For those that travel quite a bit, or even those that don't but NEED to call home when they do... Look into a MagicJack. It is $40 to buy it, and then $20 a year.. And then you have two choices... #1 bring the MagicJack with you, along with a $2 telephone, then pay $5 to use the computers in the lobby and plug your magic jack in, or #2 install the MagicJack app on your iPhone/Android phone, and pay for the Wifi, and you can call that way. Google Voice is also another similar option to use data/wifi for long distance instead of pay phones / calling cards...
Wow, I am waiting to see how much the banco de mexico cash pull from my visa was on the island of women.
Depends on the exchange rate/fees. When we purchased at one of the trinket shops on our card, they already had the fees worked in that it wasn't an issue. The other ended up being way over the cost of the merchandise and was kind of a sticker shock when we were checking out so we decided to cancel the charge and leave the stuff there.
I wont look and calculate it till tonight, no stress though, its all part of the learning experience.
We have a card that doesn't charge fees that we bring to Mexico with us. A normal bank/ credit card will charge us maybe 2-3% on top, but the one we have just charges the exchange rate of the day. Old & Wise (and made some bloody silly mistakes on the way!!). :daisy:
I would agree here, and if its bank to bank its way less. If you hit a non bank owned ATM, its through the roof. the one at the store wanted 37 bucks. I did not know if that was US or MX currency so opted out.
Thats a great idea , and wish I could do it, but when you have a business and employees in the real world, you have to stay in touch, or you may not have a business when you get back. factor in aging parents with health conditions, and sometimes you need to make phone calls. I hope this thread helps others avoid what we are facing.
I had this this problem once. Since then I rent a phone from CancunValet and have had no problems. I dont like to call back while on vacation but you never know when an emergency will occur..I tried phone cards and have not had the best of luck.