ATMs
 

On trips to Mexico, I always take along the cash I need and convert to pesos as needed. I understand a lot of people use ATMs with good success. Although I have traveled Mexico for many years, I have not used ATMs down there. Has anyone had problems with faulty ATMs there? And my PIN is four digits here in the states? I understand the system in Mexico uses three digit PINs. If so, how does this work? Can anyone clarify these points? Thanks, Norm

We have used ATMs for cash in San Miguel de Allende for 2½ years without problems - mine has a 4 digit PIN from USAA Fed'l Savings Bank.
Several ATMs at Banamex were involved in identity theft early this year, but they were replaced and I know of no further incidents.
Be sure to call your bank(s) to inform them of your trip to MX and use of ATM/CCs here - otherwise, they may "freeze" your accounts.
M

I've used ATMs in both places I've been -- Puerto Vallarta and Playa del Carmen -- with no problems. They weren't as easy to find as in many places I travel, though. Also, when I traveled to both places, I found the small private exchange places to actually give excellent exchange rates in Mexico, unlike Europe, for example. There really wasn't a big advantage to using the ATMs, at least not in PDC. In puerto Vallarta, my hotel (Fiesta Americana) also gave a pretty good rate, better than the downtown banks, and a lot more convenient. I don't know if that's typical or not.

In any case, I've never heard that thing about 3-digit PINs, and it's not true because mine has four digits and I had no problem.

This is for Puerto Vallarta, my normal 4 digit pin works fine. The only time I had a problem is the only machine down by the beach sometimes runs out of cash over the weekend!

We used an ATM in Tulum - HSBC - and were charged a $35 fee that HSBC will not own up to; my bank won't either. The fee did not show up on the ATM receipt; but did show up on our monthly statement.

ATM's in Mex. always take my four digit pin with no problem. The only problem I have ever had over the years was on one trip to Oaxaca, no ATM would take my ATM card. Machines there had done it before and after, but not this time. Likewise the card worked fine as soon as I got home. I was glad I had some cash and travler's checks as back up. Aside from that- ATM's are the way to go. Worked fine all over the place in Mex. last summer.

Thanks for your help, everyone. Great responses! I will go to Mexico (in two weeks) with a new sense of confidencein ATM's in foreign countries.

Norm

I lived in Mexico for a while and found it very common for the ATM's to run out of money on the weekends.

Make sure you call your bank to let them know you'll be using your card in Mexico to avoid your account being frozen

bamlutz is right about ATMs running out of money. The ATM in Akumal is known for running out of money.