Just a quick question:
How are the ATM machines in Mexico for accepting Canadian Debit cards?
Or is it better to get peco's at a bank using your debit card?

you can use your debit card in a machine in mexico, try to find a scotiabank machine, the fees are the lowest and they allow you to withdraw more pesos.

the exchange rate was better for us at the banks in mexico!

Use your credit card. That way if your card gets skimmed, your bank account isn't drained. You'll pay a little more on the cash advance fee but think of it as insurance.

I'm going in 2 weeks! I'm just converting my cash here in Calgary (calforex)...been to Mexico several times so this trip is straight forward, no exploring:)

be very careful with the fees. I know of one atm outside a casino that the surcharge was $50 US to use the machine. Most are privately owned and non regulated

Call your bank and let them know your travelling or else your card will get red flagged thinking it's stolen

I've never had card / ATM problems anywhere I've traveled, including Mexico and other countries in Central Am.

I agree with Kristen, used my debit card in over 25 countries!

I have so watch out, but that being said use the banks not the independent ATM Machines. Safer. I used a stand alone one and it got skimmed, but I have used the banks and have not had any problems.

If you happen to shop at a Walmart you can withdraw a bit there with no fees, just exchange. We've done that often.

I know for Cabo's there is a Scotiabank and no issues with our bank card and no S/C either. But keep in mind that if you are requesting for $300.00 you will end up with $300.00 peso and will have to wait until next day to get more $$.

Brian & I just get pesos here if you have a safe in the room. Then it's easy. Have fun.?

We will -- have to have dinner again when we get back, unless you two are gone when we get back.

Thank you everybody --- really want to avoid the US dollar.

Avoid freestanding arms, major scam involving wireless skimmers. Take pesos and some us cash with u

Order online and pick up at the money exchange in market mall. Better than the banks. But you have to order online first.

Bank machines within the banks (BanoMex, Scotiabank, etc) are excellent for using your debit card and VISA/MC for major purchases. Works for me everytime. I go to Mexico enough to not go to any exchange places here anymore

Good tips....we exchanged a bunch to Pesos at our canadian bank and will withdraw from an scotiabank atm if we need more as the rates seem the best. We don't like to use US on principle.

Long time no see/hear/talk Miss Mira!

Hi Carol

My National bank card could only be used at Scotia Bank and HSBC machines. None of the Mexican machines would work for me.

I bank with CIBC and they hooked me up with an "international debit card"...it has a Visa logo on the bottom even though its a debit card. If you have one of those they work at all the ATM's, even the mexican banks! And they work everywhere in the States too! I highly suggest one!

Just remember you are 12 pesos to the dollar. to get $100 dollars canadian equivalent therefore needs to be entered into the ATM as $1200.

We take cash to Cabo and exchange at the Scotia Bank. Alternately, we take $$ pesos out of that ATM and we've never had problems.

Also, let your bank know when you are travelling - had my transaction refused once as bank thought it was a suspicious redrawal - lesson learnt the hard way - and the security dept advised a smart traveller will do this - now I always let the bank know when travelling (less domestic and US trips). Just a thought

I've used my BMO card at Scotia bank on a few trips there! It's all in Spanish but easy to use! Just advise your bank or credit card company you will be in Mexico!!

Do not use a stand alone bank machine and they will take the money out of your account and not dispense your cash

Thank you once again for all the great tips!! Love this site.

We just got back from Ixtapa Dec. 23rd and had no problems. Used the ATM machine at the airport for a cab and he I think it was at the Sangster Bank behind our hotel. Remember there is approx. a 3.00 service charge at the ATM and my bank charged me 5.00 for each transaction. Your hotel should also give you 11 pesos to the Canadian dollar with no fees.

I spend most of my life in Mexico. Use ATM'S you get the best exchange rate. Use Santander for RBC bank . lower fees There's also Hsbc and Scotia Bank. Use Debit cards. Keep paper receipts so if by chance there is an error such as not getting money from machine you can call your bank and they will amend it. But keep paper receipts. Also take large amounts out rather then small to avoid bank fees. As stated use only Bank machines in Banks or Mega . Those don't seemed to have skimmer problems.