1rst time to Cozumel and Yucatan

[gopbroek]

Talking about ATM's.. many of hem provide US dollars only, search for the ones that deliver mexican pesos, and try to pay in pesos whenever it's possible (yes, avoid to use the credit card for small expenses, the transaction fees may "kill" you), you gonna save 10-15% due to their questionable exchange rate when converting the bills from pesos to USD.

Please avoid any stand alone ATM's on the street. I have never used them but I have heard plenty of horror stories. The ATM's at the large grocery stores like Mega (which I uses primarily) or Chedraui or within an actual Bank normally are pretty safe. I find the Banamex or Santander ATM's charge a reasonable fee at about $31 MXN ($1.62 USD). The actual exchange rate is between you and your bank. Your bank owes the ATM owner the service fee plus the actual funds withdrawn, how much your bank in turn charges you for the funds is between you and them. It ranges from zero total added fees or ATM fees and near FOREX exchange rates (Schwab) to high foriegn transaction fees plus crappy exchange rates, check with your bank before you travel. Many, like myself, uses a dedicated checking / ATM account specifically for travel.

 

[ggunn]

Talking about ATM's.. many of hem provide US dollars only, search for the ones that deliver mexican pesos, and try to pay in pesos whenever it's possible (yes, avoid to use the credit card for small expenses, the transaction fees may "kill" you), you gonna save 10-15% due to their questionable exchange rate when converting the bills from pesos to USD.

The ones that only provide US$ are the ones you shouldn't be using anyway. They are the independent "cashola" ATM's out on the sidewalks that have been hacked many times, and if you get ripped off you have no recourse that I know of. Use only bank owned ATMs in secure locations.

 

[npole]

The ones that only provide US$ are the ones you shouldn't be using anyway.

This is not correct, many hotels have their own ATM that are secured and provide USD only, they are very convenient if you're in hurry and you need fast cash.
I wouldn't spread the idea that Cozumel is a insecure place with thieves around the corners ready to hack the ATM's, ATM's frauds are a reality in every country, you can have your credit card data stolen from a bank ATM independently of their location (skimmers), coincidentally it's more secure an ATM with h24 human presence (hotel lobby) than an unattended bank ATM.
The recommendation I give is: use the common sense; that is the same recommendation I would give to everyone visiting any city around the globe, San Miguel is no exception.

 

[outofofficebrb]

Hello everyone,

57 yr. old male, traveling solo. First time headed to Cozumel, Yucatan and south along the coast (mid Jan/2018 for approx. 2 weeks). Had a few questions:

1) WEATHER: what can I expect for typical weather (night and day) for this time of year?

2) CLOTHING: was going to bring a pair of jeans, swim shorts, hat, tennis shoes, some t-shirts, beach sandals and a very light light jacket.

3) PERSONAL: I'm fair skinned so I will be bringing lotion of course. sunglasses, needed medicines, personal hygiene stuff, etc. anything I'm forgetting. (yes, I have my passport)?

4) ELECTRONICS: I'll have my cell phone with me....is electric in Mexico 120v/60hz. (in other words...does our stuff plug in down there?)?
Is there sell phone service back to USA or is that between me and my provider (Verizon)?

5) DIVING: I most likely will be traveling alone so what do you guys recommend for my personal belongings while diving (wallet, passport, phone, etc.) ?

6) MONEY $: should I exchange for some peso's before leaving the states? I figure on traveling with small US $ also as most international places like this and helps for bartering, etc.
Does anyone recommend buying some type of "travel credit card" that has a predetermined amount issued to the card so if it is lost it would only be for this amount?

7) WATER & FOOD: of course, I've heard the horror stories about the water and plan on drinking a lot of bottled water. What about beverages (soft drinks, alcohol, etc.)...anything to worry about there? Any foods to definitely avoid that commonly cause digestive issues due to the water, etc.?

8) HEALTH / MEDICAL: my insurance says I'm covered but the $ reimbursement figures might be a little different compared to USA costs. Any hospitals, doctors, etc. that I should avoid, etc.?

Everyone please feel free to chime in with any suggestions.....especially if I haven't covered it.

Thanks.

Jontay

If you want to bring jeans, I would wear it onto the plane. I would also bring a pair of synthetic, quick dry pants that will launder easily in sinks and dry quickly if you need to wash it or if they get wet. They're great for travel and keep dirty laundry smells away longer than cottons and natural fabrics, especially denim. They also release wrinkles nicely and you can even get a dressier pair if you want! Ditto synthetic shirts instead of cotton. Don't forget to bring mosquito spray - I highly recommend picaridin 20%. It's as effective as DEET 30%+ and isn't as gnarly.

For your cell phone, there is service in Mexico but you will likely pay some exorbitant roaming charges for data, voice, and text unless you have a specified plan with them. Call them to ask before you leave. Some have flat rate access days (unlimited access for a flat rate per day and days you access are the only ones that are billed). Others are a per text, per minute, or per kb charge which gets expensive quickly. Find out before you go. For me, I generally turn on airplane mode and just have wifi on the whole time I'm there...I use AT&T's wifi calling and am connected to wifi most of the time so I can text and call back to the US, browse web, check e-mails, etc. for free. You can also use WhatsApp and Facebook messenger, or WeChat...so many platforms. In an emergency, I could turn on and use like a regular phone. Alternatively, if your phone is unlocked, you can get a local SIM card and get a local number with data and not worry about any of that. You'll be limited to what you pre-pay for, but you can re-load it and can easily budget how much you spend based on how much you're loading. When you run out, just re-load.

