ADO bus ticket in advance?

[gmountai]

My wife and I are taking the bus from Cancun on Sunday. We were wondering some of the same things. Thanks! One more question, will ADO take US Dollars or will we need to exchange for Pesos before getting out of the airport? First time to Cozumel.

 

[mediumone]

My wife and I are taking the bus from Cancun on Sunday. We were wondering some of the same things. Thanks! One more question, will ADO take US Dollars or will we need to exchange for Pesos before getting out of the airport? First time to Cozumel.

They'll take USD, but you'll get screwed on the exchange rate.

After you go through customs (not immigration), you'll go through some doors. Ahead and slightly to your right across the hall you'll see signs for the Banos. There is an ATM there. Withdraw your pesos. Mexico has smart ATM's, and it will know that your 1st language is English, and so the prompts will be in English.

There may be a prompt asking if you want to contribute to some cause (in Spanish), and it may ask you if you want a receipt - also in
Spanish. If it's not self explanatory, ask for some help --- it's an airport, and people in airports all over the world are glad to offer assistance. The first year I was there, I didn't know what it was asking, and the first person that came by was a janitor. I asked her to help me, and she was happy to. She didn't know the word receipt, and used the word ticket.

You're in Mexico. The legal tender in Mexico is the Mexican Peso. In the United States the legal tender is the United States Dollar.

 

[Lorenzoid]

Also, I would guess that as in most international airports, there is not only an ATM but a currency exchange where you can exchange dollars for pesos. That's what we usually do, though I think last time we arrived in Cancun we paid our driver in dollars and changed money once we got to Playa del Carmen. It practically takes a rocket scientist to figure out whether an ATM or currency exchange gets you the better deal, as ATM fees and exchange rates are not always apparent. I try not to let it bother me--not stressing over getting slightly ripped off is part of the cost of "vacation."

 

[Ron Lee]

Read this for details

www.tinyurl.com/7m3r6

Just use USD to buy your tickets if you have no pesos.

 

[ggunn]

Also, I would guess that as in most international airports, there is not only an ATM but a currency exchange where you can exchange dollars for pesos. That's what we usually do, though I think last time we arrived in Cancun we paid our driver in dollars and changed money once we got to Playa del Carmen. It practically takes a rocket scientist to figure out whether an ATM or currency exchange gets you the better deal, as ATM fees and exchange rates are not always apparent. I try not to let it bother me--not stressing over getting slightly ripped off is part of the cost of "vacation."

I'm pretty sure that a bank owned ATM in Mexico (never use one that isn't bank owned) will consistently give you a better rate of exchange than will one of those currency exchange booths. The currency exchanges are for profit businesses whereas an ATM charges a flat fee.

 

[mediumone]

It practically takes a rocket scientist to figure out whether an ATM or currency exchange gets you the better deal, as ATM fees and exchange rates are not always apparent.

Uh, it's really not difficult at all. Rarely will a cambio end up being the better deal.

I'm pretty sure that a bank owned ATM in Mexico (never use one that isn't bank owned) will consistently give you a better rate of exchange than will one of those currency exchange booths. The currency exchanges are for profit businesses whereas an ATM charges a flat fee.

You're right on all counts.

 

[DandyDon]

Warning about bus stations! They have pay toilets, and will only accept the right coins. :shocked2: At my age, when I have to go, I have to go. I got lucky once at the Cancun downtown station and somehow had the right coins after buying my ticket. A FB friend who lives in PDC recently posted about having ATM problems, then needing to use a toilet in the bus station - and having to beg the cleaning lady to open a stall.

Anyone know the coins required? Good to keep some readily available. I guess the ticket booth could answer that and provide those.

My wife and I are taking the bus from Cancun on Sunday. We were wondering some of the same things. Thanks! One more question, will ADO take US Dollars or will we need to exchange for Pesos before getting out of the airport? First time to Cozumel.

I don't think there are restrooms out by the buses. I think there are privies onboard, but I'm not sure.

They'll take USD, but you'll get screwed on the exchange rate.

After you go through customs (not immigration), you'll go through some doors. Ahead and slightly to your right across the hall you'll see signs for the Banos.

How much can you get screwed on 156 Pesos? Ok, maybe as much as $5 USD if they give 10 to 1 instead of 15, but I think they're more generous than that. An important sign to watch for in the airport is that Banos sign: Bathroom! Use it before you leave the building.

 

[Lorenzoid]

I'm pretty sure that a bank owned ATM in Mexico (never use one that isn't bank owned) will consistently give you a better rate of exchange than will one of those currency exchange booths. The currency exchanges are for profit businesses whereas an ATM charges a flat fee.

The ATM charges a flat fee, yes, but there is still the exchange rate your bank uses when debiting your dollar account. Banks are not non-profits; though the majority of the profit is from the fees, I suspect they are not losing money on the exchange rate either. Granted, a bank ATM usually gives a better exchange rate than a currency exchange booth. However--and here's where you need to do the math if you really want to get the best deal--those ATM fees sometimes more than make up for whatever favorable exchange rate the ATM gives you. In some instances not only does the local bank charge a fee but also one's own bank in the US. Not too long ago I used an ATM in an airport in Europe and paid a total of $15 in fees to the two banks. So you really have to take both fees and exchange rate into consideration.

Going into a brick-and-mortar bank is often no better, as they sometimes tack on a currency exchange fee if you don't have an account with them.

 

[gmountai]

I already received "bend over" treatment from my bank when I paid for our hotel and dive package by credit card. The foreign exchange fee turned a good vacation package into a less than okay package. But like someone said earlier it's Vacation. Don't get too wrapped up about it.


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[ggunn]

The ATM charges a flat fee, yes, but there is still the exchange rate your bank uses when debiting your dollar account. Banks are not non-profits; though the majority of the profit is from the fees, I suspect they are not losing money on the exchange rate either. Granted, a bank ATM usually gives a better exchange rate than a currency exchange booth. However--and here's where you need to do the math if you really want to get the best deal--those ATM fees sometimes more than make up for whatever favorable exchange rate the ATM gives you. In some instances not only does the local bank charge a fee but also one's own bank in the US. Not too long ago I used an ATM in an airport in Europe and paid a total of $15 in fees to the two banks. So you really have to take both fees and exchange rate into consideration.

Going into a brick-and-mortar bank is often no better, as they sometimes tack on a currency exchange fee if you don't have an account with them.

The same strategy works there as here - make a few large withdrawals rather than a whole bunch of small ones.