hiho322

Hi! Just wondering if you can use debit cards in place of credit cards in Puerto Vallarta, like we do in the States. Also, when we were in France 2 years ago, we learned on this Forum that the ATM's there automatically took money from your savings account, so if you had a checking account only, you were out of luck. Is it the same way in PV?

Thanks so much,

Annie

Stewbear

Yes ATM'S at every bank & your card will work if you have a 4 number code. Also any place that takes Credit Cards it will also work at.

cabron

I use a debit card at the ATM machines all the time, but I wouldn't try to use it for purchases.

qwovadis

there are 2 networks as long

as you have a 4 digit

PIN one of them would work.

There is up to 100% liability risk on Debit Card if stolen

a good thief can clean you out...

www.capitalone.com Visa Credit Card best for me due to that.

Stewbear

Sorry Qwovadis but My Debit Card has 100% Protection against theft, loss or fraud.

Stewbear

I also use mt Debit for hotels as it will gave you the best rate on the bill. As an example the last time I stayed at the Quinto Real in Guadalajara our bill totaled about 13,000 pesos or $900 US at the bank post rate at the time of 14.5. When I got my statement I was given 15.6 rate or $833 US a savings of $67 dollars with zero fees.

hiho322

Thanks, all! We've decided to use our card at the ATM and credit cards when we don't use cash.

suze

I use all-cash in Puerto Vallarta (peso). I get peso both by using my ATM card at a bank machine or by exchanging USD at a cambio. I only use my credit card to pay the hotel bill.

suze

Annie~ Be aware many oflocal businesses do not accept credit cards (restaurants) because the cost is too high to them. So if you are planning to use credit cards for meals, make sure they are accepted first.

hiho322

Oh boy, Suze, why is it that everyone everywhere has their hands out for cash and I never seem to have any??? Gotta rethink this.

suze

hmmm... I guess I don't get the problem. Cash always seems the easiest for me. It's just the way I do it when I'm traveling (not only in Mexico).

hiho322

Well, if you have plenty of cash on hand, Suze, more power to ya. If I waited until I had enough money to travel with, I'd never get to go on vacation. Just the way it is.

suze

I apologize, I didn't realize we were talking about financal situations. Since you asked about debit cards in your OP. I thought we were talking logistics of using cash vs. debit for every day spending.

SEBERHART

I have to HIGHLY recommend that you instead take a credit card, if you have one. Using your debit card while traveling is usually risky (theft,loss) and no one wants to get home and a.) have no money 2.) wait to file a claim at the bank to get it back 3.) even worse, close you bank acct. If you have fraud on a CC most institutions can block and some reissue to you overnight to another address (these won't have a PIN when reissued). If you do not have a CC most institutions have a debit card that looks like a gift card (with a PIN) that people can use for traveling. Look at any restrictions, if any. Either way, make sure to contact all cards and banks to let them know you will be traveling abroad so they don't block your card when they see a suspicious transaction in another country. Also, ask for their toll-free number so that you can call in case there is a problem. Good luck!

suze

In Puerto Vallarta I don't use my debit card for spending around town directly for purchases, only at a Santanders ATM bank machine (since I am BoA customer it's free) to get cash.