Traveling to Mexico and Dominican Republic

[Greasemonkey]

So just a question for those of you that have traveled to Mexico, Dominican or other tropical countries do you use your bank / credit card or cash and if you take cash obviously it’s in your carry on, have you ever had your bag searched and have they ever taken any of it. Myself I usually take some American cash with me and have it in my carry on I have been fortunate enough that I’ve never had my stuff searched in 8 trips ( probably just jinxed myself) my sons was last year he brought play dough and they didn’t like what they saw in X-ray and searched everything of his lol I made him throw it away for the flight back, don’t get me wrong I feel safe traveling and don’t think these people are all crooks but you do here the stories and this years vacation to DR is my first in 9 years just used to Mexico I guess and feeling out of my element, thank you for any replies

[Spidey]

I would plan on taking a few hundred bucks in American $$ but other than that, credit card is the best for merchant/retailer transactions as the charges are solely based on current exchange rates. Don't use foreign ATM's or there's a chance you will get hosed on fees, unless you can find a Scotiabank in DR (there are quite a few there now.) For example, my buddy took out $200 at a resort ATM in Mexico and was charged $22 in ATM fees.

I wouldn't worry about carrying currency on your person, as you are legally permitted to carry quite a sum across most borders. That said, carrying too much cash invites potential problems.

For the most part, you will be all good in Mexico and DR.

Yeah, playdough isn't the smartest thing to bring with you on a flight, given its density similarity to plastique explosives on a security x-ray

[GMX]

I took all American cash to PV last January thinking it was like when I went to cancun a few years ago. I had to switch it over to pesos down there at a cost most places didn’t take American funds. My experience anyways

[gsa77]

When I go to DR, I bring some CAD in cash, some pesos which I buy in ICE Canada here and if I need more cash I withdraw it from ATM at Scotia Bank there (they have Scotia Bank branches there). They also accept credit cards almost everywhere.

Sometimes they X-ray my luggage, sometimes they don't. But I have never been searched.

[Atex]

I travel often to Mexico and go places where the economy is "cash only" based. I always bring pesos with me, kinda anticipating how much I am going to need, then I can always withdraw more using my debit if I have to. For that I'd go to a bank, avoid ATM's at resorts, convenience stores etc., for one: the banks charge a low $2-3 ATM fee and non bank ATM's are often hacked to fish for your PIN and banking info.
I see tourists tipping or paying with US dollars, I'd advice against it. Paying with dollars you'll end up overpaying, either getting the "tourist discount" or a lower exchange rate. The locals will also have their share of inconveniences trying to exchange the dollars at their local bank or exchange kiosk, seen it with my own eyes.

[tbiddy]

Originally Posted by Atex

I travel often to Mexico and go places where the economy is "cash only" based. I always bring pesos with me, kinda anticipating how much I am going to need, then I can always withdraw more using my debit if I have to. For that I'd go to a bank, avoid ATM's at resorts, convenience stores etc., for one: the banks charge a low $2-3 ATM fee and non bank ATM's are often hacked to fish for your PIN and banking info.
I see tourists tipping or paying with US dollars, I'd advice against it. Paying with dollars you'll end up overpaying, either getting the "tourist discount" or a lower exchange rate. The locals will also have their share of inconveniences trying to exchange the dollars at their local bank or exchange kiosk, seen it with my own eyes.

X2. We’ve been to Mexico a dozen times and never take USD. It’s always MEX for the reasons stated above. We spend the currency of the country we’re visiting.

[BEL]

Here in ixtapa Mexico some people take Canadian. Reason being they know it’s not US laundered currency. BEL0

[gsa77]

Originally Posted by Atex

I can always withdraw more using my debit if I have to. For that I'd go to a bank, avoid ATM's at resorts, convenience stores etc., for one: the banks charge a low $2-3 ATM fee and non bank ATM's are often hacked to fish for your PIN and banking info.

Also banks ATM have higher withdrawal limit: 10k DOP in bank (about 270CAD) and 2k DOP (about 55CAD) in regular ATM. And they usually have a security guard carrying a pump shotgun at the bank. That was in Puerto Plata in DR.

Never change money at the airport - that is the worse rate and they do double change - from CAD to USD and then from USD to DOP.

[sewerrat]

Been to Mexico many times, we usually bring about $400 pesos that we order at our bank.
At least we have some cash for the first few days. For the rest we use our MasterCard as much as we can, we do use bank machine like the Bankcomer or Scotiabank.
Find from your bank what Mexican banks affiliated with your bank.
Also take out bigger amounts so you pay the bank fee only once. Put the extra cash in your safe in your room.