I am going to acapulco, mexico..can I use credit cards and debit cards to pay down there?

Question

What is the best strategy for money when going to mexico? should i just take a credit and debit card, and take money out of the atm in pesos when i need it? Do they take discover cards in mexico at most places?

Answer 1

Yes. The receipts might looks different because they don;t always convert total to US dollars, but I've never had a problem with overcharging. Just look for the credit logos...

And I've used them in major cities and in several small towns. If they cater to tourists they will most definitely accept cards.

Answer 2

You can use your atm card in Mexico.It's convienant and It gives you a good record of all your transactions on your trip. You should know a couple of things before going this route. The banks in Mexico Charge the surcharge per transaction. They charge up to 5 american dollars per withdrawl. When using a debit card for purchases the processing companies or banks also charge an exchange charge debited from your account. So be carful of all these charges when using debit or when withdrawing pesos from an atm. Another thing to consider is the high rate of crime in the city of Acapulco and the surrounding area in the Mexican State of Guerrero. It is a drug trafficing area and is very dangerous outside of the tourist areas. Kidnappings for money are a very real risk in those areas so use caution when and where you use your debit or Atm card etc. Not trying to scare you but it is a reality. Overall you might be better off with the card than flashing a huge fan of mexican pesos in front of the local vendors. Mexico is a beautiful place full of history and culture to experience but always be sure to think safe and beware of your sorroundings and the people that are around you. Good luck and hope you have great trip. ps don't know where anyone excepts discover here in the states doubt they take it in Mexico.

Answer 3

All tourist oriented towns in Mexico will have businesses that accept credit/debit cards. Stick with using a credit card, if you can (for security). My credit card (thru Bank of America) charges a foreign exchange fee (not much, but kind of irritating). Smaller restaurants & businesses are cash only. Most will accept USD, watch the rate of exchange carefully. Larger cities (like Acapulco) have ATM's located at the banks. Not as many locations as stateside. Getting pesos from ATM's is usually at a very competitive rate of exchange, although you will be charged a few $ by the local bank and usually by your bank (varies).

Answer 4

Yes you can use credit cards, most places are Visa friendly and in Mexico Mastercard is widely used also. You will find less places accepting Discover and AMEX than Visa and Mastercard. A note of caution, I would advise against using your debit card. Just like a credit card, you can be a victim of idenity theft using a credit card, but with your debit card you lose the ability to use the money stolen while you are fighting the theft. (Happened to me in Greece.) Also, many credit cards charge a service charge for international purchases, usually about 3%, so when you get home and get the statement you will see the original charge, plus a service fee. I usually travel with cash on me, and a credit card for the larger purchases. Mexico is very happy to see cash, even US$. You can change your money over to Peso's but you won't get as good of a deal on items as you would paying with US dollars. You will see a lot of places having prices in US and Pesos. Good rule of thumb also is to separate any cash you carry in different pockets or a money belt, lock it in the safe in your hotel, just in case something does happen, you're not out of all your $$$ in one bad happenstance. Mexico is a lot of fun, just keep your smarts about you and you'll have a blast!

Answer 5

If you are staying at a big hotel,you probably could use your credit card there,I would keep most of your credit cards and money at the hotel safe in your room or behind the desk in the safe there.
When going out on your daily jaunts ,I would not carry more money with you than what you can afford to lose ,if you get robbed. Carry just 1 credit card with you ,a master or visa,there are many small shops that might not take credit cards,cash only.
If going out for a few hours for lunch and a little shopping,carry just what you need for the day ,and realize that you are in a foreign country,and in Mexico ,everyone there knows you are not a native as soon as you open your mouth and speak.
Have fun and be safe !
Take travel checks with you and cash them at the hotel one at a time when you need them. That is your safest best.

Answer 6

I would take cc but PLEASE do not use your debit card in Mexico. Most places take discover and then take some travelers checks you can cash those almost anywhere. The reason I don't like debit card in Mexico is that a friend of mine was there 2 months ago and used her debit card alot and at one of the restaurants she had gone to one of the employees got a hold of her PIN # and wripped her out.
So go and have a blast but just be careful!!! Sun and fun for me one day and have a BIG fruity drink on the beach.

Answer 7

I've had no problems with Visa or Mastercard in most of the countries I've visited, I've never tried discover. My debit has the visa symbol, so it's also accepted. I've always exchanged my dollars for pesos at the airport, or nearby bank(if I'm familiar with the area) once I land at my destination to take care of any place that doesn't accept credit cards, as well as for tips when necessary. Otherwise I just use my cards.

Answer 8

Acapulco is considered the country’s 16th largest metropolitan area and one of the most important destinations since its golden days in the 1950s and now you can visit it; take a look with hotelbye . In Acapulco you will enjoy the extreme fun, bungee jumping from 50 m high and a free fall of 2 seconds! In Acapulco you can also feel like you own the world because you will be treated like this in the Romano Palace Hotel. Acapulco is a city where you can enjoy: the mornings, the evening and the nights. In Acapulco you will always find something interesting to do.

Answer 9

You can use cards in Acapulco. I used my Visa credit card at Señor Frogs and at the hotel. A lot of places don´t take Discover. You´ll get the best exchange rate when making purchases with your credit card.

I had to change all my dollars to pesos because no place that I went to accepted dollars. I recommend changing your dollars to pesos at the airport because if you change them in Acapulco you don´t get as good a rate.

Answer 10

Take cash. Normally I would recommend taking a debit card. However, I just read a new rules that they are limiting atm withdraws to about $25 per transaction with a maximum of 3 transaction per day. So you can only withdraw $75.00 per atm card in a 24 hour period.