I like to keep my passport in the hotel safe. I don't bring it out on the boat with me. I just carry a copy of it in a dry bag. I would exchange some money before your departure that's enough to get you going. You may choose to go to an ATM once you arrive for a slightly better rate, but I usually find that it's not worth the hassle. I'm not sure if it's the same but a few years ago, many standalone ATMs, even at Cancun airport, had card skimmers on them....Courtesy of a mobster group. So don't get cash from the airport in Cancun in that manner. Things may have changed. I used Santander bank when I was there and an ATM at a large grocery store, also Santander, and it was fine.

Is this your first time traveling out of the country or to Mexico? If so, see if you can get a standing antibiotic prescription from your doctor in case your tummy doesn't agree with the local bacteria. Bring Imodium, and any other over the counter medications that you think you might need. There's nothing like not feeling well in another country and having to hunt down medications...You already have it if you're prepared. Brush your teeth with bottled water and drink alcohol or packaged drinks. If there's ice in your drink at the resort, ensure that it's filtered water - you'll know if there's a hole in the ice cube.

For medical, ensure that you have coverage while traveling overseas and if not, buy supplemental travel medical insurance. I like GeoBlue - I buy $0 deductible up to $1M and for Mexico for 10 days in my early 30's it was less then $35 or something. It's 100% coverage including pre-existing conditions and is part of Blue Shield/Blue Crross.

 

[judydivescoz]

The cost to use a non bank ATM is outrageous. I have heard folks report that using the Cashola machines on the streets being charged $25-$35 usd in transaction fees. I went on a girls weekend trip last year to Playa, the hotel owned ATM had a 19.99 usd transaction fee! At least the hotel posted the fee on their ATM. Keep in mind those fees are not including any fees charged by the home bank.
I would stick with the advice to use only a bank owned ATM. The fee is reasonable, $2-$3 dollars, they are not typically located on the street corner and are far more secure.

 

[npole]

For the mobile, you can buy a Telcel SIM and have GB's + unlimited calls to mexico. For around $28 you have 4GB that are enough for a whole month, even if you're a "social animal" (messaging apps and facebook is not accounted in the GB's planfold with Telcel).

 

[JamesBon92007]

This is not correct, many hotels have their own ATM that are secured and provide USD only, they are very convenient if you're in hurry and you need fast cash.
I wouldn't spread the idea that Cozumel is a insecure place with thieves around the corners ready to hack the ATM's, ATM's frauds are a reality in every country, you can have your credit card data stolen from a bank ATM independently of their location (skimmers), coincidentally it's more secure an ATM with h24 human presence (hotel lobby) than an unattended bank ATM.
The recommendation I give is: use the common sense; that is the same recommendation I would give to everyone visiting any city around the globe, San Miguel is no exception.

Why would you want to withdraw US dollars in Mexico? I dove with one op on Isla Mujeres who wouldn't accept pesos, but everyone else did. It is my understanding that when you withdraw US currency in Mexico you are paying a Dollars to Peso conversion fee, plus another Peso to Dollars to conversion fee, plus you may not be getting very good exchange rates. One hotel in Mexico I stayed at had an ATM (dispensed pesos) that would only accept VISA cards and we only had MasterCards.

 

[npole]

The cost to use a non bank ATM is outrageous. I have heard folks report that using the Cashola machines on the streets being charged $25-$35 usd in transaction fees. I went on a girls weekend trip last year to Playa, the hotel owned ATM had a 19.99 usd transaction fee! At least the hotel posted the fee on their ATM. Keep in mind those fees are not including any fees charged by the home bank.
I would stick with the advice to use only a bank owned ATM. The fee is reasonable, $2-$3 dollars, they are not typically located on the street corner and are far more secure.

I tested the bank (Santander in San Miguel) and the hotel ATM's (Cozumel Resort and Iberostar), they all charged the same "crazy" amount in fees, that is not $25-35.. but still very high: around $7. I have used EU credit and debit cards, it could be different for US citizens.
The fees applied are always shown on the screen before you confirm the withdrawal.

 

[npole]

Why would you want to withdraw US dollars in Mexico?

Are you asking to me? I suggested to NOT withdrawn USD but Pesos when it's possible.

 

[outofofficebrb]

I tested the bank (Santander in San Miguel) and the hotel ATM's (Cozumel Resort and Iberostar), they all charged the same "crazy" amount in fees, that is not $25-35.. but still very high: around $7. I have used EU credit and debit cards, it could be different for US citizens.
The fees applied are always shown on the screen before you confirm the withdrawal.

In your case, it is only worth it if you are doing a large transaction given the fixed cost to even access the ATM.

When I was in Mexico, I was using Santander, an int'l partner with Bank of America, my bank. It is now Scotiabank instead. By using their int'l partner, I can avoid the ATM usage fee as well as the ATM operator access fee. The only fee then is the 3% int'l transaction/conversion fee from Bank of America. It's super handy. Check your bank for int'l partners with similar setups.