Pesos ~ Columbian & Mexican

[Amunet]

Our trip is approaching fast! We are going on the EBPC soon and will be visiting Mexico and Columbia.
I am aware US dollars are accepted in Mexico, but I like having foreign currency.

I know the best exchange rates are via ATM. Unfortunately, we will not have time to visit prior to our excursions.

DBF's bank won't allow us to order smaller amounts of the currencies (seriously?). So, where would you recommend to get Mexican and Columbian pesos at a fair exchange rate?

Sometimes airports can be a rip off BUT does anyone know if I can get these currencies at Midway airport or San Diego airport?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Our trip is approaching fast! We are going on the EBPC soon and will be visiting Mexico and Columbia.
I am aware US dollars are accepted in Mexico, but I like having foreign currency.

I know the best exchange rates are via ATM. Unfortunately, we will not have time to visit prior to our excursions.

DBF's bank won't allow us to order smaller amounts of the currencies (seriously?). So, where would you recommend to get Mexican and Columbian pesos at a fair exchange rate?

Sometimes airports can be a rip off BUT does anyone know if I can get these currencies at Midway airport or San Diego airport?

What are calling a "smaller" amount? We've bought foreign currency from our bank before a couple of our trips. But we were typically buying around $300 (US) worth. Maybe your bank just doesn't like doing it? How much time do you have before your cruise? Generally, our bank asks us to purchase about a month out to allow time for the transaction. It's not a just go in and buy some procedure.

I know AAA has what they call "tip paks" where you can get like $100 (US) worth of currency from various countries (usually in smaller denominations). If you belong.

I'm pretty sure the airport in San Diego would have some sort of foreign currency exchange store. But, those exchange rates are often worse than what you can get from a bank.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Our trip is approaching fast! We are going on the EBPC soon and will be visiting Mexico and Columbia.
I am aware US dollars are accepted in Mexico, but I like having foreign currency.

I know the best exchange rates are via ATM. Unfortunately, we will not have time to visit prior to our excursions.

DBF's bank won't allow us to order smaller amounts of the currencies (seriously?). So, where would you recommend to get Mexican and Columbian pesos at a fair exchange rate?

Sometimes airports can be a rip off BUT does anyone know if I can get these currencies at Midway airport or San Diego airport?

What is your DBF's bank's definition of "smaller amounts" of currency? Do you bank somewhere else and have you asked your bank? My bank was happy to order it for me when I traveled to Mexico last year. They just asked for a few days notice.

I'm fairly certain there is an ATM at the Cozumel port.

 

[Amunet]

I have a credit union that doesn't do currency exchange.
We have checked with the bank prior about how long and he's cutting it short (hence my post, I am an experienced world traveler, he's not, I warned him ... alas ...).

$100 worth of Columbian Pesos and $50 worth of Mexican.
We are a not a part of AAA. Can non members use those packs?

Yes, airports are exchange scam artists.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I have a credit union that doesn't do currency exchange.
We have checked with the bank prior about how long and he's cutting it short (hence my post, I am an experienced world traveler, he's not, I warned him ... alas ...).

$100 worth of Columbian Pesos and $50 worth of Mexican.
We are a not a part of AAA. Can non members use those packs?

Yes, airports are exchange scam artists.

Pretty sure you need to be a member to get the tippaks.