Is it better to use traveler checks or a debt card while traveling in Mexico?

Question

I'll be in Guadalajara for 2 weeks.

I bank with bank of America, and I get free travelers checks. What's cheaper? and more secure?

Answer 1

Actually, it is better to change your money over to Pesos.  You are going to Jalisco and a lot of times, you will run into vendors that you'll want to buy from but they won't be able to give you an exchange rate or accept cashiers checks.  The best way to do it is to go to an ATM and pull cash directly from your account when you are there.  The exchange rate will apply automatically and you'll receive Pesos.

Answer 2

When I was in Guadalajara I used both. Take that and some US$ cash

the checks are most secure, but you have to plan where to cash them, like at your hotel, or a change place (cambio?) so you have to figure out how much money you will likely need for the day, etc.

Debit cards care good to have, too, but the machines can go down.

Here's a page with info about travel money you may find useful

have a great trip!

Answer 3

Youcan use your Bank of America ATM card to get money out in pesos...you get the best exchange rate this way.  Travellers checks are a pain, often hard to cash.

Answer 4

It's difficult to use travelers checks in Mexico.  Use a credit or debit card, or cash.

Answer 5

Your best bet is to use credit or debit cards. For cash, use your ATM card. You'll get the commercial exchange rate which is better than the retail rate you receive when cashing travelers checks. Some cards charge a 1-2% foreign exchange fee, but that's usually cheaper than the commission charged for travelers checks. And, ATMs are open 24 hours, so you don't have to worry about getting to the bank while its open.

I stopped using travelers checks 10 years ago and I've never missed them.

Answer 6

It's not hard to use traveler's checks in Mexico.

Why not bring both?

As for being more convenient, go for the debit card.

Guadalajara is such a big and modern city and you can't go wrong with either of them.

Have a good trip!

Answer 7

neither