea; unless you enjoy getting hosed on the exchange rate.

Eh I just went to Ensenada and Cancun and the people there were very straight forward on the exchange rate. 18 pesos to a dollar is right at the fair rate right now and the majority of places did that conversion. Some places up charge to 17 pesos a dollar but it's not much of a difference.