Avoiding tourist traps at Mexican marinas

[Robinms]

We are currently in a marina in Ensenada Mexico. I thought I would share what I have learned and share it so you can avoid the tourist rip off. First off, always have any charges made to a credit card in pesos. The monthly charge is made in USD and they use a very poor exchange rate that is much higher than the actual international rate. Second, use a debit card to get pesos and ALWAYS decline the page that asks you, sometimes in Spanish, that is asking you to accept the atms exchange rate rather than the banking daily rate. Everyone hits accept and then you will be charged $20 to $40 usd extra! So if you see a menu screen on an atm with an accept or decline button ALWAYS decline! It’s just a way for the drug cartels to launder money, or so I was told by my Uber driver. Never exchange usd for pesos, when in Mexico pay with pesos and to avoid rip off atms don’t use the hotel or private atms- even if they claim to be from one of the bigger banks- cheaper to pay an Uber and go to one of the big banks. Also watch out for locals that do work for you and ask to be paid in usd. They are most likely ripping you off and charging you more for the work. Follow the rule,”when in Mexico pay in pesos”. On the other hand if you want to reward a worker with something special, then tip them with usd and make their day.

[NCGunDude]

We had the same issue on holiday at a Yucatan resort. Get a CC with a low foreign transaction fee, and carry either pesos or USD to tip. whether you're quoted for work in USD or pesos is inconsequential, as you can always make the conversion from one to the other for comparison.

[wholybee]

The ATM scam isn't just Mexico, I have seen it all over the world. Anytime you are traveling, it is good to know these tips.

[CrispyCringle]

Thanks. Headed down there soon. Any issues with an LLC owned boat and getting the TIP?

[ChrisJHC]

Not a scam and not unique to Mexico.

Good advice any time you’re in a foreign country.

[barnakiel]

But hey is this not contrary to the myth of Mexico the best country in the world with the happiest population ?


How those ideologists make up those "happy country" lists is kinda a gimmick perhaps.



Crooks and cheats. That's what these people are. At best.



We should be calling a spade a spade. And stop going places only because they are warm and "cheap" (well, it turns out they are just warm).



b.

[bergius]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

Crooks and cheats. That's what these people are. At best.

You get that same ATM or POS exchange rate scam everywhere that's not using "your" currency. UK is good example. Feel free to decide whether that proves or refutes your point.