ATMs & Banks in Puerto Vallarta

Your own bank will probably charge a fee for using ATMs abroad; the foreign bank you use may also charge a fee. You'll usually get a better rate of exchange at an ATM, however, than you will at a currency-exchange office or at a teller window. And extracting funds as you need them is a safer option than carrying around a large amount of cash.

ATMs (cajeros automáticos) are widely available, with Cirrus and Plus the most frequently found networks. However, the transaction fees charged by your bank can be up to $5 a pop; before you leave home, ask your bank about fees for withdrawing money in Mexico.

Many Mexican ATMs cannot accept PINs with more than four digits. If yours is longer, change your PIN to four digits before you leave home. If your PIN is fine yet your transaction still can't be completed, chances are that the computer lines are busy or that the machine has run out of money or is being serviced. Don't give up.

For cash advances, plan to use Visa or MasterCard, as many Mexican ATMs don't accept American Express. Large banks with reliable ATMs include Banamex, HSBC, BBVA Bancomer, Santander Serfín, and Scotiabank Inverlat. Travelers must have their passport in order to change traveler's checks.

Banks

Banamex (Calle Juárez, at Calle Zaragoza, Centro. 322/226-6110.) Banorte (Paseo Diáz Ordaz 690 at Calle L. Vicario, Centro. 322/222-4040.)