OT - Question for those who have been to Mexico

[MouseGirl]

I am travelling to Mexico later this month on business, and am taking a couple of extra days while there to do some sightseeing. I have a couple of questions for those on the DISboards who have visited Mexico. Where did you exchange your Canadian money for pesos to get the best rate (before you go at a Canadian bank, at an ATM in Mexico, at a currency exchange counter?) and to make phone calls home to Canada what did you do? I have a President's Choice long distance card that we've used in WDW and throughout the US several times, but I understand that they don't work in Mexico.

Thanks very much in advance for any advice you can provide!
MouseGirl

 

[tone.def]

I bought some pesos here in Toronto at the exchange place on Front Street right across from the CBC building. When I ran out, I used an ATM at my resort. I generally avoid my bank (BMO) for exchange because they rake you on fees and rate. Pesos are really not worth very much at all, so I didn't pay any attention to the exchange rate. It's a good idea to have some American money handy too, I found taxi drivers wanted USD only from us (they don't care that you're Canadian) and I think we were charged USD to get into Xcaret (theme park) too. They had a Mexican line for admission and a foreigners line. Guess who paid more?

When I called Canada, I pressed "zero" from my hotel room and asked to speak to a Canadian operator. I don't know if a President's Choice card will work. Have you checked their website or called them for an answer?

When you're shopping off your resort, NEVER pay the price they tell you for curios and goods. Bargain.

Have fun!

 

[Sheribo]

I always use the Canada Direct numbers so I bypass the hotel operator and fees. It connects you to a Canadian operator and charges are in Canadian dollars. You can get the information at the following link. http://www.bell.ca/shopping/PrsShpPns_Tc_CanDir.page?selectedtab=0

Mexico was terrible to long distance charges so I got a Bell calling card and it works great.

 

[BELLEDOZER]

I would say that your bank probably has some of the best rates for the Peso. You would have to request the amount, and it may take 3 or 4 business days to get it. Or you can go to a foreign currency exchange. USD cash is also accepted quite readily as well. If I go to Mexico, I usually take about $100.00 to $150.00 converted into Peso, and the rest in US funds. You can always get more Peso's when you are down there. It is good to have some of the local currency when you first arrive for taxi's etc. Have a great time on your trip.

 

[MouseGirl]

Thanks for all of your great advice - I really appreciate it!

MouseGirl

 

[Ham Ham]

Only been to Couzumel for a shopping while on DCL.
Very different from here, US or UK.
Keep you eyes open.
Hope you are traveling with other folks.
http://www.canada.com/topics/travel/story.html?id=7da2a222-bbda-4920-8020-c0c9c38748a2

 

[MouseGirl]

Yes, thanks very much for asking. I will be in Mexico City with a couple of other co-workers who are also taking the two extra days to do sightseeing. I really didn't want to be there by myself!

 

[Thumper_ehhhhh]

We were in Playa del Carmen just before christmas. So i'm not going to be much help for site seeing. What I can offer you is advise about money. You can exchange money in those currancy exchange booths in malls up here in Canada. I don't know where you are but Maple View mall in Burlington has A exchange booth. If you plan on taking Canadian money with you. I wouldn't. If it hasn't changed sence we were there 3 months ago. Mexico still thinks we have the dollar like the 80's. Exchange it to US dollars before you go. You will get a much better rate if you plan on exchanging it there with USD. Enjoy your trip.