Can I use my check card in Mexico?

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lllmeg

The quick answer is "yes, but...."

Before you leave the US (or whatever country in which you live and your card is based), make CERTAIN that you call the issuing bank and let them know where and for how long you will be in Mexico. Sometimes banks will deny transactions in a foreign country if they do not know that you are truly the one with the card -- they are afraid that the card has been stolen.

Also check with the issuing institution as to ALL charges involved. You not only want to know how they determine the exchange rate, but any extra "fees" associated with a foreign transaction. Also, if you use a foreign ATM, they, too, can charge extra fees. You may want to check with your card's issuing institution to determine if there are any local Mexican banks that are in your network.

Finally, make sure you receive and keep/destroy your receipts! Some receipts still contain the full number of your card so you don't want that floating about where someone else might like it. Also make sure you receive your card back! Although most vendors are honest, in the process of paying, speaking Spanish, receiving your goods, etc., it's easy to "accidentally" forget to get your card back.

It is a good practice to have your card number recorded elsewhere so that you can report it lost or stolen if necessary. You can also leave a photocopy of the card (front and back) with a friend at home so that they can make a report if you are unable.

All in all, you just need to use commonsense and be aware of possible charges and fees.

Masiosare

Yes you can, but I wouldn't, Mexico is a "cash" country and it is not safe to used check or credit cards, your number may be stolen and get in the wrong hands

I wouldn't take that risk, take mexican cash with you instead

Julian

If you have visa or mastercard, yes.

justagorilla

in some places, like bigger hotels and restaurants, but for the every day stuff, you will definitely need Mexican cash. Definitely.

Gata de Barrio

As long as it's a major card like Visa or Mastercard, yes you can. Notice that even though Colima is a city (albeit not a very large one), Mexico is a cash society. You can use your card for things like shopping for clothes in large brand stores, movie theaters, major chain restaurants and hotels though.

sparks_mex

You can use a 'Credit Card' in the big stores but it's expensive (extra fee) and can't get cash back. Better to get some cash before you leave and use the Credit Card only when you need to.

Confused And Worried

if your card is like visa or mastercard or some other big name like those its probably that you can, most of the stores that accept cards have a sticker with the logo outside

Mr Knowledge

yes you can; however make sure you read your bank agreement on transfer of U.S. monies into foreign currency.

A few years ago I went to Asia and I had to pay a 25% surcharge on all my atm withdrawls. With the rate of exchange I got hit very hard with that extra penalty. With Mexico in particular whatever you exchange into pesos you can't change back into US Dollars. The peso is very weak.

Victoria H

NO, YOU CAN USE CREDIT CARDS, TRAVELLERS CHECKS, BUT A CHECK CARD, IASK YOUR BANK IF IT CAN BE USE AS A CREDIT CARD, IF NOT, TELL THEM YOU WANT IT AS A CREDIT CRD, THTS HOW I USE MINE

Taximom3

Best to get money from an bank with Atm is safe and my bank only charges $2 fee for each withdrawl and the rate it pays is usually about what you would get at a bank or airport with cash. As for stores I have used in the larger stores my credit card but not my check card because once in awhile someone will add charges to your card later and you can't dispute these charges like a regular credit card. Keep all receipts of Atm withdrawls or store receipts. Check with your bank and take some cash just in case and usually give you more pesos for a 100 dollar bill than 20's.

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