Debit Card Security

[Izzenhood]

I used my debit card at ATM's often when I was in Guanajuato in 2006, with no issues. Recently though, while in Sayulita, beach town near PV, I used it a few time, then was notified yesterday that my card had been tried in Cancun for $500 US. Declined of course.

But my question is, are there certain ATM companies to steer clear of in Mexico? I only used my debit card at ATM's, so I had to use a PIN, so how could it be compromised anyway. I always make sure there's no an attached card reader.

By the way. I fought tooth and nail with the wife to visit Guanajuato instead, but she wanted to go to the beach. Sayulita was hot, humid, and full of gringos. I might as well have been in Wichita. Being a certified Gringo, that is not what I consider an adventure.

Anyway, back to the ATM question. Are there any brands to avoid?

[dianagoodz]

While in Mexico City, we used an ATM at Santander which declined our card , gave us no money then proceeded to debit our account in Canada for $530.00. We are trying to get the money back. But I will avoid Santander from now on. We happily use Banomex and have had no problems.

[Izzenhood]

I should have mentioned. There were no bank ATM's in Sayulita, and no banks. All of the ATM's were private I guess, sort of like what you would find in a convenience store in the US. Maybe it is safe to use only with bank-brand ATM's while traveling.

[peddler665]

What I like about Banamex is they use a push part way in, pull out before your transaction your card system so no danger of it getting swallowed.
With my bank Chase having decided that they will allow only 1 card per account it is important not to have it "eaten". Fought long & hard with them about this policy, but of course I lost that battle also.
Also if you need to go inside you get a number & sit not having to stand in line. Much more civilized than US banks.
Now if Chase would just raise the 6,000 peso maximum withdrawal I would be a happy camper but WAIT then they would make less fees with fewer transactions.
Sigh. Life in the slow retired lane! Smile

[grumbalina]

I used my debit card at an ATM at the Walmart on Torres Landa in Leon (I'm not sure which bank), and it didn't give me any money but withdrew money from my account. I bank with Charles Schwab, and they investigated and then returned my money. It took about 10 days. I think this must be an issue with ATMs in Mexico and probably not specific to any one bank. I withdraw from Santander ATMs all the time, and I've never had an issue.

[jesm]

We echo the non-bank ATM problem. Used Santander and Banamex machines countless times never any issue, used a no-name in an OxxO once and my usa bank account was double deducted. Ended well, but lesson learned.