Our Guanajuato Arrival - a Few Questions

[MNWildRose]

Our trip to Guanajuato will be here before we know it (mid-September). Lots of questions come and go in thoughts, as I look forward to our visit.

Regarding money: Would you suggest exchanging much money in the U.S. - or wait until we get to GTO? Should we try to exchange money at the GTO/Leon airport, or best in GTO city? Are there any banks/ATMs that are best to use in el Centro?

We sure would love to have the chance to chat with some expats while we're there. Are there any places in GTO where we might run into expats who are willing to chat with us "expat-wanna be's"?

[DML]

Don't exchange money in the US. you will almost always get a worse rate that way. For any currency.

Your best bet is withdrawing $ from the ATM machine. You do get charged a fee on both ends (it varies here by ATM/bank). You tend to get the best rates this way. Most people take out a lump sum and use that until it is time to withdraw more.

There are daily/weekly/monthly limits on exchanging dollars and it is not available at every bank. This is not a big tourist center so you won't find money exchange places everywhere.

There are both ATM machines and a money exchange counter at the airport if you want to change dollars there.

[pianoheat]

If you bank with Charles Schwab bank they reimburse all atm fees charged by other banks monthly and they don't charge. The cheapest atm is at CI bank in plaza la paz 17 pesos a transaction the caja popular in Tepetapa is the same.This is versus 60 pesos charged by Banamex 34pesos for Santander. Ex pats have a Sunday Brunch every week locations are posted on the GTOLIST

[Lisa Andrews]

There is also a 'Casa de Cambio' in the centre of town that is open late during the week and on weekends. The locals know where it is and it looks a bit dodgy when you get there but I have changed quite a bit of USA money (up to $500 at a time) without a problem. You will need a passport with you to change money.

To meet other expats there is a weekly Sunday Brunch, look in this forum for locations. I went this morning and everyone is really nice and happy to offer advice and know lots about the town :)

[peddler665]

I am in the process of planning my third trip to Guanajuato in the last 4 years, this time for 2 months. Just can not get enough of this most special place.
Banks galore & if you use your ATM you will get the Mexico City (International) rate no matter which you use. So do not let the window signs guide you.
Cambios are not a good deal & exchanging US Dollars at a bank is a real pain. Only certain hours, severe amount restrictions & a passport is always necessary.
Use the ATM removing enough so you need only go every week or so to cut down on fees. When alone I get $6,000 peso which normally lasts me 2 weeks.
A must is informing YOUR Bank how long you will be gone. If not you most likely will be cut off. Also be sure to have the international # for your bank in case of a problem.