I havent opened an account in mexico. I have bank of america and I withdraw money without getting charge a single penny. I really dont see the point of opening an account here; you will be losing money in the long term in terms of devaluation of pesos from dollars. Keep your money in dollars IN the USA. No need to do otherwise. Also, dont use credit cards here. I havent used my card at all in one semester so learn how to use your money wisely. I pay everything cash and I always withdraw money from the same ATM ALL the time. This will allow you to track down any problems that you might have here with charges. Good luck

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From one of the speakers during Orientation, "There is nothing wrong with Mexico; it is JUST different"

This is what I would like to do to the "burros" of Megacable....

Good tactic. I will do the same.

rasputindoc, I also use BofA and their online banking and am just wondering where this (ATM) machine is located? Can the school direct deposit my check? I read on this forum something about students sending checks across the border and getting intercepted but just endorse it before sending????? Any input would be appreciated.

I'm so used to using debit for everything.

I'm a BoA customer and their partnership is with ScotiaBank, and the closest one to the ICB is located on the corner of Terranova and Otranto, across the street from Benedetti's Pizza. There is no charge for using their ATM and I think the max withdrawal in 24hrs is 7000 pesos. It's nothing to worry about really.

How much cash on average do people usually walk around with? I usually use my debit card and I hate walking around with a lot of cash for safety reasons.

i usually carry 200-500 pesos on me, but its easy to get more money from the atm. ive never used my debit card other than at the atm. i tried using a credit card when i was first here but it charged me a % for each transaction. its best to get used to using cash again. =]